The Most Valuable Player in Australian Rugby ?

[Strewthcobber]

Melbourne?

If a rugby player is recognized in Melbourne then I think it's fair to say he's pretty valuable to Australian Rugby, because it means he's a superstar on the east coast.

Izzy is the only likely candidate

 

[Train Without a Station]

You're saying people don't appreciate him kicking 6 from 6. I'm pointing out though there's a reason why. He never takes the most difficult shots.

This is likely because he struggles with them and they are a low percentage option.

 

[Strewthcobber]

Jeez how many AFL players would get recognised in Brisbane ????

That's the point I'm (obviously poorly) trying to make

The AFL players that would be recognized in Brisbnae - Gary Abblet, Buddy, Goodes - are the most valuable to the AFL from a marketing point. If they are known in Brisbane, they are superstars in the Southern States

 

[Braveheart81]

You're saying people don't appreciate him kicking 6 from 6. I'm pointing out though there's a reason why. He never takes the most difficult shots.

This is likely because he struggles with them and they are a low percentage option.

Again, that's not the point I was making.

Would you say Australian rugby in general values scrummaging and goal kicking in a similar way to NZ, SA or the northern hemisphere teams?

The average Australian rugby fan struggles to point out the difference between which one is the THP and which one is the LHP, let alone getting to the point where the tight head prop is the most respected player in the team which is the point I was trying to address.

 

[BDA]

For the RWC next year, the player that we need more than any other, and hence the most valuable, is Kepu. He's our only quality test THP. Without him we are boned. I'd say Slipper is the next most valuable given that we have a few decent LHP available as backups (although nowhere near as good).

Guys like Folau, Kuridrani, Hooper, etc are all important but easier to replace given our depth in those areas.

 

[Train Without a Station]

Again, that's not the point I was making.

Would you say Australian rugby in general values scrummaging and goal kicking in a similar way to NZ, SA or the northern hemisphere teams?

The average Australian rugby fan struggles to point out the difference between which one is the THP and which one is the LHP, let alone getting to the point where the tight head prop is the most respected player in the team which is the point I was trying to address.

Definitely scrummaging but with the increase of internet forums and discussion like this, there are becoming more and more informed supporters.

But again, my point is that I doubt NZ, SA or NH teams would be going gaga over Foley's efforts with the boot alone considering they haven't been challenging kicks.


They value players like Wilkinson. That's because they consistently kicked challenging goals, not slotted 6 from 6 never more than 40 out or closer than 10m from the sideline.

 

[Braveheart81]

For the RWC next year, the player that we need more than any other, and hence the most valuable, is Kepu. He's our only quality test THP. Without him we are boned. I'd say Slipper is the next most valuable given that we have a few decent LHP available as back (although nowhere near as good).

I reckon if you put a question of what is important for the RWC to the average Australian rugby fan, 8 or 9 out of 10 would immediately move to discussing the backline.

 

[Train Without a Station]

I think that's a little pessimistic. I think more than you realize are more informed of the game. But I agree more would discuss the backline.

 

[Strewthcobber]

If you offered the average fan (or even anyone on this board) a chance to watch a replay of every scrum in a match, every kick at goal, or every backline move, would anyone choose anything but the latter?

 

[Scrubber2050]

Again, that's not the point I was making.

Would you say Australian rugby in general values scrummaging and goal kicking in a similar way to NZ, SA or the northern hemisphere teams?

The average Australian rugby fan struggles to point out the difference between which one is the THP and which one is the LHP, let alone getting to the point where the tight head prop is the most respected player in the team which is the point I was trying to address.

THAT'S why they have the numbers 1 and 3 on their backs.

To assist you: Number 1 is the Loosehead Prop - he's the one on the side where our Number 9 (halfback) puts the ball into the scrum.

Number 3 is theTighthead Prop and the bloke on the other side of the scrum

 

[I like to watch]

Definitely scrummaging but with the increase of internet forums and discussion like this, there are becoming more and more informed supporters.

But again, my point is that I doubt NZ, SA or NH teams would be going gaga over Foley's efforts with the boot alone considering they haven't been challenging kicks.


They value players like Wilkinson. That's because they consistently kicked challenging goals, not slotted 6 from 6 never more than 40 out or closer than 10m from the sideline.

That's a good point.
Wilkinson puts pressure on the opposition not to infringe a long way out from the try line.It makes life easier for his pigs to retain possession over a much larger portion of the field, than other kickers.

 

[Scrubber2050]

If you offered the average fan (or even anyone on this board) a chance to watch a replay of every scrum in a match, every kick at goal, or every backline move, would anyone choose anything but the latter?

Strewth - you are obviously a "back" - you poor deprived bugger. You have never enjoyed the dark arts and nuances only experienced by members of the tight 5

 

[qwerty51]

Slipper by a country mile. Then Kepu.

This but wrong order

 

[Strewthcobber]

Strewth - you are obviously a "back" - you poor deprived bugger. You have never enjoyed the dark arts and nuances only experienced by members of the tight 5

Number 4 or 5 my whole life ;-)

And with all the discussion on here about tight head props there is never enough about the tight head lock, who is usually just as important/the cause of much of the problem.

I just have very little interest in watching scrums given the way they are fed, refereed, covered by the broadcasters and commentated on, especially if I'm 20 rows back in the top tier at Suncorp and can't see what's going on anyway..

 

[Gillys_ghost]

Jeez how many AFL players would get recognised in Brisbane ????

i wouldnt recognise close to any. Maybe the bald guy for the suns and that's it now that Jonathan brown retired

 

[Highlander35]

Righty tighty, lefty loosey.

 

[Scrubber2050]

Number 4 or 5 my whole life ;-)

And with all the discussion on here about tight head props there is never enough about the tight head lock, who is usually just as important/the cause of much of the problem.

I just have very little interest in watching scrums given the way they are fed, refereed, covered by the broadcasters and commentated on, especially if I'm 20 rows back in the top tier at Suncorp and can't see what's going on anyway..

A pair of high powered binos is the go

 

[Brumby Runner]

Not even KHunt or Izzy?

Maybe the better question is who gets recognised on Queen St?
It's Izzy, Quade, K Hunt. Maybe Horwill depending on how much he can hide behind his beard. Not many others.

I'd bet Saia would be recognised by quite a few.

 

[light]

I'd bet Saia would be recognised by quite a few.

JOC (James O'Connor) definitely too.

 

[TOCC]

The Fainga'a twins are loved by kids, I'm not exactly sure what has caused that but they are always a kid favourite at fan days.