Swapping Props

[exmatelote]

Hi. Just read in the vs Wales player ratings that Kepu's performance dropped off when he swapped sides. Two questions.

Why on earth pick a prop on the wrong side in the first place, which I believe has happened a lot under Dingo.

Secondly, why swap him mid match?

My questions are serious, not trolling, what's the perceived benefit, assuming you are not covering an injury....?

 

[qwerty51]

Kepu played 80 mins.

 

[Slim 293]

Kepu played 80 mins and stayed on the tighthead side the entire match.......

 

[liquor box]

Hi. Just read in the vs Wales player ratings that Kepu's performance dropped off when he swapped sides. Two questions.

Why on earth pick a prop on the wrong side in the first place, which I believe has happened a lot under Dingo.

Secondly, why swap him mid match?

My questions are serious, not trolling, what's the perceived benefit, assuming you are not covering an injury..?

I am guessing that when this happens a player is percieved to be the best option availiable in the "other" position. I think it would be the same reason that you might decide to swap a normal winger to play centre, or a centre moving to the wing for a game. I dont personally like it, but we need to trust the coach and selectors that they are genuinely putting the best option in each position when required.

Of course it could also be due to injury and trying to avoid uncontested scrums.

Deans has got this very wrong in the past in my opinion, and the worst example was a recovering TPN returning to the field to play at prop in a comeback game and getting another injury, I think it was a Baa Baas game

 

[exmatelote]

Ok, guess i misread the article. I was reading it quickly in a conference when I am supposed to be concentrating on work, but the question stands.

Any opinions on Dingo's thoughts on the area still. The dark arts of the front row are something of a mystery to me.

 

[Slim 293]

Don't worry, I'm pretty sure that mistake was in the article...

 

[Jnor]

I originally thought he stayed on the same side but about three of the first four comments on the article mentioned the other way, so I changed it. I don't have Fox, so couldn't check for myself and took their word for it.

Never listen to anyone - sorry if I'm wrong.

 

[topo]

In answer to your original question, though, there are good reasons why this may occur. Teams have 3 props, 2 starting and 1 on the bench. Often 2 of the 3 are specialists one LHP and one THP and the third can play both sides (usually has a preference for one over the other). Say the Wallabies started with Robinson at LHP and Palmer at THP with Kepu on the bench . Robinson and Palmer are both specialists. Keps plays both but is better at THP. If Robinson gets injured or runs out of gas, Kepu will need to play LHP and the scrum may struggle as he won't be as good as Robinson on that side. Same if Alexander was on the bench and had to come on for Palmer at THP.
You used to see this a lot last year with the Rebels. They would start with Somerville at THP where he usually dominated. When Weeks came off the bench, he was a specialist THP and so Somerville moved to LHP where he was nowhere as good as he was at THP (but still fairly handy).
This is why guys like Kepu, BA and Slipper are so valuable to have as one of your 3 props.
There is talk of going to an 8 man bench with 2 props to remove the possibility of uncontested scrums at test level. This would obviously change things up a bit.

 

[What2040]

there is an absolute benefit to a team when you have props capable of going the 80. Kepu Slipper Alexander all fall into that category and probably can keep the intesity for thwe 80. the others like Robbo and Palmer can not

 

[teach]

And any prop that can play both sides of the scrum, one well and one at least competently, are worth their weight in gold.
There are not many that can.