Balancing Your Backrow

[Scott Allen]

When selecting a backrow I believe you've got to get the balance right and my views on the role of each player are:

• #6 - must be one of your front line lineout jumpers together with your two locks - should be the only wide running forward, call them a seagull if you like but they should be the player that is a dynamic ball runner who can operate on the fringes - that means they will do less work in the tight than your other two backrowers but should be the first forward into the wider rucks in both attack and defence (if they're not the ball carrier) - this also helps to shore up your wide defence - in attack they must work closely with the backs;
• #7 - must live on the ball in both attack and defence and therefore needs to be the most mobile forward you have - in defence they should be the next man in after the tackler to try and steal the ball or at least slow down delivery for the opposition - even if they are not a pilferer they need to get into rucks early to disrupt opposition ball - in attack they need to stay close to the big ball runners in the pack to look for offloads but also to be ready to be the first into a ruck to make sure the opposition cannot disrupt your ball - I like to measure how many times a #7 is first into rucks in attack and if they are not achieving the highest numbers in the forward pack for this I don't consider they're doing their job well enough - also useful if they can be a link player between the forwards and backs - from set piece they must target the opposition #10;

When the ball is moved wider it will get out to #6 who is running wider - with #7 following the ball as it's moved wider meaning there will be two forwards to help the backs retain the ball at any breakdown allowing most of the forwards to re-align straight back from the previous breakdown to provide width for the next phase to bring the ball back towards them. This combination between #6 and #7 is very important to help achieve width in your attack.

• #8 - your big, heavy ball runner who works in tight trying to go through the middle of the opposition and dent the line - similarly in defence they should be working in tight looking to make dominant tackles on the opposition forwards so they don't get over the gain line.

You need four lineout jumpers to provide the necessary flexibility to overcome a good defensive lineout so one of your #7 and #8 will need to be that fourth jumper. Ideally you don't want to use your #7 as a jumper because they're better to be on the ground to follow the ball into your own backline or to pressure the opposition #10.

Getting the balance right between these three players is more important than many people think - hence the reason that playing dual #7's rarely works (except later in games when the other forwards are tiring).

Whilst it's still early in the year and things may change in the next eight weeks before the first squad is selected, when it comes to Wallaby selections I'd be going with #6 MMM, #7 Smith and #8 Palu to achieve the balance I've discussed above and also for the experience they all provide.

I'd go with Mowen and Gill as the bench options because Mowen can cover #6 and #8 well and Gill is in the better form over Hooper so far this year. MMM could move into lock when Mowen came on.

 

[cyclopath]

Great post, Scott Allen.
I'm liking the return of McMenimen this year, and that backrow with bench options looks about the best balance for my money.
I'm positive about our pack come Test time, provided we keep players on the park till then.

 

[Scott Allen]

Just reviewing that first post of mine and thought it worthwhile to point out that although I advocate the #6 being a seagull and doing less work in the tight, their level of work should not be less than the other two backrowers, just that their work is done wider.

 

[The Red Baron]

I have to agree with that Scott, although sometimes people tend to get playing wide mixed up with 'hanging out on the wing'. If your 6 is playing out near the wingers, then he will not be effective as he should be. I suppose that is the distinction between playing loose and seagulling.

I might add though, a good 6 should be able to effectively counter-ruck on the fringes also, especially if he has the 7 right up his arse. It is something I have really noticed from Mowen this year. Regardless of whether he is at 6 or 8, he will often instigate the counter ruck.

 

[Scott Allen]

I agree Baron - easier to counter ruck against most backs so good opportunities do arise. If #6 is doing their job properly and is into a wide ruck early they should be in a good position to counter ruck.

Yes, playing on the wing is generally too wide - between the centres is a better width.

 

[qwerty51]

I think you have nailed it Scott. My starting backrow would be Mowen Gill Palu with McMeniman and Hooper the non-front row reserves.

 

[Bowside]

Building on the OP I think there are secondary qualities that can make a good backrow a great one.

