When is the right time for Flyhalfs to hang up their boots

I read an article a while back where Eddie Jones was talking about when he thinks a flyhalf is at his best. This was while people were singing Marcus Smith praises here in England. 

He was saying that Flyhalf only comes into their own when they hit their 30s and need years in that position before then can actually control the game. 

So does it make sense what he is saying. 

I know age counts against a player, but as a flyhalf, you are not the one making all the tackles or bashing it up that often. You do what you need to do. You only go into contact when you have to. 

I remember listening to doc craven about Naas Botha and the fact that he wasn't a physical player but he defended that Naas is a genius and very gifted and therefor should protect himself because he is worth more than just tackling and running it up. 

As South Africans, we love our physical flyhalves that can tackle hard and  take it up.  We had Henry Honiball, Butch James and Handre Pollard. All Flyhalves that we love watching in action. 

This brings me onto my next point, if flyhalves are there to control the game via kicking and distribution then should they not be able to play for longer. 

This is almost like football, if you can stay fit and healthy then  you can play well into your thirties.  We see it with Ranaldo to name a few. 

It is not that you need express pace either. 

Then, lets look a the best flyhalves around playing international rugby. 

Johnny Secton - 36

Quade Cooper - 34

Steyn - 37 

Also don't forget Luke Donald, probably one of the worst flyhalves to come out of New Zealand  but came through when all of the AB flyhalves were crocked and help them win the final of the world cup. 

Then there is that fat bloke Andy Goode, perfect specimen of an amateur rugby player but kept being brought in to teams and still scoring from the boot but also getting a few tries. 

So maybe were are to quick to write off players when they get older and perhaps we should focus more on whether they still have the goods

Which is, kick their goals, get your forwards on the front foot, get your backline moving and still be able to keep up with your backline. 

Just putting it out there whether we are to hasty get rid of Morne Steyn

Well my question would be, given it takes time for a flyhalf to settle, would it not be better to pick a Jantjies over a Hendrikse. 

The same can be said of Richy Mouga, the guy is amazing, but should Bauden Barrett not be picked ahead of him for now. 

Pollard, Bosch and Hendrikse are the #10's for the next world cup.

The others are either over the hill, injury prone or overrated.

The sooner the two younger players get international experience the better for the Bokke.

Out with the old and in with the new.

Hey….out with the old…..you sure know how to hurt a guy Arthur!

No, NO not us mozart.

Okay….present company excused!

Easy answer - the day when they become a team liability  that must be applicable in case of all players.   Many people try and remain in the top teams and damage their reputations badly.   

Well, they say with age you gain wisdom. That is not always true for many but I believe Morne has gained that. 

Lets also look at a couple of other sports. 

Kelly Slater recently won the pipe line masters at 49, a few days short of his 50th. Those who don't know surfing, surfing is one of the most physical demanding sports out there and to last this long and to stay on top for that long is by no means easy. The guy is competing against 24 year olds. But when listening to him on Joe Rogan, he said that it is all about pacing yourself and catching the right waves. There are 2 scoring rides that you can catch, but you can catch up to 10 waves. But when you are paddling out into huge triple over head swell, it is all about catching the right wave, which he has mastered. He has pulled it back so many times when he looked  like he lost the heat. He is still in peak physical condition but know he can't just compete on his physical ability but knows where to position himself. 

Then, we have Brady, who at 44 won another Superbowl and he for some reason just keeps going. You would think he would have packed in by now but he is still able to compete at the highest level. Drawing in  from  all of his experiencing. Quarter back is such a critical role. 

So yes, you can have your Marcus Smith or Owen Farrel to name a few, but as Flyhalf, if you smart enough you can have a  long career.

Good points King.

Sh!t Mpower, you 48?...I thought you were a bit younger, but that's probably because at one stage I thought you were Auge...and I know he should still be in his 30's...

Man, you grew up in Strand?...or where you from?

Don't worry about proving anything...I'm cool with whatever, but I know now, for a while already, that you're not AO...

please mail me at dbdraad.ruckers@gmail.com, I can't find the Jack Russel in my WhatsApp contacts.

this look familiar?

PS, might consider taking some of that personal information off...some sick puppies might be lurking...you never know.