England 2024/25

[BPM]

Yes, but I'd also add that Esterhuizen's distribution skills are generally very underrated.

Part of what made him so good for us was the fact that defenders assumed they knew what was coming. Often they were right but he also did a great job of creating space for others and making passes that were unexpected.

The bottom line is that the best attack keeps defenders guessing. A good, hard carrying centre can be very effective but the best ones have more to their game. Nonu and SBW being good (albeit different) examples.

 

[Geordie]

He isn't small. He's about 6'3" and pretty well built. He's just not a bosh type of centre. More in the Twelvetrees mould.

Physical size is a way down my priority list when assessing backs, but I don't think our backs are exceptionally small. We're just trying to play a power game which doesn't actually make the best of what we have.

If size is your preference, Atkinson, Hartley, Butt and Beard are all big men. Roebuck too.

I honestly would never have put him at that size, I looked him up and he was listed at around 5'10. I stand corrected but still maintain we have a small backline compared to many of the top tier teams at the moment.

Physical size and power is massively important in the game and in the backs you need a balanced amount to compliment your skilled speedsters.