Rugby Football History All Blacks Barbarians Canada British & Irish Lions Ireland Scotland Springboks USA Wales Wallabies Introduction Originally the number of players in a game of Rugby football was not limited, and there were no formal playing positions. Games at rugby school were simply played by however many boys wanted to play in a particular game. A kind of huge rolling maul developed, moving around the field since there was a very limited amount of space on the field in which to run. As the game began to be played between different schools and clubs a fixed number of players was needed. The first internationals were played 20 a side (Scotland vs. England being the first in 1871). The number of players was reduced to 15 in 1876 after Oxford persuaded Cambridge to play the varsity match with just 15 players in 1874/75. The move was a great success since it opened up the space in which to run with the ball. Most club games used 15 players during 1876 and the first international with fifteen players was England vs. Ireland in 1877.

"Numbers are not necessary and they savour of professionalism and the circus" The First Numbers The practice of showing the player's number on the shirt/jersey started in 1897 when New Zealand played Queensland in Brisbane (which was the first New Zealand tour match). The idea was to enable spectators to identify players by placing numbers on their backs. Match cards (programmes) were sold listing the players' names and their corresponding numbers, and these proved popular with the public. The numbers used on that tour were 1 to 15 (from full-back to the forwards) for New Zealand and 16 to 30 for the host teams. The Australians quickly adopted the practice for their Tests against New Zealand ( the first Trans-Tasman Test, 15th August, 1903) and the British/Irish (1904) they numbered teams in reverse with the full-back wearing 15, as today. South Africa wore numbers for the first time in 1906 on their tour to the UK.

The All Blacks wore numbers when they made their first official tour to Britain, and for the famous Wales Test at Cardiff on December 16, 1905 both teams were numbered: 1 for full-back (Wales), but 15 for full-back (New Zealand). 1905 All Blacks vs Midland Counties In 1921 England and Wales brought the matter before the IRB but the conclusion was that this was a matter to be decided by the individual unions. In 1922 England played Wales in Cardiff and both teams used player numbering for the first time in a home nations championship game (Six nations). Some other countries did not adopt it till much later e.g. Scotland who adopted it first in 1928 in a game against France. Interestingly enough the committee consulted a senior cap (John Bannerman) afterwards to elicit the the views of the players and after the feedback was against it, they removed the numbers again until re-introducing them in 1933.

When Scotland played England in the Calcutta cup at Twickenham in 1928 King George V asked a former president of the SFU James Aikman Smith (known as Napoleon) why Scotland were not wearing numbers and was told "This sir is a rugby match not a cattle sale". Numbers did not return to Scotland's jerseys until two years after Smith's death. Official programmes were usually very flimsy productions produced by the Union staging a Test, but there were often "pirate" versions issued by opportunists out to make a fast buck. The Unions deliberately chopped and changed numbering methods to outwit the pirates, and the public were warned, in the press and at grounds, that only the official programmes had the "correct numbers for players." Edinburgh Academicals and Herriot's College arranged to number their players for the game on Saturday 21st February 1931. The first time two Scottish teams were numbered. By 1950 all the home nations used numbers but England, Scotland and Wales numbered the players starting from the full back (1) and France and Ireland did the reverse with the fullback being 15.

By 1960/1 they had all agreed to use the France/Ireland numbering. The RFU publication "Rugby Union Football - Know the game" 1950 states that there are no hard and fast rules governing the names of the positions or the numbers worn but lists the custom in Britain at the time. The following table lists some of the common formats although it should be noted that many changes occurred over the years and sometimes just for specific tours. Position 16 onwards, up to 22 Notes: 1. Other common variations in the numbering is the interchange of 6 and 7 (particularly in South Africa and Argentina) or 11 and 14. 2. Wales avoided the number 13 for a number of years and therefore numbered 1-16. 3. Wales switched to letters in the 1930s but ended this practice during the 1950s. Letters Some clubs and international sides like Wales used letters instead of numbers,below is a picture of England vs. Wales in 1939 just after Derek Teden has scored the winning try. The Welsh players can clearly be seen sporting letters not numbers i.e.

Woller (C) and Jenkins (A). Some clubs, out of tradition, used special player labeling schemes for a number of years. Notably Leicester Tigers and Bristol used alternative schemes consisting of letters, whilst others Bath and Richmond used a scheme with no number 13. West Hartlepool hung up their No. 5 jersey in memory of their lock John How who died of a heart condition in a 1994 league match. Below you can see Bristol (letters) playing Bath (no number 13). The English Premiership sides have ceased using these special labeling schemes, to better aid the understanding of those new to the sport. There also used to be regional variations to the way line-ups were listed. Most of the time, the first player mentioned is actually the number 15. The two mainstream styles of listing a line-up are 15-9 then 1-8 and 15-1. However, you may see the centers messed up and the same is often done to the back row.

