Junior Vandals

Updated 2013-02-20

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2013 Vandals U16 - U18 "Tip" Tournament

The Vandals pre-season 6 week warm-up to formal training program commences on Wednesday, March 6th, 2013 with a "Tip" (two hand touch) open tournament.

Vandals Coordinator, Liam Fardy, advises that the program is open to all under 16 and under 18 year-olds who play or may be interested in playing rugby. The program is being held every Wednesday, between the hours of 10:00 - 11:00 pm, at the PowerPlex Gymnasium, 90 Crosbie Road, St. John's.

If you have any questions, please email Junior Vandals or contact Liam at 765-6889.

Commencing: Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Duration: 6 weeks
Time: 10:00 - 11:00 PM
Location: PowerPlex Gymnasium, 90 Crosbie Road, St. John's
Required: Running shoes

Medic - Rugby Sprains and Strains

Sprains and strains are common in rugby. Proper physical training greatly reduces the frequency of this type of injury. See the following articles for advice regarding the prevention of and the care and treatment for this type of injury:

Exercise Injury Prevention - 10 Tips - Exercise
Treating Sprains and Strains - Sprains
About Recovery - Rehabilitation

Defining Moments

Alex Marshall was designated Loose Head Prop (#1) in Saturday's match against Chile. In order to define the importance of the position, we checked in with the rugby coach and this is what is offered:

The loose head prop together with Hooker has to put pressure on the opposition Tight Head. Total concentration at the scrum is required to be effective, making the scrum an attacking weapon, wearing down the opposition as the match progresses.

He should be dedicated to training in the gym to obtain that competitive edge. Going backwards in scrums should not be an option. Good scrimmaging = good rucks and mauls.

Every rugby player should develop his speed, for the props extra focus should be on the quick burst carrying the ball into the defensive line trying to suck in defenders: explosive steps, agility.

Mental Perspective

Props must be the most intense players on the pitch. This intensity must come to the fore during a scrum. The focus and concentration--physical, mental, emotional--required to dominate in the scrum, particularly at elite levels, far surpasses that displayed by other players.

There is a difference in the two prop positions that could very well be reflected in the character of the players. The Loose Head (LH) needs to be more aggressive. And although the TH will always be facing both the opposition Hooker and LH and will always be dominated he should be determined to pin the opposition LH down.

Line-out

Strength and timing as they assist the jumpers in the line out is important. A number of things:

• Take up the same stance in the lineout, no matter where the ball is to be thrown.
• Stand square at the throw-in.
• Bind as closely as possible to the catcher at the same time keeping an eye on your opposition, do not leave a hole. If necessary support the jumper at the top of his leap.
• Bind and drive in the follow up, do not get distracted by the bobbled ball - other team mates will look after the ball.

Scrum

The Loose Head (LH) needs to achieve a goal: get his head in and under the TH and push; he needs to lift the opposition TH. The LH is at a bit of a disadvantage from the outset and needs to overcompensate. To achieve this he needs to be very aggressive, self-sacrificing and deliberate.

Self-sacrificing: willing to take the pressure on the back of his neck and still slide his head in and under the TH. Deliberate: wanting to do what he has to do to get his head under the TH's sternum, and push up and forward with the back of his head, thereby getting the opposition to stand upright.

In detail:

• Try to lead in on your own put in.
• Beat the opposition to the mark on each scrum.
• Stabilize the scrum when the ball is put on the loose head so the ball is delivered from a stable platform.
• Shoulders should be no lower than the knees. If the scrum is to be lowered then bend at the knees.
• Drive scrummage from left leg to right leg, stabilize your footwork.

Open play: offence

Being mobile is important - in effect another back row player - and being comfortable with the ball in hand. In today's modern fast dynamic rugby game it is essential that the two props get to the breakdown quickly, the first few meters are important from set play and make their presence felt with the binding and driving, strong mauling, the occasional pick-and-go and as a runner off 2nd phase ball.

When approaching second phase play, decide whether you are joining a ruck/maul. No decision and simply going over the ball and bridge always seem the safe option - but challenge yourself: THINK! No decision is just as bad as a wrong decision......

• read the opposition
• participate actively in the lineout, support or not supporting the jumper
• support the ball carrier on two sides (anywhere on the field)
• be at the on-even or even second phase-play, divide the rolls op play
• continue play in open area
• look for the room between the opposition, not for the opposition

Rucks:

• bind and drive past the ball
• bind on the side which is most advantageous to your own team, take out the opposition and/of protect the ball
• occasionally you can scoop the ball up and continue going forward. Think fist! are my backs in the ruck and where are my support players. Know this before entering the ruck
• build a platform to protect the ball, at all legal cost
• get involved when you are in the circle of influence

Mauls: own ball

• prevent mauling by having mini rucks
• bind on the side to protect delivery of the ball
• act as the pivot for a rolling maul, after initially contributing to the forward drive
• place the pivot on the spot where the is exploitation possible on the oppositions behalf

This player has to be an all-rounder in open play and is an excellent passer off both hands.

Defence

A good defender around the fringes and in cover. With most play seeing many more phases, the props end up everywhere in the defensive line. This can lead to a possible mismatch where a slower prop has to defend a speedy center. For this reason the props have to move inside to the marker positions next to the breakdown.

Defence:

• have the ability to make good decisions
• make offensive hits
• know the roll you play in the defensive organization
• compete always for the ball
• pressure opposition in every position of play

Rucks: opposition ball

• provide ball retainment
• drive forward to slow down or stop their continuous play
• bind with a team mate for better effect and remember your body position on entering

Mauls: opposition ball

• drive forward to slow down or stop their continuous play
• upset their delivery of the ball
• stop the rotation of the maul by driving onto the legs on the side towards which the maul is rolling, again make it happen to stop a maul!
• be aware that the backs could cut back against the initial flow of play. Be prepared to tackle the initial ball carrier

Key issues

• He must be a strong scrimmager, strong runner and competitive. One of the most vital positions in the team having to make important decisions at scrum and line out time.
• Strong scrummager
• Support Line out jumpers
• Tackle
• Comfortable with ball in hand
• Ability to make decisions at contact situations
• Support player
• Ability to gain and retain possesion
• Provide support at kick-off
• Concentration and dedication to the team from both props ensures a healthy 'team culture'.

Vandals U18 - 2011 Jacobs Cup - Provincial Champions

Vandals Starting Early - Tomorrows Best

Junior Vandals playing on the Provincial
Rock Rugby Team at Swilers Rugby Park

Brothers in Rugby