Positional Requirements – Second Row:
1. Has ability to win own line-out ball
2. Has ability to win opposition line-out ball
3. Competent checklist (“Tower of Power”)
4. Adopts a correct position to generate maximum push in the scrum
5. Has ability to win the ball at re-starts i.e. is able to jump and catch the ball above the head
6. Has effective individual tackling technique (1 v 1)
7. Has effective team defence technique
8. Understands Loose play, i.e. when to go to ruck, when to be a runner
9. Is a creative strike runner i.e. (a) creative, (b) strike, (c) power
10. Is comfortable with ball in hand, i.e. can catch and pass with either hand
11. Delivers quick ball in contact
12. Has a physical presence at the contact area
13. Is mentally tough, i.e. competes and trains at 95-100% of ability at all times
14. Has County-standard fitness levels
15. Has a ruthless edge in the pursuit of winning
Positional Skills:
| Body position in the set-piece | Athletic Ability / Jumping ability | Contact Skills (ruck /maul) | Leg drive in contact | Defence at the breakdown | Handling, Offloading and Link-Play skills |