Are the players now too big for the game they are meant to be playing? It’s a serious question. And if they are, what can be done about it, short of replacing protein shakes with hourly shots of Alice’s magical shrinking potion? (Don’t mention the idea to World Rugby, who spend quite enough time in ‘Wonderland’ as it is.)
The 15-man code is hardly the first major sport to worry about becoming a victim of its own advancement: cricket, golf and tennis have all been here at one time or another. The batteries of great West Indian fast bowlers prompted discussions about lengthening the pitch; mega-hitters off the tee generated a debate about scrapping par-5 holes; modern racquet technology led some to argue for the eradication of the second serve.
But rugby is in a more precarious place, with the power-to-weight ratio of the average professional having obvious implications for health and safety while leaving the core principle of a “game for all shapes and sizes” on life support.
Back in the early 2000s, your columnist travelled to Swansea to talk with the Australian coach John “Knuckles” Connolly, who had just taken charge at St Helen’s. The conversation turned to Arwel Thomas, the elfin No.10 blessed with all the God-given gifts except one. Size.
この記事は The Rugby Paper の June 28, 2020 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は The Rugby Paper の June 28, 2020 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
Unbeaten Lymm put the Tykes on a leash
LYMM maintained their unbeaten start to the campaign, taking the major scalp of Leeds Tykes and ending the visitors' unblemished start.
Dramatic late win boosts leaders
A LAST-minute converted try saw Tonbridge Juddians snatch victory from the jaws of defeat at Barnes.
England need to be more consistent
I WAS at last week's game against the All Blacks and as much as I enjoyed my first visit to the stadium since the Six Nations, I couldn't help noticing a different attitude of those in control of the stadium's notification system which puts out messages to the crowd.
Cuthbert: Wales have to deliver
ALEX Cuthbert says the pressure on Wales is huge ahead of their opening Autumn Nations Series game against Fiji today.
Anyanwu heads the list of star attractions
TOP 14 transfer speculation is always thoroughly entertaining, and this season has so far been no exception.
Goldthorp can challenge Kildunne for No.15 spot
LOUGHBOROUGH Lightning head coach Nathan Smith is backing Fran Goldthorp to compete with Ellie Kildunne, right, for England's No.15 jersey.
Four-try David calls the shots for Bears
MILLIE David helped Bristol blow Leicester away after scoring four of their 10 tries at Welford Road.
Scott-Young keen to follow his father
TYPICAL of most Australians, Scott-Young Angus has fairly sunny disposition and the loose forward is confident that Saints can soon start to turn things around on the road.
When value for money is not part of the deal
ENGLAND'S bench strategy against New Zealand - goodbye \"bomb squad\", hello \"squib squad\"-has been investigated, psychoanalysed, convicted on all charges and mercilessly sentenced by the entire rugby world and its maiden aunt, so there is no earthly point in returning to the scene of the crime.
'I want to prove my worth to Bath'
OUT-OF-FAVOUR winger RuBath aridh McConnochie is hoping to use the Premiership Cup to lay down a challenge to Johann van Graan and make his selection claims impossible to ignore.