0
![Not allowed!](images/buttons/down_dis.png)
![Not allowed!](images/buttons/up_dis.png)
Taking the post of Chiefs on Richard Brown from this thread: http://thewholeforce.com/showthread.php?p=7136#post7136
"I saw Richard Brown run the ball many a time but surely there must be a question mark over his size??
If you take a look at Brown in comparison to Fava, Lauauki, Lyons, Roe, Rodney Sooialo.....he is tiny!
His runs were completely ineffective I felt, lost ground mostly every hit-up.
Get into the gym more mate!"
This post interested me as it is sometimes easy to mis-judge players size etc from the sideline/television so I thought I'd do a little research to see what actually makes for a good backrow player.
It is a bit unfair to compare Brown just to Number 8's or Flanker/Locks, as he is in fact a Flanker playing as a Number 8 rather than a specialist, so I had a look at the stats of some of the Super 14 Backrow stars and rising talents including the names you mentioned Chief.
Richard Brown, 189cm, 101kg, 28/08/84
Scott Fava, 189cm, 103kg, 19/01/76
Sione Lauaki, 192cm, 118kg, 26/06/81
David Lyons, 192cm, 117kg, 15/06/80
John Roe, 188cm, 105kg, 10/04/77
Rodney So'oialo, 190cm, 107kg, 03/10/79
Daniel Heenan, 196cm, 111kg, 17/11/81
George Smith, 180cm, 104kg, 14/07/80
Chris Masoe, 183cm, 106kg, 15/05/79
Jerry Collins, 191cm, 107kg, 04/11/80
Richie McCaw, 188cm, 104kg, 31/12/80
Josh Blackie, 191cm, 104kg, 03/08/79
Schalk Burger, 193cm, 110kg, 13/04/83
Hale T-Pole, 185cm, 100kg, 30/04/79
Tim Davidson, 194cm, 101kg, 03/11/82
Luke Doherty, 195cm, 105kg, 02/02/82
Matt Hodgson, 184cm, 100kg, 25/06/81
David Pocock, 181cm, 98kg, 23/04/88
From this I would agree with you Chief that he indeed could do with some more weight to improve his impact (although I have rated his performance quite well over his short career at this level) however in terms of height he is around the average for true flankers.
As the second youngest of this group listed he certainly has time on his side, T-Pole for example debuting at 27 years of age, and is sure to be hitting the weights over the next off seasons.
My humble opinion is that he will become one of our leading lights in the next couple of years if we can keep hold of him.
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.
Here here Burgs. As I mentioned in my reply post to Chief's statement I thought that he played very well. No better or worse than Fava would have. He ran a lot around the park and he was often there to help the backs run the ball out of the 22 after the bulls had kicked ahead. He might be a little light on but I thought he held his own and he has some pace about him..... Full marks from my point of view. And he has a great future. I believe that no. 8 is his prefered position according to the 'The West Australian' on Sat
He has certainly played at 8 before Mambo however, his Force profile online (and I think in the season guide, can't find it at the moment) and all of his Rep rugby has been as a Flanker.Originally Posted by Mambo No. 5
For the next season or two I think he will be an impact player of the bench as we do have a fairly good depth in the back row.
I would think for '07-'08 it will be looking something like:
6. Pusey or Doherty
7. Hodgson or Pocock
8. Fava or Davidson
19. Brown
I know this looks a little strange having a bench player who is not a starting option but he is the type of player who can cover all three positions with his height, (potential) weight and speed.
Obviously this would go out the window once injuries set in however, that is how I see it in a fully fit squad from next year, assuming no big name signings.
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.
Interesting...
I would have said that Brown has been amoungst our best for the last 2 weeks.
Certainly last week when he featured both offensively and defensively. I thought he hit the ball up quite well on Saturday and was once again strong defensively.
I haven't re-watched the game yet, but my impression at the ground was that he had a good game. Did anyone else notice the HUGE improvement from Josh Gramah?? I thought he had a great game.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Incompetent isn't the right word... But its the first one that comes to mind.
-- Chuck Palahniuk.
oops. Typo, should read Graham.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Incompetent isn't the right word... But its the first one that comes to mind.
-- Chuck Palahniuk.
I think Browns contribution, particularly over the last couple of weeks has been excellent and is the reason why he has received votes from me in TWF Player Awards. The fact that he is always putting his hand up for those pick and drives will always make me sit up and take notice.
For a young fella, Im very happy with his work rate and effort
Exile
Sydney
"Pain heels. Chicks dig scars and Glory lasts forever." Shane Falco
I think when you talk about a "big" player it is influenced by their impact on the games. Guys playing big rather than being physically big.
Sharpies a huge bugga and with the EWF this season he's starting to play big. The end of year tour to the UK had Sharpie as a big block doing stuff all.
Nothing looks worse than a big lump not making an impact. However nothing is more imtimidating than a big bloke playing big. Thats what the Wallabies need more of.
... on the 6th day God played rugby and on the 7th day he rested, because he was sore and a little hungover.
Great call Redbull, you often see smaller players able to drive a "big" player backwards due to superior body height, better skills and/or pure timing of the engagement.Originally Posted by Redbull
Obviously when you combine this skills package with a genuinely big bastard the opposition are going to be in for a pretty torrid time of it!
Ask Josh Graham about getting it wrong though![]()
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.
Mainly its a big ticker and absolute self belief that you can't or won't be beaten.superior body height, better skills and/or pure timing of the engagement.
Mind you when it goes bad it goes awfully bad. The immoveable object meets the proverbial brick outhouse at speed =![]()
![]()
... on the 6th day God played rugby and on the 7th day he rested, because he was sore and a little hungover.