Another position of serious strength for us and rather a shame we can only field one. The options are Ben Foden (Eng), Rob Kearney (Ire), Rory Lamont (Sco) and Leigh Halfpenny (Wal).
The three to go would surely be Foden, Kearney and Halfpenny, the later especially with his ability to do the goal kicking. The choice as to who starts ultimately depends on how you see the role of fullback.
If its the more traditional collecting from deep, good under the high ball and returning it, then its Ben Foden, if its more someone who is good for tactical kicking and drop goals its Kearney and if its some who can be a placekicker its Halfpenny - all three offer good options to allow flexibility further up the field and can be chosen to suit.
For me, as I've said before, I prefer a fullback to play in the more traditional style and so it would be Ben Foden for me
What about you?
Likely Lions: Fullback
posted on 29/4/12
Halfpenny will go as a utility back, I fear. Would start Foden.
posted on 29/4/12
Redtilldead.
Why would you start Foden? He's good we all agree but is he on form. No. Is he better than the other 2 options no not really. So starting Foden would be the 3rd choice for most people.
posted on 29/4/12
If you read the thread I think you will find different. Foden is the best runner of the three easily. Kearney is good under the high ball I will grant you but Australia will not employ the Ireland pingpong game. Halfpenny is third choice.
posted on 29/4/12
DingBatMan, because in my opinion he is the best when on form.
Halfpenny is quality but I don't even think he's the best fullback in Wales (Martyn Thomas is better imo). I don't know who these "most people" are putting Foden 3rd, but he's the most dangerous in my eyes.
posted on 29/4/12
Aristo, Ye i totally agree, foden is top class on form, but its been a while. a really long while.
As for the snipe at ireland... if people kick to rob kearney, thst not our game its theirs genius
posted on 30/4/12
T clarify a little on Foden & Kearney; as illustrated yesterday and in several past games, Kearney can add an extra dimension with kicking from hand both tactically and for drop goals, that will make the oppostion somewhat reluctant to boot the ball downfield. Like Kearney, Foden has a great pair of hands and his ability to run the ball back is better than any other option here in my view.
As I said, I believe a fullbacks role is to take the deep ball, run it back and start the attack again, and for me this is why I would choose Foden. I believe that the kicking from hand (Kearney) and from tee (Halfpenny) are more the roles of the halfbacks and, to a lesser degree, the wings.
Foden for me is a pure fullback, and that is why I would select him over the other 2 to play, though the options offered by Kearney and Halfpenny do add myriad other options further up the field
posted on 30/4/12
Ye also to clarify, I rate Foden very very highly. And i love his style and prefer that kind of FB play. My only point is on current form. if all 3 were on Form Foden would nudge it for me for sure.
posted on 30/4/12
I've changed my vote to Kearney after yesterday. What a drop goal.
posted on 30/4/12
It wasnt a snipe at Ireland, winning is winning.
posted on 2/5/12
Kearney is the best full back on Earth.
Halfpenny and Foden can come along for the ride.