Category

Term	Abbreviation	Category	Description	Usage & Notes
Try	—	Attacking Play	Primary method of scoring worth five points by grounding the ball in the opponent's in-goal area.	Teams build phase pressure to create space for a ball carrier to finish with a grounding.
Phase Play	—	Attacking Play	Series of recycled possessions where the attack retains the ball through rucks to stretch the defense.	Used to tire opponents and manipulate the defensive line until a mismatch appears.
Crash Ball	—	Attacking Play	Direct carry by a powerful runner targeting the defensive midfield to generate quick ruck ball.	Often used off set plays to hold defenders and set a platform for wide attacks.
Line Break	—	Attacking Play	Moment when an attacker penetrates past the defensive line into open space, creating a scoring chance.	Requires sharp running lines, deception, or quick ball to pull defenders out of structure.
Pick and Go	—	Attacking Play	Short carry taken immediately from the base of a ruck by a forward to gain meters around the fringe.	Effective inside the 22 when patience and body height wear down defenders.
Offload	—	Attacking Play	Pass delivered by a ball carrier while still engaged in contact, keeping the attack alive.	Demands support runners on the shoulder and strong grip to control the ball under pressure.
Skip Pass	—	Attacking Play	Long pass that bypasses one or more teammates to reach a wider attacker and exploit space.	Requires strong passing mechanics and flat alignment to avoid intercepts.
Switch Play	—	Attacking Play	Change of running angle where the receiver cuts back inside against the grain of the defense.	Used to punish drifting defenders and open pockets behind aggressive line speed.
Wrap Around	—	Attacking Play	Passing pattern where the distributor loops behind the receiver to become the next option outside.	Combines with decoy runners to overload edges and test communication.
Decoy Runner	—	Attacking Play	Attacker who runs a convincing line to hold or draw defenders even though the ball bypasses them.	Requires timing with ball carriers to avoid obstruction yet manipulate defensive reads.
Overlap	—	Attacking Play	Situation where the attacking team has more players than defenders on an edge, creating a numerical advantage.	Requires accurate passing, depth, and fixing defenders inside to finish the chance.
Support Line	—	Attacking Play	Running path taken by a teammate to remain available for an offload or pass after a break.	Best when players scan early, adjust depth, and communicate to arrive on the carrier's shoulder.
Drift Defense	—	Defensive Systems	Defensive alignment that pushes laterally toward the sideline while passing attackers on to inside support.	Effective against wide passing teams when communication keeps the line connected.
Blitz Defense	—	Defensive Systems	Aggressive defensive call where the line rushes forward in unison to shut down space and force hurried passes.	Creates turnovers when timing is precise but risks chip kicks or missed tackles.
Umbrella Defense	—	Defensive Systems	Pattern where outside defenders rush inwards ahead of the line to cut off wide passes and force play back inside.	Best used with strong inside cover defenders ready to tackle runners cutting back.
Scramble Defense	—	Defensive Systems	Emergency system where defenders retreat and realign on the fly after the line is broken.	Communication and inside-out tackling order are vital to prevent support runners finishing.
Choke Tackle	—	Defensive Systems	Tackle that keeps the ball carrier upright to form a maul and force a turnover scrum if the ball becomes unplayable.	Requires two defenders—one locking the ball and another controlling the legs to prevent a fall to ground.
Pillar Guard	—	Defensive Systems	Defenders stationed on either side of the ruck tasked with shutting down sniping runs close to the base.	Must stay square, track the scrum-half, and communicate with the third defender known as the guard dog.
Dominant Tackle	—	Defensive Systems	Tackle where the defender wins the collision, driving the ball carrier backward and slowing ruck speed.	Often executed by two defenders hitting high and low to stop momentum and set the line.
Scrum	—	Set Pieces	Eight-player formation pushing against the opposition after minor infringements to restart play.	Dominant packs use it to win penalties or create clean attacking ball.
Lineout	—	Set Pieces	Restart from touch where forwards lift jumpers to contest the throw and secure possession.	Provides structured launching platforms for mauls or set moves off the top.
Tap Restart	—	Set Pieces	Quick restart option from a penalty where the ball is tapped on the foot and play continues immediately.	Useful against disorganized defenses before they can retreat ten meters.
Kick-Off	—	Set Pieces	Drop kick from halfway that starts each half or restarts after points are scored.	Teams vary depth and hang time to contest possession or pin opponents deep.
