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Rugby Union
International Test Matches
[EOYT] England vs New Zealand 16/11/13
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<blockquote data-quote="Darwin" data-source="post: 605359" data-attributes="member: 24910"><p>I have actually heard a number of people mention that Piutau should start at centre, but I agree with you that would be absolute madness. Starting someone in a key test match at centre who has not played any rugby in the postion would be suicide.... </p><p> </p><p>Centre is technically the most difficult position on defense - it can take some players years to master the position from a defensive point of view. Likewise a prime-requisite of a centre is a strong distribution game - something Piutau lacks. Indeed that is one of the few weaknesses in Piutau game (along with decision making - another area where a centre needs to excel). He can offload the ball, but this is really only used as a last resort after he has had a run himself. When Piutau gets the ball he doesn't think about setting up other players, he simply thinks about how he is going to beat the next man. That is exactly what I want from my wing. It is not what I want from my centre. This is not to say that Piutau won't evolve into a quality centre one day - with his size, pace, and offloading skills he could develop into a real handful at centre if he spent a few years learning the subtleties of the position....</p><p></p><p>Anyways... Ben Smith had a pretty good game at centre last weekend, and looks to be growing into the position. He didn't offer much with ball in hand (but few of the AB's did), but his defensive work was generally very impressive. He topped the tackle count among the backs, didn't miss a single tackle, and made a couple of really crucial tackles. He hasn't been near as effective at centre as he had been on the wing earlier in the season, but he looks to be growing into the position. It wouldn't surprise me if we start to see a bit more of him on attack this week...</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Darwin, post: 605359, member: 24910"] I have actually heard a number of people mention that Piutau should start at centre, but I agree with you that would be absolute madness. Starting someone in a key test match at centre who has not played any rugby in the postion would be suicide.... Centre is technically the most difficult position on defense - it can take some players years to master the position from a defensive point of view. Likewise a prime-requisite of a centre is a strong distribution game - something Piutau lacks. Indeed that is one of the few weaknesses in Piutau game (along with decision making - another area where a centre needs to excel). He can offload the ball, but this is really only used as a last resort after he has had a run himself. When Piutau gets the ball he doesn't think about setting up other players, he simply thinks about how he is going to beat the next man. That is exactly what I want from my wing. It is not what I want from my centre. This is not to say that Piutau won't evolve into a quality centre one day - with his size, pace, and offloading skills he could develop into a real handful at centre if he spent a few years learning the subtleties of the position.... Anyways... Ben Smith had a pretty good game at centre last weekend, and looks to be growing into the position. He didn't offer much with ball in hand (but few of the AB's did), but his defensive work was generally very impressive. He topped the tackle count among the backs, didn't miss a single tackle, and made a couple of really crucial tackles. He hasn't been near as effective at centre as he had been on the wing earlier in the season, but he looks to be growing into the position. It wouldn't surprise me if we start to see a bit more of him on attack this week... [/QUOTE]
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[EOYT] England vs New Zealand 16/11/13
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