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About that one thing that was indisputable in rugby union throughout 2013 was the form of All Blacks No. 8 Kieran Read.
Here was a man, once touted the least able Kiwi international, who was almost single-handedly willing his side to their first ever undefeated international season.
Read’s combination of size, speed and physicality, but most of all skills, was enough that with regularity he was setting up and scoring tries of his own – a stand out in the best team in the world.
Quite rightly, Read went on to collect every single individual accolade available in the game. And it’s these exact same traits that Scott Higginbotham is displaying which could soon have him discussed in similar circles.
Higginbotham was outstanding in leading the Rebels to a big win against the Cheetahs in Round 3 of Super Rugby. His leadership, work at the breakdown, tackling and running were all first rate.
The two highlights came with his remarkable cross-kick try assist to Jason Woodward, which showcased not only a deft touch with the boot but also outstanding awareness and vision, and also from his 82nd minute try in the corner.
What you may not have noticed was how good his control and delivery of the ball from the back of the scrum was.
He showed off an absolute bullet spiral pass to his outside backs from the scrum, which gives the Rebels an outstanding advantage in the set piece. I’m betting this pass could be the first in many Rebels five-pointers this year.
In 2011 and 2012, Scott became a regular for the Wallabies, standing out for his ferocity and mobility for his size.
Until injury cruelled his 2013 campaign, he had already crossed the stripe six times in his first season for the Rebels and shocked everyone with just how dominant a force he could be.
We’ve only seen him once so far in 2014, but already he showed the kind of all-round game which saw Kieran Read emerge as the most feared player in World.
If he keeps it up, could the Wallabies have their own ace in the hole?
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.