The perfect balance
One of the most important issues Warren Gatland must get right with this Test series side is balance in his back row. Without it the Kiwis will punish them harshly. Finding the perfect balance in the back row is one of the hardest things to do in rugby.
I've played in the back row at University level, and here is what I believe Gatland should be looking for at some key positions.
The No. 7 Openside Flanker
The traditional openside is a Richie McCaw-type, a breakdown specialist who lives off turnovers. I spent my whole career in this position, and I can tell you that our definition of an openside is definitely changing! Nowadays everyone is capable of stealing the ball, so your seven must be a calm and collected type who knows when to commit and when to stand off, while providing enough energy to inspire the team. I always considered my style of play to be very similar to Michael Hooper, the former Australia captain, who never stops moving.
No 8
Your enforcer, the player who sends a shiver down opposition spines. They have to create the platform for the backs to play off, so you need a hard runner who will lead the team by creating momentum and territory. The No 8 is your go-to guy, the person you know will make ground from a standing start. Billy Vunipola is becoming almost the perfect No 8, and it is such a shame that injury means we will not see him going up against Kieran Read on this tour.
The perfect back row, then, should combine carrying ability, breakdown nous, pace, a line-out option and good hands.
Every back row player on that tour will know their strengths and have an idea of who will compliment them. For example, I am sure C J Stander will be thinking about his carrying game matching up alongside Justin Tipuric’s pace, or Ross Moriarty’s big hits combined with Sean O’Brien’s cleverness at the breakdown. You start to make alliances thinking it may help both of you get in the team.
You also know who you do not want to play alongside, which is why I was surprised Gatland went for James Haskell, Sam Warburton and Stander against the Highlanders. None of them had the pace to match the hosts and they were crying out for a different type of player – a Tipuric, perhaps – to give them another option.
At present the only certainty is that Taulupe Faletau will be starting at No 8. He is the closest they have to Vunipola and is in excellent form.