What i was rambling on about...skip to 00:19
Defending middle pulls corner hard (towards right side of screen) allowing right attacking middle (scorps) to step back in forcing a shut down. i.e. defending middle on right attacking middle, defending link on left attacking middle
Notice how the left middle (scorps) simply stayed on the inside shoulder of the link shutting down (and probably even settling 5meters out)? That made the shutting link having to sprint way up from the line in order to make that touch...wrong hand reaches to affect touch, body is turned inwards, momentum carries him forward into the ruck, and the only way to get back onside fast enough is to bolt back with his back turned over 7-8 meters before getting onside...not something his wing would've preferred. Even so, he was not in time to pull the corner! Result is 2 on 1, with winger caught in two places as to who to chase.
Same play being set up at 00:47 but this time, ball is thrown long to the wing.
If video doesn't load, the link is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=canVh8mG5h0&feature=channel_page
This is about having the same set-up but being opened to many options at the same time. This keeps defenders thinking about whats going to happen next, hence putting their mind in two places.
I'm just going to denote the positions to make it easier:
Right attacking middle=>(1); Defending middle=> (1a)
Left attacking middle=>(2); Defending middle=>(2a)
First Phase
So this play starts with the two middles, with right middle(1) running a quickie (6-7 meters out) to the right.
Option#1-If his own defending middle(1a) doesn't pull corner(pulls straight back) or pulls corner too slowly, right middle(1) will have the option to score btw middle link gap. The attacking link and wing to the right of this middle(1) at that moment commits and runs at the respective holes to draw out the defending link and wing so as to open up the gap between middle link gap for a dive through.
Option #2-If defending link shuts, there'll be an option to throw either a short/long ball to link/wing respectively, depending on how the shut downs are.
As the game builds up, the defending middle(1a) may become accustomed to the attacking middle(1) running quickies to the right and begins to read the runs and prepares to pull corner hard. NOW, the same attacking right middle(1) runs the same quickie but changes attacking direction and steps in-field (this middle(1) is alive and can score). The defending middle(1a) is caught pulling corner as he has already committed in that direction.
Option #3-If other defending middle(2a) fails to shut down, attacking middle(1) dives through middle middle gap.
Option #4-If the defending middle(2a) shuts while defending link doesn't, attacking middle(1) commits defending middle(2a) turning him inwards and other attacking middle(2) scores btw middle link gap.
Option #5-If both defending middle(2a) and link shuts down, right attacking middle(1) passes ball immediately after he steps back infield to left attacking middle(2) who will have the following roles:
=> he is to "find" the tag by positioning himself on the inside shoulder of the link shutting down and over a distance which is just enough to cause shutting link to run out for the tag. This is because:
a) the shutting link will rush up to make the "easy" tag bringing his whole momentum forward and hence making it harder for him to get back onside.
b) staying on inside shoulder of shutting link may cause poorer defenders to turn bodies inward while shutting and even making tags with outside arm.
The attacking middle (2) will position himself just at about 5m out when receiving the pass so that shutting link, after making the tag will still need to get onside by pulling corner, before being alive again. Attacking middle (1) becomes the acting half.
Second Phase
The attacking link and wing meanwhile will be committed at running their lines (NOT remaining static) respectively as attacking middle(1) passes off as acting half. In this case, attacking link may take a slightly inward running angle into link wing gap to draw in defending wing for an easier option of throwing a long ball.
Option #6-If defending wing shuts on link, attacking middle(1) throws long ball out to attacking wing.
Option #7-If defending wing stays on attacking wing man to man, attacking middle (1) throws a short ball to link as defending link will still be running back to get onside.
Option #8-If defending link is fast enough to get back onside and cover, attacking middle(2) can split to short side as attacking middle(1) picks up as acting half who has the option to hand a short ball to splitter or splitter could be ready for a trail ball from attacking link.
Thats basically it; 8 options from two phases, 6 man touch. Please feel free to criticise this play or perhaps suggest a few improvements and even if it means telling me that its fundamentally wrong, please do it! I've tried my best to apply Tony Trad's (Aus men's coach) philosophy of same set up with different options.
Lots of practice and PATIENCE is needed if a team is ever going to pull this off...if ever.
Khai, i'm one ahead of you...mate.
