What are the differences between blindside and openside flanker?

Question

I was able to try flanker (openside) at practice this thursday ( nov.1), and let me say, it was amazing. This is DEFINITELY where I want to be. The only thing I'm not sure of is the difference between openside and blindside.

I know that the blinside binds on the side closest to the touchline, and vice versa. I also know, from playing openside at practice, that after the scrum breaks off, he/she should go straight out for the fly-half (on oppenent's scrum) and be the first ones to support play. But, during this time, what does the blindside do? What is his/her job as soon as the scrum breaks? How far out should the blindside be able to go during open play?

Does the openside cover ALL the field, and the blindside only a little gap? Who covers what area??

Answer 1

Nice job on snagging flanker, good stuff.

There are some minor differences, all of which you would easily adjust for if you switched positions (open to blind).

When the ball is passed from the scrum, both flankers have the same principle jobs. While the open flanker will most likely be the first to the ruck/maul due to his position, the blindside should make effort to be a secondary support to the openside flanker. Flankers are the usualy the faster bunch of the pack and should use their speed in gaining possesion during breakdowns.

If the ruck/maul is already established, the blindside should generally stay near the ruck/maul in case the fly wants a forward to run it, or in case the other team does a 'pick and go'.

** by the way, for the breakdowns (rucks/mauls) its just a matter of who is there first. Sometimes the blindside might be there first and the open flanker must support.

In terms of coverage, a flanker with quick acceleration and good tackling ability should be blindside. The small space can be easily forgotten and thus makes it vulnerable to overloads/no.8 picks/scumhalf runs...etc. That blindside flanker must beable to stop, or atleast slowdown the attack until support arrives. However, your own no.8, blindside wing and scrumhalf should be also be alert and should help you out.

The openside flanker has the general coverage of the rest of the pitch. He/she should pressure the fly whenever possible. The open flanker should also be wary of crash plays. If the oppsition sees a huge gap between your scrum and fly, they might jam their no.8, fly, and centres in your direction. Keep your head up and watch for anything comming your way.

**Both flankers should watch out for bad feeds. If the ball rolls out the wrong channel, its still fair play (provided that it did NOT roll out the center tunnel.) If you see that ball outside of the scrum, break off and take it!!

Because of the speed and strength of a flanker, a team may decide to have either flanker join the back line as an extra man during open play. If this happens, the flanker should act as a back for the most part, unless there is a breakdown right infront of you. Then, you should throw yourself into the ruck like a regular forward.

All in all, there are very minor differences. In most cases, the flankers are interchangable and have no problems. So no fear, if you are called upon to be a blindside, just act normal and you will be alright.

Good luck!

**Edit** - In response to your coverage question, think of it this way. Another name for a flanker is Wing Forward. A winger who plays blindside tends to stick around the small gap and drop back to help the full back when needed. The blindside flanker uses the same comcept. They should always cover that small area, but must not hesitate when they are needed elsewhere (or spot an opprtunity). That is pretty much how it is with all positions in rugby. Everyone knows something about all the positions, but specializes in one. You never know, if the no9 goes down in a ruck, you might have to be a quick fix scrummy for that phase.

Answer 2

Having played both positions ie open and blindside, from my experience there is a  difference between the players in terms of size and speed. the open side is usually the quickest across the ground.But his biggest asset would be to have great anticipation as to where the ball is going to be. If it is the other sides ball from the scrum then you do not want to be running at the fly half you need to be running at somewhere between flyhalf and 2nd 5. Its like trap shooting or duck shooting you lead the target remember the ball always beats the man. If the flyhalf cuts back inside you dont worry the no8 or the no6 who should be off the scrum and covering around the back, will pick him up your tackle will come further out if there is a break down you are there 1st. the blind side or no6 is usually bigger and generally not as quick he is what is termed a tight loose who helps out in the tight and supports in the loose. From a defensive scrum he would make sure that the play doe'snt come  his way he then covers around the back of the scrum following the no8 who should be covering you. Generally by this time your backs would be moving up in  defence so 6 and 8 are like a defensive screen. The greatest asset any loose forward can have, that is 6,7, or 8, is anticipation never run at the ball on defence unless you know you can get there first. The object is to make the opposing player do something with the ball . If you run at him he will wait till you are right on him then pass ,bang! you are out of play but if you lead the ball he will be in two minds either pass in which case you are already on your way to the next player if he cuts back bang! you've got him. no 6 will generally be covering you.You could go on and on discussing this. Any loose forward position is a great position to be in you are always in the fore front.

Answer 3

Hi, I played mainly RL but I also played inside centre & blinside Flanker a few times. Basically your roll on that side of the scrum is to nail any little sucker trying to sneak through on that side or even the No.8 plus obviously been aware of the overhead chip for the right winger. (Not used much from a scrum to be honest)

In open play a No6 is usually the slower of the 2 flankers but bigger and should be a great tackler and good  ball handler.

As for positional sense, try and watch some matches with a good No.6 the taffs have a good one in Martyn Williams and Charvis was good.

Yes in some respects the openside does cover more ground and should be at breakdowns first but the blindside will be there at attcking plays too. It depends also on the shape of how a team defends & attacks.

Good luck from an old f**t