Should Goal-Kicking Still Be the Number One Prerequisite for a Quality Flyhalf?

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Published by: Zila Mbekela, 26 September 2024

Within rugby, the flyhalf (or number 10) is widely regarded as the team’s playmaker, responsible for directing the attack, making tactical decisions, and often providing a reliable option for goal-kicking. Historically, the flyhalf's ability to kick goals was seen as essential to their role, with iconic players such as Jonny Wilkinson and Dan Carter cementing their legacy largely through their precision off the tee. However, the question arises: should goal-kicking still be the number one prerequisite for a quality flyhalf, or has the modern game evolved to a point where this responsibility can be shared or even outsourced?

The early 2000s saw a number of successful teams adopt a more flexible approach to goal-kicking, with notable examples of elite goal-kickers occupying positions other than flyhalf. Players like Mathew Burke, Stirling Mortlock, and Frans Steyn were exceptional goal-kickers who played fullback or center, allowing their teams to deploy more dynamic flyhalves focused on other aspects of playmaking. This era raises the question of whether the game would benefit from revisiting that approach, or if the flyhalf should remain the designated goal-kicker by default.

The Evolution of the Flyhalf Position

The role of the flyhalf has always been central to the game of rugby. Traditionally, the flyhalf was expected to not only serve as the team's tactical leader but also be the primary goal-kicker. For much of the game’s history, it was virtually a non-negotiable prerequisite for the number 10 jersey. In many ways, this made sense — the flyhalf is generally at the center of the action, and their poise under pressure often translates to successful kicking.

However, the demands on the modern flyhalf have expanded considerably. The evolution of rugby into a faster-paced, more physically demanding sport has required flyhalves to be multifaceted athletes, capable of organizing backline movements, executing precise tactical kicks from hand, making critical defensive tackles, and even acting as an additional ball-carrying threat. With such an expansive skill set now required, the emphasis on goal-kicking as a flyhalf’s primary attribute seems less relevant.

Historical Examples of Non-Flyhalf Goal-Kickers

In the early 2000s, we saw several international teams take a different approach, with some of the best goal-kickers in the world coming from positions other than flyhalf.

Mathew Burke, Australia’s fullback, was one of the most consistent goal-kickers during his career. He was an instrumental figure in Australia's 1999 Rugby World Cup victory and was often the go-to man for kicking duties, despite playing at 15 rather than 10. His ability to slot crucial goals allowed the Wallabies to deploy a more attacking flyhalf without compromising their accuracy off the tee.

Similarly, Stirling Mortlock, a powerful center, took on the goal-kicking duties for Australia in the mid-2000s, adding versatility to the team's lineup. Mortlock’s prowess with the boot, combined with his physicality in the midfield, gave Australia the luxury of separating the playmaking and goal-kicking responsibilities between two different players.

Frans Steyn of South Africa is another prime example of this flexible approach. While primarily known as a fullback or center, Steyn's booming kicks from well beyond the halfway line made him a valuable asset. South Africa was able to select flyhalves like Butch James or André Pretorius, who were not always the team’s best goal-kickers, but whose playmaking abilities helped the Springboks maintain balance between creativity and precision in their game plan.

These examples highlight a key point: having an elite goal-kicker does not always require the flyhalf to fill that role. By using other backline players as primary goal-kickers, teams were able to select more well-rounded or specialized flyhalves without compromising their kicking game.

The Modern Flyhalf: More Than Just a Goal-Kicker

In today’s professional rugby landscape, flyhalves are expected to do much more than kick goals. The rise of fast-paced, expansive rugby has made the role of the playmaker even more critical. Players like New Zealand's Beauden Barrett and South Africa's Handré Pollard are prime examples of modern flyhalves who excel in multiple areas of the game — tactical kicking, ball distribution, and defensive organization — while still being competent goal-kickers.

However, even as these players dominate in a variety of skills, the increasing importance of other aspects of the game raises a valid question: should goal-kicking still be the number one requirement for a flyhalf, or can this responsibility be delegated to other backs who specialize in this skill?

The Case for Delegating Goal-Kicking

Given the multifaceted demands on flyhalves today, delegating goal-kicking duties to a specialist outside the number 10 role could allow for more strategic flexibility. For example, by freeing the flyhalf from goal-kicking responsibilities, they can focus entirely on their playmaking duties, potentially improving their overall performance and the team's attacking structure.

The Case for Flyhalves as Goal-Kickers

While delegating goal-kicking duties is one potential solution, there are also valid arguments for keeping the responsibility with the flyhalf. Flyhalves are traditionally seen as the backbone of the team, and their ability to handle pressure is one of the key reasons they are trusted to make crucial kicks in tight situations.

By keeping goal-kicking in the flyhalf’s hands, teams maintain a streamlined decision-making process, where the same player controlling the game tactically is also responsible for point-scoring opportunities from the tee.

This continuity allows flyhalves to develop a rhythm in the match, translating their confidence in game management to their kicking performance.

Additionally, by taking goal-kicking responsibilities off the flyhalf’s plate, you risk fracturing the cohesion of the team’s backline, with multiple players feeling the weight of critical moments. The consistency and reliability of having one player perform both tactical and goal-kicking roles may outweigh the benefits of specialization.

Should We Revisit the 2000s Model?

The question remains: should the approach of the early 2000s, where teams often had their best goal-kickers in positions other than flyhalf, make a comeback? The answer likely depends on the team in question and their available personnel. Some teams, like the All Blacks, have had a long tradition of flyhalves who can do it all — from tactical kicking to game management to goal-kicking. In contrast, other nations, like South Africa and Australia, have occasionally leaned on centers or fullbacks for goal-kicking.

In an increasingly complex game, there is a strong argument for revisiting the model that allows for specialization. With modern data analytics, fitness coaching, and team structures, rugby has become a sport where the smallest advantage can make the difference. Allowing flyhalves to focus on their core playmaking responsibilities, while delegating goal-kicking to specialists, could enhance team performance overall.

Conclusion: The Future of Flyhalf Goal-Kicking

Ultimately, whether goal-kicking remains a prerequisite for a flyhalf comes down to a team's specific tactical needs and the players they have at their disposal. The trend of flexible, multi-positional kicking roles seen in the early 2000s still holds value today, and many teams could benefit from having a designated goal-kicker outside of the flyhalf position.

However, there is also merit in maintaining the flyhalf as the team’s primary kicker, as it allows for continuity and pressure management.

As rugby continues to evolve, the debate over a flyhalf’s role in goal-kicking will likely continue, but it’s clear that rugby has room for more creative solutions — whether the flyhalf is taking the crucial kicks, or another player steps up to take that responsibility.

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