i think its down to the coaches these days and the way they set up in defence,they keep it tightdown the middle, using your better defensive players to keep it tight around play the ball area,alot more thought in defence these days , and game plans

I do agree, all players should help out in defence, but the best most clubs put there SH defending in the centre position, Horne does too much defending for a halfback.

That's four players over the last 35 years so.

The game has changed a lot over that period - the 10m rule being a fundamental one - prior to that intoduction, the SH often played a sweeper role in defence.

'etc' - I put it twice for the slower members, I'll add an extra one just for you next time Dave.





I appreciate that but even in the modern era the top scrum halfs can defend well when required, although admittadly their defensive duties are reduced wherever possible.

Thanks

Except Leuluai and Deacon who can both defend more than their weight.
Danny Brough can defend, so can Horne. Some are weak, most of them are spots in game plans due to their size, but 3 or 4 in SL seem to love defending.

why has the debate turned into how well a half back can defend?

When you look at the great half backs over the years the only thing that sticks in the mind is how good in attack they are. The half backs who can run well with the ball stand out most - look at Rob Burrow and Danny McGuire at Leeds, both great runners of the ball and that's why they've held the half back spots at Leeds for so long. Millward was a great runner of the ball, as is Lockyer. Some half backs are tougher than others but they don't become greats of the game for their defence.

It's just a back handed swipe at Dobson to say his defence isn't very good, probably because you can't find any real weaknesses in his game.

A poor attempt

And kick pity about the rest of his game, I didnt say that halfbacks cant defend just that most teams put them out wide in the defensive line to protect them.

He is superman, best Scrum half in the world.

Most coaches in SL found a big weakness, his defence.