By Brett McKay
June 4th 2009 @ 3:31am
Loading ...Related coverage
A switch for Mortlock, for his own safety
Even prior to, but certainly since Stephen Larkham’s departure for Japanese rugby a few seasons back, Stirling Mortlock has been one of my favourite players ever to grace a sporting arena, let alone a rugby field.
As far as inspirational leaders go, there’s not too many running around currently that top Mortlock.
His barnstorming running has him recognised as one the best outside centres in world rugby, but it’s for his crunching defence that he’s even more renowned.
It seems every season for the last few years he has pulled off a massive hit of some description, with this season’s highlight being his bell-ringer on Auckland Blues prop Tony Woodcock at Canberra Stadium in early May.
Unfortunately for Stirling, these hits of his are not always to his benefit.
The Woodcock tackle this year was not the first time he’s come off second best from a collision. That tackle wasn’t even the first time Mortlock has been concussed this year.
I’m now forming the opinion that a positional switch is required for the Wallaby Captain, and I believe it’s needed for his own safety.
When Brumbies coach Andy Friend played Mortlock on the wing for a month or so this season, it was done for the purposes of team balance, rather than a feud (as some scribes suggested) or a major form drop.
Simply, centres Tyrone Smith and Gene Fairbanks both had to be on the field, and Mortlock had a lot of experience on the wing in his younger, follicly-friendlier days.
Whatever the reasons, Mortlock’s form surged from the flank, and it started me thinking that maybe a positional switch isn’t such a bad idea, if for no other reason than to remove him from the main defensive line, and the associated collisions.
But I’m not thinking Mortlock needs to go back to the wing, but in fact to fullback.
When Mortlock first played for the Brumbies, he spent his first two years hovering between fullback, wing and outside centre.
Similarly, when he made his Test debut in 2000, it was also on the wing. Now despite a lack a hard evidence to support this claim (and I did have a pretty good look, I thought), I’m pretty sure he also played a number of his initial Tests at fullback too, before ultimately finding a home at outside centre.
His form on the wing this year highlighted that none of those major skills have deserted him. His kicking and positional play was quite sound, and it was the display of these skills that first made me think of this move.
To me, this makes obvious sense.
By playing at fullback, Mortlock’s defensive workload drops considerably, while his attacking play need not change that much from how he currently plays at outside centre.
Ultimately, this all has to mean that a removal from, or drastic reduction in the number of collisions greatly reduces the risk of head injuries, of which he has a long history.
A switch to fullback would almost certainly allow him to play through to the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
I’m not sure that he’ll get there if he continues to cop the head knocks and the resultant concussion as he does.
Quite frankly, I think he’s only one or two more head knocks away from a forced retirement, as was the case for his one-time centre partner Elton Flatley in 2006.
Adding further weight to my theory is that fullback is a position in which both the Brumbies and Wallabies need to find a replacement for a former long-term tenant.
Outside centre seems to be a position of which both the Brumbies and Wallabies have plenty of options. I don’t know that that’s the case at fullback.
It seems a logical move, in my opinion, for all parties.
But of course, there is one obvious hurdle that could bring my theory to its knees before it’s even tried, and that hurdle’s name is James O’Connor.
The 18 year old Western Force wonder kid is being eyed by both Wallaby coach Robbie Deans and the Brumbies as a solution to their fullback vacancy.
I think there’s no doubt that O’Connor is set for a long (and hopefully successful) Wallaby career, and the fact that Deans withdrew O’Connor from the Australian Under 20’s side preparing for their World Championship in June certainly points toward his Wallaby journey taking its next few steps in the coming weeks.
Which all means that my great plan for Stirling Mortlock might amount to nothing, which would be a shame, because I think Mortlock in space is one of the greatest sights in rugby.
And fullback would definitely give him that space.
But if this is the case, then I hope the Captain is able to play through to the next World Cup.
A courageous and inspirational player like this deserves to end his career on his terms, and on the rugby field, rather than looking at a brain scan in a doctor’s office.
Super 14 Tipping now live on The Roar. Join now.
Like this content? Buzz it up!
Free Email updates:
Our daily emails are only sent if there is content for the sport or that author. You can subscribe to multiple daily emails; or get the daily Roar email with all our content in it. We value privacy. More...
(21)
Ack said | June 4th 2009 @ 9:07am | Report comment
Brett,
I think his a legend too – but if his not up to it, then, I sorry to say it – his out.
