Mastering the engine room – The crucial role of second row combinations

By Will Hartshorn – @RugbyCollective

In a world where people 6 foot 6 and above make up for less than 1% of the population, finding a top-quality, test match second row is a task that is truly like finding a diamond in the dirt.

Unfortunately for the game, your Eben Etzebeth’s are few and far between. 

To tackle this, some of the top nations are changing the game with what they are looking for to occupy their engine room, with a varying number of combinations and hybrid options to try and balance the work rate, line out options and carrying threat to ensure the foundation is set.

Fiji love a back rower in the row to improve their carrying and attack, Australia utilize massive blokes like the Arnold brothers and the mountainous Will Skelton to unload as much punishment and disruption as possible and Japan most recently employed Fijian born 120kg Sanaila Waqa next to 6 foot 8 Warner Deans to continue to build as one of the most innovative line outs in world rugby outside of South Africa. 

England’s Options

Steve Borthwick has seemingly found his second-row pairing now, or at least the select players to rotate into the pairing.

Basing his 4, 5, 6 on his successes at Leicester, it’s no wonder George Martin and Ollie Chessum are in the conversation, when Chessum is available, he will likely play 5 and push Martin to 6.

Itoje remains a constant, which is understandable due to his impressive CV and trophy cabinet. All three players boast quite rounded skillsets, Chessum probably leading the way with attacking line outs, Itoje defensive, at both line outs and the breakdown, and Martin brings an aggression of an old school forward, a very welcome asset.  

The question I ask is, what is the difference between a modern-day six, and a second row? Martin is very comfortable in that blindside role, as is Itoje, as is Chessum.

All 3 of which, fantastic in their own right. But I can’t help but feel England are missing… something. 

For me (and the world rankings) the blueprints to follow are Ireland and South Africa.  

Ireland’s all-court style lends itself to ball players, so everyone needs a good level of ball-playing ability, but their seconds rows first and primary jobs: set piece and short sharp, foundation-laying carries.  

The pair they went for against the reigning World Cup holders was quite traditional, one technical lighthouse of a second row in James Ryan, alongside a physical battering ram in Joe McCarthy.

Now you may think, this the same strategy as England and yes, it is, but not quite as good on paper… 

McCarthy (6 foot 6 – 124kg), James Ryan (6 foot 8 – 116kg), compared to Itoje (6 foot 6 – 118kg) and Chessum (6 foot 7 – 118kg).  

The Springboks & Toulouse

South Africa are a different entity altogether, with Snyman, Etzebeth, De Jager, Mostert, Moerat, Nortje.

Physical monsters wherever they look, the list goes on! They can more or less pick and choose from whatever combination they like and have a great combination, tailor made for their opponent’s weakness is.  

From a club level, let’s look at the current Champions Cup champions. Thibaud Flament (6 foot 8 – 116kg) and Emmanuel Meafou (6 foot 8 – 145kg).

Another 6 foot 8 lock paired with a 120kg+ second row to form what seems to be the most efficient way to fill the 4 and 5 jerseys. A tip of the hat to Will Skelton as well who has done a superb job in La Rochelle.

Closing statement on this second row nause-fest. England have a wealth of riches in the pack, with several strong options in most positions.

There is a space though for a juggernaut to come into the row to enable the likes of Martin to drop to the back row and do his best work.  

Rusi Tuima may lack slightly on the height side of things but could be nurtured into the role, currently pushing 130kg makes him a great candidate.

Ollie’s younger brother Lewis could also be a great longer-term option, showing some fantastic shifts for England u20s. Being 6 foot 9 and 120kg helps too… 

England’s latest squad contains Itoje, Martin and Chessum, as well as Saint’s Alex Coles, all brilliant players, but does it strike the right balance? Time will tell through this autumn nations tournament. 

READ MORE: George Furbank – I can’t wait to take on All Blacks