What are some important things to know when playing the inside center position?

Question

I played wing last semester and now I'm moving inside this year. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Watch the English inside centres against the All Blacks and do exactly the opposite and you should be alright.

Answer 2

Stay on his inside shoulder, that will force him closer to the sideline which will make it easier to snuff out their attack.

Also, go up and hit him, dont wait til he gets to you.  If you can stop him reaching the advantage line, your coach will love you.

If you're taking it into him, stay on your feet as long as possible, give your forwards a chance to get to you, you're less likely to be forced into turning the ball over.

Answer 3

Run straight. If you start to drift then you cause the whole of the backline to run across field. If you run straight you'll hold and commit their defenders and create space for those outside you. Also as a 12, put in your hits, and make them count as the 10 - 12 is one teams always target first to see if there is a weakness, as it's the easiest place to hit through if it is. Also as a 12 be aware as in some instances you may have to step into 10 if the 10 is in a ruck or something, and so you may have to kick. You should also, due to this know all the moves from the no.10 position as well as 12.

Answer 4

When they have the ball make the tackles count. When you have the ball find the gaps and break through them! goodluck

Answer 5

the theory is that the pace is at the end, and as you get slower, you go towards the middle. i say bollocks.

as first center/ inside center, you are the primary "crash" runner, so you need to work on your burst speed, and also your timing. you are the one who will get the calls to go straight up the gut. and it has nothing to do with your speed. obviously you want to hit the hole at speed, but you also want to retain the ball and draw enough of their defense with your run to create an overlap.

you will mostly be a north/ south runner, not really running angles. when you do run an angle, it will surprise them. most of your runs will be slightly towards the scrum too, towards your support.

the most important thing to remember is that you run between the defenders and make them commit to you. from a scrum, if you get the ball, you hit the hole between the centers or between the flyhalf and 1st center. at pace. and you call for it when you are about to hit that gap.

Answer 6

inside center is an intuitive position. you have to know where the players around you are and spot any gaps in the defence.

like others noted listen to the flyhalf, but don't be afraid to move on your own accord. you will get a lot of ball from set pieces ( incl. rucks and mauls) where your speed off the mark

is important. the outside center also controls the back four so be confident. since backs are not always the strongest on defence, the opposing team will attack your channel rather than going at a 100kg/220lb flank or prop. make sure you have the first tackles mastered cos as a back you should know the what happens when the opposition fails to tackle you.

if your lacking "the vision" required for this position, watch jean devilliers play on and off the ball and how he creates space

Answer 7

Watch and listen to fly half because your life depends on it. He/she will be extremely pissed if you don't do exactly what they say when they say it.

Be ready to burst through the gaps, or to pass off to outside.

pay mad(a lot of) attention to the people opposing you and beside you (fly half & outside center).

don't be afraid to knock down the crazy fools who come after you. outside center got your back.

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Answer 8

it is your job to create the gaps for the outside centre and wings!

Rugby is a team sport an you shouldnt try and take all the glory for yourself. Take the gap when its there, but dont play selfish and never pass.

Stay on the inside shoulder and let no one get past you!

Answer 9

Just watch Timana Tahu from the Australia A side, ex-League great best centre in the world!