Loose Forward Advice/Help (rugby)

[ruga buga]

Well i have been injured (back) and out of rugby... when i come back to rugby i will be moving from prop to flank/8th man due to the injury... i have a basic under standing of loose forward play but any tips would help... p.s. guys i play provincial rugby so i know my way around the park. (reps)

[Veeshmack]

i have only played loose once (no. 8) all i remember is you gotta stay alert for all the little things that can happen like the ball leaking out of a scrum, getting ready to pick and go, and always being ready to make a big hit

[monatu]

if you play Provincial rugby how much do you need to know? I dunno, ill give you some pointers but you will probly know them

You can afford to play a lot looser as a loose forward compared to what you would have needed to do as a prop.
Make sure your a bit fitter - need to make it to those rucks.
If your playing Openside (#7 all over the world, think its #6 in South Africa) then rushing up on the Flyhalf/inside cente on defense is a good way to get turnovers (put them under pressure, can often catch them out and make a tackle - ruining their attacking play)
Work on pilfering ball at rucks, staying on your feet
Support the Centres on attack
have a HUGE work rate (try and make heaps of tackles)

if your playing #8 you can sacrifice some of the workrate, rushing to rucks, sprinting up on the opposition #10/12 for some more offensive minded moves. IE - instead of sprinting to a ruck your team will probably win you can get yourself in a good position to provide the backline with an attacking option (run off #10's inside shoulder, whatever).
Again, if your playing #8 or blindside you can probly substitute some speed for strength and size.

I dunno, i wasnt sure what you really wanted pointers on. let me know if any of those helped.


By the way, I used to live in SA. You play Craven Week or what did you mean by provincial? What school you at?

[ruga buga]

ok thanks guys... some good advice there!!! yeah i played craven week for kzn and play kzn club rugby as well. oh i play for westville... what school did you go to?

[monatu]

ok thanks guys... some good advice there!!! yeah i played craven week for kzn and play kzn club rugby as well. oh i play for westville... what school did you go to?

oh ok
nah i left when i was like 5, was booked into Bishops in CT, im a western province boy :P

[ruga buga]

ih nice. i support western province as well