Wayne Smith and Sir Graham Henry had the right idea after all. The greatest rugby teacher of the last 50 years and quite possibly the greatest head coach of all time both knew the value of the ‘triple threat’ player in key positions.
In the decision-making positions at numbers 9, 10, 12 and 15, they always looked for players who were equally accomplished with the boot, on the run and with the hands.
On occasion, they would lift the cloth and look under the table for guys who had the potential to become all of these things at the highest level but were playing a different position.
They shifted Dan Carter from inside centre to flyhalf, and Ma’a Nonu from outside centre to second five-eighth, asking both to learn and refine their kicking and passing game.
Say their names now, and it is more like a hushed prayer. You find yourself talking in reverential tones about two complete players, the most rounded hosts of the number 10 and 12 jerseys in the history of the game.
Ma’a Nonu improved his kicking and became one of rugby’s great inside centres. (Photo: Paul Barkley/LookPro)
But not all the best players belong to the All Blacks, and the triple threat has not been lost completely to Australian rugby.
Over the last couple of weeks, there have been signs of an attacking revival.
Last weekend, the Reds scored four first-half tries on their way to a 24-12 lead against the Jaguares at the Estadio José Amalfitani, only to find it neutralised by a lopsided penalty count in favour of the home side. They backed up that performance with a 64-5 demolition of the hapless Sunwolves in Brisbane. Fourteen tries in two games is not a bad return.
Meanwhile, the Brumbies banished the ghosts of a last-gasp defeat by the Highlanders with a superb attacking performance against the previously unbeaten Chiefs in Hamilton.
Between them, the Reds and the Brumbies have scored 36 tries in eight games, at a healthy 4.5 per game average. Not a wholesale resurrection, but some clear twitches of life.
The revival has been triggered by players who, like Dan Carter, have played a significant amount of their rugby at both first and second five-eighth.
James O’Connor has shifted from 12 to 10 in the last two matches for the Reds, while the Rebels’ Matt To’omua – probably the frontrunner for the flyhalf spot for the Wallabies in July – can handle both roles with aplomb.
James O’Connor has been in excellent form for the Reds. (Photo by Patrick HAMILTON / AFP via Getty Images)
In Canberra, the number 12 from last season’s talented Junior Wallabies side, Noah Lolesio, has made the switch to 10 for the Brumbies. He currently heads up the potentially outstanding group of young flyhalves – along with Will Harrison and Isaac Lucas – who can be expected to lead Australian rugby into a new era.
Why does the transition from 12 to 10 make attacking sense? The instincts of a second five-eighth, or inside centre, are to play in the teeth of the defence, close to contact. They expect to have to make important decisions under intense physical pressure.
They can all run, and some can pass too. If they can be taught the nuances of the kicking game, you may just have the real deal on your hands.
Lolesio has received ample support in that department at the Brumbies. Halfback Joe Powell is responsible for the box-kick exits, number 12 Irae Simone kicks for position further upfield, and fullback Tom Banks handles the penalties to touch.
On the occasions where he has been required to kick himself, Lolesio has demonstrated a deft touch. Here is his well-weighted short diagonal into an empty backfield for the Brumbies’ fourth try against the Rebels in the second round:
Against the Chiefs in Hamilton, the plan was not to kick for position but to keep ball in hand and wear down the imposing home defence over a succession of phases. The men from Canberra built more rucks, they offloaded twice as much and won the line-break battle by a conclusive three to one ratio.
At the heart of it all was the performance of Lolesio at 10, and his desire to engage the Chiefs defence right on the advantage line. An early example occurred when the Ponies ran the ball out of their own 22-metre area:
As soon as Lolesio receives the ball, he is looking not to pass immediately, but to engage the defenders opposite him, Aaron Cruden and Anton Lienert-Brown. He delays the pass until he is sure he has fixed Cruden and brought blindside winger Solomone Kata into play on Lienert-Brown’s weaker shoulder.
