Most Important Position

[wykydron]

Although this has been said to an extent, the way to decide an important position is to remove that position from the game and see who can fill in that positions role. E.G, notice the positions that are usually missing in a game of rugby 10's.

I would be reckoning that without props the game becomes much more like league and looses it's appeal as a team oriented sport. The front row happen to do things no one else can do in the team. The second row follows closer behind than most as they need scrumage and jumping technique. Unless you happen to have particulary fast locks then the flankers would be missed unless your centers step up into ruck more often (like in tens). The centres and wings are essentially one unit and practically interchangable. The halves also have specialised roles but other positions generally have the same skills just not as finely honed. Fullback is a mix of half and center so either could realistically fill in.

Of course this is just generalisation and individual players and teams vary but i think that oughta nearly cover the lot.

In short i pick front row.

 

[Fitzblado]

has to be the no 10, the man with the plan!!As a unit has to be the the tight 5,the grunts with the shunt!

 

[chesh]

Fitz got it rite, tight 5 as a unit and singularly the fly half...all the teams who won the world cups had the best fly halfs in the world at the time Jonny Wilkinson, Stephen Larkham, Michael Lynagh (and probs Dan Carter)

 

[DC]

Fitz got it rite, tight 5 as a unit and singularly the fly half...all the teams who won the world cups had the best fly halfs in the world at the time Jonny Wilkinson, Stephen Larkham, Michael Lynagh (and probs Dan Carter)
[/b]

very true but if you think about it they also had the finest scrum half in the world Dawes, Gregan, etc..

i think the scrumhalf flyhalf combo by far is the most important two positions on the field

 

[Dmx#1]

Ok dont trash me 4 saying this but...It has to be first five (with the open side flanker at a very close second) He kicks the ball into territory when needed. Also 90% (Not the exact percentage i think but close) of games are won by kicks (penalties, conversions). It doesnt matter if you have a great try scoring team, if you have a bad kicker you have a bad team.

 

[Lá Bombonera]

hmm am I the only one who voted for the full backs?

well I thought a good & experienced full back behind me would boost my confidence in my gameplay.

in my opinion fly half is essential only if you have Jonny in your squad....

(and also respect to the forwards - they work hard to get the ball to the backs)

 

[DC]

hmm am I the only one who voted for the full backs?

well I thought a good & experienced full back behind me would boost my confidence in my gameplay.

in my opinion fly half is essential only if you have Jonny in your squad....

(and also respect to the forwards - they work hard to get the ball to the backs)
[/b]

very good point, the full back is needed high ball, tactical kicking, counter attacking etc.. but i think you could do without one in some situations the fly half you really cant do without much, especially for ball handling and decision making purposes.

good call though, welcome to the forum

 

[wykydron]

What about feeling secure in the fact that the forwards will retain the ball in a ruck? Knowing your team can hold on to the ball and keep unexpected counter attacks should also make you feel more confident.

Less turnovers = less defence.

 

[lettsylegend]

definitely the fly-half...

kicking is becoming more and more important in the modern game and a fly-half with a big boot can control the game by continually pushing the opponents deep into their own territory...

having said this his job is made much easier if his pack is on the front foot as this will buy him time and space which will have a positive effect on the quality and distance of his kicks...

also he can hardly kick successfully if his scrum-half is providing him with crisp ball regularly...

despite my earlier answer i have concluded that there is no single most important position and that rugby truly is the greatest team sport