We ar e in the luxurious position to have a plethora of back’s busting to wear the green and gold.
Most of them would make better fullbacks.
Sad but true.
Terry Kidd said | June 4th 2009 @ 9:17am | Report comment
Yeah Brett, we don’t want another Gregan situation. If others are better, then its time for him to go.
TommyM said | June 4th 2009 @ 9:20am | Report comment
I think if he’s in that much danger he shouldn’t be playing rugby. You can’t have a player at S14, let alone international level avoiding contact, no matter how good they are.
I’ve never understood why Mortlock hasn’t donned headgear?? Having been concussed myself 3 times in 2 years playing rugby, I was told by doctors that I HAD to wear one or stop playing. As nice as his shiny pate is, surely a bit of padding would just let him play that bit longer (and HARDER!!)
Brett McKay said | June 4th 2009 @ 9:28am | Report comment
(despite the typo in my name in the header, this piece is in indeed mine. I’m sure Zac will rectify this at some point..)
Ack, I do agree with you to a degree, but as I wrote, there’s signs there that Mortlock could make an easy transistion to fullback, if it was required. But your “Most of them would make better fullbacks” comment is interesting, and even indicative of current thinking it seems. I’m surprised that of all the fullback options currently (and I won’t count Mortlock in this), there aren’t too many specialists. Ashley-Cooper was/is a centre, O’Connor plays 12 but will almost certainly end up at 10, and Mitchell, Turner and even Sheppard are all converted wingers. Even around the states, Gerrard started on the wing, Norton-Knight was a flyhalf, and McLinden was a RL halfback who switched to fullback, and then to rugby. So where have all the fullbacks gone??
Also, I wrote this piece before the team to play the Barbarians was named, and I have to admit I was VERY surprised to see O’Connor named on the bench. I fully expected that this would be the game to see how he goes at the back, but perhaps the Italy Tests are being eyed for this.
And obviously, I hope Mortlock has a strong game…
Brett McKay said | June 4th 2009 @ 9:33am | Report comment
TommyM, you’re not alone in your surprise. A few times, after bad concussions, Mortlock has worn the headgear for the next game or two, but it’s never lasted. Perhaps it’s a comfort/confidence thing, but yeah, you’d think the inconvenience would be a small price to pay for health and longevity in the game..
LeftArmSpinner said | June 4th 2009 @ 9:40am | Report comment
Brett, Nope. Bad idea and it wont happen. Sorry to disappoint you. He is at 13 or 12 if Barnes is injured. He is not quick enough nor good enough at the things that Fullbacks wingers need to do. Frankly, AAC is not even close to being the finished article. But he is on the way up not the way down as Mortlock is.
It is not about protecting players. they need to judge that for themselves. Mortlock is not very good at that either. Kamakaze… good guy, and not a bad captain. good goal kicker but we have Giteau who is better.
ohtani's jacket, said | June 4th 2009 @ 10:12am | Report comment
Yeah, Mortlock isn’t a fullback or even a winger. It’s 13 or Japan.
Conor said | June 4th 2009 @ 10:14am | Report comment
Taking out our most damaging defender in the back line from the 1st line of defence doesnt sound like a good idea for me. Especially if the idea is for his own safety, ask him if he’s worried about hurting himself out there.
Playing rugby, he could shatter his knee next week (please dont), its just part of the game and not a good enough reason to try one of the greatest centres in the world out of position.
Brett McKay said | June 4th 2009 @ 10:26am | Report comment
Not disappointed at all Leftie, it was an idea I’ve had for a while, and I thought this week was as good a time as any to put it out there. As I said in the article, I also think the chances of it happening are slim to none, but hey, you have to float these things sometimes.
One thing though, I think his days at inside centre are over. From the way the Brumbies played once Tyrone Smith and particularly Gene Fairbanks were back at 12, and even for the Wallabies where Barnes, O’Connor or even Cooper would be better options (obviously I’m talking in terms of attack). He doesn’t have the passing game to play at inside.
Ultimately, his future will be determined by the form of Tahu, Ioane, or Ashley-Cooper at 13 for Australia. I think Cross has dropped off the pace this year, and he may well beat Mortlock OS. And then, as OJ said, it’ll be a matter of chossing between Yen and Euro…
ballboy said | June 4th 2009 @ 1:02pm | Report comment
As an Aussie and a Brumbie supporter I’m natually a big fan of his work. I do think wing is his best option and he played his best rugby there this season. Defensively he is dynamite…when he makes the tackle but he has been found wanting a couple of times this year trying to make the big hit. If he’s on the wing he can inject himself where he pleases with his bullocking runs which would be a great card to play. He can probably do that at fullback as well. In fact, the more I write this and think about it, he would be the last bloke in the Oz backline I would want to kick the ball to with some space to build up a head of steam. Hmmm, maybe fullback isn’t such a bad option Brett.
