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Why are hookers still throwing the ball into lineouts?

Roar Guru
11th August, 2008
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Roar Guru
11th August, 2008
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2463 Reads

I’m constantly bemused by the idea that the hooker has to throw the ball into the lineout. And now there’s talk of dropping Polota-Nau because he can’t throw.

The French are among the many nations that have tried using other players to throw the ball into the lineout.

Why do we doggedly persist with the idea that the guy with the number 2 on his back must be the thrower?

Why don’t the Wallabies trial all the smaller forwards, and whoever has the best skill set, gets the assignment?

In fact, teams should have a few options up their sleeve to cover for replacements.

What is there to be lost by having George Smith, or one of the front rowers throwing?

In this way you can keep a talented player on the field, while covering for their woeful throwing skills (think Jeremy Paul).

Just as in goal kicking, if a player loses the plot, replace them with another member of the team. But keep them on the field for their other roles.

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Wallabies, you need to get smarter.

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