De-runting the backline

[DPK]

AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) is a dominant runner inside the opposition 22 - he just needs to learn to do the same thing from further out, when a try isn't necessarily on offer. It can only be a mental thing.

This should come as the backline become further consolidated in their positions and get more experience as a whole backline.

Also, AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)'s try against the AB's in Hong Kong showed the crash-bang running that everyone is pining for. Broke the line and then powered home to score. But, IMO most importantly, he showed more pace than Morty has and also did a number with his footwork on Jane.

To sum up; AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) is da man for the Wob's at 13 in attack.

 

[RugbyReg]

I've come to the conclusion that AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) is no where near the man Morty was. He prove to be an excellent player, I think he has the potential to be. But I can't see him having the power that Morty had. I've watched a few old Morty matches of late and he was so hard to stop. A real line bender/breaker. AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) aint that by any means. Once in a while, but not with the consistency of Morty.

 

[qwerty51]

AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) also can't make dominant tackles - a big issue imo

 

[Slim 293]

For my mind AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) is a player that must be on the park for the whole match...

So if he's not at outside centre then he's on the wing with Ioane on the other...

 

[Train Without a Station]

Size certainly isn't everything, but at the end of the day, the top test nations have players with heart, size, technique and skill in their backlines. No matter how 'big' a player the size of say, Rob Horne plays, the bigger guy with all the same attributes is always going to get it over him in the contact. While size shouldn't be the only factor it needs to be considered because international players are getting bigger and bigger, and Australia is getting left behind. In this day and age players that are over 190cm and 105+kg now have the speed and agility of smaller players like a JOC (James O'Connor).

 

[Viking]

Lots of debate over size and strength, Digby Ioane has got to be in the team for that very reason. 1st choice winger 100% of the time. Then there's Genia, Cooper who looks to have the halves for RWC. Beale for fullback.

Which only leaves the centre's and another wing spot up for discussion. At the moment I feel AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) deserves a spot. Then the 2 other players will be chosen on Super 15 form. Lets hope they are big and strong, realistically the only players that are likely to be picked are Shepard & Chambers. Shepards got experience and theres been lots of talk about Chambers. Id like to see Horne at 12 with Chambers 13 AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) 14.

 

[Jethro Tah]

On Digby in general, should he return from injury and continue his form from last years internationals and this years Super 14 then yes he should be in the 1st XV. Forget not, however, that we all assumed Genia would do the same and he hasn't. And how will Morty, Horne and Chambers go on full return from injury? Fingers crossed folks.

On whether size counts, the Wallabies best ever centre combo IMO of Horan Little would only just get onto RR's list of potentials on purely weight and height. It's what between the ears and the size of the ticker that counts most.

Due to the fact that we are discussing the subject, there aren't obvious solutions (and also because Deans can make an odd decision at times). Come selection time next year, the Super Rugby (see what I did there, Mr Timms: Super Rugby not Super 15) form of the candidates will be crucial. So I think a better debate should be who of RR's list do we think will have a good year , regardless of size. For mind, the incumbents of AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) & Barnes and backups Chambers & A Finger and dark horses of Cross & McCabe. Sadly, I think neither Morty or Horne will not fully recover in time.

 

[Johnny Blaze]

Size can be an advantage but I also think smaller players with a bit of ticker is just as effective eg. Horne, A.Fainga'a. If size is the preferred requirement then maybe the backline could be:

9. Genia
10. Cooper
11. Mitchell
12. Fainga'a
13. Chambers
14. Ioane
15. AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)/ Beale

16. Giteau
17. Beale/ AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)

IMO fullback is AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)'s best position and he should either start at 15. or come off the bench with Beale starting. Fingers and Chambers for their combination although maybe too inexperienced. Not much chance of this backline though.

 

[Slim 293]

Mortlock looked sluggish at the start of this year before he got injured... I'm not expecting much...

Horne's continuous run of injuries is disappointing because he's looked the best of the bunch during the Super 14...

AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) would have to be the favourite for outside centre at this point... but he needs to get more ball... he's one of our most dangerous backline players and since shifting to outside centre seems to only receive the ball a few times a game to crash it up... it's a waste of his talents...

