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Is there really a rats arse difference between a five-eighth and halfback ..

ram raid

Bench
Messages
4,074
.. in today's game?

I suppose you could say It's analogous to left and right center, as in the direction the player is comfortable running and passing.

But any 6 or 7 that has a "dominant side" isn't worth a pinch of shit anyway.

Thoughts?
 

Noa

First Grade
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9,029
There is if the 7 is still doing the organizing, as happens in the vast majority of teams
 

Packy

Bench
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4,243
Perception is about it. It is heading back to a first and second receiver kinda of game but most of them are adept at either.
 

Noa

First Grade
Messages
9,029
Plays split halves is a waste of time anyway IMO. I get why centers and backrowers do it, so they do get caught out of position defensively. But why do you want your 2 weak links being so predictable in there positioning.


The robotic way teams are coached these days it would probably cause haywire in the attacking team if they looked up and saw the 6 and 7 defending on the same side. Theyd be looking at the trainer saying what do we do, he'd be looking up at the coach saying what do they do and the coach would be searching through his coaching notes and screaming " wtf do I do".
 

BunniesMan

Immortal
Messages
33,789
For some teams yes, for other teams no. For some there is a very different role for both players. And for others it's basically Left Playermaker and Right Playmaker.
 

Pierced Soul

First Grade
Messages
9,202
No, not anymore. some players are better at first/second receiver and some better at organising and guiding the team around, but lockyer was a better organiser than most (if not all) of the halfbacks he played with at the broncos
 

RWB

Bench
Messages
2,814
Plays split halves is a waste of time anyway IMO. I get why centers and backrowers do it, so they do get caught out of position defensively. But why do you want your 2 weak links being so predictable in there positioning.


The robotic way teams are coached these days it would probably cause haywire in the attacking team if they looked up and saw the 6 and 7 defending on the same side. Theyd be looking at the trainer saying what do we do, he'd be looking up at the coach saying what do they do and the coach would be searching through his coaching notes and screaming " wtf do I do".

No it wouldn't.

Teams are coached to stack numbers defensively should both halves appear on one side of the field. It's why all teams play split halves, playing side by side made it too predictable as defensive sides could always tell which side of the ruck ball was going to.

2nd rowers are essentially inside centres these days & fullbacks are the 5/8's in most attacking structures. The roles have been substituted but traditional halves pairings are a thing of the past.
 

Noa

First Grade
Messages
9,029
I'm not saying stick them next to each

But if they did end up on the same side of the ruck for a few tackles I doubt most teams have the ability to think for themselves exploit it.
 

ram raid

Bench
Messages
4,074
No it wouldn't.

Teams are coached to stack numbers defensively should both halves appear on one side of the field. It's why all teams play split halves, playing side by side made it too predictable as defensive sides could always tell which side of the ruck ball was going to.

That's assuming they'd have time to get into position. With a quick play the ball and a 90's style back-line maneuver I have a feeling it might catch a few sides out. It would be worth a try anyway.

The game has become so mechanical.

I'm really looking forward to the next phase of the game when coaches start trying something new. Atm it's just four flat hits at the advantage line. Then either kick or do a block play on the last.

That's why I get bored shitless watching most teams (Souths and Canterbury especially). There's so little spark.

Parramatta this year are fun to watch. You feel like the players have more input into what theyre doing rather than just mindlessly following orders.
 

ek999

First Grade
Messages
6,982
Did you not see Kasiano playing as a second man and throwing a perfect cut out ball. How can that not excite you
 

winnyason

Juniors
Messages
1,576
nope may as well call it left half and right half. when was the last time a team had a swepting play with the 7 and 6 and centres next to each other?
 

T.S Quint

Coach
Messages
15,577
That's assuming they'd have time to get into position. With a quick play the ball and a 90's style back-line maneuver I have a feeling it might catch a few sides out. It would be worth a try anyway.

The game has become so mechanical.

I'm really looking forward to the next phase of the game when coaches start trying something new. Atm it's just four flat hits at the advantage line. Then either kick or do a block play on the last.

That's why I get bored shitless watching most teams (Souths and Canterbury especially). There's so little spark.

Parramatta this year are fun to watch. You feel like the players have more input into what theyre doing rather than just mindlessly following orders.

And yet our halves play split.
Sandow on the right, Norman on the left. A lot of the time they are playing second receiver though with Joseph Paulo getting the ball first. Then Hayne can play off both.
 

POPEYE

Coach
Messages
11,397
Only when they are separated, as a club combination two little blokes make a giant . . . disorientated by playing with strangers they become a loose connection
 

ram raid

Bench
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4,074
And yet our halves play split.
Sandow on the right, Norman on the left. A lot of the time they are playing second receiver though with Joseph Paulo getting the ball first. Then Hayne can play off both.

What teams don't play split halves? Does anybody know?
 

ram raid

Bench
Messages
4,074
I guess there's always the difference that the 7 feeds the scrum.

Is that a rule or just a convention?
 

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