Whenever Lolesio had the opportunity to engage the defence and offload, he took it:
The first example is a classic Dan Carter move. Lolesio drifts onto the outside shoulder of Lienert-Brown and gets the offload away to his inside support. He’s not trying to make a break, just manoeuvre his support in behind the defensive line. James Slipper does just enough to knock the ball up in the air and tip it back to Tom Banks for the first try of the game.
In the second instance, Lolesio repeats the inside centre dose. He knows he has the strength to bust through the seam between two Chiefs forwards, fall forward in contact and make the transfer to Allan Alaalatoa under full control.
One of the most interesting aspects of the Brumbies attack was the connection between forwards and backs with ball in hand. Here’s a snapshot from a sequence early in the game:
The three-man forward pod, composed of number 5 Caderyn Neville, number 3 Alaalatoa, and Slipper in the middle, form a diamond shape with Lolesio just behind them. Alaalatoa and Neville are positioned slightly behind Slipper at the tip of the spear and Lolesio is only a metre behind the loosehead prop as he goes to make the linking pass.
Most flyhalves would be positioned less aggressively than Lolesio, at least one metre further back and towards Slipper’s right shoulder, keeping their depth in order to attack wide. But Lolesio is projecting a run between the two Chiefs forwards opposite the pod.
Half a minute later, Lolesio found himself looking at the picture he wanted:
The pass from hooker Connal McInnerney is really only a short lob, but it enables Lolesio to turn upfield and penetrate the gap between Mitchell Brown and Mitch Karpik, then offload from the ground for good measure to continue the momentum.
Later in the half, the Brumbies were able to unveil another nuance to their attacking plan:
Firstly, Lolesio makes a short bust off the ball from McInnerney, then the Brumbies introduce Tom Banks at first receiver on the narrow side, using a sharp spin move to beat the first tackle.
Now let’s put it all together by spotlighting the long kick-off return sequence which resulted in the Brumbies’ fourth try of the game at the start of the second period. It began 15 metres from the goal-line with a carry by Solomone Kata, and ended with Pete Samu’s tackle-busting try 14 phases, two minutes and 90 metres later.
Here are Lolesio’s key contributions as the sequence unwound:
First, there is a pinpoint long pass off his right hand which pulls Irae Simone straight onto the ball with forward momentum, followed by that familiar shallow diamond pod shape on the next play.
On the next phase, Lolesio is off and running between Chiefs forwards again, with Tom Banks to back him up on the short side on the following phase. Suddenly the Brumbies are almost up to halfway without taking any undue risks.
When Samu scored off a Lolesio pass to finish the move, the Brumbies had established the ideal picture:
It may not look like much, but Pete Samu is already on the outside shoulder of the defender and has a couple of metres of space to run into. That is all he needs against Chiefs hooker Bradley Slater.
Summary
Those who see only the body of Australian provincial rugby lying cold and lifeless on the mortuary block may have to think again – whatever becomes of Super Rugby in the future.
There have been some distinct signs of the corpse twitching back into attacking life recently. The Reds ran riot in the first half at the Jose Amalfitani against the Jaguares, then scored ten tries against the Moon-Doggies at Suncorp Stadium.
Meanwhile, the Brumbies righted the wrongs of a needless home defeat by the Highlanders with a comprehensive win in Hamilton against the table-topping Chiefs. At one stage, they were 26-0 up on the scoreboard.
A common theme in recent Australian improvement has been the selection of 10/12 hybrids at flyhalf, whether it is James O’Connor at the Reds, Matt Toomua at the Rebels or young Noah Lolesio in Canberra.
Lolesio showed a refreshing willingness to stand short and attack the line from first receiver against the Chiefs. His passing was empathetic and always led the receiver in the right direction for him, and the wrong one for the defence. He offloaded accurately up top and off the deck, and presented the ball strongly after a ruck formed over him.
