8 Man Strategies

Question
My husband is pretty experienced overall in playing rugby.  He was on the second row for most of his playing career but recently was put in the 8 man spot.

Do you have any reference materials or suggestions as far as positioning, tactics, etc.

He's extremely skilled, athletic, good hands, and speed.  He's got excellent strength but feels like he lacks the formal knowledge of what the 8 man spot is all about.  His coach is great but has his hands full at practices.  What he'd really like are some good book suggestions so he can study up and really be an "impact" player.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Answer
Ma'am,

Here is what I teach my eight man-

Major requirements:
1.   Ability to read the game
2.   Ability (physical and mental/tactical) to control and direct forward play at lineouts, base of scrums and most platforms for attack and defense
3.   All around strength and stamina
4.   Ball skills (Hand and Foot), mobility, and ability to anticipate good angles of run (to get where the opponent should be going)
5.   Ability to communicate and work effectively with the scrum half

Essential skills:
1.   Handling:
  a.   To control ball and release it properly at back of scrum
  b.   To catch and deflect a ball at the back of line-outs
  c.   To pass the ball at varying lengths and speeds
  d.   To give and take a short lifted pass
  e.   To manipulate play by ripping and rolling from a maul
  f.   To deal with a ball on the deck and pick it up quickly at speed

2.   Running:
  a.   To run to support backs in attack and in defense
  b.   To understand the different angles of pursuit
  c.   To run ahead straight with commitment and conviction
  d.   To run with speed, accelerate quickly, and to run after strenuous physical effort

3.   Contact:
  a.   To tackle well in close situations, from front, rear, and side, and to stand people up if necessary
  b.   To scrummage, bind locks and control the ball at the foot of the scrum (this assumes that he is not offset bound on the flanker and lock)
  c.   To support at the LINE-OUT
  d.   To initiate attack at the base of the scrum and fringe of LINE-OUT
  e.   To commit himself to secure clean ball

NOTES:
1.   The eightman must be fit and physically strong.  He will often the attack from the scrum and become the first to encounter the opposition.

2.   He occupies an essential tactical position in the team and as such, he has the responsibility to control and direct play.

3.   The eight man must have a serious commitment to angles of run and to the support of moves in attack and defense.

4.   All around athletic ability and durability is vital-you should be able to run like a back as well as play effectively in set forward play.

5.   He must direct the scrum, especially during set play.

6.   He is the Tactician for the scrum (player responsible for accessing the play on the pitch and suggesting tactical changes in game play to the Captain)

A lot of what an eight man does is dependent on the game plan of the team and the skill level of his teammates.  On most teams, the eight man is usually the most skilled player in the scrum (a lock with brains).  If his teammates are not close in skill to him, he will find the burden of making things happen to fall on his shoulders.

Based on the team paradigms and the associate skill level, I would actually suggest that he watch videos of the eight man in action.  I would suggest in terms of wider cross section of skills to watch England, as opposed to one of the southern hemisphere teams.

I hope this gives you what you need for your husband

Deane Shephard
OPSU- Head Coach