Determining Position

Question
QUESTION: Hi Nick,

I am a 5'10" 190-lb. 22-year old with several years of experience playing rugby in Texas. I currently play for a team in a fairly social division in Texas, so I have been able to move around a bit positionally as the competition is somewhat less fierce.

I used to be put in as outside centre at practice at another club, mainly due to my fairly quick acceleration through gaps/sidesteps and my experience tackling as a middle linebacker for a highschool team in Texas. However, at gametime, I have always been played at flanker.

My coach expressed interest in putting me at blindside flanker and I was curious if this sounded like a position I could be most utilized at. We all know there is little glory in this position, which I am not concerned about, but I feel that only my fierce nature to go into contact/ruck, etc. is the only reason he's putting me there, and he's not using my vision on the field or ball-handling abilities, especially at this low level.

All considered, can there be an argument made to switch positions, or am I overanalyzing my placement?

ANSWER: Hi Austin,

It is not that you are over analyzing the change it is that I feel you are under estimating the position of blindside flanker.

"Glory" aside it is a key position on the field. You are the only guy other than the wingers covering the blind side of the scrum in defense and on attack you are in the best position to run or support the ball linking up with the number 8, scrum half and winger.

At scrum time you are actually just as capable of messing up a scrum half's day or the opposition 1st 5. A good blind side can shut down a back line.

If you prove yourself a good jumper in the line out you could replace a #8 or openside. Ball skills and running of the ball are essential as a blindside's job is to pressure the opposition to make mistakes and capitalize from them. Also supporting the backs and linking in with them on open play is essential. If you are not considering these duties already do so moving forward. Blindside is a position that incurs a large work rate and is still relatively loose. Do not over commit to mauls and rucks if the are well won stay out and make yourself an option as a runner. Read my previous answers about "running loops" I will update this question with the technique that is essential to a flanker. Also look at my questions regarding tackling

Let me know if you have any specific questions.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for the speedy response.

I'm curious as to the exact methodology of playing
blindside, especially from the scrum. I understand that I
trail my openside/the ball when it is being pitched out,
and try and recycle as quickly as possible when there is a
possibility of my team winning possession in open play.

However, from the scrum, do I just watch the ball go
through to the legs of the opposing No.8, and release a bit
early because the referee can't see me? Do I always release
on a dead-line for the scrum half, to try knock him and
create poor passes/turnovers/knocks? I know that I have to
communicate with my No.8 on which man to pick up if they
roll to the blindside. However, if they try and continue to
spin it wide to the open side, do I detach from the scrum
and cross into their territory (behind their side of the
scrum) to follow the ball out wide? Or do I detach and turn
around behind my side and follow the ball?

I hope this was clear enough for you. I would just like to
practice the best method for efficient blindside play.

Answer
Hi Austin,

The questions you ask are good ones they show that you have put some thought into the position. I feel you actually already know the answers but might lack the confidence to go with you guy.

Always go with your gut.  

Your questions:

"However, from the scrum, do I just watch the ball go
through to the legs of the opposing No.8, and release a bit
early because the referee can't see me?"

Answer: yes. Push the envelope with the referee. If you can get away with this type of gamesmanship do so. To keep a safe are try not to be  too risky if you are inside the range of a penalty kick to the opposition.


Question: "Do I always release on a dead-line for the scrum half, to try knock him and create poor passes/turnovers/knocks?"

Answer: Yes but refer to the above answer too. If you feel the half back is just too quick to catch after a few goes then alter your line and rush the first 5/8th. Keep vigilant as a good half back may mix things up if he see you have ignored him and blown past him he may duck around the blind side. Your first priority is the half back. Pressure will force and error.


Question: "...if they try and continue to
spin it wide to the open side, do I detach from the scrum
and cross into their territory (behind their side of the
scrum) to follow the ball out wide? Or do I detach and turn
around behind my side and follow the ball?"

Answer: It is good that you recognize the need to communicate with your number 8 and openside. I suggest always running around their side of the scrum. As your priority is the half back (see above answers) you need to run the line behind the scrum. If your number 8 and openside flanker feel you would best serve the team coming round your side then do so. This could arise if the opposition is doing a good job with crash ball form the inside backs. Your number 8 and flanker may benefit from you backing them up in the event of effective crash ball from the opposition.