Scrum half push

Question
QUESTION: Hi,
Can you tell me how pushy you can be as a scrum half at the scrum. Technically you cant really touch the other scrum half right? but i see matches where one scrum half is literally shoving the other scrum half as he is going to retrieve the ball out of the scrum. My coach is always telling me to do anything i can do make the other scrum half mess up lol so i usually rest my arm on his as hes placing the ball in. Should i be more aggressive?


Another question i have is if the ball is put into the scrum and the scrum starts turning so that the ball is kind of at an angle on the way out , can you run right up to the other scrum half because you are technically still behind the ball due to the angle. That happened in one of my games and i was far away from the other scrummy as he was taking the ball because i didnt wanna get whistled for stepping in front of the ball.

one last question. did you see the first tri nations match. new zealands set play where the 8 passed to the 9 who placed the ball in and then just joined the backline. do you think that might work at college level?

Thank a lot!

ANSWER: G'day Eoin, sorry I took so long to get back to you.

Answer: Be very pushy. Better to be too pushy and in the attacking half of your field (when you are out of their penalty kicking range) be even pushier. Test the ref out early in the game to see what he will allow and go from there also. If the opposition guy does it without a word from the ref do it as well. Basically feel it out and play the ref but be pushy.

You are right on the second question as the scrum turns hold your ground and you will end up right next to the other half back legally. This kind of pressure is good to put on the opposition.

As for your last question: First it is great to see you watching professional rugby to learn more about the game. That is your standard you should aspire too. Try things you see on TV in your own games that is the whole point of watching pro-rugby. Be creative also look to invent new and different ways to attack. Anything a pro can do will work in college level or club or high school.


As long as the player/team have the basic down: passing, running good angles, catching then any set move is on in an attempt to score.

I am a prop and the best half back is one that is CONSTANTLY communication with his forwards even man-handling them to the right part of the maul or ruck. If you need a player cleared off the ball look to a forward standing off the maul or running in to direct him towards the area you need cleared out. Encourage, direct and push all the time - that is a half backs job.

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QUESTION: Thought id show you a highlights video of some of my games last season.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjnGpnyqBkM

I have one other question, in your experience coaching Division 1 how big are the scrum halfs usually, as i'm only only 5'6 or 5'7, around 150lbs?

Thanks! -Eoin

ANSWER: Nice highlights mate,

Looks like you are comfortable with your game. I have seen a few guys your size doing well in seniors.

If you are interested in a move to southern cal after you graduate we are recruiting half backs at the moment from graduating college students.

If this is something you could be interested in a move here after you graduate let me know. We have a strong support system for players who commit to our club.

Cheers

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QUESTION: Hi Nick!
Ye i'd be interested in that! I was considering moving to Cali after I graduate anyway lol. I have 1 1/2 yrs left in college though. I graduate in december 2011.

Do you have a website for your club?

Thanks!

Answer
G'day Eoin

Our website is a little under maintained right now but is a work in progress. Make sure you sign up as a club follower if you like and feel free to email the club, I am in contact with the recruiting officer weekly.

The clubs site:

www.backbayrfc.com

My personal email:

[email protected]

Cheers