It could be a monopoly. Potentially, five backs from the Waratahs are in line start for the Wallabies in the June Test series against England: Nick Phipps, Bernard Foley, Kurtley Beale, Rob Horne and Israel Folau.
Only either Samui Kerevi or Tevita Kuridrani at 13, and Joe Tomane (if fit) on the right wing stand between the Tahs and a selection flush from 9 to 15.
One of those beginning to show his cards is Reds halfback Nick Frisby, who has benefited indirectly from the inexperience of his partner in the halves, Jake McIntyre.
There is always one dominant voice in the halves, and with McIntyre learning the ropes that voice has of necessity become Frisby’s.
He took another big step up against the Cheetahs over the weekend, while both Phipps and Nick Stirzaker at the Rebels are both still struggling to rediscover their best form.
Although Phipps is probably still the man in the box seat as an established international player, Frisby is now snapping at his heels.
After a rocky start in the weekend’s first quarter, in which he had one kick blocked down and made another mistake in his own 22 – a passing reminder of the Reds’ exit malaise earlier in the season – Frisby took the game by the scruff of the neck. By the end he was clearly the dominant back-line personality on either side.
Here are some of Frisby’s best moments from the highlight reel:
Attacking support lines
Support from halfback is life-blood to the exploitation of line-breaks. From the very start of this Super rugby season, Frisby’s reading of the game in attack and his lines of running have been truly world-class.
Against the Rebels in Round 3, Frisby announced his quality in this area. He was on hand to support Hendrik Tui’s break from first phase lineout:
What is immediately apparent is:
Firstly, Frisby’s closing speed. By 34:05 he has run past both 7 Waita Setu and 12 Anthony Fainga’a, who are closest to Tui as the line-break is made at 34:02. He instinctively accelerates into the key support zone 1-2 metres directly behind the ball-carrier at 34:05 and 34:06.
Secondly, Frisby’s running line. At 34:06 he straightens underneath Tui as the Reds’ #6 fades out, taking the last Melbourne defender with him. The switch line maintains his momentum and takes him all the way in between the posts for the score.
The same qualities were in evidence for his try against the Highlanders in Round 7:
As the kick is received by Samu Kerevi at 15:36, Frisby is only at midfield. At he bends his run towards Eto Nabuli’s break 15:41 he is still behind Liam Gill and about 12 metres adrift of the ball-carrier. At the critical moment, at 15:43, he is comfortably ahead of Gill and again in the support ‘pocket’ only one metre away from Nabuli.
A sequence from the Cheetahs game illustrates the excellence of Frisby’s anticipation of the break:
Seeing a group of the Reds’ best attackers together out on the left (Kerevi, Karmichael Hunt and Nabuli), Frisby angles his run through the Cheetahs’ defensive line, at 40:57, until he is five metres ahead of the ball-carrier and converging for the offload at 40:59.
He got his reward not on this play, but in the highlight reel at the start of the second half. In the first clip he is already through the Cheetahs’ line and 12 metres ahead of Kerevi when he receives the ball at 45:41. When Kerevi releases Nabuli down the left side-line, Frisby begins to converge on him at 45:44, but the real finesse in his support play becomes evident at 45:46.
Seeing that Kerevi is holding the ball in his right arm and looking out towards touch, Frisby makes a late adjustment and switches lanes outside to make the offload a comfortable one for the ball-carrier. As support play goes, it is a thing of beauty.
Engaging the first defender and ‘lifting’ from the ruck
When he goes to pass, Frisby characteristically employs a short ‘lift’ from the base rather than passing directly off the deck. This tends to be the way in the modern professional game, but it does also mean that the scrum-half has to interest the first three defenders sufficiently to avoid ‘leading’ them onto the first receiver for the attack too often.
Frisby certainly improved this part of his game against the Cheetahs, making two clean breaks around the side of the ruck at 47:49 and 62:41. On the second of these occasions, Frisby waits until he sees the Cheetahs’ guard and second defender ‘bite’ on Andrew Ready (outside) and Ben Matwijow (inside) before he turns his run upfield for the try.
