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Super Rugby: Highlanders vs. Chiefs in Dunedin (22/02/2013)
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<blockquote data-quote="Darwin" data-source="post: 553734" data-attributes="member: 24910"><p>I'm sure many people would agree that Andre Taylor was the best fullback in Super Rugby last season. He was phenomenal at times with ball in hand, and scored several quite brilliant individual tries. However there is more to playing fullback than just making 'highlight-reel plays'. Taylor had plenty of good games, but wasn't consistent throughout the season, and there were a few obvious flaws in his game. He really struggles to link up with his team-mates when he gets the ball - he is bloody good with ball in hand, but he would be much better if he could link up after breaking the line. He got caught out of position quite a bit at fullback (though his speed helped cover up these errors most of the time), and he struggled a bit in decision making, especially when the pressure was on (I remember the Crusaders giving a particularly hard time one match). Many of these things are simply a result of a lack of experience at fullback, hence I expect he will continue to improve in these areas as he gets more experience in the position at Super Rugby level. As Nick has already mentioned his defense was actually very good last season, and I was really impressed with his defense against the Blues in the weekend (he was very quiet otherwise). I'm actually quite a big fan of Taylor, and wouldn't be surprised to see him a Black jersey this season. </p><p></p><p> </p><p> Taylor got a lot of love as he scored some great individual tries, so made a lot of highlight reels. Players like that tend to get a lot of love from the general population. If you ask the general population they probably think Robbie Fruean is a better centre than Conrad Smith too <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite2" alt=";)" title="Wink ;)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=";)" /> I actually think Taylor had a bit of a breakout season with the Canes the year before, but strangely was underused, but he did step up even more last season when he had a bit more freedom at fullback.</p><p></p><p> </p><p></p><p>I disagree. When he played to his best (which wasn't consistently) he was probably as good as Ben Smith, not better. Ben Smith had some quite phenomenal games for the Highlanders last season, where he seemed to break the line whenever he touched the ball (much like he did in against the Chiefs last Friday).</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Darwin, post: 553734, member: 24910"] I'm sure many people would agree that Andre Taylor was the best fullback in Super Rugby last season. He was phenomenal at times with ball in hand, and scored several quite brilliant individual tries. However there is more to playing fullback than just making 'highlight-reel plays'. Taylor had plenty of good games, but wasn't consistent throughout the season, and there were a few obvious flaws in his game. He really struggles to link up with his team-mates when he gets the ball - he is bloody good with ball in hand, but he would be much better if he could link up after breaking the line. He got caught out of position quite a bit at fullback (though his speed helped cover up these errors most of the time), and he struggled a bit in decision making, especially when the pressure was on (I remember the Crusaders giving a particularly hard time one match). Many of these things are simply a result of a lack of experience at fullback, hence I expect he will continue to improve in these areas as he gets more experience in the position at Super Rugby level. As Nick has already mentioned his defense was actually very good last season, and I was really impressed with his defense against the Blues in the weekend (he was very quiet otherwise). I'm actually quite a big fan of Taylor, and wouldn't be surprised to see him a Black jersey this season. Taylor got a lot of love as he scored some great individual tries, so made a lot of highlight reels. Players like that tend to get a lot of love from the general population. If you ask the general population they probably think Robbie Fruean is a better centre than Conrad Smith too ;) I actually think Taylor had a bit of a breakout season with the Canes the year before, but strangely was underused, but he did step up even more last season when he had a bit more freedom at fullback. I disagree. When he played to his best (which wasn't consistently) he was probably as good as Ben Smith, not better. Ben Smith had some quite phenomenal games for the Highlanders last season, where he seemed to break the line whenever he touched the ball (much like he did in against the Chiefs last Friday). [/QUOTE]
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Super Rugby: Highlanders vs. Chiefs in Dunedin (22/02/2013)
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