Flanker and dont know what to do

Question
Hey Tony

I'm 15 years old and live in South Africa. I weigh about 65 kilos and I'm 1,70 metres tall.
When we played rugby in our sport lesson at school my sport teacher spotted me and sdaid that i should play for tyhe school team. So I went to the school rugby coach and he told me i should play flanker as this was the only position left in the team. I've never played a real match before and don't really know where i should stand on the field or what to do. Can you lease tell me everything you know about flankers, what they do, where they stand in a lineout, ruck or maul. Just everything. After that my biggest problem is tackling. I just feel like running away when those huge forwards come running towards me. So can you please tell me everything i need to know as our first match is in 3 weeks.

Thanks, Will

Answer
thanks for your question Will, For your first game you need to focus on doing 2 things, 1, disrupt the ball going from the Number 9 to the number 10. 2, securing the ball at break downs. (I'm assuming your an open side flank #7). At the scrum you will be next to you #5 when the crouch down, crouch with them and put your left arm over the #5 and hold on to his jersey, crouch to the same level but keep your head up & your eyes on the #9 and the #10. Watch for body positions and watch the position of the #12, as soon as the ball has exited the scrum run as fast as you can to the #10..this will disrupt the ball going out, let your #8 know so he can plug the gap left by you. If your team has the ball follow the ball carrier and as soon as he has hit the ground secure the ball, either pick it up and run or secure it for your other team mates again communication is important. In regards to tackling...its no big deal, no one can run without legs, Talk to the other flanker and #8 and see if you can combine in tackles, maybe get your #8 to back you up, body position is important and aiming low, aim for legs or ankles, if the person is big and fast try to get him to run into another player or out of bounds by running at him at an angle, your speed to him will slow him down.
The most important bit of advice for your first game is this, if your unsure...don't play! yes rugby is a great game but don't be intimidated into playing and don't play if your not confident, get some more training under your belt and if your coach is not supportive, talk to your parents and then maybe join a local club. Since this is your first game I would ask that you use your common sense, please talk to your parents or coaches if your concerned and never feel bullied into playing. let me know how you do.