89R — No. 8 to 9 Blindside Scrum Play

Play family

No. 8 Scrum Plays

Starting platform

scrum

Best / situation

Right-side or central scrum with a useful blindside; source recommends the attacking 22

Objective

Use No. 8 to draw the close flanker and put 9 into space on the blindside.

How it works

1. Deliver quick Channel 2 ball to No. 8 from a square or helpful tighthead-side scrum picture.
2. 9 runs wide and then straightens as the ball reaches No. 8.
3. No. 8 picks quickly, runs right and draws the opposition flanker.
4. No. 8 passes to 9, who accelerates into the gap or moves the ball again.
5. The close flanker supports inside, the far flanker tracks, and the backs remain a threat on the opposite side.

Coaching points

• The source stresses field position, timing, role clarity and communication.
• No. 8 must act without delay once the ball is available.
• 9 should straighten after moving wide so the attack threatens the defensive line.
• Treat the back-row move as a platform for the next attack unless the break is clean.

Variations

• 9 can miss 15 to the wing.
• 15 can run outside the wing.
• 9 can switch with the wing and reconnect with back-row support.

Sources & review

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

• Rugby Toolbox — No 8 Plays at the Scrum