Is There A Difference Between 4 and 5

[Scan]

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.

 

[big ginger 8]

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.

 

[Scan]

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.