Forwards

 

8 & 10. Prop - Props pack in to the front of the scrum on either side of the hooker. The two props are usually the two biggest, strongest, heaviest players in the side. Their strength is useful in the tackle or as a ball carrier. They are expected to make the 'hard yards' when playing out of the teams own half when they may either go down quickly when tackled and look for a quick play the ball, or when in an attacking position stand up in the tackle and offload the ball to a supporting player to create a gap to run through.



9. Hooker - The hooker packs down in the middle of the scrum. Like most forwards, the hooker is a work horse in defence but is also expected to use his weight and speed for less finesse-based runs into the teeth of opposing tacklers. However the hooker is unlike other forwards because it is the only forward to take on a specialist role outside of scrum play; known as dummy half, ie. collecting the ball on completion of the play the ball.



11 & 12. Second Rows - These players pack down in the second row of the scrum. They are mobile, active players who make a lot of runs and do a lot of tackling, and often set the pace of the game.



13. Loose Forward - The Loose Forward is the final row of the scrum. They must quickly move away from the back of the scrum, and make the first tackle in defense. In an attacking scrum they will sometimes pick the ball up themself and run, taking pressure from the halfback/scrum half. A loose forward has the widest scope of roles and responsibilities of any player in the forwards. As well as co-ordinating the defensive effort in the forwards, in attack they will need to be a creative player with the vision and skill to set up play from first receiver from the play the ball, and provide another option from the half backs.