In a 6 - Abrasiveness can really add a lot to the pack.
In a 7 - you can't go past speed and 'rugby' smarts.
In an 8 - a good set of hands, especially in the tight when under pressure.

 

[Dumbledore]

Scott, do you think there's a case to be made for Auelua to start at 8 given Palu's injury issues?

Think it's a bit harsh on Hooper as well. He was our best player by a distance last season. Think his ball-running off the bench in the last twenty could be an absolute game-changer as well. Still, with Smith, Hooper and Gill all playing as well as they are someone is going to be disappointed.

 

[Scott Allen]

Scott, do you think there's a case to be made for Auelua to start at 8 given Palu's injury issues?

Think it's a bit harsh on Hooper as well. He was our best player by a distance last season. Think his ball-running off the bench in the last twenty could be an absolute game-changer as well. Still, with Smith, Hooper and Gill all playing as well as they are someone is going to be disappointed.

Yes on Auelua but would prefer more experience in the starting role so if Paul doesn't get back on the park or does but doesn't hit form I'd prefer Mowen at #8 with Auelau as a bench option competing with Higgers for that spot on the bench.

Very harsh on Hooper but if Smith is available surely he must start so one of Hooper or Gill would have to miss out. Hooper is currently playing nowhere near as well as he did last year and nowhere as well as Gill. His workrate at the breakdown is well off the pace and I rate that the number one attribute for a #7.

If Smith's in then at some point the coach will have to make the hard call on which of the young guys misses out. A good position to be in as there will no doubt be injuries in the lead up to the series and during it.

 

[Braveheart81]

Very harsh on Hooper but if Smith is available surely he must start so one of Hooper or Gill would have to miss out. Hooper is currently playing nowhere near as well as he did last year and nowhere as well as Gill. His workrate at the breakdown is well off the pace and I rate that the number one attribute for a #7.

Surely this gap is closing week by week from the start of the season.

Hooper has been close to the Waratahs best in the last few games and was just about MOTM against the Force (didn't see whether it was him or AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)).

Gill went off injured just after half time against the Highlanders.

I definitely agree that Gill's form in the first few rounds was much better than Hooper's but I feel like this gap is closing every week. If they are close to parity, Hooper will surely get the nod on the basis of how well played for the Wallabies in 2012.

 

[Dumbledore]

Fair enough on Auelua, I was thinking he's the closest like-for-like replacement for Palu we've got. On recent form I'd argue he's an upgrade, but it is hard to know how Soup form will translate to Tests.

I think Hooper is going to get better as the season goes on. He had a immense and insanely long Test season last year. Think it's quite similar to how a lot of the All Black stars play Super Rugby. Guys like Read, Carter, Woodcock, Nonu etc. really don't come out of the gates firing. Takes them a while to build into the season. Not trying to talk Gill down, I really wouldn't have a problem with either of them, I just think Hooper was so good last year he has to fall quite a way to lose his spot.

Agree entirely on Smith. Has to be there. And on current form I wouldn't want Higgers anywhere near the team, although in saying that I didn't want him in the team last year either.

 

[Richo]

Higgers fills certain of Scott's characteristics well but not enough of them. He's a dangerous ball run and does in that wider zone, but he doesn't seem to get through enough work out there. That said, I haven't been able to bring myself to watch much of the Rebels this year!

 

[suckerforred]

Dear Scott,

Do you have a coaching gig? Do you want a coaching gig?

Seriously, isn't it a great position to be in that our first pick Openside gets injured and we then start to have arguements about who is going to replace him rather than lament the loss of a key player. Personally I think that the choice is going to come down to the game that you want to play. If you feel that you need speed then someone like Hooper is going to be your man. If sneaky pilfering is more likely to be the requirement then you would take Gill any day. If you want a well rounded, flexible, adaptable fellow then pencil Smith in now. Personally I would start with either Hooper or Gill and have Smith coming off the bench as he provides more options later in the game. If Smith does start, I would be inclined to go with Gill on the bench purely because he seems to be able to get over the gain line more frequently than Hooper.