The British media usually use the 15-9, 1-8 methodology, an article taken from Scrum.com (historian John Griffiths) explains this as follows: "The first Test played under rugby union rules was Scotland v England at Raeburn Place, Edinburgh, on March 27, 1871. The most detailed coverage of that match appeared in the next day's edition of The Scotsman. Nearly 24 inches (60 cm) of column space was given to the game and the teams were prominently displayed to show clearly the players' positions on the field. The English Twenty was listed first, with the backs preceding the forwards. The so-called "Scotch" Twenty was listed underneath in the same way" - John Griffiths Formations varied many times in the late 1800s. Teams were reduced to fifteen-a-side for the 1877 international matches, but it was not until 1894, when all four of the Home Unions adopted the four three-quarter system, that team line-ups began to resemble today's formations. For many years teams were listed with the words full-back, three-quarters, half-backs and forwards added for clarification.

Nowadays the British/Irish press assume their readers are familiar with team formations. The earliest Test cards (programmes) that are still in existence date from the Scotland v England match of 1873 at Hamilton Crescent in Glasgow. The teams were listed from back to front on that card, as indeed they were on the England v Scotland 1876 card for the match at The Oval and the Ireland v England 1875 card for the game at the Rathmines Cricket Ground in Dublin - the earliest-known programmes still in existence for English and Irish home Tests. It is probable that the media took the team lists from the match programmes. " Player number/letter chart Rugby union positions - Spirit of Rugby Rugby union positions Rugby union positions From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia In the game rugby union, there are fifteen players on each team, comprising eight forwards (numbered 1–8) and seven backs (numbered 9–15). In addition, there may be up to eight replacement players "on the bench". Jersey numbers 16–23 differentiate them. Players are not restricted to any single position on the field, although they generally specialise in just one or two that suit their skills and body types.

The scrum (an assemblage used to restart play), however must consist of eight players (providing a team still has fifteen on the field); three in the front row, two in the second and three at the rear. The positions as named by the International Rugby Board are fullback, wing (left and right), centre (inside and outside), fly-half, scrum-half, number eight, flanker (openside and blindside), lock, hooker and prop (loosehead and tighthead). The names have changed over time and with geography. Early names such as "three quarters" and "out-halves" are still used by some people, while in New Zealand the fly-half and inside centre are called "first-five eighth" and "second-five eighth" respectively, while the scrum-half is known as the half-back. The "tight five" consists of the props, locks and hooker; the "loosies" are the number eight and flankers; the "inside backs" are the scrum-half, fly-half and inside centre; and the "out-side backs" are the outside centre, wings and fullback. The backs play behind the forwards and are usually smaller and faster.

Successful backs are skilful at passing and kicking. Fullbacks need to be good defenders and have safe hands to field kicks. The wingers are usually the fastest players in a team and score many of the team's tries. The main attacking role of the centres is to commit defenders, so providing space for the wingers to run. The fly-half is a good kicker and generally directs the backline. The scrum-half retrieves the ball from the forwards and needs a quick and accurate pass to get the ball to the backs. Forwards compete for the ball in scrums and line-outs and are generally bigger and stronger than the backs. Props push in the scrums, while the hooker tries to "hook" the ball. Locks are tall and jump for the ball at the line-out after the hooker has thrown it in. The flankers and number eight should be the first forwards to a tackle and play an important role in securing possession of the ball for their team. Contents [ edit ]Overview The forwards are in the scrum while the backs are lined up across the field. There are up to 15 players from each team on a rugby field at one time.

The players position at the start of the game is indicated by the number on the back of their shirts, 1 to 15. In international matches, there are eight substitutes that can replace an on field team member. The substitutes, numbered 16 to 23, can either take up the position of the player they replace or the on-field players can be shuffled to make room for this player in another position. There are no personal squad numbers as a versatile player's position and number can be changed from one game to the next. Players can also change positions with players on the field during the match, and as long as the laws are followed any player can change positions with another player during the match. Common examples are the fly half playing the fullback's position in defence [1] or a prop taking the hooker's position at line-outs.positions are divided into two main categories; forwards (numbered 1 to 8) and backs (numbered 9 to 15). Diagram showing the relative body positions of the players in a scrum.

Different positions on the field suit certain skill sets and body types, generally leading to players specialising in one or two positions.Each position has certain roles to play on the field, although most have been established through convention rather than law. During general play, as long as they are not offside, the players can be positioned anywhere on the field. It is during the set pieces, scrum and line-out, when the positions are enforced. At line-outs there must be at least two players from each team lined up five metres from where the ball crossed the side line. They form two straight lines next to each other and a player from the team awarded the line-out throws the ball between them. A player from each team stands two metres from the line-out and the opposing team must also have someone standing two metres from the player throwing the ball in. The remainder of the team not participating in the line-out must be positioned at least 10 metres back from the line-out. While anyone on the field can be part of a line-out, it is generally composed of forwards. The usual situation involves the hooker throwing the ball in, aiming for the locks that are lifted into the air by the props.

