being a 3rd prop

Question
Hi, I play Hooker for my team. The way our team is set up is that there is me and then another player that both hook. My coach starts us in different games because I am more like a "3rd Prop" rather than a "3rd Flanker" like my teammate. It makes sense because he is smaller than I but quicker and more like a flanker, and I am a little bigger and stronger... but not big enough to prop very well. Can you give me some tips on being a "3rd Prop"?

Answer
Hello Nick,

The way to be a good third prop is to break your on-field duties up into set piece and open play.

The scrum is the main set piece. You will still need to be a full hooker in the scrum on attack. No matter how big you are you must still be able to hook the ball back fast and accurately. If you need to practice on this then so be it but do not neglect your core duty, this goes for throwing in at the line out as well.

On defense the best way to be a third prop is to make sure you plant your feet straight on to the opposition and destroy the opposition in an all out push over. This is great if the opposition is that much weaker than you.

Still be aware of an opportunity to strike for the opposition ball. Keep the opposition guessing. If the opposition hooker is slow then why not steal the ball from him?

As a third prop you can work with your tight head prop to squeeze the opposition hooker and take his mind off the job of hooking.

Around the field you will be more "prop like" by simply getting more involved in the break down than a flanker. Flankers tend to hang back if not directly involved with getting the ball back. Props want to make sure they add their weight to a maul or ruck to keep momentum moving forward.

Look for chances to run the ball up off the back off a maul or ruck buy collecting passes from the half back as well.

The use of a 3rd prop is pretty old fashioned really. Just play to your strengths - if you are not a speedster play to your weight as your advantage. Keep your head up and make clear decisions on the field. If the ball is well won in a maul or ruck hang back and look for a run off the side. If the ball is tied up in a maul or ruck you will be needed.

Always be there to defend the line and the side of a ruck or maul on defense as well.