With regards to Blindside. I agree that they really need to be a lineout option. That is why I like Higgers at 6. Say what you like about his 'seagulling' he is a damn good jumper. But on form MMM is certainly killing it at the moment so I agree that he would be best. And Mowen has been performing very well this year. Higgers could also be a bench option as he too can cover 6 & 8.

As to 8....... Other than Palu & Auelua we do not have any others that play the big strong run-over-the-top-you players. So we need one of them. If Palu is not fit Start with Mowen at 8 & bring Auelua on in the last 15-20 mins to run straight at some very tired players.

My 2cents.

 

[Braveheart81]

Dear Scott,

Do you have a coaching gig? Do you want a coaching gig?

http://www.westsbulldogsrugby.com.au/premier-rugby/coaching

Yes. Assistant coach of Wests, Brisbane.

 

[Ignoto]

http://www.westsbulldogsrugby.com.au/premier-rugby/coaching

Yes. Assistant coach of Wests, Brisbane.

Unfortunately, Former. Scott Announced in the QLD Premier Rugby that he's had to move on http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/community/threads/qld-premier-rugby-2013.12066/page-27#post-463649

 

[Braveheart81]

Unfortunately, Former. Scott Announced in the QLD Premier Rugby that he's had to move on http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/community/threads/qld-premier-rugby-2013.12066/page-27#post-463649

Woops! I don't read the Qld Premier Rugby thread.

Well, I hope if Scott is looking for another coaching gig, potential employers are watching his excellent contributions to G&GR!

 

[fatprop]

I think the balance quotient will be made up by who will be the 6 to play along with Palu and Smith/Hooper.

Then what units will provide impact/cover from the bench.

The flexibility of Smith means he can cover 6/8 if needed so Hooper and say MMM can be to bench options with Mowen starting at 6

 

[terry j]

Thanks for starting this, hope to learn a bit.

I don't want to touch the lineout stuff, but from watching recent games (with the associated commentary) I have been wondering about this very topic! How did you know??

What I don't get is this 'insistence' on which number on the back does what. It may be purely coincidental? I mean why is that the number 6 has to be the wide runner and number 7 in tight, and number 8 the hard hitter up the middle. It is that sort of thing which I don't understand.

If those roles are required on the field, then would it not be sufficient that someone fills the role? Why is it that the number 7 can't be the seagull and vice versa. (if I got these numbers back to front at any stage bear with me m'k? Tis the concept I'm asking about)

Maybe it is because of which side of the scrum they pack??

I would have simply thunk it was a case of 'get the best guy on the field', in other words 'so what if there are two number 7's (or whatever)..if the second number 7 is 'better' than the usual 6, just put him in that position cause that part of the scrum has to pack, and let him rip'.

Let's say Pocock was not injured, and smith was available. Assuming pocock is the 'best' along with smith, why would you not play both?? (hearks back to your balance bit and I'm assuming that these two compete for the same spot)

Really looking forward to getting some insight on this, thanks ever so much for bringing it up.

(hope you understand my misunderstanding so the responses will help explain)

 

[kiap]

The flexibility of Smith means he can cover 6/8 if needed

Why settle for "cover" when you can have a player that brings the real balance that is needed?

No. Smith is a 7.

Pending ARU eligibility, he may be our first choice 7 but he is still a 7. Trying to play Smith and Waugh as test flankers should have put paid to ideas otherwise.

The choice is Smith or Gill or Hooper at 7.

 

[thierry dusautoir]

Surely this gap is closing week by week from the start of the season.

Hooper has been close to the Waratahs best in the last few games and was just about MOTM against the Force (didn't see whether it was him or AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)).

Gill went off injured just after half time against the Highlanders.

I definitely agree that Gill's form in the first few rounds was much better than Hooper's but I feel like this gap is closing every week. If they are close to parity, Hooper will surely get the nod on the basis of how well played for the Wallabies in 2012.

I think the gap may have closed marginally but hooper's form is nowehere near what it was last year, at this rate i would even have Alcock before him.