The scrum-halves are usually positioned near the line-out ready to receive the ball once the forwards have gained possession. Each team must have eight players in the scrum, unless for some reason (i.e. a sending-off or injury) they cannot field 15 players. Specialised front-row players (i.e. props and hookers) must be part of the scrum, for safety reasons under the law. If a specialised player is not available, the scrum must have 'no weight', which means no player is allowed to push forward once the scrum commences. In cases where a front-row player is off the field due to a yellow card (compulsory 10 minutes off the field) or a red card (no longer allowed to participate in the game), a temporary substitution of another player is mandatory to ensure specialist front-row players participate in the scrum. If a team cannot field eight in the scrum, generally it drops the flankers or the number eight, but the props, hooker and locks must be maintained. The props (1 and 3) bind on either side of the hooker (2) to form the front row of the scrum.

The two locks (4 and 5) bind together and push on the props and the hooker. The flankers (6 and 7) bind to the side of the scrum and the number eight (8) pushes on the locks or a lock and a flanker. Once each team has formed its half of the scrum the two front rows are brought together under the command of the referee. The scrum-half puts the ball into the middle of the scrum and then retrieves it from under the number eight's feet if it is successfully won. The remainder of the team must be positioned at least five metres back from the scrum. [History A scrummage in a traditional footballgame in Lower Normandy, France, 1852. During early rugby union games there were only really two positions; most players were in the forwards, who formed part of the scrimmage (which later was called "scrummage" and then "scrum"), and a few defensive "tends" (from "goaltenders"). Eventually, the attacking possibilities of playing close behind the scrimmage were recognised. The players who stationed themselves between the forwards and tends became known as "half-tends".

Later it was observed that the players outside scrimmage were not limited to a defensive role, so the tends and half-tends were renamed "backs" and "half backs". As the game became more sophisticated the backs positioned at different depths behind the forwards. They were further differentiated into half backs, three quarters (the fraction 3/4) back, and full back. Specialised roles for the scrum also evolved with "wing- forward" (modern day flankers) being employed to protect the half back. The first international between England and Scotland was played in 1871 and consisted of twenty players on each side: thirteen forwards, three half backs, one three quarter and three fullbacks. The player numbers were reduced to fifteen in 1877. Numbers were added to the backs of players' jerseys in the 1920s, initially as a way for coaches and selectors to rate individual players. [Names of positions The various positions have changed names over time and many are known by different names in other countries.

Players in the flanker positions were originally known as "wing forwards", while in the backs,"centre three-quarter" and "wing three-quarter" were used to describe the outside centre and wing respectively (although the terms are still sometimes used in the Northern Hemisphere) The International Rugby Board standard names tend to reflect Northern Hemisphere usage although fly-half is still often known as "outside half" or "stand-off half" in Britain, and "outhalf" in Ireland. In New Zealand the scrum-half is still referred to as the "half-back", the fly-half is referred to as the "first five-eighth", the inside centre is called the "second five-eighth" and the outside centre is simply known as "centre". In America and Canada the number 8 is known as "8-man". Collective terms are also used to describe similar positions, with the props and hookers combining to form the "front row", the locks the "second row" and the flankers and number 8 the "loose forwards" or the "loosies". The front row and second row combined are collectively termed the "tight five".

In the backs "half backs" can be used to describe the scrum half and fly-half, the "inside backs" to describe the scrum half, fly-half and inside center, "midfield" for the fly half and both centres, though in New Zealand it refers only to the 2nd five-eighth and centre, and "outside backs" for the outside centre, wings and fullback. The two props are distinguished by being either a "tighthead" (their head is positioned between the opposition prop and hooker) or "loosehead" (their head is positioned on the outside of the scrum). The "blindside flanker" binds to the scrum on the side closest to the side line, while the "openside flanker" binds on the side with the most space between the scrum and the sideline. Wingers usually stick to one side of the field and are termed "left wing" or "right wing". [Backs ]Fullback A fullback, Pat McCabe, fields the ball from a kick. Fullbacks usually position themselves several metres behind the back line. They field any opposition kicks and are often the last line of defence should an opponent break through the back line.

On attack they can enter the back line, usually near the centres or wings, with the aim of providing an extra person and overlapping the defending players Two of the most important attributes of a good fullback are a safe pair of hands and a good kicking game. The fullback is the player most likely to field the high ball or "up and unders" kicked by the opposition. Good hands are needed to ensure the ball is caught cleanly to deny the opposition the chance to regain possession. As the fullback will inevitably catch the ball deep in their own territory with little support from their own players, the best option is often to kick the ball downfield. A long and accurate kick will gain more ground and reduce the pressure on the team. As they are the last line of defence, a solid tackle is also important. To provide effective cover behind the defensive line, good fullbacks are careful not to get caught out of position and must anticipate the opposition's play.

Their position behind the backline allows them to see any holes in the defensive line and they either communicate with the backs to close the gaps up or cover the gaps themselves The fullback has the most potential for attacking the opposition, especially from a misdirected kick ] If a kick is fielded and there is enough space and support the fullback may decide to counterattack by running the ball back towards the opposition ] Due to their kicking skills, in some teams the fullback is also responsible for taking the goal kicks. For much of the history of the sport, the fullback position was almost totally defensive. Originally, the ball could be kicked directly into touch from any spot on the field, with a line-out then following at the spot where the ball went into touch. This effectively placed a premium on fullbacks' skills in kicking from hand. The first Test tries by fullbacks in international matches came relatively early, in 1878 and 1880, but it was not until 1934 that a fullback scored a try in the competition now known as the Six Nations Championship. Only three total tries were scored by fullbacks in the Championship prior to 1969.

