turboboy says...

I don't know who to feel more sorry for - Taylor for missing out or Smith for being tagged as a utility player only.

That's like saying Smith will only ever be a bench warmer until called upon. Personally I think Taylor has looked better than Dagg this season and no one has mentioned Taylors kicking off the tee - particularly long range - as another string to his bow.

Kahui and SBW have both been tried out on the wing so they have a certain amount of versatility anyway. But if Smith ever plays at centre it will be a right balls up. As Toeva shows the utility guys have to know all the back moves from various positions and invariably mix up the timing/co-ordination. Can't help thinking this will mean Hansen will have a heavily biased forward based split on the bench. Pease don't have Weepu and Smith covering all the back positions!!!!!!

Posted 13:27 17th May 2012

rugby_rockstar says...

Versatility is a curse though, you never get to start, you just selected on the bench to cover up to 4 different positions.

My advice to all young players with international aspirations is to stick with your favourite position and work so hard that you become the best player you possibly can. Don't compromise. Don't let the club coach flip you about all over the place, because the national coach will look at the dedicated Wingers / Full backs / Backrowers etc before seriously considering the jack of all trades utility player.

Posted 11:36 16th May 2012

startledwombat says...

Mr Fox is becoming a humorist in his latter years.

I well recall a first-five repeatedly selected for the All Blacks whose report card read:

"Huge defensive liability as can't tackle.

"Huge attacking liability in running game, as can't score tries.

"On the other hand, is a superb kicker for field position in general play, distributes the ball swiftly in order to avoid being crunched, and is a very reliable goalkicker."

Game plans can be altered to cover for players who have minor (Taylor) or major (Fox) weaknesses.

Posted 10:27 16th May 2012

jonesy2 says...

what a load of absolute rubbish!! punished because he is a brilliant specialist fullback? basically every back in the squad is versatile so why does taylor need to be able to play every bloody position? i makes no sense that potentially someone could lose out in a team (not talking exclusively about this situation) despite being a better player in his respective position (not saying that taylor is better than smith). "needs to work on distribution", not when your faster than everyone of the pitch you dont.

Posted 03:15 16th May 2012

trippa says...

Why do we need more utility players who can play centre when we have more then enough centres as it is??

Taylor plays wing during the ITM cup for Taranaki so he can cover that position if need be. SBW and Nonu can both cover wing and centre, Dagg can play wing and he and Jane can both cover fullback and Carter can cover inside centre.

And we also have Tamati Ellison as a Utility player??

That explanation is so full of holes it doesn't make sense, if Ben Smith is ever selected at centre for the AB's we are in deep poo

Posted 22:31 15th May 2012

RugbyLeRoux says...

another reason why NZ are the best in the world. Good solid constructive criticism from an AB legend. Wouldn't be surprised to see this guy have a barnstorming end to the season and make the Rugby Championship squad

Posted 20:09 15th May 2012