Eddie Jones believes rugby is entering a new era where the line between backs and forwards is rapidly disappearing.
André Esterhuizen has become the trailblazer in world rugby for this kind of player and Jones says the rise of “hybrid players” is the natural evolution of the modern game. He’s pointed to the recent positional switch of Leicester Fainga’anuku as the latest example of rugby’s changing landscape.
Fainga’anuku, traditionally used as a midfield back or wing, started at openside flank for the first time in his career last weekend and impressed during the Crusaders victory over the Waratahs in Super Rugby Pacific.
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The All Black has retained the No 7 jersey for this weekend’s clash against the table-topping Hurricanes.
Speaking on the Rugby Unity podcast, Jones said players like Fainga’anuku represent where the sport is heading.
“They’ve basically used him as a ball carrier and he’s a powerful ball carrier,” Jones said.
“He’s got good footwork and it’s a natural progression of the game to develop these hybrid players.”
Jones believes the modern demands of rugby have made the transition between certain positions increasingly seamless.
“Centres and back-rowers are quite similar, particularly if they’re playing in what’s called an edge role outside the centre of the field,” he said.
“I just think it’s the natural progression of the game.”
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The Japan coach argued that versatility is becoming one of the sport’s most valuable assets as teams search for more dynamic ball carriers and multi-skilled athletes.
According to Jones, only the front row and lock positions still largely require traditional specialists because of the technical demands of scrummaging and lineout play.
But even that, he says, is beginning to change.
“You look at how France play. Their back-rowers are basically their jumpers and their locks are their carriers,” Jones said.
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
The post Eddie buys into hybrid theory appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Eddie Jones believes rugby is entering a new era where the line between backs and forwards is rapidly disappearing.
The post Eddie buys into hybrid theory appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
