….the Quaalude and O Connor. Not always the case, Pollard was better early in his career….but I attribute much of that to 3 years of Harrassmus. In the decision making positions scrumhalf, flyhalf, fullback experience generally trumps the legs of youth.
The same is often true in the front row and the locks….not so much among the loosies where sheer physical effort pays dividends. Best ages by position:
15…..28
14/11….25
12/13….28
10…..30
9……..30
1/2/3….30
4/5…28
6/7 …25
8….28.
That gives an average age of 27.9 years. Very close to the 28.5 we see from most WC winning teams.