According to rugby historian John Griffiths, the worldwide adoption of the current law restricting direct kicking into touch in September 1968 (a law previously used in Australia) "revolutionised full-back play". JPR Williams of Wales was the first fullback to regularly score tries after the law change, scoring six times in Five Nations matches in the 1970s. Notable fullbacks include Serge Blanco who scored 38 tries in 93 tests for France and was known for his counterattacking ability.In 1997 Serge Blanco was among the inaugural set of rugby players inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame and in 2011 he was also inducted into the IRB Hall of Fame.Four fullbacks who played for the British and Irish Lions are in the International Rugby Hall of Fame; Gavin Hastings and Andy Irvine from Scotland, Tom Kiernan from Ireland and the aforementioned Williams.

Hastings and Irvine were accurate goal kickers and Kiernan is credited with being the first attacking full back in Irish rugby.Williams was chosen as the greatest lions fullback at the inaugural Lions Legends Dinner at Lord's in 2008 and is praised for his safety under the high ball, tackling and calm decision making. The other fullbacks in the International Rugby Hall of Fame are Don Clarke and George Nepia from New Zealand. Clarke, nicknamed "the boot", was an accurate goal kicker and Nepia was noted for his tackling and kicking ability. ]Three-quarters ]Wing Winger Mark Cueto, running in space. The wings are generally positioned on the outside of the backline with the number 11 on the left and the number 14 on the right. Their primary function is to finish off moves and score tries. [26] Wingers are usually the fastest players in the team and are either elusive runners or, more recently, big strong and able to break tackles.

The skills needed for the left wing and right wing are similar, although left-footed players are usually played on the left wing as they can step and kick better off their left foot.The winger on the blindside often "comes off the wing" to provide an extra man in the midfield, in the same vein as a fullback. One or both wingers will usually drop back on opposition kicks to give the fullback extra options for counterattacking. Notable wings over the years are David Campese who played 101 times for Australia and held the world record for most tries in test matches, and was famous for his goose step and reverse pass. [43] Welsh international Gerald Davies was influential in helping the British Lions become the only Lions touring party to win a Test series in New Zealand.

Ieuan Evans played 72 games for Wales and scored 33 tries – at that time a record for Wales.In 1994 International Rugby Hall of Famer John Kirwan retired as the (then) most capped player and highest try scorer in All Black history, [46] whileJonah Lomu, who would enter the International Hall in 2007 and the IRB Hall of Fame in 2011, debuted as the youngest ever All Black. Tony O'Reilly, also a successful businessman, played wing for Ireland between 1955 and 1970 and scored a record 38 tries on two lions tours.André Boniface is a French international that is a member of both the International Rugby Hall of Fame and the IRB Hall of Fame. Also in the IRB Hall of Fame is Bill Maclagan, a 19th-century player for Scotland and the Lions who played at three-quarters, which eventually evolved into the modern position of wing. Another 2011 inductee in the IRB Hall is Brian Lima of Samoa, who played most of his career on the wing but ended it as a centre.

He participated in five World Cups for Manu Samoa and became known as "The Chiropractor" for his ferocious tackling. The following year, Demi Sakata, a Japan star who was considered one of the world's top players of the 1960s, became his country's first inductee into the IRB Hall. ]Centre Centre François Steyn passing the ball There are two centres in a game of rugby, inside centre (number 12) and outside centre (number 13). The inside centre usually stands close to the fly half or at first receiver on the other side of the scrum or breakdown. Like the fly half, they generally possess a good kicking game and are good at reading the play and directing the attack. The outside centre is positioned outside the inside centre and is generally the faster of the two.The centres' main role is to provide space for the players outside them. They need to run good lines, have good passing skills and should be able to offload in a tackle. When the ball is moved along the opposition backline, the centres are the first players to make the tackle. They need to be solid tacklers and good at organising the defensive lines.

Outside centres generally have more room to move than inside centres. Centres also provide support at the breakdowns and can run as decoys to confuse the defence. Danie Gerber played centre for South Africa during the apartheid era and even though he was only able to play 24 tests over 12 years, he scored 19 tries.Mike Gibson played for Ireland and the Lions and his record of 69 caps for Ireland lasted for 26 years. Tim Horan won two World Cups for Australia, being named the Player of the Tournament in 1999.As a player Ian McGeechan won 32 caps for Scotland and went on two Lions tours, while as a coach he led the Lions a record four times. Welsh centre Gwyn Nicholls played from 1896 to 1906 and was known as the "Prince of Threequarters". Other centres in the International Rugby Hall of Fame are Jo Maso and Philippe Sella from France, known for their flamboyant attacking play.