 

[Groucho]

Size can be an advantage but I also think smaller players with a bit of ticker is just as effective eg. Horne, A.Fainga'a. If size is the preferred requirement then maybe the backline could be:

9. Genia
10. Cooper
11. Mitchell
12. Fainga'a
13. Chambers
14. Ioane
15. AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)/ Beale

16. Giteau
17. Beale/ AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)

IMO fullback is AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)'s best position and he should either start at 15. or come off the bench with Beale starting. Fingers and Chambers for their combination although maybe too inexperienced. Not much chance of this backline though.

Fainga'a and Chambers in, Beale out? AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) the best fullback, and fullback his best position?

Hmm, these were the Reds fans' arguments during the S14. Are we in a time warp here?

 

[Lindommer]

Horne is 186 and 88

Yeah, that's from the Tahs' website. Mention was made in the press somewhere or other Rob's physical problems were exacerbated by a growth spurt over the last 18 months: he went from 5'10" to 6'4". That's from 178 to 193cm. Be good to know what his true physical dimensions are.

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

He doesn't look anywhere near 193cm to me.

 

[naza]

On whether size counts, the Wallabies best ever centre combo IMO of Horan Little would only just get onto RR's list of potentials on purely weight and height. It's what between the ears and the size of the ticker that counts most.

Jason Little lost his test spot to the bigger and more physical Daniel Herbert. That was after the world's best centre combination was toasted by Frank Bunce's power. Little subsequently worked his way closer to 100 kgs and was used more at 12 and wing than outside centre.

Selectors just have to think like defenders. Who would you rather not have to tackle ? Ma'a Nonu or Berrick 'Sookface' Barnes ? Pretty easy call. All I want for Chirstmas is a powerhouse 12 who can bust tackles and offload. But I'm one of these crazy bastards who prefers phase ball from offloads instead of static ruck ball & cross field kicks.

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

Constant bash and barge without any ball playing skills won't win you games of rugby any more. The defences are too organised for that these days, especially with forwards fanning out across the paddock. There will always be a place for the creative player who unlocks said defences, just as there will be for the crasher. In the same way that we can't go with a back line full of midgets, we shouldn't go with an oversized set of gorillas either. There has to be a balance.

But I get back to my original question: what style of footy do we want the Wallabies to play? Who plays that style then follows.

 

[Slim 293]

How about we just pick the best players available?

That's why I don't rate Chambers yet... he hasn't done enough at a Super level yet to be anywhere near a test spot...

 

[Groucho]

Size certainly isn't everything, but at the end of the day, the top test nations have players with heart, size, technique and skill in their backlines. No matter how 'big' a player the size of say, Rob Horne plays, the bigger guy with all the same attributes is always going to get it over him in the contact. While size shouldn't be the only factor it needs to be considered because international players are getting bigger and bigger, and Australia is getting left behind. In this day and age players that are over 190cm and 105+kg now have the speed and agility of smaller players like a JOC (James O'Connor).

If you compare Australia and New Zealand, the only backline position in which they have a significant size advantage (unless JOC (James O'Connor) plays) is in the centres. When Smith plays it is only Nonu that is substantially larger than his opponent.

France have picked a big backline for this weekend, but it is far from their first choice backline. You would not see this huge 10/12/13 axis if they were playing a Six Nations match - indeed you might not see any of them in the run on team.

The idea that we should pick a big backline because other nations have big backlines is an error. However, the current game seems to require a big 12. Many of the good commentators, like Dwyer, have talked about this particular point.

 

[Train Without a Station]

On whether size counts, the Wallabies best ever centre combo IMO of Horan Little would only just get onto RR's list of potentials on purely weight and height. It's what between the ears and the size of the ticker that counts most.

It's probably fair to say they were. In their prime in about 1991. Since the advent of full time professionalism and evolution of training methods I'd imagine all oppositions would be larger, quicker and more agile than they were in 1991.

 

[disco]

Interestingly the Rebels have considerable size across the board. As Lee and Gagger have noted, perhaps they've forecast the step back to a more uncompromising style of back play?

MacQueen likes his backs big.

I still like the backline Austin put out on another thread.
9.Genia
10.Cooper
11.Ioane
12.Barnes
13.Chambers
14.AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)
15.Beale

A fully fit Cameron Shepherd could be a darkhorse especially if takes on the goal kicking duties again.

 

[Richo]

Is there such a thing as a "fully fit Cameron Shepherd"?

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

Unfortunately for poor old Shep, he's probably not going to play a lot more test footy. His body just doesn't seem to be strong enough.