Frisby’s passing does appear to need some extra work, especially off his right hand. He lacks the bullet-like zip of a top Kiwi 9 and appears too right-hand dominant in those right-to-left situations. I counted four examples where passes stopped the receiver and caused a problem further down the line:
Defensive captaincy from the boot-space and scrambling in cover
Frisby also showed good organisational and communication skills when standing behind the ruck in the ‘boot space’. These are essential for a halfback in the defensive system the Reds use, and had them in good stead during a long goal-line stand in the first quarter.
In the still image at 10:47:
Frisby has his arms out directing the people in front of him near the breakdown. The value of his organisational skills has a concrete effect. At 11:16 you can hear him shout “Leave it, leave it!” to Anthony Fainga’a after the tackle is made. This pushes Fainga’a into guard and that allows Matwijow to bite off a little more yardage and pick up the fumble at 11:21 from his post at second defender.
In the second example, Frisby’s left arm snakes out at 13:21 as he sees Rob Simmons wrap up the Cheetahs’ ball-carrier at the back of a driving maul. He directs Gill into the maul to ‘pop the cork’, complete the turnover and another goal-line save.
Frisby also made another invaluable contribution in defence in his role as sweeper in behind the front line. In the Reds’ system, there are generally only two people who can scramble in cover after a break is made wide by the opposition – either the fullback or one of the wings playing as fullback, or the 9 corner-flagging from his position in between the line and the last defender.
At 32:33 from the reel, with the Reds a man down to yellow card and the ball turned over in contact just outside their 22, Frisby plays his role to perfection, running down sevens flyer Sergeal Petersen in the corner to save the try. He couldn’t quite repeat the trick on Raymond Rhule in the 70th minute, but it is nonetheless clear that Frisby has the closing speed and sheer desire to do the job.
Foot adjustment and misdirection on attack
As the Super Rugby season has progressed, Frisby has become more proficient at keeping his cards closer to his chest and withholding easy ‘tells’ as to the direction of the attack on the next phase. These can often be read by the defence from the halfback’s foot placement at the base of the ruck.
In this example from the game against the Highlanders, he signals out to the left before coming back to the (right) short-side to create a try in the corner for Liam Gill:
In the Cheetahs game, at 29:56, he changes feet from open-side to short-side and the result is a nice offload from Curtis Browning and another short break by Rob Simmons:
The kicking game
The final piece of the jigsaw for a good 9 lies in the kicking game. I wrote a previous article about the Reds’ struggles with their exit strategy based around Frisby’s box-kicks. Playing for the Wallabies he won’t have to worry, as their exit pattern is based around Bernard Foley.
However, his kicking game will add value from upfield positions beyond the exit zone. This was an area that England had identified as a Wallaby weakness over the past few years. Australian teams always tended to run the ball back through midfield, so the defence could commit an extra defender to the front line knowing that the Wallabies could not hurt them with the kicking game.
With Frisby in the side this will not be so obviously the case:
He shows good touch-kicking diagonally past a one-man or shallow backfield; in the first example, he kicks through the top half of the ball in order to get a good ‘run’ when the ball hits grass beyond that last defender – the sign of a player who has worked hard on his technique.
Summary
I suspect Nick Frisby’s Wallaby stock is rising by the week, and faster than that of any other 9 in the country.
Although Nick Phipps will be a known and trusted quantity to Michael Cheika, Frisby could well be the preferred long-term bet if he continues to develop at his current rate.
If Cheika is satisfied that he has the mentality and toughness to survive in the international arena, he may even start the first Test at Lang Park in Brisbane on June 11 and break that Tahs selection monopoly!
Nicholas Bishop
Expert
Points taken Fin! Not sure what to make of Jake McIntyre yet.... He's a gutsy player for a small 10 but the key will come when he really stands up and starts the managing the game and seeing the big picture - haven't seen that from him as yet, but it may happen.
Nicholas Bishop
Expert
I can' remember if you were involved in previous debates Fox, but to recap Nathan Grey will rarely have Foley defending at 10 (Hooper's job) or Beale at 12 (one of the wings who has lots of centre experience - Horne or AAC). He'll drop one of Beale/Foley to the blindside wing and the other into the tramlines at lineout, for example. I'm guessing it will still be like this come June. So... Hooper-Horne- Kuridrani/Kerevi in the 10, 12 and 13 channels. I think Michael Cheika sees Karmichael Hunt mainly as an alternative to Beale at 12, but again with the same defensive duties. That's the structure.
