George Smith
Ted Thorn (20)
and also this may compliment your discussion for team composition....
What to look for in players
When eligibility and the selection criteria have been established and the selectors have been identified, the selectors need to focus on their mission - to select the best players. The following points are suggested to outline the 'best' players.
(i) Skill - individual position, unit, decision making.
To identify the skill of a player, a 'knowledge of the game' is very important. There are various checklists that can be used to make an assessment off players. If used (in whatever form), it should be agreed and understood by the selectors.
The selectors should look for the rugby specific individual skills that every player needs and then look at how they apply their skills to their respective positions, mini units, units, team. They should also display the relevant decision-making capabilities.
(ii) Physical conditioning relative to rugby and specific positions.
Selectors need to look at the physical conditioning of the players. To achieve a competitive standard of play, conditioning is a key ingredient. A general guide should be given and, where appropriate, benchmarks set for players to achieve. Consideration should be given for 'position specific' conditioning. For example, a front row forward will require different types of physical conditioning than a player on the wing.
(iii) Attitude
An attitude that encourages teamwork while achieving individual goals should be sought. However, the selectors need to outline the type of attitude they expect and how they can identify the type of attitude they are looking for. Selectors need to have the time and availability to watch trainings or matches and visit with coaches in order to recognise a worthwhile attitude.
(iv) Fulfill the team pattern, game plan
Can the player fulfill the team pattern? Is the player able to adjust to the game plan? This will be based primarily on the player's rugby skill and physical conditioning with their attitude being an underlying factor. An objective approach is good when determining if a player is able to fulfill the team pattern and game plan. The 'checklist' can help accomplish this approach. This allows the selector to present an unbiased report to a selection meeting on a player or players where it can then be subject to scrutiny.
(v) Development v Achievement
Most teams play to win. With this mentality it can often be difficult to work on the development of players to ensure a team can have a good player base and continue to be competitive from season to season
What to look for in players
When eligibility and the selection criteria have been established and the selectors have been identified, the selectors need to focus on their mission - to select the best players. The following points are suggested to outline the 'best' players.
(i) Skill - individual position, unit, decision making.
To identify the skill of a player, a 'knowledge of the game' is very important. There are various checklists that can be used to make an assessment off players. If used (in whatever form), it should be agreed and understood by the selectors.
The selectors should look for the rugby specific individual skills that every player needs and then look at how they apply their skills to their respective positions, mini units, units, team. They should also display the relevant decision-making capabilities.
(ii) Physical conditioning relative to rugby and specific positions.
Selectors need to look at the physical conditioning of the players. To achieve a competitive standard of play, conditioning is a key ingredient. A general guide should be given and, where appropriate, benchmarks set for players to achieve. Consideration should be given for 'position specific' conditioning. For example, a front row forward will require different types of physical conditioning than a player on the wing.
(iii) Attitude
An attitude that encourages teamwork while achieving individual goals should be sought. However, the selectors need to outline the type of attitude they expect and how they can identify the type of attitude they are looking for. Selectors need to have the time and availability to watch trainings or matches and visit with coaches in order to recognise a worthwhile attitude.
(iv) Fulfill the team pattern, game plan
Can the player fulfill the team pattern? Is the player able to adjust to the game plan? This will be based primarily on the player's rugby skill and physical conditioning with their attitude being an underlying factor. An objective approach is good when determining if a player is able to fulfill the team pattern and game plan. The 'checklist' can help accomplish this approach. This allows the selector to present an unbiased report to a selection meeting on a player or players where it can then be subject to scrutiny.
(v) Development v Achievement
Most teams play to win. With this mentality it can often be difficult to work on the development of players to ensure a team can have a good player base and continue to be competitive from season to season