Who Needs Melon said | June 4th 2009 @ 1:37pm | Report comment
LAS, OJ,
I think Mortlock – as a talismanic player, leader and captain – needs to be PHASED out of the squad rather than given an immediate chop with a drop in form. I don’t agree with the “13 or Japan” approach.
I’d like to see him play less minutes over the next couple of years in favour of replacement options which are looking quite good – Cross, Ioane, Tahu, AAC and others. When these replacements come on, surely moving Stirling to the wings is an option – he’s proved he can still play well there.
I don’t want anyone to be a protected species ala (arguably) Gregan, Lote and as we seem to see quite often in cricket (Hayden?) but at the same time you want to avoid the shock impact to the team – like we (again arguably) had with Gregan leaving.
I’m usually one spruiking the best in each position for the run on side and the next best for the reserves… but in the case where there is not much between the best, the next best and the others, other things need to be taken into account. The fact that Mortlock is the incumbent captain and one of the few really experienced heads in the backs are big factors. This doesn’t mean we keep him there forever, regardless. It means we START to implement our succession plan – start to play him less and less minutes, change of captain, then start him on the bench then…
Lion Red said | June 4th 2009 @ 1:42pm | Report comment
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25415507-5015702,00.html
An interesting view from Mark Ella regarding Mortlock.
Sportsmouth said | June 4th 2009 @ 1:54pm | Report comment
It does pose and interesting question for Robbie Deans and the selection panel and if purely form based I struggle to see where Mortlock would fit in the team at the moment, but the bigger question comes in the form of does the Wallaby heirachy think that Mortlock will make it to the next world cup?!
I think its good for the team to have him in the squad as obviously he can play lots of backline positions and has a wealth of experience, but they should probably be looking to test a few others out in the view that in 2 years come W.C time, they’ve been exposed to the top level for a couple of seasons and would be hopefully on the way to their peak years, where Stirling is unfortunatley not!
taya said | June 4th 2009 @ 3:43pm | Report comment
i agree with most above – in fact – he should have left after the last World Cup – why does Australian rugby hang on to past players for so long when we have amazing young talent waiting !!? and Digby did not even get a run and yet probably best form no.13 in S14 for Australia ..
Nick (KIA) said | June 4th 2009 @ 3:59pm | Report comment
Ah geez. More with the positional switches for aging Aussie stars. Phil Waugh to hooker too?
Also, does headgear actually reduce concussion? Concussion is caused by acceleration or usually rapid deceleration of your brain within your skull (the brain whacks on the skull when the skull stops moving suddenly when it hits the ground/a prop). You’d need a fairly decent amount of padding to make much difference to such impacts (think goal post padding). I think headgear is useful for reducing cuts and cauliflower ears mostly…
Spencer said | June 4th 2009 @ 6:48pm | Report comment
Well written article Brett. Seems most people are against the idea of moving Mortlock to fullback or wing in an attempt to reduce the frequency of high impact collisions, and also the fact that other are better placed to play fullback.
Personally I don’t see that we have any specialist, or high performing fullbacks. Cam Shepherd if he was fit would probably be the best choice (said without conviction). Starting JOC at fullback is an easy option for Deans to expose him to test rugby; however he is a 12 or 10. Ballboy offered an interesting thought: “Deep kick to the Wallaby 22. Mortlock takes the kick and returns the ball at pace! Now tackle that.” AAC doesn’t have the “grey matter” for a fullback, which is another reason Deans is considering JOC at 15.
Seems to be a degree of paranoia about players out-staying their welcome. I believe it is unfair to single out Gregan. It wasn’t his fault that there were no other reasonable candidates for scrum half (and please don’t offer up Chris Whittaker…great bloke, but not an international scrum-half, or the prize fighter Henjak), and/or that the selector didn’t have the ticker to replace him.
I hope that Stirling maintains his form and warrants selection as a player first, and then as captain. If not, then he really has been a great servant of Wallaby rugby, and no shame in being dropped.
Taya…you will find that Digby is crooked at the moment, so on one leg he is no match for Mortlock.
