There is always one man on a team who knows he’ll be in for a busy night. The number 8 has the job of starting a team’s charge once possession has been gained. He is also often the first in line to stop the opposition once they receive the ball.
Number 8’s need to be tremendous athletes, with large endurance capacities as well as explosive speed and strength to make them lethal in both attack and defence.
The number 8 needs to not only be on hand to tackle the opponents first runner, but they must also play a sweeping role in defence to collect any kicks not fielded by the fullback. They should also be the first forward back to assist the back three once they have secured position.
Most number 8’s in world rugby will cast a fearsome shadow, tipping the scales over 100kgs and able to cover ground quickly, their actions will often determine the quality of ball their backs will receive and how smoothly the attack flows.
Here are some of the number 8’s to keep an eye on in the Rugby World Cup (RWC):
Jerry Collins (New Zealand)
A driving force behind the All Blacks recapturing of the Bledisloe Cup, Jerry Collins confirmed his reputation as the one of the brightest up and coming No. 8’s in world rugby. After some stunning performances in the Super 12 competition for the resurgent Wellington Hurricanes, Collins has shown he has the raw power to be dominant in both defence and attack with a bone jarring tackling style added to a wrecking ball approach when on the attack.
The cousin of All Black vice captain Tana Umaga and a former rubbish collector, the 103kg Collins will look to emerge from the RWC as a number 8 of the calibre of the legendary Zinzan Brooke and Wayne “Buck” Shelford.
Lawrence Dallaglio (England)
The cornerstone of an experienced England forward pack, Lawrence Dallaglio, will again be a key piece of the RWC jigsaw for the reigning Six Nations champions. The former captain is known for his pace, power and ball handling skills.
The 33 test veteran who made his debut against South Africa in 1995 has been in impressive form since returning to the England squad for the successful tour on Australia and New Zealand as well as the home and away series against France and the one off test against Wales.
Imanol Harinordoquy (France)
A key member of the French squad since making his debut against Wales in February 2002, Harinordoquy has speed to quickly arrive at the breakdown. A player noted for often playing above his weight, he is fast earning a reputation for pilfering loose balls and earning many turnovers for the 1999 RWC runners up.
A damaging runner, he is seen to work well with team mate and flanker Olivier Magne in providing the link between the forwards and the backs. A focused weights campaign has seen him add to his body mass before the RWC and his 108kg frame should be more than a handful for opposition defences.
Anthony Foley (Ireland)
With the Limerick born forward quickly approaching his 50th test cap his experience will be vital as Ireland look to advance to the latter stages of the RWC. Amazingly, the Munster player scored one of his three test tries on debut.
The former Ireland Under 21s player has become a regular in the emerald jersey since his test appearance against Australia in November ’96. After some dominant performances in the Six Nations Foley will be looking to bring his good form downunder.
Jaun Smith (South Africa)
Much the responsibility for the Springbok pack will fall on very young shoulders when Jaun Smith puts on the number 8 jersey for the 1995 World Champions. After starring in the Under 21 World Cup last year, Smith has built a reputation on his high work rate.
Cast in the mould of legendary Springbok Rassie Eramus,