Eddie Jones, the astute rugby mind behind the scenes, recently shed light on why players like Cheslin Kolbe and Ardie Savea are tearing up the rugby scene despite not fitting the traditional mold of size in the sport. In a world where the giants have long dominated, these players bring a refreshing dynamic twist to the playbook.
Kolbe, standing at a modest 5ft 7in, has continued to dazzle fans and pundits alike with his agility and skill. Making a successful return from injury, he played a pivotal role in South Africa's recent 30-22 victory over the Wallabies in Cape Town. Not just a threat with his pace and elusive movements, Kolbe has also upped his game fundamentally, shining defensively and under the high ball—a combination that proved crucial in the latest Rugby Championship clash.
While Handre Pollard might have snagged the man of the match title, Jones highlighted Kolbe's significant impact, stating,
"For all of Pollard’s brilliance with his tactical kicking, Kolbe made so many of his marginal kicks into winning moments due to incredible chasing and that unreal standing leap that defines his athleticism."
Jones also pointed out a trend in international rugby that favors smaller, more dynamic wings and back-rowers, attributing this shift to the evolving nature of the game. "Sides are desperate to score with as few passes as possible – transition attack is now the key to winning at Test level," he explained. This strategic shift has opened up opportunities for players who excel in open play and can exploit the minimal defensive cover during transitions.
The spotlight isn't just on the wings. The back-row has also seen a transformation, with mobility and speed becoming just as valued as sheer mass. Players like New Zealand's Ardie Savea and Japan's Kazuki Himeno are prime examples of this new breed of dynamic number eights. Jones amusingly quips about the trend,
"I'm often amused by people suggesting that... they are too small and not 'real eights.'"
Clearly, the game's physical requirements are evolving, and so are the player archetypes thriving within it.
This seismic shift in player profiles and game strategy underscores a broader evolution in rugby tactics, pushing the envelope on how the game is played and won on the international stage.
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Eddie Jones, the astute rugby mind behind the scenes, recently shed light on why players like Cheslin Kolbe and Ardie Savea are tearing up the rugby scene despite not fitting the traditional mold of size in the sport. In a world where the giants have long dominated, these players bring a refreshing dynamic twist to the playbook.
Kolbe, standing at a modest 5ft 7in, has continued to dazzle fans and pundits alike with his agility and skill. Making a successful return from injury, he played a pivotal role in South Africa's recent 30-22 victory over the Wallabies in Cape Town. Not just a threat with his pace and elusive movements, Kolbe has also upped his game fundamentally, shining defensively and under the high ball—a combination that proved crucial in the latest Rugby Championship clash.
While Handre Pollard might have snagged the man of the match title, Jones highlighted Kolbe's significant impact, stating,
"For all of Pollard’s brilliance with his tactical kicking, Kolbe made so many of his marginal kicks into winning moments due to incredible chasing and that unreal standing leap that defines his athleticism."
Jones also pointed out a trend in international rugby that favors smaller, more dynamic wings and back-rowers, attributing this shift to the evolving nature of the game. "Sides are desperate to score with as few passes as possible – transition attack is now the key to winning at Test level," he explained. This strategic shift has opened up opportunities for players who excel in open play and can exploit the minimal defensive cover during transitions.
The spotlight isn't just on the wings. The back-row has also seen a transformation, with mobility and speed becoming just as valued as sheer mass. Players like New Zealand's Ardie Savea and Japan's Kazuki Himeno are prime examples of this new breed of dynamic number eights. Jones amusingly quips about the trend,
"I'm often amused by people suggesting that... they are too small and not 'real eights.'"
Clearly, the game's physical requirements are evolving, and so are the player archetypes thriving within it.This seismic shift in player profiles and game strategy underscores a broader evolution in rugby tactics, pushing the envelope on how the game is played and won on the international stage.