The openside flanker in rugby stands out for speed, grit, and a knack for winning the ball in the thick of things. This player lines up next to the number eight at the back of the scrum and, more often than not, claims the title of fastest forward on the field.
The openside flanker’s job is tough. They need to move quickly and also keep up the stamina to tackle and scrap for possession from the first whistle to the last.
If you’re watching a match, you’ll spot the openside flanker hovering around the action, especially at breakdowns and after tackles. Their relentless work rate and unique skills make them hard to miss—they’re crucial in both attack and defense.
Honestly, understanding what an openside flanker does helps you see why they’re different from other positions. This openside flanker position guide explains it well. If you’re curious about rugby tactics or just want to enjoy the game more, keeping an eye on the openside flanker is a smart move.
Role and Responsibilities of the Openside Flanker
The openside flanker’s main job is to fight for the ball, make tackles, and support both attack and defense with quick thinking. Mobility and sharp vision matter just as much as work rate.
Key Duties at the Breakdown
When a tackle happens and rucks or mauls form, the openside flanker jumps in first. They aim to grab the ball or shield it for their side. Those fast reactions can flip defense into attack in a heartbeat.
They go toe-to-toe with the opposition for loose balls, leaning on speed and muscle to lock down possession. Staying low and using the right body position really matters here.
Openside flankers help teammates by driving over the ball, making it safer for their team to keep the play going. Referees keep a close eye on them, so solid technique is non-negotiable—penalties at the breakdown can really sting.
If the openside keeps winning these battles, the team gets more ball and better field position. You can find more on the openside’s breakdown work in this rugby position guide.
Positioning and Support Play
Great openside flankers always seem to be in the right spot. They track where the ball’s headed, scanning for the next phase while keeping tabs on the current play.
They’ve got to be ready for offloads, run support lines, and offer themselves as an option for the scrum-half during set pieces. Quick instincts let them connect with both backs and forwards, which keeps the attack flowing.
You’ll see them covering ground all over the field, backing up teammates after breaks or joining running mauls. These moves keep the team’s tempo up and put real pressure on the opposition.
Want more details on what the openside flanker handles? Check out this article on opposite side play.
Tackling and Defensive Impact
When it comes to defense, the openside flanker’s tackling is huge. They focus on bringing down the ball-carrier before the other team can make ground.
Sharp, low tackles break up attacks and throw off the opposition’s rhythm. The flanker also hunts for mistakes—turnovers, sloppy passes, anything to disrupt the flow.
Their speed off the line means they can get to the first or second receiver fast, depending on where the play goes. That kind of pressure can kill attacking moves before they even start.
Solid defensive work from the flanker helps their team control territory and avoid giving up cheap points. If you want to dig deeper into the defensive side of things, here’s a breakdown of their key defensive duties.
Openside Flanker in Rugby Union Tactics
The openside flanker leads the way at the breakdown and helps keep the ball for their team. This role needs quick thinking, a sharp eye, and the ability to react in a split second.
Scrums and Set Piece Involvement
During scrums, the openside flanker (usually wearing number 7) binds on the side with more open space. Their job isn’t just to push—they break away fast and try to beat everyone to the next phase.
Many teams ask their openside to target the opposing halfback as soon as the ball pops out. The openside stays ready for loose balls, often scooping up possession if it squirts out unexpectedly.
At line-outs, they might jump if needed, but more often they support the jumper or chase the ball straight to the next ruck. After a scrum or line-out, they connect play from forwards to backs, sometimes acting as a ball carrier or a distributor.
Players like Richie McCaw and Michael Jones made their mark here, using anticipation and speed to change the game. Rugby Union has seen plenty of legends in this spot.
Relationship with Forwards and Backline
The openside flanker links the forwards with the backline. They work closely with the number eight, locks, and blindside flanker to win those physical battles.
When the attack breaks down or the ball turns over, the openside usually gets there first, either grabbing the ball or slowing the opposition’s ruck.
Communication really matters. The openside reads the play and knows when to join the centres, wings, or fullback—whether it’s time to attack or defend.
They support both the inside centre and the scrum-half, especially after set pieces, and often make important tackles in open play. Quick choices and trust with teammates let the openside cover ground, support line breaks, and mess with the other team’s plans.
Experienced coaches always stress this connection. It’s what lets teams flip from defense to attack without missing a beat.
Attributes of a Successful Openside Flanker
A top openside flanker stands out with speed, tackling ability, and sharp handling skills. You’ll often see them sprinting across the field, covering more ground than most other forwards.
Fitness and agility matter a lot in this position. These players need to anticipate attacking moves and react in an instant, so the role tends to attract the clever, quick-thinking types.
Ball-winning? That’s the heart of it. Opensides must attack the breakdown with bravery and precision, either turning over possession or tying up the ball for a turnover penalty.
Physical power helps, sure, but it’s not everything. If you look at legends like George Smith or McCaw, you’ll notice they relied on timing and technique even more than brute strength.
Leadership shows up a lot in great openside flankers. Plenty, like McCaw with the All Blacks, have worn the captain’s armband.
Modern opensides constantly study their opponents. They work on explosiveness and decision-making, often drawing inspiration from detailed position guides and standout players from New Zealand, Australia, France, and South Africa.
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