Openside Meaning in Rugby Union

The openside refers to the larger side of the field relative to where a scrum or ruck is located. If the ball is near one sideline, the openside is the vast area stretching toward the opposite side. This is where most of the attacking action and creative passing happens because there is more room. The openside flanker is a specific player who specializes in covering this wide territory. They must be fast and agile to chase the ball wherever it goes. For example, a scrum-half will usually pass the ball to the openside to give his fast backs more space to run. This forces the defense to spread out and cover a much larger distance. It is the opposite of the blindside, which is the narrow corridor near the closest sideline. Strategically, teams want to get the ball to the openside to exploit gaps in the defensive line. It is the stage for the most exciting sprints and scoring plays in rugby. Beginners can identify it by looking for the side with the most players.