Lineout · 15s · play

5-Man Lineout — Middle Attack

A five-man lineout option built around 12 carrying square, with 7, 8, 15 and the outside backs presenting different passing and running pictures.

RPS Reviewed · Source-backed rugby play

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Play family

5-Man Lineout Attack

Starting platform

5-man lineout

Best / situation

From around the attacking 10 metre line forward

Objective

Use 12 as a pivotal carrier to hold the defence and create multiple runners through the middle.

How it works

  1. Win the back of the lineout and transfer through 9 to 10.
  2. 10 passes to 12, who carries as if prepared to take contact.
  3. 7 and 8 maintain straight running threats around the pivotal 12.
  4. From that picture, 12 can use a short runner or pass behind a runner to 15.
  5. Outside and inside support continue the attack rather than treating the first break as the end of the play.

Coaching points

  • 12 must remain a genuine running threat before choosing the pass.
  • 7 and 8 hold useful lines rather than following the ball.
  • Receivers identify space before receiving and accelerate into it.
  • Continue supporting after the first pass or line break.

Variations

  • 12 can dummy toward 8 before finding 7, with 15 and the outside backs continuing.
  • 12 can pass behind 7 to 15.
  • 7 and 8 can cross behind 12, with an inside runner bursting onto the next pass.

Sources & review

RPS creates its own pitch representation and concise coaching explanation from the cited material.