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Players

Each team, or "side," consists of 15 on-field players: broken up into eight forwards and seven backs. The forwards (collectively called the "scrum" or "pack") work as a group. The forwards have four primary responsibilities: win the ball in set play, win or maintain possession of the ball in the loose play, provide support, and create an advantage by skill and intensity. The backs (collectively called the backline) usually run and advance the ball up field. To do this the backs must focus on five responsibilities: receive the ball from the forwards, advance the ball beyond the gain line, provide support, create advantage, and provide defense in depth. While the forwards usually focus on possession and the backs on advancing the ball, one of the most exciting aspects of rugby is that all players are involved in all aspects of the continuous flow of the game. Rugby forwards often handle the ball and must be adept at passing and catching, while backs must be prepared to contest for possession of the ball.. As a result of the continuos flow of the game, players must learn to think and react for themselves.

The Pack (Forwards)

1. Front Row - Consists of two props, #1 and #3, and the hooker, #2. These are the pillars of the scrum. They are usually fairly strong, and generally squat in stature. The props direct the power of the other forwards into the opposing pack and provide the support for the hooker, who attempts to hook the ball with his feet.
2. Second Row -The locks, #4 and #5, stabilize the scrum and are the real power behind the push when the ball comes into the scrum. At the line-out they are usually the tallest and best jumpers.
3. Loose Forwards - The flankers, #6 and #7, and the eight-man, #8, are often the most mobile and active of the forward pack. On defense, they are always after the ball and usually first to the breakdown (when an opponent goes to the ground with the ball). Offensively, they are usually running with the backs and provide the base for second phase play from the loose ball.

The Backline (Backs)

1. Scrum-half - #9 is the primary field manager of the team. He must work with his forwards to cleanly get the ball and pass it out to his backs to press the attack. The Scrum-half runs the offense and must communicate with both the forwards and backs. He is the player who puts the ball into the scrum and passes the ball to the backs. The scrum-half also receives the ball from the forwards in line-outs, rucks, and mauls. In rucks and mauls, the scrum-half directs the forwards to counter the opposition and retrieve the ball.
2. Fly-half - #10 is usually one of the more experienced rugby players on the team. After receiving the ball from the Scrum-half, the Fly-half directs the backline attack. He will pass the ball, kick, or run to take advantage of the opponents' mistakes.
3. Centers - #12(inside) and #13(outside) are usually the hardest hitting, and best runners on a rugby team. They must tackle like American football linebackers and run like a tailback. They must be skilled both defensively and offensively. In the backline, they are the likeliest to become involved in a ruck or a maul.
4. Wings - #11 and #14 are the wheels of the team. Teams like to get the ball to their wings quickly and let the wheels have room to maneuver and run. Defensively the wing is often the last player between an opponent and a score and the only protection from an opponent's run along the sideline (known in rugby as the touch line). Weak side wing acts as full back when fullback is involved with a play (crashing in the offense, tackling in the defense).
5. Fullback - #15 is the rugby equivalent to the free safety. While it may appear he does little, the fullback is one of the most difficult positions on the field. He is the last line of defense between the opposition and end zone. He must make a quick decision to come into a play or hang back, and he is the one who most often makes the lonely last tackle before a score. Offensively, the fullback will join the backline attack to overwhelm the opponent's defense.

Scoring

1. Try - 5 points. A player grounds the ball in his opponent's end zone (try zone). The ball may be run or kicked into end zone and then touched down for a score. In order for a try to count, it must be placed down on to the ground under control with downward pressure with the hands.
2. Conversion - 2 points. After a try is scored, the team that scored may kick the ball through the goal posts. The kick is taken at any point on a line perpendicular to where the ball was touched down in the try zone. This can lead to some very difficult attempts from near the sidelines when the try is scored at the extremes of the try zone.
3. Penalty Goal - 3 points. A team is awarded a penalty kick if the opposition is guilty of a major penalty. If the ball is kicked through the goal posts from a place kick or drop kick, 3 points are awarded. If the kicking team is too far from the goal posts to try for points, they will usually kick to gain a territorial advantage. The most common major penalties are off-sides, hands in the ruck, and falling over the ball to kill play.
4. Drop Goal - 3 points. At any time during a match, a player may attempt a drop kick through his opponent's goal posts. The ball is dropped on the ground and then kicked through the uprights. If the kick is good, 3 points are awarded.

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