Picking your team can be a lot easier if you know what to look
out for.
That said, not all positions in the game are created equal, some have more
importance than others, so I will attend to those first.
Stamina is important for them all!
NB: Forwards (numbered 1 to 8 should have at least 100kg of weight, if not
more.
Number 2: Hooker
The hooker is one of the most important positions in the game, he throws in the
lineout, and complements your front row when in a scrum. That said, if he can
do these two things well, then really it's not too important to have any other
skills. Preferably he should be shorter
than both props.
Key Skills: Handling, Technique, Strength, Wieght
Number 4 & 5: Locks.
The locks are similar to the hooker, very important in set piece plays. They
are the main guys the hooker throws to, as well as providing most of the drive
in the scrum.
Key Skills: Height (at least 197cm +), Strength, Handling & Jumping
Number 9: Scrum half.
The scrum half handles the ball at most breakdowns, thus provides the team with
the platform to build attacking moves off. So a key here is that he has the
skills to do so. As well the scrumhalf does a lot of pick and go's, which mean
at times he acts like a 9th forward. Kicking is also important as the scrumhalf
may try and kick the ball away when under pressure, no matter if he has the
skills to go with it or not!
Key Skills: Attack, Handling, Kicking, Agility, Defence and Strength if you
want him as an extra forward.
Number 1 and 3: Loosehead and Tighthead props.
Very important for the scrum, they provide the foundation so the locks can
push. Great props will complement the locks in the scrum.
Key Skills: Weight, Strength, Technique
Number 6 and 7: Loose Forwards
Not as important in the scrum, they provide pressure on the backline after a
movement. They also attend a lot of the rucks with an opportunity to turn the
ball over. Could be helpful to have height to help in the lineout.
Key Skills: Technique, Defence, Strength, Speed, Attack
Number 8:
This role tends to be an attacking forward, it is suppose to be a guy who can
link in with the backline to attack, maybe I play the wrong guy there, as mine
doesn't seem to want to be involved unless he grabs the ball of the back of the
scrum to dive over for a try. Either way he still provides a similar role to
the breakaways in other areas of the field.
Key Skills: Technique, Defence, Strength, Speed, Attack and Handling
Number 10: Fly half
Similar to the scrum half, he sees a lot of the ball. He provides a link to the
rest of the backline, but also can be a guy who will try and bit himself. Vital
that he has some kicking as well, as he is quite adapt at having a shot a field
goal from time to time.
Key Skills: Attack, Handling, Agility & Defence
Number 12 and 13: Centres.
The centres really build off what the scrum and fly half has given them. They
are attacking players who need to be able to break the line, and also link with
their wingers. Very occasionally they also are required to kick, but it's not
important to scout for it.
Key skills: Speed, Attack, Defense, Agility & Handling
Number 11 and 14: Wingers
Wingers are there to finish off attacking moves. By the time
the ball has got to them, hopefully he is racing down the touchline to put the
ball over the line. Speed is critical for these players. As well good defence
on wingers combined with their speed, see's them very involved when a line
break is made against your team.
Key Skills: Speed, Attack, Agility and maybe Strength
Number 15: Fullback
A good fullback should play like a fly half on the field, injecting himself
into the attack when possible. The reality in the match engine is that he
doesn't try to do this. That said, he will field a lot of kicks in general
play, and also be required to kick himself from time to time. As a fullback, he
is also there to stop a play when the line has been broken against your team.
Key Skills: Defence, Handling, Kicking, Attack, Speed & Agility or strength
Captain:
Your captain makes
the decisions and leads your team to loss and victory he needs to be a well
know guy.
Key skills: A combination of the best experience and the
best leadership.
Formula
3x Leaderhip + 2x Exprience
Subs:
Make sure your
subs are sorted out correctly with injuries you don’t want your worst player
coming on for an injury in the middle of an important game.
Very Important tip:
Rotate your squad players
cannot survive going a few games without a rest energy is a big thing, so make
sure your squad has good strength in depth.