Fin
Guest
Hi Nick, Great detail in your analysis. This is Frisby's 5th season as a professional rugby player in the Reds squad, and today he plays his 50th game for the club. He came into the team as an 18 year old so coach McKenzie obviously saw something there from an early age. Given that this is his first season without playing in the shadow of Will Genia, and that he is now an experienced player (albeit still a young one within the team) is it any surprise that this could be his break out year? I think it took about 40-50 games for both Quade and Genia to start really dominating games. Jake McIntyre is still only in his second year so more patience is probably required with him from Reds fans, and comparing his rate of improvement this season with Frisby's might be a little unfair, as Frisby is a senior player. Just a few thoughts. Cheers.
Fox Saker
Guest
Agree on all counts moaman...his slow delivery got exposed every time he was up against Aron Smith as well - as did his box kicking
Fox Saker
Guest
Yes Nick I agree he will want to get Beale on the park and I agree he will almost certainly start at 12 for the Wallabies only because I don't think Cheika will start Folau at 13. I could be wrong but I don't see it yet. Beale is also making not so subtle noises about wanting to be in the run on side as well and that carrot will be waved under his nose to prevent from signing with a French club next year - you don't have to be a rugby rocket scientist to figure that out. So he will no doubt start at 12. But is he the right choice for 80 minutes or even 60 minutes at test level? I'm not convinced of the Foley, Beale, Kuridrani ( sorry I don't think Horne will play 13) except for one important point - Foley - Beale - Kuridrani is not the strongest defensive backline lineup in the history of rugby to say the least. I still do not trust Beale defensively...better maybe but not world class in defense..and certainly not at 12. Foley we is not the best defender going around at ten either and Kuridrani is still suspect with his rush defense. He got skidded by Fekitoa and badly against the Highlanders and it cost a try to Ben Smith. And Hooper can't cover everything. Oh and don't miss read me. I'm not overawed by anyone Nick but I do have a healthy respect for the All Black coaching staff and I don't think Eddie is anyone's fool either even if likes stirring the pot to get media coverage. It is well known that the All Blacks focus very strongly on their own game first but you don't have a coach or member in your set up whose job it is to specifically analyse the opposition - which the All Blacks media machine says they do - and then argue they don't look at places to target the opposition. Of course they do. This doesn't mean losing your shape and a key area of their planning is how and when they off load which ia a big part of their game. They also certainly targeted the Wallaby lineout last season no question about that in my opinion and because they saw it as potential weakness but still played to their strengths with Whitelock and Read as quality poachers. Of course I am aware you used to be involved with AB's so I am certainly not presuming to tell you something you don't already know but I do think they just sit back and not look at their opposition. If you play what's in front of you - a famous Kiwi motto that got hammered into me when I played rugby there - then what's in front of you is the opposition team sheet pre-game as well. And you analyse that. But one worry I have with the Wallabies is the continuing stuffing around trying to find a settled backline combination. Even without Conrad Smith and Nonu and Carter we have more of a clue who is likely to start where for the All Blacks and this is where I think Australia and Cheika needs to get its act together. But hey that's me... It's like musical back lines and when the music stops - hey jump on a chair and we'll see what jersey no you sat on...For gods sake get a settled back line Michael....and Carmichael Hunt will have to feature this season in some capacity or he will return to league or AFL even dare I say it...the Wallaby jumper would have been part of the initial enticement no question. That's the nature of the leverage, enticement, code switch, contract game and especially in Australia with the competition between codes for the star players. You need carrots not just money and the Wallabies is the only real carrot the ARU have to get players to crossover. So Carmichael Hunt off the bench? Or is he the challenging 13 on Kuridrani?
Nicholas Bishop
Expert
Fox, I wouldn't get too overawed by the ability of the AB coaching group or Eddie Jones for that matter, to work out the opposition. For me, one of the greatest strengths of Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith is that they base play on what they want to do and don't go too far over the top in reacting to opposition strengths and weaknesses. You never want to lose the basic shape of what you are and what you do. If MC chooses to keep his basic defensive shape, he could quite easily tuck Kerevi into 12 between Hooper and Rob Horne at 13 - that would leave Horne making most of the key decisions in the wider channel. Frankly I don't think there's a snowball's chance in hell of Matt Toomua starting at 12 because it would mean Kurtley Beale starting on the wing. We know that Cheika wants to use Beale as a playmaker in attack, which then leaves Toomua looking like a third wheel. The balance is wrong.