22 Drop-Out	—	Set Pieces	Drop kick taken from the 22-metre line when defenders ground the ball in their in-goal after kicks or take it over.	Commonly used to exit territory with long kicks toward touch or contestable hangs.
Quick Throw	—	Set Pieces	Immediate throw-in taken before a lineout forms, using the same ball and without it touching anyone else.	Ideal when wingers and fullbacks spot space and want to maintain tempo.
Ruck	—	Breakdown Skills	Phase formed after a tackle when players bind over the ball on their feet to contest possession.	Quick ball relies on clean entry angles, low body positions, and clear-out support.
Maul	—	Breakdown Skills	Body-on-body contest where the ball carrier is held up and teammates bind on to drive forward.	Commonly launched from lineouts to chew territory or draw in defenders.
Cleanout	—	Breakdown Skills	Technique of removing opposition defenders from the ruck by driving them past the ball.	Focus on targeting the hips, staying square, and keeping support players on their feet.
Counter-Ruck	—	Breakdown Skills	Defensive surge through the breakdown that drives the attacking support off the ball to win possession.	Best when defenders stay on feet and target isolated ball carriers.
Jackal Steal	—	Breakdown Skills	Turnover won by a defender who releases, latches onto the ball, and lifts or rips it away at the ruck.	Requires strong base, quick hands, and support sweeping in to protect the steal.
Latch	—	Breakdown Skills	Support player who binds onto the ball carrier before contact to add momentum and protect possession.	Must stay on feet and enter through the gate to avoid penalties for obstruction or side entry.
Maul Sack	—	Breakdown Skills	Legal tactic where defenders wrap the ball carrier in a maul and bring them to ground to create a turnover scrum.	Timing is critical—defenders must stop forward momentum before dragging the carrier to ground.
Box Kick	—	Kicking Options	High, hanging kick delivered by the scrum-half near the breakdown to regain territory or contest possession.	Executed with tight chasing lines to pressure the catcher and force errors.
Grubber Kick	—	Kicking Options	Low skidding kick kept along the ground to exploit space behind the defensive line.	Ideal on wet pitches or when wings rush up hard, making the ball difficult to field.
Drop Goal	DG	Kicking Options	Three-point score by dropping the ball and kicking it as it rises from the ground during open play.	Valuable late in halves or when defenses refuse to concede tries.
Penalty Goal	PG	Kicking Options	Three-point attempt from a penalty where the kicker places or drops the ball and aims for the posts.	Captains weigh scoreboard pressure, angle, and wind before calling for the posts.
Conversion Kick	CV	Kicking Options	Two-point kick taken in line with where a try was scored, using a tee or drop kick toward the uprights.	Goal kickers manage tempo, routine, and wind to keep percentages high.
Chip Kick	—	Kicking Options	Delicate kick lifted just over the defensive line for the attacker or a chaser to regather.	Useful when defenders rush hard with no sweeper covering the backfield.
Cross-Field Kick	—	Kicking Options	Diagonal kick that targets the opposite wing to exploit mismatches or space.	Requires accurate weight, wide support, and a contestable target in the air.
Up and Under	—	Kicking Options	High hanging kick designed to allow the chasing team to arrive as the catcher receives the ball.	Essential that kick chase lines stay onside and compete legally in the air.
50:22 Kick	—	Kicking Options	Law variation where a team kicking from inside their own half finds touch inside the opposition 22 and retains the lineout throw.	Fullbacks and fly-halves target grass with low trajectory kicks to exploit backfield vacuums.
Spiral Punt	—	Kicking Options	Long clearance kick struck with a spiral flight to maximize distance and hang time.	Fullbacks use it to relieve pressure but must chase or align defense for the counterattack.
Advantage	ADV	Laws & Interpretations	Referee allows play to continue after an infringement to see if the non-offending team gains benefit.	If no territorial or tactical gain occurs, play returns to the original infringement.
Knock-On	—	Laws & Interpretations	Ball is lost forward off the hands or arms, resulting in a scrum to the opposition.	Weather and poor handling technique increase the likelihood of this turnover.
Offside Line	—	Laws & Interpretations	Imaginary line parallel to the goal line that players must stay behind depending on the phase of play.	Crossing early concedes penalties, so defenses cue off the hindmost foot or kicker.
Forward Pass	—	Laws & Interpretations	Illegal pass that travels forward relative to the ball carrier, resulting in a scrum to the opposition.	Officials judge the hands and momentum of the passer rather than the ball's flight alone.
