Wing to second row??

Question
I have always been a winger, but my coach wants me to play second row for a match on this Saturday because we are missing quite a lot of people.
I can play flyhalf or fullback also, but I have never been in the forwards before, so I got quite confused today during training where i should be in a match.
Also, my neck really hurts after I got out of the scrum, is this just because I have never been a second row before, or is there something wrong with my neck?
Thanks.

Answer
G'day Caspian,

Your neck should not hurt unless it came from the strain of holding your head up for a long time. You should be going into the scrum looking up as if you are trying to see the sky. Hopefully someone told you this at practice and you are just not used to those muscles getting used so much. The soreness should be at the back of your neck only. If there is sharp pain or tingling down the arms or legs get it checked out right away.

Make sure you bind well and tight to your prop and come in straight , be sure not to push on an angle. You might want to watch some game tape to see. Also try these links:

http://www.sru.org.sg/courses/the_scrum_mattryan.pdf

http://myoquip.blogspot.com/2006_11_01_archive.html

The body positions in these articles are essential for power, efficiency and safety.

Ask a lot of questions, on game day you make sure the ref knows it is your first day at lock and that you are usually a winger. Communicate at practice a lot, don't let some one gloss over the details and don't allow them to assume you know - speak up.

Read over the links I provided and you will know all the mechanics to forward body positioning. The other thing  to do is shadow your other lock around the field.

Don't run to every maul or ruck, attempt to make it to every other break down and look for a run off the side of a maul or ruck from ball delivered by the half back.

Do not hesitate, that will cause more trouble - either get in the maul/ ruck or stay well out ready for a run from the half back.

Have fun and expect to make mistakes and be ok with that, it is how you learn.