It is too much at this stage of his career to anoint him as Australia’s answer to Dan Carter, but at least he has the opportunity to follow a similar career trajectory. He has the running and the passing skills already, and the Brumbies will give him the chance to develop his kicking game further.
Just like Will Harrison at the Waratahs and Isaac Lucas at the Reds, all he needs is more time and patience invested in him. Those three together would indeed represent a triple threat to all-comers.
Chivas
Roar Rookie
It may be an OCD thing, I don’t like dots which don’t join up. I will find the links and add them. But I also think I have pieced it together. In 2005 he was considered by Smith and Henry as a like for like replacement with Umaga. By 2007 they had Conrad Smith (the future), Aaron Mauger (on his way out), McAllister (inconsistent) and Nonu (not yet an established squad member), but established playing inside Smith, as the Canes preferred Smith over Nonu, but Nonu was developing as a quality inside centre. At that point the three wise men would have likely revised their original position and thought instead to develop him more broadly into a second five who could kick, which also fits in with what you know and were told in 2007. Sorry for the runabout.
Nicholas Bishop
Expert
It’s not an extrapolation. It is the facts that have been stated and recorded at the time. The fact is that both Henry and Smith had earmarked Nonu for centre. The core of the issue is that you have said that this is the case, that Henry and Smith never saw Nonu as an all-round 12 and they never created a coaching structure to improve his kicking and passing games. But you have provided no proof to back it up – I’m still waiting for you to supply it. If you have a link I’m happy to check it out. The facts are that he was moved to 12 after the 2007 WC and he did improve his kicking and passing dramatically while GH was still in charge. As for disclosing details of my own conversations with GH, I feel I’m quite within my rights to tell you the results of those conversations without going any further into detail. Nobody else on this thread has found this issue remotely of interest, except ‘Uriah Heep’ briefly, so I don’t know why you’ve made, and are still making such a big deal of it!
Chivas
Roar Rookie
You assume an awful lot and attribute a lot of nonsense that has nothing to do with any facts to me Nic. That is your business. If you think your comments don’t make much difference, that I am just some sarcastic miserable person, denigrating you and your knowledge so be it. Fact is I have responded, which I would think might clue you in to the fact I am interested and endeavouring to find where the missing thread is, not just pushing a perspective. Maybe you are too close and feel the need to defend any perceived sleight against whomsoever you think I am sleighting. I get that and as I have commented throughout I am not trying to do that, but that has been completely missed. Anyway, be that as it may. It’s not an extrapolation. It is the facts that have been stated and recorded at the time. The fact is that both Henry and Smith had earmarked Nonu for centre. I asked you to explain exactly what it is that Henry said, but you have systematically avoided doing that. Now you throw more personal nonsense at me saying I wouldn’t care… yeah actually I do. In the same way I provide details to explain where I am coming from… you counter it with no details just you know better. When you have challenged what I have said I calmed back with events as I understand them It seems to me that you don’t expect to have to explain anything.. Don’t, you are right this has gone on for long enough and I no longer care. One thing about your book, it is enjoyable and gives details… something that has been sadly lacking in this discourse. I will probably buy this book in hard copy for my dad and the library as it is an excellent read. Hopefully if our paths cross again it is not with the personal snide comments you seem to want to direct towards me and can rather focus on providing supporting details, not just simply you know better because you worked closely with Henry therefore anything you say needs to be taken as gospel, even where it doesn’t seem to stack up with events as they played out in public including public commentary and interviews at the time. Maybe my tone or the way I raised the points could be better. I really do try my best not to trade in personal comments and keep the discourse to the topic at hand. Clearly I am not always successful. So once again sorry you feel the way you do about me challenging your opening paragraphs. Thanks for your views, thanks for the book, thanks for the insights and work you do here. I will continue reading., just won’t both commenting. Have a good weekend. Ciao.
