Is There A Difference Between 4 and 5

   
  1. #1
    Senior Member

    Scan's Avatar
    • Ireland
    • 111 posts
    • Joined: Jan 2012
    • From: Co. Meath
    Munster

    Is There A Difference Between 4 and 5

    Does anyone know if there's any real difference between the two second rows or are they exactly the same.

    All I can think of is that the 'enforcer' plays at 4 (e.g. Bakkies Botha) and the line-out specialist plays at 5 (e.g. Victor Matfield). I once heard someone call the number 5 the 'tight lock' and the other one the 'loose lock', but that doesn't make any sense.

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  3. #2
    Senior Member

    big ginger 8's Avatar
    • Ireland
    • 4,348 posts
    • Joined: Jul 2011
    British Irish Lions
    As you say 4 is the enforcer. He usually jumps at two is slightly shorter, hits more rucks, males the tight carries and generally pushes behind the tighthead.

    5 is a middle of the line jumper and usually the one calling the lineout. His general play is a bit looser.



  4. #3
    Senior Member

    Scan's Avatar
    • Ireland
    • 111 posts
    • Joined: Jan 2012
    • From: Co. Meath
    Munster
    Oh. I was right so. I thought there were probably a whole load of exceptions to the rule but when I was writing the thread I couldn't think of any.

    Thanks BG8.