Which centre has the inside track?
The search for the rugby365.com readers’ Team of the Year continues as we consider the virtues of four inside centres from just two countries, make your pick now!
Which backline beast stood head and shoulders above all the others in the No.12 jersey in 2011? Make your vote count by leaving a comment at the bottom of the page, and don’t forget to click on the links for best fullback, right wing and outside centre as well if you have not voiced your opinion on those positions already.
By the time we get down to the loosehead props we will be able to unveil the official rugby365.com readers’ Team of 2011 which we will compare with our own selections, so make sure you get involved.
With the inside centre position we are faced with an interesting situation as you may choose one of four different players – two each from New Zealand and Wales.
Our Super Rugby inside centre of the tournament was hype machine and part-time pugilist Sonny Bill Williams who caused a big fuss in his debut season with the Crusaders with his trademark one-handed offloads.
The former Rugby League star made one of the most high profile code switches ever in a bid to gain inclusion in Graham Henry’s All Blacks World Cup squad and achieved that goal although he was forced to play off the bench and out of his preferred position at the global showpiece.
However, there is no denying his impact on the game this year and he certainly had a few defensive coaches scratching their heads during the Crusaders’ unlikely march to the Super Rugby Final.
Williams could not play at inside centre during the World Cup because All Blacks incumbent Ma’a Nonu was simply playing far too well to be dropped.
After a forgettable Super Rugby campaign with the Hurricanes, in which his form was undoubtedly affected by a difficult relationship with coach Mark Hammett, Nonu confirmed his status as one of the best in the business with a storming Tri-Nations.
The bustling centre always attacks the gain line hard and his physical approach means that it takes a hard (or foolish) man to spend a lot of time in his defensive channel.
The two Welshman up for selection make for an intriguing case. There were a couple of readers who were a little bit confused as to why big Jamie Roberts was not a candidate for outside centre of the year, which is where he played in the Six Nations.
However, Roberts did not make our Six Nations team as he was outshone by Irish legend Brian O’Driscoll. His Welsh teammate Jonathan Davies did make the cut which makes him a candidate for the inside centre position even though he and Roberts swapped roles for the World Cup.
Roberts was sensational at the global showpiece in New Zealand, busting over the advantage line regularly and staying on his feet well to earn some vital extra yards for his team time and again.
He uses his considerable physicality to devastating effect and has proven himself to be one of the toughest runners to bring down in world rugby.
Davies may be somewhat more low key than his hulking midfield partner but his consistent form in the Six Nations earned him a spot alongside the big boys.
The versatile Welsh centre has a sharp eye for a gap and is deceptively quick, which makes him a great foil for Roberts.
So which of these four was the best No.12 in the World this year? Leave your vote and analysis below!
There is still time to cast your vote for the best:
15: Fullback – (Israel Dagg, Kurtley Beale, Andrea Masi)
14: Right wing – (James O’Connor, Chris Ashton, Rod Davies)
13: Outside centre – (Brian O’Driscoll, Jaque Fourie, Conrad Smith)