Nicholas Bishop
Expert
That does appear to be one quality of which there is no doubt in MC – his passion for the game Fin. He’s been a welcome addition to the BBC coverage of the 6N.
Nicholas Bishop
Expert
Henry and Smith confirmed in an interview they were grooming Nonu to replace Umaga in 2005 and he didn’t feature in 2007 RWC with the selectors preferring Mauger, Smith and McAlister, meaning the thought of him being a triple threat not in anyone’s mind.</em> Tbh this is typical of the entire conversation. You just extrapolate to suit yourself. It takes time to learn the kicking game and Nonu wasn't ready to be the player they wanted. I could say that GH confirmed to me around that time what the plan was with Nonu, but I doubt it would cut much ice. Nonetheless it is true.
Chivas
Roar Rookie
Just in addition on a bit of digging more in an effort to vconfirm my own thoughts on the matter, both Henry and Smith confirmed in an interview they were grooming Nonu to replace Umaga in 2005 and he didn’t feature in 2007 RWC with the selectors preferring Mauger, Smith and McAlister, meaning the thought of him being a triple threat not in anyone’s mind. And as suspected he hadn’t developed a kicking game prior to Hansen caching the side, certainly not during Henry’s stint. So yeah I may have made a mountain out of a mole hill as they were just opening paragraphs to draw the reader in... but they are misleading and don’t match up to the actual facts And events around these two players is all I was commenting on. Sorry for questioning such a relatively small part of the article as you point out. It just jumped out at me as not lining up with actual events.
Chivas
Roar Rookie
Yes I agree with that. I ended up in a debate after posting my opinion… and then having to attempt to explain it. I never set out looking for a debate, just pointing out that I felt you had shown some poetic licence with your opening paragraphs. Not a massive deal and certainly not worth the words attributed to it, but out of courtesy I thought I should at least be clear explain my point which meant the discussion dragged out further than I had planned. Also as stated in multiple posts, it didn’t weaken or detract from the main thrust of your article, so maybe I shouldn’t have commented at all or at least not responded to any reply. Just seems to spiralled. Anyway it is what it is. More importantly, thank you so much for not only pulling this book together but pointing it out to me. This is exactly what I had been looking for. I now have something far more interesting than continuing this dead-end debate, discussion :happy: .
Fin
Guest
Cheika seems to be very persuasive - Sam Burgess says it was Cheika’s passion for rugby and encouragement that ultimately convinced him to give it a go. Folau said something similar about MC at the time he decided to switch to rugby, and now hearing this from T’eo as well.
Nicholas Bishop
Expert
Certainly news to me too Fin! The article says it was a pragmatic choice to play for England, although there was nothing sensational about Teo being left out of the WC squad. He was never more than fringe for Eddie and never established himself as the obvious alternative to Tuilagi - partly because of persistent injuries...
Fin
Guest
Nick, Was it common knowledge in the UK that Ben T’eo had his heart set on playing for Michael Cheika and the Wallabies? https://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/ben-teo-wanted-to-be-a-wallaby-this-is-why-he-played-for-england-under-eddie-jones-instead/news-story/f16028b53f4938ff32348389967cab5f
Nicholas Bishop
Expert
Cheers Fin. That sounds like a very progressive and enlightened move :thumbup:
Nicholas Bishop
Expert
Yes - nothing more to add from my side. :thumbup: I will say that if you reread the article and the thread following it with an open mind, you'll find you've made a very large mountain out of a very small molehill. The debate you've created out of a couple of innocent intro paragraphs exists mostly in your own mind! But hey, you're free to do that too, if that's what floats your boat. Enjoy the book :happy:
Fin
Guest
Good news Nick. The Crusaders are exporting their expertise to Australia. https://www.espn.com.au/rugby/story/_/id/28790874/crusaders-partner-australian-university-produce-future-australian-rugby-stars
Nicholas Bishop
Expert
Well they have a shot Fin - as even the games earlier today illustrate!