Fox
Roar Guru
hi Nick - If Kerevi was better defensively I would train him up at 12 ass a battering ram up the centre like Nonu did for the AB's. But his defense has not made me stand up and take notice like his attack can...but in the Highlanders game after they changed a few things in defense he was far less effective in the second half. This is worth noting because the All Black coaches will figure him out quicker than grease lightning if the Highlanders can.. Kudrani's defense is still hit and miss as well as we saw in the Highlanders v Brumbies game. For this reason Toomua must start at inside center - for now anyway Nick I think when we start picking players for potential Wallbies positions you almost have to ask: What will Eddie Jones, and especially Steve Hansen and the "guru" Wayne Smith do? Answer = plenty...any weaknesses spotted in Super rugby will manifest themselves five fold against England under Jones and ten fold against the All Blacks with their ridiculously talented coaching team. Kerevi is a bench player for me for now...at least against the best sides...He has most of the ingredients but the cake is not yet baked in my opinion...needs more time in test arena training oven
Nicholas Bishop
Expert
He certainly shares the irritatingly high-pitched squeal of Aaron Smith... When both are playing well, all you hear is their voices coming over the ref mic!
Who?
Guest
I genuinely put it down to Cheika, not the players around him. He did play for the Wallabies before Cheika. But never with the same drive, enthusiasm and pace. Without the pace and drive, he was a journeyman. His enthusiasm is his USP - and it changes him from someone I didn't want picked (like Burgess - in spite of good elements to his game, their shared poor passing from the deck was enough to exclude them) to someone I want in form and in the Wallabies.
Nicholas Bishop
Expert
Sometimes the advance made by one player can stir the others into improvement, hopefully that will be the case here...
Nicholas Bishop
Expert
Yep, Frisby looks quite similar to Nic White physically but he's as far away temperamentally as it's possible to be!
Fox Saker
Guest
Yes if he develops just a little more finesse into his passing game and speed at the ruck...something he came under fire for in the Waratah's game by commentators like Phil Kearns, together with the Reds forwards then he may be one those few that can deliver at test level without having to be too vocal. But he has to be able to handle the niggles and the pressure at test level that will come his way even if he does not dish it out much himself. The English are/were right. Genia's temperament was fragile under pressure. Not as much as Coopers but certainly if he couldn't get into the game he became silent towards the opposition but never backwards taking it out on some of his pack. I witnessed this on several occasions at Suncorp with the Reds. It was not an impressive thing to watch. You could see some of the players were not impressed either but Genia's profile had been lifted to almost untouchable at one stage in Australian rugby until his influence on a game diminished with his form slump which as I say coincided with teams shutting down his running game. But Frisby could become niggley as time goes on and perhaps may need to be at test level a wee bit more than what he is now.
Akari
Roar Rookie
Thank you, Nicholas, for your focus on Frisby as I have always liked his play and thought how smart he is as a HB. It's good that Genia's departure has allowed Frisby to grow in his own game and I won't be surprised if he has watched a few of TJ Perenara's video clips on the art of support play as he sometimes reminds me of TJ's play. Now that Stirzy is still trying to play himself back into form after a lengthy injury forced break, I hope Fris gets his call up from Cheika.
SP
Guest
Another good article Nicholas. I like the way Frisby plays and have no problem if he is chosen to start. At the very least, he will be in the match day squad.
Farmer
Guest
Phupps is not an International standard half back. We need someone
RobC
Roar Guru
It seems he gave his finger to another Aussie (Force match), who didnt appreciate it :lol:
ClarkeG
Guest
who did he collide with when injuring that finger? :-)
jason
Guest
I don`t rate Aaron Smith..I really dont..I can`t see all the fuss..He had an absolute shocker when his forwards were dominted in sydney last year.....He only plays well when his forwards play well or against 2 tier nations..He is a flat track bully...
Dave_S
Guest
Yes I'm far from an expert on this but my impression is the traditional rugby/league kicking style is fine for distance and other things but if you want to have good directional accuracy or land the ball on a particular spot then the aussie rules drop punt is the way to go
Dave_S
Guest
Oh ... Off to the optometrist for me then :)