Why are hookers still throwing the ball into lineouts?
Roar Pro
By Matt Brown, 12 Aug 2008 The Crowd is a Roar Pro
- Tagged:
- George Smith, goal kicking, lineout, Rugby Union, wallabies
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.
Wallabies, you need to get smarter.
Love this article? Nominate it for The Roar’s Armchair Sports Writer Award. Or vote now for this week’s nominated articles.
Enjoy sports? Enjoy a bargain? All Sports Online has your favourite sporting brands at up to 70% off. Online only, premium quality sporting goods and merchandise at discounted prices. Get a deal now.
Do you have what it takes to become a sports writer? Write for the roar
Rugby Union articles
- Will Super Rugby crowds continue their slide? (198)
- Will South African rugby force a Super 21 by 2018? (172)
- Brumbies 2012: New coach, new players, new attitude (128)
- Dan Parks and the unsolved questions of expat rugby (61)
- Pocock set to be named new Force skipper (56)
- Can the ‘Tahs win the battle after losing the Waugh? (51)
- What does the future hold for the Six Nations (50)
- Queensland ready for Super challenge
- Australian teams at Super disadvantage
- Foley excited about Samoan rugby challenge
- Force rugby coach praises his pack
- The real story of how John O’Neill turned Manchester City down (6)
- Wales’ Davies banned for ‘tip tackle’ (3)
- Graham Henry’s rugby future confirmed (13)
- Wales show Southern Hemisphere how to play running rugby (21)
- What opening matches of Six Nations taught us (16)
- Will Super Rugby crowds continue their slide? (198)
- Clinical Chiefs cost rusty Rebels in Corio (9)
- Six Nations shows rugby is a parochial game at heart (5)
- Goose’s Super Rugby up-and-comer XV for 2012 (29)
- What does the future hold for the Six Nations (50)
- Explore:
- George Smith, goal kicking, lineout, Rugby Union, wallabies
Benjamin said | August 12th 2008 @ 1:17am | Report comment
That’s quite a good point. I imagine the reason is psychological – once we start reversing the traditional trend of positions then are we getting closer to league? In many cases I think it is simply because many players wouldn’t be skilfull enough, some forwards literally cannot throw the ball backwards. Also, you could never have Smith throwing in because the 7 is a crucial presence in the lineout just in case the throw were to miss and the opposition were to gain the ball. 7s should always be monitoring the back of the lineout for defensive reasons. 6s are always needed to actually jump in the lineout so that just leaves props. In England’s case Sheridan and Vickery could not throw in because they are too tall and are necessary lineout lifters. Thus it is only the nations with smaller props that could perhaps do this.
formeropenside said | August 12th 2008 @ 8:00am | Report comment
Yes, the winger used to throw into lineouts. All 8 in the line in those days I believe.
Ok, who should do it, if not the hooker? The halfback? Forget quick clearances then. The openside? His job is to stand at the end of the lineout and chase play. Today, the 6 and 8 are likely jumpers. The second rowers are specialist jumpers, so that seems a bit of a waste.
Ok, maybe some shorter props could learn to throw. What if that prop gets injured, either during a game or loses form? Should he be kept in the team to cover someone else’s failings?
Like it or not, the hooker throwing into lineouts is a sensible solution. If a player cant learn to do his core jobs, then it does not matter what else he can do: you would not suffer a 10 who had no kicking game.
Clarky said | August 12th 2008 @ 8:00am | Report comment
It is also worth remembering that in the dim dark past, hookers never threw into the lineout. It was the job of the winger…
Matt said | August 12th 2008 @ 9:25am | Report comment
If the winger was to throw it would at least allow you to put the hooker into the lineout as a strong lifter. With the new unlimited number laws that cold work out quite well. Or you could put the hooker into a lifting role and drop a loosie to the midfield for the crash ball? I’m sure it will be something that the coaches will start to look at.
I’m also waiting for the old school style set moves to come back in vogue now that the free kicks are in place. after all hte defense has to be back 10m on a free kick (just like at scrum time), but you get the versatility of using your forwards as decoys too.
On the topic of lineout throwers though, the AB’s have recently made comments about Tony Woodcock (that great cheat and scrummaging myth) and his additional role on the current Tri-Nations tour to South Africa. The AB’s coaches usually like to take 3 Hookers 3 Halfbacks, as they see these both as important specialist roles. However this time they have only taken 2 Hookers with them and have instead taken loose forward cover (no doubt due to McCaw’s importance on the sides Looseforward balance).
So, Tony Woodcock will now cover the throwing duties, should Hore and Mealamu both get injured. If this does occur then Afoa is said to be the Scrummager (he will pack down at 2, between Woodcock and Sommerville) while Woodcock will throw into the lineouts.
Hoy said | August 12th 2008 @ 9:29am | Report comment
Also need to remember though that in those days there was no lifting, and percentages of lineout wins on your own throw were probably a bit down on what they are today, simply due to the fracas that followed the throw in as the tall timber jumped.
I just fail to understand how a professional worker (lets face it, it is a job now), can’t perform his task. A hooker’s job is to throw a line out. These blokes train for what? 10 -11 months of the year. What is it that hinders their throwing capability? You are paid to throw lineouts and scrum, and you have great coaches teaching you both. I don’t think it is too much to ask to be able to throw if it is your job.
I also think that in recent history with the Wallabies, the lineout was far too complex. Jumpers feigning to run to the back, then jumping in the middle etc. It became too much. What about the simple quick jump to number 2. It became like a competition to outfox and out-complicate your opponent in the lineout in the early to mid naughties. It buggered up a few hookers as it became too hard to hit a jumper. I think anyway.
Teach TPN and he will be a great hooker. He is mobile, has great hands around the park etc. He just had a bad night throwing. It is part of his job description, teach him. Foley was our best throwing hooker of the 90′s, even though he was oft overlooked for Kearns. Teach the hookers to throw.
Mr Mac said | August 12th 2008 @ 9:41am | Report comment
The best goal kicker kicks goals, the best line kicker kicks at the appropraite penalty.
Its a situation where the throwing team should be in control so the best thrower should throw.
I suppose it depends on how much the “thrower” and the resulting possesion is valued.
As for making it like league – league doesn’t have lineouts so why would changing the thrower make a difference?
Benjamin said | August 12th 2008 @ 9:48am | Report comment
Because it alters recent traditions. A hooker’s role is specific. In league hookers can play dummy half, they have no set piece worries. If the hooker doesn’t throw then every team might as well pack another flanker in that position.
Mr Mac said | August 12th 2008 @ 9:56am | Report comment
As said before – when the rules changed (lifting) wingers stopped throwing & hookers took over. Is ten or so years even a “recent” tradition? I doubt it.
The srum need a hooker that can scrummage – that the specialty, not throwing.
Benjamin said | August 12th 2008 @ 10:01am | Report comment
Andy Dalton was throwing the ball in 1983, so was C. Fitzgerald, as was Peter Wheeler… need I go on? Is 1982 ten years ago? I doubt it.
So if the new duty of a hooker is to scrummage why not pick a third propr then?
Jerry said | August 12th 2008 @ 10:02am | Report comment
Mr Mac – hookers have been throwing in well before lifting was legalised – I don’t think wingers have thrown in since the 1970′s.