Fin
Guest
Hi Nick, I think it was the 2006 Australian under 19’s team that won the WC. Players like Quade, Genia, Beale, Pocock, McCalman, Fa’ainga twins, Nemani Nadolo. JOC emerged a year or two later. Many thought that was going to be the dawn of a new era of success for the Wallabies, but it never happened. Phil Mooney was the coach. He later became QLD coach and tried to recruit as many of those players as possible. I guess QLD had some benefit in the early part of last decade but the wallabies didn’t kick on. The question is will this time around be any different to the last time a group of talented youngsters emerged into Australian rugby teams offering a bright future for the game in this country?
Chivas
Roar Rookie
Thanks so much Nic. If you have any other books or stuff around this sort of thing, please let me know, because I am so ignorant of it all and as I say Wales has always held a special place in rugby folklore and not just for the awesome singing of their fans.
Chivas
Roar Rookie
“Nonu became a power inside centre with exceptional skills while he was an All Black under the auspices of Henry and Smith. You seem to think otherwise, but have not provided any evidence to support the theory.” Didn’t say he didn’t develop into a an exceptional player under Henry and Smith. Did say that I don’t believe either foresaw what he would develop into when they selected him. Did say there have been plenty of players whose like we have not seen before or since under a multitude of coaches. Kirwan being picked out of third grade club rugby probably being the most notable. “Wayne Smith and Sir Graham Henry had the right idea after all. The greatest rugby teacher of the last 50 years and quite possibly the greatest head coach of all time both knew the value of the ‘triple threat’ player in key positions.” Seems to imply that this was something amazing and new. “In the decision-making positions at numbers 9, 10, 12 and 15, they always looked for players who were equally accomplished with the boot, on the run and with the hands.” As has just about every single All Black coach in New Zealand for as far back as I can remember. In fact Mitchell and Deans during their tenure took it to an extreme which is why Cullen got dropped for McDonald. “On occasion, they would lift the cloth and look under the table for guys who had the potential to become all of these things at the highest level but were playing a different position. They shifted Dan Carter from inside centre to flyhalf “ actually this was done by Deans “and Ma’a Nonu from outside centre” actually from wing, but irrelevant “to second five-eighth, asking both to learn and refine their kicking and passing game.” As mentioned I doubt that this was their first thought when they selected Nonu at second five considering his passing and defence were average and his kicking non existent. But none of that takes away from having multi-skilled players and developing those skills in the positions mentioned is important. With regard to putting Nonu there, pretty sure they were looking at his game breaking ability when they selected him there, not thinking he would develop a kicking game. The conditions when he was moved into inside centre simply don’t support it and tbh he only added that string to his bow quite some time after he was established in the position for quite a few seasons. In fact I didn’t even think he was kicking in Henry’s final season, however happy to be corrected on that.
Nicholas Bishop
Expert
Hopefully it will also help shed some light on the chaos of Welsh rugby in the first few years of professionalism :shocked:
Chivas
Roar Rookie
Thanks Nic. Have downloaded it to kindle now. Thanks.
Nicholas Bishop
Expert
Except that I never said GH ‘revolutionized rugby’ did I? Or implied it. The’ reverential tones’ were reserved for Nonu and DC and their achievements at 12 and 10. However, he and Wayne Smith did develop Nonu into a 12, the kind of which we have not seen before or since. That’s a fact. Nonu became a power inside centre with exceptional skills while he was an All Black under the auspices of Henry and Smith. You seem to think otherwise, but have not provided any evidence to support the theory. As far ranking GH as a coach goes, most people have him in the top three of all time coaches. Even my own local paper in Wales! https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/25-greatest-rugby-coaches-game-9418723 If you want to see both sides of GH, read my book! https://www.amazon.co.uk/Seeing-Red-Twelve-Tumultuous-Years/dp/1845964241 . It contains truth from both sides of the fence. :happy: