RUGBY FULLBACKS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19336, 28 May 1937, Page 7

RUGBY FULLBACKS

POSTION IN POVERTY BAY NO SENIORS OUTSTANDING MUST BE STRONG ON DEFENCE (By ‘'Sideline.”) The senior fullbacks of the Bay have not shown outstanding form yet this season in the competitions of: the Poverty Bay Rugby I’nion and on account of the approaching representative season L have undertaken this season to confine myself to the work of the last man the attacking players have to pass before their movementcan bo conn ted a success.

In ihe early days of Rugby in the Dominion the fullback was looked upon as the weak man of the team, but if lie showed promise of being a good place-kicker his position in the team was assured. It was not long, however, before the New Zealand selectors recognised the value of the strong defensive player as well as a, good line-kicker in this position on tho field mid the tiiu<‘s have since been numerous that a good fullback has been the difference between the success and failure of a team. Value of Line-kicking

The qualifications of a fullback should be clean taking of the ball, determined tackling of the attacker, and forceful and accurate punting with both feet. With his linekicking Ih‘ can do much to conserve the strength of his forwards, who will be relieved of- unnecessary backing up on account of the ball failing to go into touch when cleared or being placed in such a position that they have to cross the field to defend another section of the buck division. If the fullback does not think he can put the ball into ioiu-Ii kc should at least put up a punt over liis pack and then follow up lo place his men on side.

He should be a deadly tackier and fearless rush-stopper. Backs cannot be relied upon to take cure of the men they are marking, and it is often that the poor fullback is forced to face an overlap. At. the same time the backs cannot always be blamed for missing their opposite numbers, for a clever cut-in will make the best of men fall into the trap.

In a case such as that all the .fullback can do is to attend to the man with the ball or the one who just lmd the ball. He should lie careful not to be deceived by a feint puss and must go for the man with the ball. A player in this position will find it much safer to take a ball on the full than wait for the bounce and have to run backwards. He should stand rather deep in the Hold. In the best circles it is considered an unpardonable error to allow the ball to bounce and the fullback also should watch that lie does not stand too deep in the paddock.

Hints for Players

The following hints, which should

lie of value to players, have been contributed by a man of long experience: If playing against a strong wind, or with a wet and heavy bull, or if in imminent danger of having jhe kick charged down, run ns far as possible and trust to your team-mates coming round in support. It is better for the fullback to be tackled with the ball than to take a risky kick and have it charged down or marked near his own goal. On tho command of his captain he should find t ho line. If right on the touch line arid an opportunity exists, cut in-field and then kick and it will bo found that with this method more ground will be gained provided no risks are taken. If defending on the goal line, run to meet an attack rather than tackle and be borne backwards over the line by the impetus of your opponents. The list of general hints to tne Ilugbv pin vers is continued as follows: —

A specialist at place-kicking is a jewel in a team. Practice in place-kicking makes perfect. Slow up to tackle, but it time is precious then run right at tin opponent.

Watch the hips when attempting to stop a dodger. Backs should practise dribbling; n often comes in handy.

Practise kicking with both feet; Practise fielding under lire, and do not watch the chargers; your eyes should be on the ball.