Gibson and Sella are also in the IRB Hall of Fame.Five centres are in the IRB Hall but not the International Hall—Frank Hancock, a 19th-century Welsh player whose skills led to the creation of the modern two-centre formation; Guy Boniface, French international and younger brother of André; brothers Donald and Ian Campbell of Chile; and Zimbabwe international Richard Tsimba.[ [Half-backs [Fly-half Fly-half Dan Carter lines up a kick at goal. A fly-half is crucial to a team's game plan; they possess leadership and order the back line. They are usually the first to receive the ball from the scrum-half following a breakdown, line-out or scrum and need to be decisive with what actions to take and be effective at communicating with the outside backs. Good fly-halves are calm, clear thinking and have the vision to direct effective attacking plays. [ Fly-halves need good passing and kicking skills. Often the fly-half is the best kicker in the team and needs to be able to execute attacking kicks such as up-and-unders, grubbers and chip kicks as well as being able to kick for territory. Many fly-halves are also the team's goal kickers.

Fly-halves in the International Rugby Hall of Fame include Jonny Wilkinson considered one of the greatest fly halves of all time and former leading international points scorer, as well as Welshman Phil Bennett who unleashed two great sidesteps to set up what some have described as "the greatest try of all time". ] South African Naas Botha scored 312 points (including a record 17 drop goals) despite playing most of his career when the Springboks were boycotted. Australia's Mark Ella wasn't a great kicker, but had great vision, passing skills and orchestrated a new flat-back attacking style. Grant Fox was one of the most respected goal-kickers who scored more than 1000 points in all matches for New Zealand.Barry John was known simply as "the king" to Welsh rugby fans and was rated the third in the 1971 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award.Jack Kyle is widely considered Ireland's greatest player. Michael Lynagh took over Fly-half from Ella and in his first test in that position scored an Australian record of 23 points against Canada. While Cliff Morgan captained Wales and played for the Lions, he is also known as great rugby personality and an accomplished rugby broadcasters.

Bennie Osler played for South Africa from 1924 until 1933, during which he played a South African record 17 consecutive games and scored a then world record 14 points in one game against New Zealand. Hugo Porta is regarded as one of the finest players that Argentina has produced and has been a member of the Laureus World Sports Academy since 2000. Of the players mentioned above, Kyle, Morgan, Osler and Porta are members of the IRB Hall of Fame. Three fly-halves are in the IRB Hall but not the International Hall. Gareth Rees ofCanada played in all of the first four Rugby World Cups, and remains the country's all-time leading Test points scorer. Kennedy Tsimba of Zimbabwe, younger brother of the aforementioned Richard, only played four times for his country, but was one of the world's top fly-halves in the early 21st century, twice being named the player of the year in South Africa's domestic Currie Cup. He was also the first black to captain the Zimbabwe national team.

Waisale Serevi, inducted in 2013, appeared 38 times for Fiji, mostly as a fly-half, although he played in every position across the backline. However, he was inducted more for his prowess in sevens, with the IRB calling him "the finest Sevens player of all time". [ edit ]Scrum-half IRB Hall of Fame member Agustín Pichot passes the ball from the back of a scrum. The scrum-half is the link between the forwards and the backs. They receive the ball from the line-out and remove the ball from the back of the scrum, usually passing it to the fly-half. They also feed the scrum and sometimes have to act as a fourth loose forward. Along with the fly-half they make many of the tactical decisions on the field. During general play the scrum-half is generally the player who receives the ball from the forwards and passes it to the backs. They are good communicators, especially at directing the forwards around, and their aim is to provide the backs with clean ball. Good scrum-halves have an excellent pass, a good tactical kick and are deceptive runners.

At defensive scrums they put pressure on the opposition scrum-half or defend the blindside. On defence in open play they generally cover for deep kicks after the ball has been passed wide. Traditionally scrum-halves have been the smallest players on the team, but many modern scrum-halves are a similar size to the other players in the team. Ken Catchpole is an Australian scrum half who was made captain on his debut at 21 in 1961. Danie Craven from South Africa was one of the greatest scrum halves in the 1930s and a respected administrator of the South African Rugby Board. Gareth Edwards, a member of both the International Rugby and IRB Halls of Fame, played for Wales and the British and Irish Lions during the 1970s and is regarded by many as one of the greatest Welsh players. Nick Farr-Jones captained Australia through their 1991 Rugby World Cup winning campaign; he was enshrined in the International Hall in 1999 and the IRB Hall in 2011.

When Joost van der Westhuizen retired in 2003 he had 89 caps, at the time the most for any South African. Two scrum-halves are in the IRB Hall but not the International Hall. New Zealander David Kirk, inducted in 2011, was captain of the All Blacks team that won the inaugural 1987 Rugby World Cup. Fellow 2011 inductee Agustín Pichot, who played in three World Cups for Argentina, is perhaps best known as the Pumas' captain during their surprise run to third place in the 2007 World Cup, which eventually led to their 2012 entry into The Rugby Championship, previously the Tri Nations. [ edit ]Number Eight A scrum is preparing to engage. The front row consists of two props on either side of the hooker. The number eight can be seen standing up at the back, while the flankers are bound on the side. Number eight is the only position that does not have a specific name in English and is simply referred to as "number eight" or "eighthman".

