Split your forces into 3. Ideal is about 8 in a side.
Group 1 (backs) lines up on try-line A.
Group 2 (loose forwards and hookers) lines up on the halfway line (B) facing Group 1.
Group 3 (tight forwards) line upon try-line C.
Group 2 kicks the ball to Group 1 on try-line A. Group 1 counter-attacks and attempts to score by crossing the halfway (B) - players have only to cross B and do not have to dot the ball down. Group 2 defends the halfway line. You may choose any form of defence. I start with a two-handed hold of the player with the ball and allow it to develop into full-on tackling.
The coach has a whistle and he blows it for any infringement of the laws committed by Group A in its attempt to cross the halfway line. When this happens, the ball is given back to group 2 immediately, and group 2 kicks the ball over Group 1’s heads so that 1 must retreat at pace to counter-attack again.
Give Group 1 chances to cross the halfway line. If it fails three times or if it crosses the line within the limit of three, then that group lines up on the halfway line (B) and kicks the ball to Group 3 lined up on try-line (C) and Group 3, in turn, counter-attacks while Group 1 defends.
While these two groups are attacking and defending, Group 2 makes its way at a trot to try-line A where it prepares to receive a kick from Group 3 when 3 eventually gains the halfway line.
If the defending side wins the ball, it must immediately kick it behind the attacking group. Only one side attacks, the side running from the try-line; the side moving from the halfway line defends only and on winning the ball kicks it behind the attackers.
It is a non-stop game but initially blow-up the players in order to coach. The defending players must learn to come up in a straight line, to shift-defend when necessary or to rush defend as you determine. They must learn to communicate. The attacking side must get running angles right, support correctly, get good depth, offer support off the ball and pass well.
In essence this is a game of rugby without line-outs and scrums - all other facets of the game of rugby apply. You may wish to narrow the field to encourage straight running; if so, use from posts to touchline as your field width.
Rucks and mauls are employed, cleaning-out is important but, even more so, is passing before a tackle or even in a tackle. The tackling side must observe all the laws; if it does not, a penalty is awarded to the ball-carrying side.
