Functional roles during contact situations - ruck and maul

The most dynamic area for functional role selection is during a breakdown situation. Often the ball is won or lost based on the correct role selection by the players involved, not necessarily on the skill proficiency of the players. The following table details examples of the roles, responsibilities and skills required during a ruck and during a maul. (Note – owing to the demands of the modern game, all players should possess these skills.)

RUCK
Law definition - A ruck is a phase of play where one or more players from each team, who are on their feet, in physical contact, close around the ball on the ground. Open play has ended. Players are rucking when they are in a ruck and using their feet to try to win or keep possession of the ball, without being guilty of foul play.
Functional role	Responsibility	Skills required
Ball carrier	Avoid contact if possible If contact unavoidable, use footwork to avoid head on contact and maintain forward momentum Look to offload during contact If unable to offload, place ball on ground to be retained quickly by supporting players Form narrow tackle gate	Evasion Offloading Ball presentation (on ground) Communication
Support player(s)	If no threat to ball from opposition, pick up ball and play on If threat exists from opposition, then clear tackler away from ball carrier	Scanning for threats Decision making Pick up/ passing Ball clearing Driving Communication
Defending player(s)	Contest the ball in a legal manner Drive attackers back over the ball	Back to feet after making tackle Leg drive Communication
MAUL
Law definition - A maul begins when a player carrying the ball is held by one or more opponents, and one or more of the ball carrier's team mates binds on the ball carrier. A maul therefore consists, when it begins, of at least three players, all on their feet; the ball carrier and one player from each team. All the players involved must be caught in or bound to the maul and must be on their feet and moving towards a goal line. Open play has ended.
Functional role	Responsibility	Skills required
Ball carrier	Avoid contact if possible If contact unavoidable, use footwork to avoid head on contact and maintain forward momentum Make ball available to support player(s)	Evasion Ball presentation (to support) Driving Communication
Support player(s)	Secure possession Maintain forward momentum Transfer ball away from maul	Ripping Driving past ball Ball transfer Communication
Defending player(s)	Contest the ball in a legal manner Stop attackers' forward momentum Drive attackers backwards Stop maul legally	Ripping Driving Communication