Fly half a pivitol position? It's just a myth.

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I still think that the 10 position is no more important than the other 1-15. All positions have tactical specialties, not just ten. Doesn't matter if your 10 is Dan Carter. If 1-9 isn't functioning well then it's irrelevant.

9 and 12 are just as specialist as 10.10 does the tactical kicking, 9 does the passing and sometimes kicking. The 15 does tactical kicking. The sooner we stop thinking of 10 as a special position the better. Once all the players raise their game the fly half is just another number. Wales were so good across the park vs England that Biggar didn't stand out. That's how it should be.

You don't need a long serving world class 10 to have a great team.
Look at Wales. 4 championships and 3 slams in 8 years. 4 fly halves...

2005 - Jones
2008 - Hook
2012 - Priestland
2013 - Biggar

The problem with the 9 theory is that Carter has operated without a world class halfback throughout his career. They've all had their moments (Cowan having the least) and yet the control of the NZ backline hasn't been too much of a problem. Obviously the halfback is a vital link but a flyhalf is the one who controls things more.

I wonder if these comments come because there have been so few world class fly halves in recent times compared to the number of half backs.

I'm going to give this thread a 10

kiakahaaotearoa wrote:The problem with the 9 theory is that Carter has operated without a world class halfback throughout his career. They've all had their moments (Cowan having the least) and yet the control of the NZ backline hasn't been too much of a problem. Obviously the halfback is a vital link but a flyhalf is the one who controls things more.

I wonder if these comments come because there have been so few world class fly halves in recent times compared to the number of half backs.

Em...New Zealand is forbidden from being part of this discussion as they operate in a world of their own

Well NZ always places a big emphasis on the flyhalf position so I think their inclusion is all the more valid.

I always wanted to see a Tri nations lions, Gregan with Carter....semi-on just thinking about it

If you are talking fly Half as in lions tour fly half. Then i would say having wafched the Leinster v Wasp game the other day that the 10 is more than a Myth.

And the guy who played 10 for Leinster, Madigan may well have played him self into the Lions selection for the 10 shirt.

Think you'll find that the leading sides of most competitions have very influential 10's.

In the sxv Leilefano for the Brumbies, Cooper for the Reds and Foley at the tahs all in top form and all 3 are attacking 10's. One of those 3 will be at 10 vs the Lions.

In NZ Cruden, Carter Barrett and Noakes are similar. SA have Lambie at the Sharks and Stormers have Jantjies. Cheetahs had Goosen but Burton Francis won the match for them this morning. SA havnt gone as far as they could with attacking 10's but are getting there.

The 6N 2013 version was notorious for its lack of attack and innovation from 10 and I would say unique in World rugby, by all accounts the NH club sides thriving under more active 10 play.

BL and Gatland were at the Leinster match? Perhaps Madigan might be the player theyre looking for but without recent international form...unlikely. Perhaps its time to be bold.

Worse case scenario...Farrell at 10 and a non attacking 1/2p at 15.

agree taylor. cant see farrell changing from his normal game .

biggar can play an attacking game if thats what the game plan is. he is far more involved in all aspects of the game than farrell.

but will lions play gatlands welsh tactics ?

gavstar wrote:agree taylor. cant see farrell changing from his normal game .

biggar can play an attacking game if thats what the game plan is. he is far more involved in all aspects of the game than farrell.

but will lions play gatlands welsh tactics ?

I really hope not, they should play by tactics specific to the strengths of the players selected and the weaknesses of the Australians