Held Up	—	Laws & Interpretations	Occurs when an attacker is prevented from grounding the ball in-goal, leading to a goal-line dropout under current laws.	Ball carriers fight to stay square and reach for the line, while defenders target the ball to hold it up.
Mark	—	Laws & Interpretations	Free kick awarded when a player catches the ball cleanly inside their own 22 and calls 'mark'.	Allows the catching team to slow play, reset shape, or find touch safely.
Goal-Line Drop-Out	—	Laws & Interpretations	Restart taken from the goal line with a drop kick when attackers are held up or the ball is grounded in-goal by defenders.	Teams kick long and high to chase territory, while opponents organize counter-attack structures.
Loosehead Prop	1	Player Positions	Front-row forward who scrummages on the left side, providing stability and working in tandem with the hooker.	Requires strong neck technique, low body position, and work rate in tight carries and tackles.
Hooker	2	Player Positions	Central front-rower responsible for striking for the ball in scrums and throwing accurately at lineouts.	Needs precision throwing mechanics, strong core, and mobility to link with loose forwards.
Tighthead Prop	3	Player Positions	Anchor of the scrum on the right side, facing heavy pressure from the opposition loosehead.	Demands powerful set-piece technique, disciplined body angles, and close-quarter carrying ability.
Lock	4/5	Player Positions	Tall second-row forwards who provide lineout jumping options, scrum power, and ruck presence.	Need aerial timing, engine to hit multiple breakdowns, and mauling technique.
Blindside Flanker	6	Player Positions	Physical loose forward who patrols the short side, stopping carries and securing defensive collisions.	Combines with locks on defensive mauls and provides heavy carries near the ruck.
Openside Flanker	7	Player Positions	Mobile loose forward who hunts turnovers at the breakdown and links with the backline.	Needs elite fitness, low tackling technique, and breakdown timing.
Number Eight	8	Player Positions	Back-row leader who controls the ball at the base of the scrum and provides a powerful carrying option.	Links forwards and backs, launching off the base or acting as a distributor in pod systems.
Scrum-Half	9	Player Positions	Link player delivering quick ball from the base of rucks, scrums, and mauls to launch the attack.	Demands sharp service, sniping runs, and vocal control of forwards.
Fly-Half	10	Player Positions	Primary playmaker who directs attack shape, distributes passes, and manages kicking strategy.	Requires calm decision-making, accurate passing, and communication with forwards and backs.
Inside Centre	12	Player Positions	Midfield back who combines power running with distribution to link forwards and the wider backs.	Often acts as first receiver off set pieces, calling crash or distributing options.
Outside Centre	13	Player Positions	Explosive runner who attacks the outside channel, defends the edge, and links with wings.	Relies on footwork, defensive reads, and timing with the inside centre.
Left Wing	11	Player Positions	Speed finisher stationed on the left touchline tasked with finishing overlaps and covering backfield kicks.	Must stay connected with fullback on backfield coverage while timing kick chases.
Right Wing	14	Player Positions	Wide back who finishes opportunities on the right flank and contests high kicks.	Tracks opposition kicking patterns, supports midfield breaks, and stays width for counterattack.
Fullback	15	Player Positions	Last line of defense who fields kicks, directs the backfield, and sparks counterattacks.	Requires positional sense, aerial skills, and long kicking to flip territory.
Yellow Card	YC	Penalties & Sanctions	Temporary suspension for serious infringements where the player spends ten minutes in the sin bin.	Forces teams to defend with fourteen players, altering tactics until the offender returns.
High Tackle	—	Penalties & Sanctions	Illegal tackle making contact above the shoulders, often leading to penalties or cards.	World Rugby's head-contact framework evaluates mitigation before deciding sanction.
Not Releasing	—	Penalties & Sanctions	Offense penalized for failing to release the ball or tackler immediately after contact.	Defenders contesting a turnover must show a clear release before playing the ball.
Offside Penalty	—	Penalties & Sanctions	Called when players advance ahead of the offside line at rucks, mauls, or kicks before being put onside.	Teams emphasize retreating with the hindmost foot and staying connected to avoid cheap territory losses.
Not Rolling Away	—	Penalties & Sanctions	Penalty against a tackled player or tackler who fails to clear the ball area quickly after contact.	Coaches demand urgency to regain feet and roll toward the sideline to show clear release.
