Steering the Ship

The other day an American friend of mine was discussing American Football and describing why he loves the sport. His main point was how an American Football match was defined in only a few short seconds. He said, “The main reason why I love American Football is because the Quarter Back has only has a few seconds in which to make a decision which can entirely shift the whole match.”

I looked at him and said, “You’ve just described the importance of a Flyhalf in a rugby match!”

Matt Giteau is a little genius at Flyhalf for the Wallabies. He has a good rugby brain, quick feet and good distribution. He also has a solid defence considering that he isn’t the biggest of rugby players. While Australia have a young exciting backline with loads of potential, Giteau’s downfall is that he plays rugby behind a mediocre forward pack. Quite a few teams around the world would love to have a Giteau steering the ship but unless the Australian forwards can find some dominance I’m afraid he will find himself more frustrated than in charge.

New Zealand, although seemingly unsure of their real starting XV, generally have a decent forward pack. They are perhaps a bit light in the international experience department but have a pack that can compete. With Dan Carter back in the fold and looking as dangerous as ever, the All Blacks can look to mount a serious attack for Tri Nations glory. Carter is the best Flyhalf of his generation and when he is inform he is untouchable! Nullify the supply of quality ball to Carter and even the very best have trouble on the back foot as he has previously shown.

South Africa always seems to produce sound Flyhalves. Over the years the Springboks have typically produced two types of Flyhalves. Type number one seems to be able to kick the ball miles, provide solid defence and standard distribution where type number two seems to possess great vision, great distribution and good organisation but lacks the kicking game that is so important to the way the Springboks play.

When Morne Steyn stepped up to kick the winning points against the British and Irish Lions in 2009 to stamp his name in history he was still classified as flyhalf type number one. Over the past year he has showed a marked improvement in his running game and distribution. Steyn is slowing evolving into what the Boks need at Rugby World Cup 2011 and it feels as if he is headed in the right direction.

Behind the best forward pack in world rugby, Steyn has a great opportunity in this Tri Nations to show the world why his name can bracketed in the same group as Giteau and Carter.