Versatility in Rugby: How Kicking and Playmaking Skills Shape the Backline

Rugby, a sport renowned for its physicality and strategic depth, has a rich tapestry of roles played by the players on the field. One common misconception is that every back in the team, including wingers and centres, must possess exceptional kicking and playmaking skills. This article delves into the reality of these roles and the skills required to excel in them.

First, it's essential to understand the concept of the 'spine' of the team. Positions 1 to 8, 9, 10, and 15 are often referred to as the spine, and these players are expected to bring versatility, but not to an extent that every skill is required for every position.

Core Skills for Backline Players

The primary skills needed for all backs in rugby include:

Running with the ball Receiving the ball Passing the ball Tackling

Additionally, backs must be faster than forwards when it comes to running and tackling, while forwards, especially those in the front row, must be capable of bringing momentum to the game through lineouts or scrums.

Kicking Skills: Not Everyone Needs Them

While kicking is an important aspect of rugby, not every player on the backline is required to excel at it. The requirement for kicking skills typically varies based on the style of play:

"Kicking, especially under game pressure, is not essential for all backline players in a retention style game, with the exception of conversions for the fly-half."

Wings, being the fastest players on the field, often need to kick for longer distances while maintaining accuracy. However, their reliance on kicking perfect lengths of touch is usually not strictly needed. Instead, they should pass to the full-back who can better assess the ideal angle and distance to place the ball out of play.

Centres, particularly the number 12 and 13, can also benefit from kicking skills. The number 12, as a secondary playmaker, is expected to use kicking to decoy the defence or set up attacking plays. Similarly, the number 13 can exploit defensive weaknesses using well-placed kicks.

Specific Roles and Skills

At the highest levels of rugby, the doubling up of skills is minimized. Typically, two players are designated for goal-kicking duties, usually for penalties and conversions, with occasional support from a backup like the number 13.

Substitutes, on the other hand, need to be more versatile than starting players. An example is having two playmakers on the bench along with a goal kicker. In such a scenario, a fast utility back can replace any of these players, freeing up other subs for forward roles.

Conclusion

In the intricate world of rugby, the versatility of players in their specific roles is crucial. While kicking and playmaking skills add significant value, they are not mandatory for every back. Understanding the specific skills required for each position can enhance both performance and team strategy. Rugby, much like any other sport, thrives when players are adept at their specialized roles, contributing to the overall success of the team.