Scrum half

Also known as a half-back, they are the players usually wearing shirt number 9. Scrum halves form the all-important link between the forwards and the backs. They are moderately small but with a high degree of vision, the ability to react to situations very quickly, and good handling skills.

Number 8

They are the players wearing shirts number 8. It is the only spot that is known only by the shirt number. Number Eights must have a good tactical awareness in order to coordinate scrums and ruck moves with the scrum-half. If the ball is at his feet at the back of a scrum, ruck or maul, it is normally the number eight's decision whether to pass the ball out or drive the breakdown on in order to make ground.

Ankle Tap

An ankle-tap is a type of tackle. It is used when the player moving the ball is running at speed and a defending player is future from behind. Even if the protector is not able to get close enough to the ball-carrier to wrap his arms around him in a conventional tackle, he may still be able to dive at the other player's feet

Dump tackle

The tackler wraps his arms around the ball carrier's thighs and lifts him a short distance in the air before compulsorily driving him to the ground. The tackler must go to position with the ball carrier for the tackle to be legal. This technique is useful to completely stop the opponent in his tracks.

Scrum

The eight forwards from both team bind together and push next to each other. The scrum-half from the team that has been awarded possession feeds the ball into the centre of the scrum from the side most advantageous for his hooker. The ball must be fed straight down the middle of the tunnel and the hookers must not contest for the ball until it is put in. If they do, a free-kick is awarded for foot up.