Half Backs

Question
Hello, first I want to thank you in advance, rugby is a fast-growing international sport, and people like you teach others how to play the game PROPERLY as no real rugby player wants the game to turn into some crude version of American football. I see earlier you answered a question about some professional bigger half-backs. I was wondering if you could answer the same thing for shorter 'stockier' halfbacks? As I am a shorter guy myself but am very solid and thrive in contact and I would appreciate being able to see how similar professionals play the game. Also in terms of kicking for half backs how often should this happen compared to feeding the fly half?

Answer
Hi Richard, thanks for the feed back. Sorry for the delay in getting back to you.

A great "stocky" half back is Piri Weepu of the All Blacks. His profile is on the All Black website and if you go to the New Zealand Herald newspapers website and use their search function you can see all the articles they have ever done on him. The guy is legendary for being on the heavy side but is a very skilled player and frankly I feel he is the best option for half back we have. You tube has some good highlights of his playing as well.

As for your question on kicking the answer is that it all depends on the situation in front of you. You choose to kick, run or pass the ball based on the options you assess on the field. Don't over commit to 1 option prior to a set play (even if a set move is called) as you might miss a golden opportunity.

An example: You are the half back and the scrum has your put in. Your #10 makes a set move call to have the ball spun out to him for a back move. But while you put the ball in you look over an notice the opposition wing is way up close and their full back is way off center of the field. this is a huge hole for you to attack. You put the ball in the scrum catch attention of your winger (figure out a predetermined call to him so he knows when you might kick for him) you get the ball from between the #8 feet and place a tidy box kick over the scrum towards the corner and try line. Your winger was already winding up the speed to be chasing the kick and scores in the corner. The set call your #10 made is history.

Now this was spontaneous because you saw the opportunity that was open - unless the opportunity is an obvious one stick to the call but play a heads up game and look across the field and assess the opposition for holes and weaknesses all the time.