A rugby union team consists of 15 players, eight forwards numbered 1 to 8, and seven backs, numbered 9 to 15. Depending upon the competition, there may be up to 7 replacements.
The main role of the forwards is to gain and retain possession of the ball. They take part in set pieces of the scrum and the line-out. Generally, forwards are larger than the backs, which makes them stronger but slower. Forwards also have a role in taking the ball forwards, but generally do so by driving into the opposing forwards.
The role of the backs is to move the game forward by running or kicking the ball. The fly-half controls how to do this. The backs tend to score more tries. The backs tend to be smaller than the forwards and as a result more agile and faster, but less strong.
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The role of the full back is primarily defensive; In defence, he (or she) acts to collect kicks by the opposition. Having taken a kick, the full back may counter-attack or punt forwards, so good kicking skills are required. In attack, the full back is often positioned behind the back line and runs into the back line at pace. The full back is also the last line of defence, so good tackling skills are required.
The wings often act as additional full backs on opposition kicks.
Notable wings include Christian Cullen (New Zealand) and JPR Williams (Wales and British Lions)
The wings are often the quickest members of the team, who act as "finishers" to finish movements by scoring tries.
Notable wings include Jonah Lomu (New Zealand), David Campese (Australia) and Rory Underwood (England and British Lions)
Notable outside centres include Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland and British and Irish Lions) and Jeremy Guscott (England and British and Irish Lions)
The inside centre, also known as the second 5/8th back to reflect its role. Some of the skills of the fly-half such as distribution and kicking can be advantageous. The 12 may be expected to act as a fly-half if the normal fly-half is involved in a ruck or maul. The "Crash ball" move consists of this player running straight into the opposing defensive line, using strength and power to gain ground.
Notable inside centres include Scott Gibbs (Wales and British Lions).
Notable fly-halves include Joel Stransky (South Africa), Andrew Mehrtens (New Zealand) and Jonny Wilkinson (England and British Lions).
Notable scrum-halves include Rob Howley (Wales and British Lions), George Gregan (Australia) and Joost van der Westhuizen (South Africa).
Notable loosehead props include Jason Leonard (England and British Lions).
Notable hookers include Sean Fitzpatrick (New Zealand) and Keith Wood (Ireland and British Lions)
Notable locks include John Eales (Australia), Martin Johnson (England and British Lions) and Colin Meads (New Zealand)
Notable blindsides include Guy Ross (Wests, Presidents XV, Wellington, New Zealand).
Notable opensides include Neil Back (England and British Lions) and Josh Kronfeld (New Zealand)
Notable number eights include Zinzan Brooke (New Zealand) and Dean Richards (England and British Lions.