Re: Loose Forward Role : Thu Jan 24, 2013 4:38 pm  

I think their is a lot of debate about she best to fit the 13 into the structure of the side. Kevin Brown for example played loose forward for Huddersfield last season, and directed the play down the left hand side, where as Scully was a middle unit 13. When a pack struggles, the first players to blame will be the two props, not the 13, and when fans talk about the playmaking duties, the 13 is not a position that would be expected to have that sort of responsibility. Thee role is not considered to be a meter making one or a playmaking one, and that is where the problem lies in my opinion.

Re: Loose Forward Role : Fri Jan 25, 2013 11:09 am  

In my eyes the Loose Forward role in attack is an additional second row. Whereas, in defense they need to work their socks off. They have the opportunity to move around in the defense line unlike second rows, props, centres and wingers. I recon the games were people are critical of Wilkin going missing in are the games where he's put a ton of effort into defense. It's difficult to put in maybe 4 tackles in a set of six and then back up in attack because your trying to catch a breather. As we know Wilkin is often high on the tackle count.

To be able to stand out in both defense and attack as an all round loose forward you need superb fitness levels. Something Scully had and probably still has.

Re: Loose Forward Role : Mon Jan 28, 2013 9:13 am  

Everyone wants a Scully or a Farrell at 13, but those players are very rare, it seems you can either have a tackiling machine, like wilkin who can be an emergency pivot if needed, or a third prop, like a lot of teams do. Scully did all of those jobs, thats what made him so good.

Re: Loose Forward Role : Mon Jan 28, 2013 12:30 pm  

This season it'll be Wilkin most of the time with one of Puletua, Manu or Soliola being an impact player from the bench will Perry and Laffranchi as starting prop forwards.