Finally..there have been a number of studies on the effectiveness of headgear. Generally inconclusive that they reduce impact injuries. http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/picrender.fcgi?artid=1724772&blobtype=pdf
Peter K said | June 4th 2009 @ 8:14pm | Report comment
Ioane has had ONE good season at FB at S14 level. Look at Cross one good year and then down in form. Mortlock has been outstanding at intl level for years.
Mortlock is still our best O/C.
However we do have depth in that position. Tahu, Horne, AAC, Cross and Ioane.
We have very little depth at I/C and F/B. IMO Shepherd would be the best option at 15. The others are journeymen. O Connor is too small for F/B and the high ball.
IMO Mortlock would make a good FB, and the thought has merit. He has the defence and attack and speed for F/B. He can kick long enough and takes the high ball very very well.
So IF the next best option at O/C is better than the F/B option then yes move Mortlock to F/B.
Greg Russell said | June 4th 2009 @ 10:02pm | Report comment
Brett, in a week in which Lote Tuqiri has been dropped largely because he does not have sufficient gas, I think that alone gives you your answer to playing Mortlock at 15. To be a back-three player in international rugby you need to have extreme wheels, and Mortlock is well off such a pace. One of the reasons Deans would not touch Gerrard is because he’s too slow. I think we all remember Richie McCaw running down Gerrard from behind in the 2007 Bledisloe in Brisbane, and frankly I wouldn’t be surprised if McCaw could do the same to Mortlock. It’s so rare to find space in top-level international rugby that you must have the speed to capitalize when space does present itself for an outside back. So Mortlock is either going to have to foot it at 13 (or 12?), or else shuffle off the stage. The good news is that at the moment he’s still doing the job very nicely at 13.
(I know you’re going to ask me how come Mortlock went OK on the wing in S14 this year. Well that’s a different level and different style to international rugby.)
Did someone really write above that Mark Ella wrote an interesting article? I guess it has to happen once if you try often enough. Don’t get me wrong, he’s as gifted a player as I ever saw. But it was natural brilliance, not cerebral brilliance. It would be a cruel world if someone like Ella could be good at everything!
Brett McKay said | June 4th 2009 @ 10:16pm | Report comment
All good points Greg, Deans overlooking Gerrard is (yet) another reason why my idea probably won’t seen the light of day, As I said above (to Leftie?) it was just an idea I’ve been sitting on that needed airing. And I think Mortlock played so well on the wing to send a few messages, to be honest, to both coach and critics. At the time, it was probably the kick in the pants he needed.
Interestingly, Andrew Fagan from the Brumbies has all but conceded the chase for James O’Connor today (he said in not so many words that he’ll take the $$ and stay in Perth). Personally, I think this is a good thing, for both O’Connor and the Force.
So the Brumbies fullback spot might still be open
Davo said | June 4th 2009 @ 10:17pm | Report comment
Interesting article Brett.
As it happens, I’m a doctor by trade and although I don’t specialise as a sports physician, I’ve had a reasonable amount of exposure to the area (being a sports nut and all). And much as I hate to say it, I tend to agree with you.
The research unequivocally demonstrates that recurrent concussions have a cumulative effect on the brain. This is one of the reasons that the medical community in Australia, as a group, is opposed to boxing. It causes what sports journos like to call punch-drunk syndrome. We, on the other hand, call it traumatically induced cognitive impairment. As far as we can tell, headgear helps, but only marginally. (Here’s a neurosurgery journal article that talks about it, but there are actually many others in the medical literature).
http://journals.lww.com/neurosurgery/pages/articleviewer.aspx?year=2005&issue=10000&article=00012&type=abstract
This always causes a personal dilemma for me, because I happen to love contact sports including rugby, MMA and boxing. Mortlock is one of my favourite players to ever pull on the Wallaby jersey, but there is no two ways about it – he is extremely concussion-prone (or maybe ‘head-knock prone’ would be more apt, a result of his abrasive playing style).
If I had to think about it professionally, if Mortlock wandered into my rooms today and asked me for my opinion, I’d be forced to tell him he should be thinking about retirement (or perhaps Japan) sooner rather than later.
Who Needs Melon said | June 5th 2009 @ 1:33pm | Report comment
I like the “move to Japan” suggestions. Makes you think Mortlock won’t be concussed so often over there. I guess the inference being that the Japanese are all too short, too small or too weak to concuss a man. Anyone got any stats on the number of concussions per comp?
Also don’t forget that not all that play in Japan are Japanese.