A Scrummage is one of the most obvious places where an opposition pack, can demonstrate superiority in technique, intensity and power.

Whilst scrums are becoming less and less frequent in the game, due to improved handling and more frequent application of the advantage rule, they are still an important part of the game and can provide a great attacking platform.

There are lots of individual tactics, but by and large, the overriding philosophy is to disrupt the opposition scrum and not allow smooth transition between the forwards and backs.

Unpredictable wheels, back row breaking on time and fanning out can do a great deal to disrupt the opposition opportunity. Players need to adopt a destructive mindset and still work as a cohesive unit.

One of the classic techniques is the concerted 8 man shove as the opposition scrum half puts the ball in. Sometimes this can even result in that rarest of occurrences (in the modern game), a ball against the head, which is one of the best attacking opportunities in the game; opposition backs will be deep and the tackle line well behind the gain line.

When there is  parity between the packs, these events are less frequent and much of the philosophy of scrum defence is simply to contain the opposition in the set piece, then, attack the next phases, trying to create the next breakdown behind the gain line. Patience is a virtue, and being able switch to a destructive tough mindset essential.

Take care,

Dave.