It has remained unchanged for as long as the game has been played. Talk up a fly-half for his dash and vision and someone with big hands and a crooked nose will take a long drink from his pint before putting you straight. Historically, the terms “fancy dan” or “luxury object” may have been employed. Now, “gameplan” or “defensive solidity” or some other mood-dousing excuse will be used to explain why talent alone cannot be trusted.
In Ireland during the late 1970s and early 1980s, for instance, you were either a Tony Ward or an Ollie Campbell devotee. Both were exceptional athletes, but only one could start. When England had to decide between Rob Andrew and Stuart Barnes, it was a similar scenario. Cavaliers vs. Roundheads. Glass half-empty or half-full. After a while, it becomes less of a sporting argument and more of a soul-baring symbol of your entire personality. A Finn Russell man? I suppose so.
In some respects, it is reassuring that so many people still care about this issue. It is undoubtedly one of the reasons why rugby continues to be so captivating. In cricket and football, such arguments are more susceptible to manipulation. Just play matey boy a little wider or slide so-and-so down to four. In rugby, it is sometimes possible to move a key facilitator to the 12 positions. However, everyone is aware that the man donning 10 is first among equals.
Come on down, Owen Farrell, Marcus Smith, and George Ford.
You are all exceptionally endowed. There is just one problem: however well you play there will be millions of individuals convinced someone else would have done it better. Unfortunately, the England head coach is one of them. Even more difficult than winning on Saturday is getting into the starting lineup.
Perceptions can also change quickly. Gregor Townsend appeared intent on selecting anyone but Russell to don the No. 10 for Scotland as recently as last fall. Now, if a Lions Test team were to play on Saturday, Russell would be the most popular choice to start there. Scotland may or may not defeat Ireland on Sunday, but they would never trade their irreverent baton-twirler for anyone.
Because of this, England’s dilemma extends far beyond the outcome of Saturday’s “Le Crunch” (copyrighted by all media outlets) match against France at Twickenham. Everyone is aware that selection is not exclusively based on talent. The composition of the team, the opponent, the weather, the strategy, and the recent performance must all be considered. Fly-half, however, is the position that best demonstrates your level of intent. And as the game returns to inventive “quarterbacks” who can make the unexpected happen, this becomes increasingly important.
Identify a No. 10 whose first instinct is to kick it long and frequently, and opposing teams will know exactly what to expect.
Choose a 10 unwilling to stand flat to the gain line, and your options once again diminish. The finest 10s confuse the opposing midfield with their variety, cunning, and quickness of thought. As a result of his diverse skill set, Dan Carter was rarely able to waltz his way through opposing Test teams, but he was able to create additional space as a result.
Ironically, France has a comparable dilemma. Romain Ntamack, who is still only 23 years old, is an outstanding operator, but his contemporary Matthieu Jalibert, who is only three months older than Smith, maybe even more refined. There have been attempts to play them at 10 and 12, but when healthy, Jonathan Danty is the established first-choice inside the centre. After a pair of lackluster French away performances in this Six Nations, it might not be the worst idea to ask Jalibert to plug in his guitar and let loose this weekend.
Steve Borthwick has, up until now, appointed Farrell as his commander.
Everyone knows what you get from Farrell. What a fighter, what a rival! As his former England scrum-half partner Danny Care stated to a few of us over the weekend. “It’s hard not to select Owen because he’s such a great leader and he drives everything.”
But Care also witnessed Smith’s performance against Exeter at Twickenham on Saturday and can recognize pure brilliance when he sees it. “If he continues to perform at that level, you cannot ignore him. Although I am not the coach, I believe you should assault a French team. I don’t believe you can kick everything while sitting back. I would select a rugby team that can play swiftly and aggressively. If I were the coach, he would be on my squad.”
If England’s pack was presently equipped to grind its way to World Cup glory this fall, Farrell could be your man. But at some point, Borthwick’s squad will need to offer marginally more. We do not know how England would perform if they truly trusted Smith to call the decisions at 10 with a straight-running 12 option outside of him.
It is a difficult choice, and no one can be pleased. A fit-again Ford should never be underestimated from a tactical standpoint. But sometimes, in rugby and life, it pays to trust your senses. If it appears, finds space, and kicks like a world-class fly-half, it is likely one. This is how Smith appeared on Saturday, to the extent that England’s future should be built around him. End of.
