Ulster boss Mark Anscombe has confirmed that Ruan Pienaar will remain at scrum-half as opposed to pulling the strings at fly-half.
Pienaar's flexibility at half-back has seen him used in both the nine and ten shirts throughout his career, but Anscombe is keen to let youngster Paddy Jackson develop in the fly-half role.
"Arguably, he is, if not the best, one of the best nines in the world," said Anscombe to BBC Sport.
"He is such a good footballer he could play a number of positions. And he has done that at international level.
"But the fact is you have to ask yourself, when you have got someone who is world class in one position, why would you play him somewhere else?
"Yes he could do it, but the fact is that his kicking game from the base of the scrum and the ruck is just an outstanding, he is second to no man."
"We have Paddy Jackson, who we have a lot of confidence and faith in. We think he is a good young man and he is only getting better as a footballer. Yeah he's not perfect but he is 21 years of age."
Comments
pantreac says...
I am sorry but Jackson was dire last week! His kicking out of hand was terrible and gave the opposition their best attacking' 'ball' in the game.
Jackson is a very good prospect but from the teams point of view, and Ireland's, Marshal should start.
Posted 12:41 18th January 2013
99call says...
One of the reasons Ruan came to Ulster is that he was told that he would be a 9 not a 10, reports said he was a bit hacked off being moved around by different coaches and wanted to be the first choice 9 for a club and his country, so it was reportedly part of his deal that he would play 9 and only cover 10 if needed. Its worked for him as started all the SA games in 2012 as first choice 9 and lets be honest when youve got someone like him pulling the strings from the back of the srum for Ulster why would you move him. I do feel sorry for Marshall but playing with Ruan has made him a better player
Posted 10:29 17th January 2013
BiggyFint says...
For me Marshall has been the best Irish Qualified 9 in the country this season when hes played. Tragic not having him starting. Its a great headache for Ulster to have but from an Irish point of view I'd really like to see him play.
Posted 18:25 14th January 2013
12Counties says...
Pienaar is a better 9 than 10, I think most would agree on that. The real question for Ulster is combinations, and really comes down to 'is Marshall a better 9 than Jackson is a 10?' He might be at the moment, but theres not alot in it, and Pienaar being better at 9 should make up for anything you lose....plus you'll get more of a lift bringing Marshall on for Jackson after 65 than you would the other way around.....
Posted 15:49 14th January 2013