They bind between the locks at the back of the scrum, providing extra weight at the push.Nu mber eights interact with the scrum-half at the back of the scrum to control and provide clean ball for the backs. They can also pick the ball from the back of the scrum and run with it or flick it to the scrum half. At line-outs they can be either another jumper or a lifter. Around the field they have a similar set of responsibilities as the flankers at the breakdown. Number eights are often strong ball carriers and run off the backs in an attempt to break through or push past the opposition's defensive line. Number eights in the International Rugby Hall of Fame include: Mervyn Davies (Wales and British and Irish Lions), Morne du Plessis (South Africa),Brian Lochore (New Zealand) and Hennie Muller (South Africa). Lochore is also in the IRB Hall of Fame, but primarily as a coach. ]Flanker The flanker's role is to tackle the opposition and try to steal the ball. The openside flanker binds to the side of the scrum that covers the greatest area, while the blindside covers the side nearest the side-line.

They bind loosely to the side of the scrum, but still play an important role in keeping the props tight by pushing at an angle. They should be the first forward to a breakdown from a scrum or line-out and are expected to link with the backline or secure the ball at the tackle. Both positions have a high workrate, meaning the players need to be fit as well as good at reading the opposition's attacking plays. During open play if they have not made the tackle they usually stand in the loose next to the ruck or maul. This allows them to arrive quickly at the next tackle. The blindside is generally the larger of the two and usually acts as a third jumping option at the line-out. The openside flanker is usually faster than the blindside with good opensides excellent at turning over the ball at the tackle.Teams often use their openside flankers to 'charge' the opposition fly-half, putting pressure on him and forcing him to rush his decision making, kicking or passing. Blindside flankers also have the task of stopping any attempt by the opposition eighth-man to run with the ball around the blindside of a scrum.

Flankers in the International Rugby Hall of Fame include: Dave Gallaher (New Zealand), Michael Jones (New Zealand), Ian Kirkpatrick (New Zealand), Graham Mourie (New Zealand), Francois Pienaar (South Africa), Jean Prat (France), Jean-Pierre Rives (France), Fergus Slattery (Ireland and Lions), and Wavell Wakefield (England). Pienaar and Prat are also members of the IRB Hall of Fame. [ edit ]Locks Locks jumping for a ball at a line-out. The locks form the second row push against the front row during the scrum providing much of the power. They are almost always the tallest players on the team and are the primary targets when the ball is thrown in at line-outs. Locks must also have good catching ability. At the line-out the locks are supported by team mates allowing them to compete for the ball, either passing or tapping it to the scrumhalf or setting up a drive. In scrums the two locks bind tightly together and slide their heads between a prop and the hooker. Locks tend to compete for the kick offs and are involved in securing the ball in rucks and mauls.

Locks in the International Rugby Hall of Fame include: Bill Beaumont (England and Lions), Gordon Brown (Scotland and Lions), Frik du Preez (South Africa), John Eales (Australia), Martin Johnson (England and Lions), Brian Lochore (New Zealand), Willie John McBride (Ireland and Lions), and Colin Meads (New Zealand). Du Preez, Eales, Johnson and McBride are also members of the IRB Hall of Fame as players; Lochore was inducted into the IRB Hall primarily as a coach. Two locks are members of the IRB Hall of Fame but not the International Hall—Fairy Heatlie, a South African great of the era around 1900 who was also one of the first Argentina internationals, and French international Lucien Mias. ]Front row] Hooker A hooker getting ready to throw the ball into a line-out. The hooker is positioned between the two props in the scrum and generally throws the ball into the line-out. After the scrumhalf has put the ball into the scrum they use their feet to "hook" the ball back and win possession for their team.

Hookers generally have a short back and long arms to aid in binding to props. When the opposition is putting the ball into the scrum the hooker will either attempt to win the ball or try and disrupt the scrum. Hookers are usually more mobile than the props and are often used to carry the ball up during open play. Only specialist front row players can play hooker, and if a team can not field one for any reason the scrums will become uncontested. Hookers in the International Rugby Hall of Fame include: Sean Fitzpatrick (New Zealand) and Keith Wood (Ireland and Lions). The first hooker to be inducted into the IRB Hall of Fame is John Smit of South Africa, captain of the World Cup-winning Springboks in 2007 and also the most-capped Springbok in history. ]Prop The props "prop up" the hooker in the scrum. They form part of the front row of the scrum and push against the oppositions props. The loosehead prop is positioned to the left of the hooker and their head will be on the outside of the scrum when it engages.

