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IMO, in recent times, the All Black backs always seemed to operate at their best when they had a creative player at 2nd 5/8, such as Aaron Mauger, or Dan Carter
Mauger in partuclar complemented Dan Carter well because while Carter is a predominantly left foot kicker, Mauger gave us a skilful right foot kicking option outside. Many a time, both for the Crusaders and the AB's I have seen him carve off huge amounts of territory with a "wipers" kick from 12. Making this kick from 12 instead of 10 often catches the opposition's back defense out as they have moved further forward once the 10 passes the ball, and as they accereate forwards, the attacking outside backs (who should be expecting the kick, have a real chance of pressuring the opposing openside wing and fullback. This can give them the opportunity to create a turnover.
Mauger also had the guile to "ghost" his way though a backline, where the "battering ram" approach often failed.
Having a very competent kicker at 12 is a necessity to counter the rush defence.
Mauger in partuclar complemented Dan Carter well because while Carter is a predominantly left foot kicker, Mauger gave us a skilful right foot kicking option outside. Many a time, both for the Crusaders and the AB's I have seen him carve off huge amounts of territory with a "wipers" kick from 12. Making this kick from 12 instead of 10 often catches the opposition's back defense out as they have moved further forward once the 10 passes the ball, and as they accereate forwards, the attacking outside backs (who should be expecting the kick, have a real chance of pressuring the opposing openside wing and fullback. This can give them the opportunity to create a turnover.
Mauger also had the guile to "ghost" his way though a backline, where the "battering ram" approach often failed.
Having a very competent kicker at 12 is a necessity to counter the rush defence.
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