Former Springbok No.9 analyses the English scrum-half options
“Ben Spencer is one of the best goal-kickers in the Premiership and would add a further string to England’s bow”
England coach Eddie Jones opted for Ben Youngs, Ben Spencer and Dan Robson as his scrum-half triumvirate for the three-Test series against South Africa with veteran nines Danny Care and Richard Wigglesworth rested for the gruelling African adventure.
Having worked under Eddie during my playing career at Saracens, he picks scrum-halves with strong personalities who can take control and boss the game. He likes scrum-halves who are generals that can give their teammates good direction but, at the same time, his nines needs to possess very effective allround skills and be incredibly fit.
The way the game is evolving, it’s definitely becoming more attacking, which is wonderful to see. The halfback today has to play at a very high intensity for a long period of time. Fitness is key because with it comes a clearer mind. Being incredibly fit and boasting the ability to run for days goes without saying at international level. However, from a personality perspective, Eddie demands decisive half-backs that dictate how England play the game.
With the 2019 Rugby World Cup in mind, I believe two scrum-halves will be automatic picks for England’s campaign, given the form and experience they have displayed over the last decade. Youngs and Care are the frontrunners and complement each other very well.
Youngs has cemented himself as England’s first-choice scrum-half over the last couple of years and Care has proven to be a super-sub of some distinction.
In terms of Youngs, as well as being a game-breaker and sniper from the base of the ruck, his game management is now second to none. His tactical kicking is outstanding, and he has forged a natural link with incumbent fly-half George Ford. Youngs is deservedly England’s starting nine for the summer sojourn, but there are a few men hot on his heels.
Owing to Care’s desire to play as much as possible, it will be hard for him to serve as a backup. And, given the opportunity when he has started, he has done incredibly well. However, he fits into the role of a finisher tremendously well. In terms of England’s third-choice scrum-half, I am a big fan of Saracens No.9 Ben Spencer. I have worked alongside him at Sarries and his spot on the England bench for the first Test is credit to the form that he has shown. It underlines that Eddie sees something in him, and I am pleased he has been afforded the opportunity.
The former England Saxons player is raw at Test level, but he has been involved during a very successful period at Saracens, albeit it off the bench. He has bided his time and honed his craft. At club level, Spencer continues to back up Wigglesworth, but the former is a star in the making. He is an incredible athlete, he kicks with both feet and his service from the base of the ruck is snappy. In addition, the 25-year-old is an outstanding goal-kicker. In fact he is probably one of the best goal-kickers in the Premiership and, having that extra goal-kicking option, would add a further string to England’s bow.
While Youngs, Care and Spencer would be my picks to book their tickets to 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, Robson would be the potential bolter. He has been in scintillating form for Wasps this season and has been a key figure for them over the last couple of seasons. He is uncapped at Test match level, however, he’s the kind of player who can break up a game and create something from nothing.
In terms of how England’s frontline scrum-halves compared against those from the rest of the world, All Black Aaron Smith remains the benchmark as far as scrum-half play is concerned. At the moment, Smith is head and shoulders above the rest. The energy he brings, coupled with his speed of delivery and the way he controls the game is unrivalled. Moreover, the 71 Test-capped All Black is vastly experienced, highly durable and incredibly consistent. When Smith plays, the All Blacks are a different team but, in saying that, New Zealand rugby possesses a plethora of quality number nines.
The Kiwis represent the gold standard in terms of scrum-half play, but Conor Murray is not far behind. The 29-year-old is a talisman for Ireland and, like Smith, is way ahead of the rest.
Smith and Murray are polar opposites, but similarly effective for their sides.
Murray is a rottweiler, while the diminutive Smith is a terrier. The latter has an abundance of energy and bounces around the field. It almost appears as if he could play two 80 minute matches consecutively. Smith’s speed of mind and service is a winning combination, and his ability to be two steps ahead of play sets him apart from the pack.