The tighthead is to the right of the hooker with their head positioned between the opposition hooker and the opposition loosehead prop. The prop's main role is to provide stability at the scrum and support the hooker in quickly winning the ball. At the line-out the prop's role is to support the jumper as they compete for the ball. They are usually positioned at the front of the line-out with a jumper in between them. They are also often involved in lifting jumpers when receiving kick-offs. While scrummaging is still seen as their main responsibility, modern props are also expected to contribute in attack and defence. Props have to take in pressure from the locks and loose forwards pushing from behind and the opposition pushing against them, so they are often among the strongest players in a team. Some of the more successful props have short necks and broad shoulders to absorb this force as well as powerful legs to drive the scrum forward. Since the game has become professional non-specialist props or hookers cannot play in the front row. If, through sendings-off or injuries, a team does not have enough specialist front row players, the scrums become 'uncontested' (i.e.

no pushing is allowed and the team putting the ball into the scrum wins it). On their own scrum, the loosehead's role is to provide the hooker with a clear view to strike the ball, while the tighthead tries to keep the scrum stable. When the opposition is putting the ball in, the tighthead attempts to disrupt the opposing hooker or loosehead, making it difficult for them to win the ball. The loosehead is generally the stronger of the two props. Props in the International Rugby Hall of Fame include: Jason Leonard (England and Lions), Syd Millar (Ireland and Lions) and Wilson Whineray (New Zealand). ]Utility players Players that have the ability to play a number of positions in a team are called utility players. Utility players can be seen as "Jack of all trades" and they generally occupy the reserve position in a team. For this reason many try to avoid being labelled as utilities. Players in the forward positions are generally more specialised than those that play in the backs. However flankers can usually play number eight and sometimes the blindside may be used as a lock.

The front row positions are usually very specialised, although some props can play both sides or even hooker, South African captain John Smith being one player who has played test matches in every front row position. Utility backs tend to cover a greater number of positions, with players commonly switching between scrum-half and fly-half, fly-half and centre or wing and fullback. No true utility backs are in either the International Rugby or IRB Halls of Fame, although Mike Gibson has 28 caps at fly half, 48 at centre and 4 on the wing while Tim Horan played 62 tests at centre, 2 on the wing and 9 at fullback. Players that have played multiple positions within the backline include Austin Healey (who has started at scrum-half, fly-half, fullback, and wing for England throughout his career), Mike Catt (started multiple tests at fullback, fly-half and centre, and one on the wing) and François Steyn (who has Test caps at every back position except scrum-half). International Rugby Hall of Fame player Danie Craven mostly played at half-back, but has also started a Test in the forwards at number 8.

IRB Hall of Fame member Waisale Serevi, although most famous as a sevens player and primarily a fly-half in 15s, also started Tests in 15s at scrum-half, wing and fullback, and came off the bench once as a centre and once as an emergency lock. ]Rugby Sevens Rugby sevens teams only have seven players on the field and can nominate five substitutes, but only three may play in any one game. Scrums are formed with three players, who bind together the same as the front row. One player plays a similar position to the scrum-half, feeding the ball into the scrum. The other three players form the backline. Since play is a lot more open in sevens, with rucks and mauls generally kept to a minimum, most players are backs or loose forwards in fifteen-a-side teams.

Rugby-Cooper returns, Folau at fullback for Wallabies Rugby-Cooper returns, Folau at fullback for Wallabies * Cooper makes first start for a year * Mogg, Toomua, Alexander drop to bench (Adds detail, quotes) By Nick Mulvenney SYDNEY, Sept 4 (Reuters) - Quade Cooper will get his first start for the Wallabies under Ewen McKenzie on Saturday after being named at flyhalf for the Rugby Championship match against South Africa in Brisbane. McKenzie went with Matt Toomua for his first two matches in charge - back-to-back defeats to the All Blacks - but has reverted to the number 10 who helped him to Super Rugby success at the Queensland Reds for the clash with the Springboks. Israel Folau will make his first start for Australia at fullback after being moved from the wing in place of Jesse Mogg in an effort to get him more involved in the game. Nick Cummins replaces Folau on the wing, while Sekope Kepu comes in for Ben Alexander at tighthead prop and uncapped Jake Schatz is named on the bench in place of his fellow Queensland loose forward Liam Gill.

Cooper has not started a test match since last September's match against Argentina with first injury and then a falling-out with previous Wallabies coach Robbie Deans keeping him out of international rugby. The 25-year-old's unpredictability can also be a liability but he has started seven tests against South Africa and won six of them, including the last five. "We have very specific thoughts about how we want to play this game and feel Quade is best suited to carrying that out," McKenzie said in a statement. "It has been almost 12 months since he last started a test match and I'm sure there were times where he wondered if he would wear the number 10 jersey again. He's worked really hard both on and off the field to now get that chance. "He's carried himself extremely well all year and during the last fortnight in the role we've asked him to complete. Now, he gets a chance to make an impact from the start of the game." Despite playing fullback in Super Rugby, Folau has started all five of his tests on the wing but has not been as involved as many would like after an explosive two-try debut against the British and Irish Lions.

Cummins, who adopted the nickname "honey badger" because of the animal's ferocity when attacked, is a big man with an eye for the tryline who was perhaps unlucky not to get a run-out in against the Lions. "Israel has played more fullback than on the wing so he will undoubtedly feel comfortable playing the position," said McKenzie. "Once we made the decision to move Israel it opened the door for another player on the wing. The Springboks are an abrasive and physical team and we feel Nick's style of play will suit that." With Ben Alexander following Benn Robinson out of the starting line-up, McKenzie has now done away with the props who formed the bedrock of the Australia scrum under Deans. "Up front Keps has been on the fringes but he is a very good technician of the game, which is important as everyone continues to work out the new scrum laws," McKenzie concluded.