Side Entry	—	Penalties & Sanctions	Penalty for entering a ruck or maul from the side instead of through the gate behind the hindmost foot.	Support players must square shoulders and enter straight to avoid conceding easy penalties.
Obstruction	—	Penalties & Sanctions	Occurs when a player without the ball blocks or impedes a defender's chance to tackle the ball carrier.	Decoy runners must hold lines without drifting into defenders to stay legal.
Deliberate Knock-On	—	Penalties & Sanctions	Penalty when a defender deliberately bats the ball forward to stop a pass instead of attempting a catch.	Often results in a yellow card if it stops a probable try-scoring opportunity.
Territory Game	—	Team Strategy	Strategic focus on gaining field position through tactical kicking and pressure defense.	Common in wet conditions where handling risk is high and set-piece dominance is expected.
Strike Move	—	Team Strategy	Pre-planned attacking pattern executed from a stable platform like a scrum or lineout.	Aims to exploit scouting intel on defensive habits with timing and deception.
Forward Pods	—	Team Strategy	Structured grouping of forwards into small units that run off the scrum-half to maintain shape.	Creates multiple passing options and quick tip-on plays to keep defenders guessing.
Counter-Attack	—	Team Strategy	Immediate attack launched from turnovers or kick receptions before the defense sets its line.	Requires back three communication, support lines, and decision-making between kick or pass.
Quick Tempo	—	Team Strategy	Style that prioritizes rapid ruck speed, minimal set-up, and continuous play to fatigue defenses.	Demands deep bench impact and accurate decision-making from halfbacks under pace.
Power Game	—	Team Strategy	Approach built on dominant carries, mauls, and scrums to wear down opponents physically.	Suited to wet conditions or when pack size offers an edge in collisions.
Expansive Game	—	Team Strategy	Philosophy that keeps the ball in hand, spreading play to both edges with offloads and quick hands.	Requires high skill execution, fit forwards, and communication to identify overlaps.
Kick Pressure	—	Team Strategy	Strategy of kicking contestable balls and flooding the chase line to pressure the catcher.	Pairs with disciplined onside alignment and breakdown pressure to force turnovers.
Scoreboard Pressure	—	Team Strategy	Tactical emphasis on taking easy points through penalties and drop goals to keep the opponent chasing.	Often chosen in finals or tight matches where minimizing risk outweighs chasing tries.
Meters Carried	—	Performance Metrics	Total ground gained by a player or team while carrying the ball in open play.	Highlights ball-carrying threats and effectiveness of attacking shape.
Tackle Completion	—	Performance Metrics	Percentage of attempted tackles successfully made by a player or team.	Drop in this metric indicates fatigue, poor spacing, or dominant ball carriers.
Clean Breaks	—	Performance Metrics	Number of times an attacker beats the last line of defense and enters open field without immediate contact.	Signals attacking sharpness and the ability to convert opportunities into scoring chances.
Turnovers Won	—	Performance Metrics	Count of possessions won back through steals at the breakdown, interceptions, or forced errors.	Reflects defensive pressure and accuracy of jackal threats across the field.
Penalties Conceded	—	Performance Metrics	Number of penalties a team gives up, indicating discipline and its impact on territory or score.	High counts signal pressure relief for opponents and potential card risks.
Possession Percentage	—	Performance Metrics	Share of match time a team controls the ball, measured as a percentage of total minutes.	Helps evaluate tempo control, yet must be paired with territory to judge dominance.
Territory Percentage	—	Performance Metrics	Proportion of match time spent in the opposition half, indicating territorial control.	High territory with low possession suggests an effective kicking game and defensive pressure.
Ruck Speed	—	Performance Metrics	Average time between a tackle being completed and the ball leaving the ruck.	Coaches target sub-three-second speed to stretch defenses and maintain tempo.
Red Zone Efficiency	—	Performance Metrics	Measures how often visits inside the opposition 22 result in points.	High territory with poor red zone efficiency highlights execution issues near the try line.
Kicks in Play	—	Performance Metrics	Number of tactical kicks executed during open play, excluding restarts and place kicks.	Helps analyze territory strategies and kick pressure applied to backfield units.
Lineout Success	—	Performance Metrics	Percentage of own lineout throws won cleanly by the throwing team.	Critical for maintaining attacking platforms; drops invite opposition pressure on set pieces.
Scrum Success	—	Performance Metrics	Percentage of scrums won on own feed without conceding penalties or turnovers.	Key benchmark for front-row performance and overall set-piece stability.