No mystery between six and eight

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Stormers coach Rassie Erasmus has laughed off suggestions that Luke Watson will be under pressure at number eight.

Stormers coach Rassie Erasmus has laughed off suggestions that Luke Watson will be under pressure at number eight.

Watson has been labelled a fetcher, or openside flank, for most of his career. He has traditionally thrived in this position, but Erasmus raised some eyebrows by selecting Watson at number eight for the clash against the physical Bulls outfit.

Erasmus revealed to rugby365 his take on the roles of the loose trio.

“If I can take a minute and a half to quickly explain my theory surrounding loose forwards, because I really played there,” said Erasmus.

“This whole issue surrounding [numbers] eight, seven and six – I never understand it. So I will quickly explain.

“Let's say there are eight scrums [that utilise] eighthman, and four of those scrums are sometimes vital, say, in your own 22 in the corner. How many of those scrums do you really need eight-nine channeling plays?

“In line-outs there isn't an eighthman. In scrums, eighthman is the easiest place to defend from, and there is no doubt from anybody that the guy [Watson] has unbelievable talent in general play.”

Traditionalists believe that a number eight should ideally be a tall, bulky player in order to be effective, taking into consideration that his duties generally include being a support scrummager, and giving his team forward momentum from the scrum.

But Erasmus believes that the speed of the modern game leaves space for a smaller, skilled type of forward like Watson to thrive.

“Let's say there is lots of pressure on him [Watson] in those four scrums. But in the other 250 rucks and 36 or 32 minutes of general play, he's unbelievable.

“So I have no doubt that he will become a very great eighthman, and guys like Robbie Diack will push him really hard to keep his spot,” continued the Stormers coach.

“Luckily now he can play two positions really well, and I think for his future, that's awesome, if you look at higher levels and to the future.

Erasmus warned that fans shouldn't be too quick to judge if things go awry against the Bulls. By the same token, Erasmus also gave Watson his vote of confidence.

“Certainly he will make mistakes, Ricky [Januarie] will make mistakes, I will make mistakes. It might take a game or two, or he might just slot in perfectly from the beginning.

“But I'm sure he will become a great [number] eight, as he was a [number] six.”

By Phil Coetzer