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Playmaker or a proper strike runner? This constant contradiction seems to bamboozle us when it comes to the inexplicable state of the All Blacks’ fullback position.
New Zealand falls prey to having too much talent, resulting in mis-usage. This saw them perform sub-optimally the past three years, despite having an elite domestic competition in Super Rugby.
All fullbacks, are expected to be defensive rocks, and this already has a definite winner. DMac, despite his defensive misreads, puts his body on the line, and is dimunitively secure under the higball. Will Jordan’s backfield coverage is decent. Jordie Barrett is physical, quick, and clever to defend the back, rarely letting anything slide.
However, from an attacking perspective, the waters become murky. Is BB a fullback or a flyhalf? Or is he an impact player? His natural ‘baller’ archetype suits fullback in terms of an all-rounded attacker, but why not have the quickest guy from a counter-attacking prospect.
The insistence on dual playmakers has brought about the downfall of the All Blacks since Japan. Will Jordan is the best at bringing it back, but is not a 10-type distributor. As a result, he has a second flyhalf starting ahead of him.
There are two types of attacking fullbacks:
1. The Tactical Maestro: This archetype excels in reading the game, providing strategic direction to the team, and making intelligent decisions on the field. They have excellent vision and awareness, allowing them to position themselves optimally to counter the opponent’s attacks and launch effective counter-attacks. They possess strong kicking abilities and are skilled at finding open spaces to relieve pressure or set up attacking opportunities.
Examples in NZ: Beauden Barrett, DMac, David Havili, Stephen Perofeta
2. The Attacking Spark: This archetype brings creativity and flair to the fullback position. They have exceptional running and evasive skills, making them a threat in open play and broken field situations. They have the ability to break through the defensive line, create overlaps, and exploit gaps in the opposition’s defence. They possess good passing skills and often act as an additional playmaker, linking with the backline and creating try-scoring opportunities.
Examples in NZ: Jordie Barrett, DMac, Will Jordan
They have BB at fullback to do the job of a tactical maestro, and have reaped their rewards at several occasions.
Just admire his offload against Argentina in 2022.
Finesse and flourish orchestrates a sensational finish. How many elite 10s could produce that? Maybe, Finn Russell-and apart from him, that list looks rather vacant. (Just a reminder, he produced that from pivot, not from fullback).
But the real reason why they want him there is to act as a connective element in the backline, a second kicking option. It’s ironic, due to two main reasons.
Reason 1: BB/a second flyhalf-type player at fullback is essentially the rugby equivalent of playing a central attacking midfielder at centre forward in soccer.
The fullback is the pliable position, the spot of creativity that can be moulded into any role that suits the team’s style. However, he usually has to be the attacking spark, the man to be the focal point of breaks, the danger man of the team. There are ways to avoid this-to have all backs being adept distributors/breaking threats, a la France.
Damian McKenzie (Photo by Dianne Manson/Getty Images)
The other solution is to adopt the Bok backline model, which is to have a creative strike runner at 13 (Lukhanyo Am). But even there, Le Roux works all around the field, finding work everywhere in attack, defence, transition, and kicking. He slots into the wider channels when De Allende steps up as a second five, using his wide channel threat to create space for the wingers and wing forwards. Is Beauden Barrett that kind of guy? No. For all of his merits, he is not a floating organiser and facilitator-that is a role archetype rarely found in rugby due to its niche nature(it doesn’t fit in other systems very well) and its demands of skill, vision, and athleticism.
Reason 2: They have sacrificed their attacking spark for things that they already possess.
DMac is an excellent passer and as good as anyone in engaging the line and creating for his teammates. His kicking is no slouch either. Jordie Barrett, the most conventional option stands tall in all pressure situations, with a massive boot and a variety of kicks and passes up his sleeves. Both could be a ‘tactical maestro’ in technicality, with the passing/kicking ability to serve as the link-man in the dual/triple playmaker system the All Blacks seem to be adopting.
Thus, Beauden Barrett should be the starting 10 if his skills and athleticisim are crucial to running their system, and not placed as a dovetail. The All Blacks lacked the raw strike runner archetype in the previous few years. Their desire to use BB as a second playmaker has curtailed him utilising his agility and breaking ability, and it seems that Jordie and DMac have both attacking elements, and thus specialist fullbacks should be deployed in France.
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.