Set up a double line of shield-carriers, each pair standing shoulder to shoulder, plenty of space between the pairs.
Groups of four, each group with a ball. Group 1 moves towards first shield. The ball-carrier sidesteps and hits a shield; he drives the shield-carrier and places the ball. No.2 and No.3, following closely, clear out the bags and No.4 picks up the ball moving to the next shield where, runners, playing different roles each time, the drill is repeated, with other groups following.
Build up the group so that you have six in it. No.1, hits and places. No.2 and No.3 clear out the two bags, No.4 and No.5 bind and drive over the ball, No.6 picks up and moves to the next shield.
Then move on to a simulated game which combined defence lines and rucking.
Three or four men carrying shields play against the rest of the side. The ball is put into the unopposed forwards' scrum; they heel it back to the scrumhalf, who passes out to his line or back inside to his forwards . The shields are lined in defence and come up in a line to hit the ball carrier and also to block him off from his supporters- they must all come up quickly and smother the ball carrier and his outside supporters.
On being hit, the ball-carrier goes to ground and places the ball. The first two closest clean out, the next two drive over and the nearest player picks up the ball and plays either side. The shields must quickly re-align in defence, on side… and so the game continues.
