What is the difference between forwards and backs in rugby

View 14 excerpts, cites results and background. Determinant factors of physical performance in rugby specific playing positions. Summary Introduction This study aimed to analyse the differences in force—velocity profile and sprint, strength and jump performance according to playing position, and to examine the relationships … Expand.

View 1 excerpt, cites background. Sub-elite sprinters and rugby players possess different morphological characteristics of the individual hamstrings and quadriceps muscles. Body composition differences by age and playing standard in male rugby union and rugby league: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Comparison of anthropometrics and physical performance in professional baseball pitchers. Objectives: Previous investigations have shown that differences exist between positional groups within a team, which has led to more specific methods of training to enhance performance for that … Expand.

Anthropometric, physiological characteristics and rugby-specific game skills discriminating Zimbabwean under male adolescent rugby players by level of competition.

View 1 excerpt, cites methods. Highly Influential. View 4 excerpts, references background and methods. View 2 excerpts, references background. As the name indicates, this player is the one responsible for hooking the ball and getting possession for his team during a scrum. Together with the props, they form the front row of the scrum. The hooker also faces a lot of tackling from opponents as he is expected to carry the ball forwards.

Forming the second row in a scrum, the two locks are usually the tallest players and as a result, are the main jumpers during a line-out.

As such, the locks - numbers four and five - are also the ones competing for kick-offs, and as their name suggests, lock the scrum securely, provide power and stability in a scrum. There are two flankers in each team - the open-side flanker no.

The flankers are tasked with the huge responsibility of winning possession at every breakdown in open play. As such, they are usually the fastest forwards in the pack and need to possess huge amounts of stamina to be able to be within striking distance of the ball at all times.

In attack, their roles is to support the backs in open play and are often involved in rucks and mauls to gain possession. Open-side flankers are usually smaller in physical size and faster than the blind-side flankers. Flankers play an important role in a scrum especially when possession is lost to the opponent.

They are responsible to stop any ball carrier from gaining ground when the ball is out of the scrum. They stand out because they are often the biggest players in the team. They are, however, very technical players who play a crucial role but are only rarely in the spotlight.

Content to operate in the shadows , second-rowers are powerful players who help the first row push in scrums and who do the groundwork in mauls and rucks, either protecting the ball or helping to turn it over.

They also jump to win lineout balls. Infrequent try scorers and rarely seen with ball in hand, second-rowers are nevertheless vital members of the team. There are some small differences between the No. They are often interchangeable however. So if you're a rugby player with the build of a basketball player, the second row might just be the place for you. A word of warning, though: you'll need to absorb lots of blows and enjoy being out of the limelight.

Like the front row, the back row comprises three players. Wearing the No. In terms of the type of player and technical skills, there is a difference between the flankers and the number 8. As is the case with the props and the hooker in the front row, they have slightly different roles to perform.

The flankers must be effective tacklers and, because of their position on the pitch, mobile with it. The pairing is formed by a tall, slender player who can jump at the lineouts like the second-rowers and a smaller and stockier player whose role is more about tackling and slowing the ball at the ruck.

The number 8 is a key player in the team who is often in the thick of the action. Selected for their build, number 8s also need to be experienced and able to read the game. They like to control the game and direct operations especially at the scrum. Back-rowers can come in different shapes and sizes. They are all powerful, mobile players , however, and need a lot of stamina to fulfil their duties at the heart of the game. If you have a gift for anticipating play and like to defend and attack , the back row is for you.

The backs are the seven players positioned between the forwards and the in-goal area they are defending. This is the player that feeds the ball into the scrum and who also delivers it from the base of a scrum, ruck or maul. Scrum-halves are a little like conductors.

They set the tempo, assess the situation and work with the fly half to determine the direction of play. They are quick on their feet, react fast and are analytical when it comes to reading the game. They also need to be agile in making accurate passes, and dynamic and fast in combating the defensive work of opposing flankers when delivering the ball from the base of the scrum or in open play.