"We've got a lot of good players in this space and for this week Keps deserves an opportunity to start." Leaving out Gill, one of the best young openside flankers in the world, in favour of Queenland Player of the Year Schatz would appear to be another "horses for courses" selection against the physically imposing South Africans.

Team: 15-Israel Folau, 14-Nick Cummins, 13-Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12-Christian Leali'ifano, 11-James O'Connor, 10-Quade Cooper, 9-Will Genia, 8-Ben Mowen, 7-Michael Hooper, 6-Scott Fardy, 5-James Horwill (captain), 4-Rob Simmons, 3-Sekope Kepu, 2-Stephen Moore, 1-James Slipper Replacements: 16-Saia Fainga'a, 17-Scott Sio, 18-Ben Alexander, 19-Kane Douglas, 20-Jake Schatz, 21-Nic White, 22-Matt Toomua, 23-Jesse Mogg (Reporting by Nick Mulvenney; editing by Ian Ransom) Reblog Tim Great Article, I think it’s tough to know who will be fullback without looking at the wings, traditionally any of our back 3 could slip into the spot, I think Hynes has to be in either the wing or FB spot for his broken play runs and

 ability under the high ball.

I think JOC and AAC’s versatility will ultimately be their downfall as it lends them to becoming great bench players who can fill multiple roles Ruggo Good Article Noddy. Forget the rest, it’s down to AAC, Hynes and JOC. If Digby is the 13 that would be my back 3 as they are not only great in attack but defense also. Shephered needs more game time and the others are speed bumps in defence. Which order to play them in is the big question reds fan The thing I like about this 11, 13, 14 and 15, is that it doesn’t involve Mitchell. I really like the look of Hynes at 15. I just love it when the opposition kick long and the Reds get it to him and he starts winding up… one of the true “swervers” of the game. AJ Second that. A back three without schmoo mitchell goes a long way to tightening our defence and making the wallabies less vulnerable under the high ball. I don’t care how many tries he’s scored this year against bottom tier teams like the cheetahs, his defence is a real concern at international level.

I’d like to see the FB role shared between Hynes and JOC and see AAC share the outside centre and wing roles with Digby. Saying that its a pity that no one player has demonstrated any real talent with the boot this year – something I was hoping Huxley would show at FB but perhaps this is a sign of the way the game is heading and possibly a good thing waratahjesus if AAC is playing int he back three he should be fullback leaving the wings to mitchell and hynes with digby at thirteen, JOC is either fullback or bench, bench at this time is better for all involved, he is having to carry alot for the force and while he is doign it well, the fact is, in the wallabies he will be back to being a cog in a machine and if he isnt calling himself into plays he isnt going to have the same impact he is for the force. Chris The level of analysis in these types of articles is unsurpassed – well done. I agree that Hynes is the form FB although I reckon Beale has excelled with limited game time.

Reagrdless, all Aussie back three need work under the high ball as they make far too many some clangers in test matches. Forgive my naivety, but why doesn’t the ARU work with some Aussie Rules fellas to get these guys kicking/marking better? Yes of course the ball is different but for the life of me I don’t understand why the Aussies don’t have the best kickers in the world. Patrick dead set, and ex-footballers like ahem, Latham! Pedro Julian Huxley, come on! Farva I think what these stats show is that we need AAC in at 13! High number of runs over the advantage line and makes the least missed tackles. What we cant really look at is the positional play from the three fullbacks. Wh is always there when the opposition kick back to us, who grabs the high ball? I wouldnt be at all surprised if none of the three are selected as fullback and either Cameron Shepherd of Julian Huxley gets a run there. At least for the June tests John Hynes is the one for me.

Great runner, knows when to pass and when to hold on AAC holds on too long, and JOC is (imo)better in the centres Phil Will be Hynes by a side step. Whilst all three are all good players, it will come down to combinations. You would assume the 2010 Wallaby back line will have a distinctive RED tinge to it. For Deans, it is about getting some momentum leading into the world cup and delivering on the potential – so combinations will make Hynes the 1st choice Fullback. Chris Agree – you can’t pick the fullback until 10, 12 & 13 (poss also 11 & 14) have been picked. When that happens, what you need to consider is how these key 3 players will interact and which 15 will give the most in terms of midfield penetration. At the moment 10 is up for grabs and Cooper will it. Ioane has to get a cap and Genia gets no 9. There may be more red in the backline – and rightly so, because they are on fire – so it may be Hynes.

The real issue is the centres, and I suggest anyone who has an opinion here should watch Reds v Bulls and Brumbies v Canes before reaching a conclusion. It’s not as simple as shuffling Giteau and Barnes along a couple. Juan Cote If Shep can stay fit then I reckon he will go pretty close to making it. Deans likes fullbacks with a good kicking game and Shep has a monster shoe on him. The other contenders are essentially running fullbacks, not what you want in Test rugby. Top shelf stuff Nodds I disagree, I think this year with the new law interpretations a running fullback is exactly what is needed. Fan

Question: Traditionally, in rugby, what number appears on the jersey of the fullback?
Answer: 15