The loose forward has been given a hard time over the last few seasons. With the exception of the front row at scrum time, the loosies have had to work hardest to adapt to the laws as they have changed, despite the fact that the players have contributed to these changes being made.
They have had to morph: to grow and become the tradesman serving the need of the team. The great modern loose forwards are household names and their reputation for bravery and contempt for their own preservation is legend. Their capacity to work and their ability to execute under pressure are all part of their psyche.
Are they becoming the modern footsoldiers of a wargame that marches, in lurching, drunken steps, to and from the brink of boredom?
They could be the creators of the difference, yet they remain employed as the enforcer and perpetrator in one. This burdens them with the knowledge that they can govern the game, when all they might want, is to set it free.
Just a thought…
Bob
Very well put Bob!
No matter how the rules change, the loose-forward (emphasis placed on the open-side) will try his utmost to spoil or reverse the opposition ball. Such is the nature of the game. Being called a cheat, in this instance, could be deemed the biggest compliment! So long as this is Union, there will be rucks; so long as there are rucks, there will be fetchers. Therefore the ‘cheats’ are and always will be part of the game. The fight for the ball is in the essence of Rugby Union.
Unless we merged with League at some point with out my knowing?
(Sharks to win Super 15)
you are right, the fight for the ball is paramount, but add in there , the keeping of it – the loose forwards also manage a carrying and protection role, which is far more advanced than fans realise, inches forward and a kept ball seems so hard to do sometimes, but the best loosies are outstanding at it !
big year ahead
Bob