The backs are the faster, more athletic players that possess excellent passing and kicking abilities.
Scrum-half: The Scrum-half is the link between the forwards and the backs. They receive the ball from the
line-out and remove the ball from the back of the scrum, usually passing it to
the fly-half. They also feed the scrum and sometimes have to act as a fourth loose
forward. Along with the fly-half they
make many of the tactical decisions on the field. Traditionally scrum-halves have been
the smallest players on the team, but many modern scrum-halves are a similar
size to the other players in the team.
Fly-Half: A fly-half is crucial to a team's game plan; they possess leadership and order to the back line. They are usually the first to receive the ball from the scrum-half following a breakdown, line-out or scrum and need to be decisive with what actions to take and be effective at communicating with the outside backs. Good fly-halves are calm, clear thinking and have the vision to direct effective attacking plays. Fly-halves need good passing and kicking skills. The Fly-half is often the best kicker on the team.
Wings: Wingers are usually the fastest players on the team and are
either elusive runners or, more recently, big and strong and able to break tackles.
The skills needed for the left wing and right wing are similar, although
left-footed players are usually played on the left wing as they can step and
kick better off their left foot. The winger on the blindside often
"comes off the wing" to provide an extra man in the midfield, in the
same vein as a fullback. One or both wingers will usually drop back on opposition
kicks to give the fullback extra options for counterattacking.
Full Back: Fullbacks usually position themselves several meters behind the back line. They field any deep opposition kicks and are often the last line of defense, should an opponent break through the back line. On attack they can enter the back line, usually near the centres or wings, with the aim of providing an extra person and overlapping the defending players. Three of the most important attributes of a good fullback are good catching ability under a high kick, the ability to punt the ball a long distance with accuracy and the speed and skill to join in back line attacking moves, especially counter attacks.