Quote: Dux "Whatever it means, props with real size are a rare commodity, and any successful side needs at least one big prop, whether they play a forward oriented game or not. Add to that the fact that our scouting system has recently brought in two young athletic outside backs who are currently ripping it up at U19 level.
This news shows that we are competing nationwide and beyond for young talent, and thinking outside the box too. To put a negative spin on it is just perverse.'"
I agree. I mean, we can debate whether Saints' current style of play is "too conservative" or "pragmatic" etc. To be honest, it's a matter of taste.
But I think both sides of the argument must agree that
without a good forward pack - there can be no success. You don't win SL titles without a competitive front six. The greatest backline in the history of the sport would be hard pressed to exert dominance over the opposing team if its forwards were being trampled in defence whilst going forward they struggling to make twenty five metres each set.
You just get more bang for your buck in the forwards. A good prop can give you twelve, perhaps fifteen years (think Jamie Peacock) of quality performances. It's much more difficult for backs. Usually they aren't the biggest, strongest guys to begin with. How many young centres and wingers have been promoted from the academy only to be thrown around like rag dolls?
Very often they need to squeeze out every last bit of growth from their bodies before they are able to stand up to the physical rigours of professional RL. Which means they're hitting peak around the age of 23 or 24. Sure, young forwards find it difficult breaking into the first team, too. But if you're already 6'2 and 16.5 stones at the age of 20 - not having experienced your final growth stage at 23 is no great issue. Scully is a fine example. He really didn't hit absolute peak until he fleshed out at 23. But the important point is that up until 23 he was already big enough to be more than worth selecting. Compare with someone such as Makinson who up until last season I didn't think was anywhere near big enough to be a success.
The other thing about backs is that there aren't many over the age of 30 who are still playing at peak form. Joints lose their suppleness. Hamstrings tighten or are debilitated by successive injuries. Comparing the two, good forwards just hang around longer than good backs. And they certainly exert greater influence over the nature of the game.
