Years ago – we are talking the end of last century – I remember asking England’s Paul Grayson about life as a reserve fly-half. One of the biggest challenges, he reckoned, was coming on as a replacement and being instantly expected to influence a major Test match. At the time he and Jonny Wilkinson were jockeying for the England No10 role, with Grayson ultimately winning the nod for England’s pivotal match of the 1999 World Cup, the quarter-final against South Africa in Paris.
The Springboks, as you will recall, won that game with a fusillade of drop goals from Jannie de Beer. In my mind’s eye I can still see Wilkinson lining up an awkward long kick at Parc des Princes, having come on only seconds earlier following Grayson’s substitution. He missed and England duly lost. Expecting him to perform miracles from a standing start, we all agreed, was totally unfair.
Fast forward to Twickenham last Saturday. England have a long-range penalty wide on the right but Toby Flood has a sore achilles and the management do not want him to aggravate it. On comes Jonny, arranges his hands in the old clasped-prayer position and lands one of the best kicks of his career. If ever a single kick reflected endless hours of mind-numbing practice, this was it. Clever old Jonny, still in a class of his own.
Interestingly, though, Jonny’s immediate impact was by no means unique. The following day in Edinburgh, Scotland were transformed once Dan Parks replaced the nervous newcomer Ruaridh Jackson. Ireland, having been coaxed and cajoled into a match-winning position by the hard-bitten Ronan O’Gara, wobbled only after Jonny Sexton had replaced the Munster playmaker. That, at any rate, seemed to be the way O’Gara saw it, hardly a vote of confidence in his youthful team-mate.
Is all this simply coincidence? O’Gara’s performance suggested coaches might be better reverting to the days when they stuck with the same No10 throughout. The physicality of today’s game makes that impractical. Ideally, though, you want your steadiest navigator available towards the end of tight contests. Parks could see exactly what Jackson was not doing and, with the pace of the game dropping a notch, responded accordingly. Suddenly, from being an uncertain starter against Wales, he looked utterly in control.
It could, theoretically, be proof that a good old ‘un beats a good young ‘un, regardless of match situation. The Wilkinson of 2011 certainly looks a happier model than the tortured soul of 2003, even before his body began to fall apart. Is it not true that all the great fly-halves got better with age? Well no, actually. Barry John and Mark Ella retired at the ages of 27 and 25 respectively and no one ever accused them of being callow. Similarly, you could make a case that Dan Carter had every bit as cute a rugby brain seven years ago as he has now.
Personally, I reckon there are slightly different forces at work. What did O’Gara, Wilkinson and Parks all have in common? All have been dropped by their countries in the past year, having previously been undisputed top dogs; all had burning points to prove. Their age is less of an issue than their fierce determination to get back to where they once belonged. Sexton (in the opening two games), Flood and Jackson are all talented but, as starters, are required to pick their way through an increasingly complex tactical minefield.
By the time their understudies get a go, the game has opened up. More space to kick or run into, a few more mis-matches here and there … an experienced No10 is suddenly just what the doctor ordered.
And Wilkinson’s instant kick? Simply an illustration of rugby’s increasing professionalism. In US gridiron they wheel on dead-eyed kickers all the time, none of whom are permitted a sighter. Things have moved on significantly from Grayson’s era.
Which may explain the soaring profile of the reserve fly-half. England particularly love the way Wilkinson’s renaissance is forcing Flood to aim ever higher, on and off the field. The moral of the story? A good old ‘un might not last 80 minutes but he is a priceless asset when the pressure mounts in the final quarter. Ireland, logically, should consider reinstating the coltish Sexton in the starting XV and summon O’Gara for the final furlongs. And Jonny? England should keep him on the bench and save their best until last. Increasingly, it looks the smart way to go.
Disaster relief
A game is to be played in London on Sunday in aid of victims of the recent earthquake in Christchurch and floods in Queensland. A Pacific Barbarians XV, led by Jerry Collins, will take on an Australian XV captained by George Smith at London Welsh’s Old Deer Park, which will also host Aussie Rules and Tag rugby tournaments the same day. Tickets are £10; further details available at www.pacificbaabaas.com
Worth watching this week …
Lewis Moody (Bath). Assuming he is fit enough to play, Lewis has one last chance to stake a claim for a recall to the England back-row in the Six Nations campaign. Bath go to Kingsholm this Saturday for a West Country ‘derby’ against Gloucester – survive that and he can probably survive anything.
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