David,

a very interesting question, and some equally interesting reasoning with it as well.

My view is that there's no right answer, it all depends on the players that you have, especially in the back line.

Are your backs able to break the tackle line and move up to the gain line or are they slow and are being caught on or near the tackle line?

Are all your forwards getting involved at the breakdown or are they making decisions on whether they're needed or not?

Do you have 1,2 or 3 strong strike runners in the backs that are being used to go forward?

How are your backs most effective at breaking the defence....penetrating or going around?

As with chain play or linking forwards with the backs, my intentions are always that the forwards should always support a backs move without getting in its way, unless we're trying to punch the ball upfield a few phases, in which case I believe its best for the forwards to run off the 9 or 10. The forwards should always be there in support of who is likely to be our last ball carrier before contact then offer support by taking a draw and pass or from an offload in the tackle.

I would suggest getting your forwards to run through the backs moves with the backs to see where they would be best to support from. That way the forwards will know where the next attack is directed and who the ball carriers will be, then they 'should' be quicker to support the next link or breakdown.

There maybe some ploys in which you could pull the FB into the play, drop the centre back to cover the FB and get the no.8 to take up at centre. Great for providing a mismatch, there's a ball winner in the vicinity if the inside player (from the no.8) takes the tackle and is unable to offload, but if you're able to get the ball to the 8, you have a big 'un running at a little 'un.

The key is to work on support from set piece, then the links should follow.

See what they think about it, they may just surprise you with their answers.