Another one from a rugby novice.

[WF2006]

I've been watching the game (never played however) for a few years now and have figured out most of the bits I want to, but something I've always been curious about is - is there a difference between #11 and #14 (other than 3!).

For those that have played or coached - is the 11 supposed to be faster or the 14 better on the defense? Books I've read have generally lumped the 2 together as a generic description of wing (obviously!) and that they have to be fast etc etc

I know in hockey its an advantage to have a right hander on the right wing and a leftie on the left - but thats due to the side of your body you dribble the ball on being closer to the sideline and hence harder to defend.

Just looking to utilise the wealth of knowledge of the site - Thanks (in anticipation)

[rick boyd]

Speaking as on old wing, the only difference is that the left wing is generally 11 and the right wing 14, which means if you kick, pass or step more strongly one way than the other, it would be better to go on the wing that suits your natural direction. There is a half-baked theory that because most players are right-handed and propel the ball better with their right hands they pass better to the left than the right, and therefore teams attack better and more often from right to left; and the fastest, most elusive wing would be better on the left, with a grafting "second fullback" on the right. Never subscribed to it myself.

[Sagerian]

Adding to Rick's post which is correct, in theory the 11 is your flagship winger, they will theoretically get more ball than the 14 due to the majority of players stronger passing side. However as a former 11 and 14 myself, I can tell you that there's no great difference, except a personal experience that the 14 often gets better ball, in space, etc.

Probably doesn't help but make of it what you will.

[WF2006]

No, this definitely helps, thanks to you both. Helps give me an idea on some of the theories.

[Shaun]

Played my first game of rugby at #11- I for sure got more ball than #14 because at younger ages the ability to pass your non favoured way tends to stop in the centers. By now It does not really matter; but our stronger winger play #11 for crash ball and #14 usually gets it in a bit of spcae so we use our fastest winger on that side.

[The Lone Hydrangea]

One day you will be a forward dude. Forget about this hairdresser talk. Remember forwards win matches

[frontrow]

Well said tlh, eat more beef you bastards...

[Burgs]

Completely agree with the weedy knowledge of both the Scribe and the Tah but fully support the sentiment of the boofheads

[prop53]

yeah thats right lone every one knows that backs dream of nothing else but of becoming forwards. The inner circle

[Sagerian]

Well, personally I'm on my way... I'm more of a centre now than a wing hehe.

[Happy]

Well said tlh, eat more beef you bastards...

I had sirloin tonight

[Lonzy]

I dont know guys talking about getting ball ...


***Lonzy picks mind up out of the gutter*** ... filthy place that gutter!


Thanks for asking the question though! and for the answers! I know something new aswell! yay

[Sagerian]

tsk tsk... Lonzy.....

[RuckNMaul]

Sage whats with the wishfull thinking?

a center is no more a forward than a wing

proves prop53 100% correct

[Sagerian]

My point is I'm getting there hehe... Slowloy moving my way forward...


I don't think Jess'd be too happy about that though.. Better stop at centre.