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You are in: Rugby Union: Features |  |
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World Cup Airborne Division | |
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Around the Academy: |
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Few positions have changed more dramatically in recent seasons than second row.
Gone are the days of the lumbering big men who could barely get off the ground. In their place have come a string of agile and athletic giants who specialise in plucking lineout ball from the sky. With their spring heels and light frames these boys spend most of their time in the stratosphere. And they're no slouches when it comes to getting round the pitch either.
Scott Murray (Scotland) A former Scottish schools basketball international, Murray is one of the most agile locks in the game.
He was named the star player of the 1999 Five Nations championships, earning rave reviews for stealing opposition ball in the lineout. He struggled the following year but a move from Saracens to Edinburgh reignited his fire for the game and led to some of his best international performances to date. His pitch coverage is relentless and he boasts excellent handling skills. But it is as a lineout thief without equal that the giant Scot really makes his mark.
Malcolm O'Kelly (Ireland) Like Murray, O'Kelly is a very modern lock who relishes in the freedom of running rugby.
He had a nightmare start to his international career in a 63-15 defeat by New Zealand but has since made his mark at second row. Originally second choice for London Irish and the Irish national team behind Jeremy Davidson, he is virtually certain to start every Six Nations game. He is super fit - one of the hardest workers in training. He is also technically brilliant in the lineout, usually poaching the opposition ball as well as winning his own.
Victor Matfield (South Africa) Matfield has recaptured his best form at the perfect time.
He was an impressive presence during the Super 12 and was one of the few Springbok stars in their tournament build-up. Matfield revels in stealing opposition ball, even hampering some of the best jumpers in the game. But he also adds major strength to the set pieces as well as the occasional burst.
Chris Jack (New Zealand) Jack just has the edge over team-mate Ali Williams in the second row, highlighted by being named New Zealand player of the Super 12 series last year.
On the international stage he has come on in leaps and bounds. He is now one of the naturally gifted, agile and pacy forwards preferred by all the leading sides in the game. A brave jumper, he looks a sprightly player on the break.
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