| Player Positions - Backs |
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Page 3 of 3 9. Scrum Half - The player responsible for
feeding the ball won by the forwards to the backs, or recycling
the ball in loose
play. Usually one of the smallest players in the side with
the best handling skills. Generally more robust and aggressive
than
a fly half because he is more prone to tangling with the opposition's
forwards. 10. Fly Half - Key decision-maker who decides whether to distribute
the ball to the backs or kick for position. Useful with the boot,
he usually takes his side's kicks at goal, including drop goals.
He is invariably an elusive runner, who likes to taunt charging
forwards with unhurried sidesteps. 11. Left Wing - Like the right ring, one of the swiftest players
in the team whose primary function is to get the ball and head
flat-out for the try-line. Traditionally speed rather than bulk
is their main weapon, although the size of wingers has steadily
increased with time. 12. Inside Centre - Approaches vary, but the number 12 is generally the larger of the two centres. His role is to knock holes in the opposition defence and provide the defensive bulwark against attacks launched at his own backline. Despite being a crash ball specialist, he sees himself more as a cruise missile than a battering ram. 13. Outside Centre - A similar combination of power and pace as the inside centre, but more likely to exploit the gaps made by his colleague than create them himself. He provides the link between midfield and wingers/fullback, although he is just as likely to go for glory on his own. 14. Right Wing - Like the left wing, one of the swiftest players in the team whose primary function is to get the ball and head flat-out for the try-line. Traditionally speed rather than bulk is their main weapon, although the size of wingers has steadily increased with time. 15. Fullback - The player responsible for the last line of defence against both running attacks and tactical kicks. Must be rock solid under the high ball and unconcerned about the prospect of being gang tackled the moment he takes the catch. Can pop up unexpectedly to create an overlap in an attacking back line. An excellent kicker out of hand and also frequently performs goal-kicking duties.
See also ..........
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