Defensive AbilitiesYeah Folau's positioning defensively leaves a lot to be desired at times. He is the best 15 in the world ball in hand, but there are other factors as well. Brown isn't far off Smith though, almost never has a bad game and a great left foot.
Don't agree with this.Was thinking about this earlier - I think the reason why so many teams have their best players at fullback is because backs eventually 'graduate' there.
The lighter wingers who score club level tries by burning the domestix for pace aren't what international coaches look for because in a Test backline everyone has to be able to kick and defend. So they pick 15s to shore up the defence.
Then when they've been in tests for a bit and get their positioning right they end up being the top back three player, so they're the fullback. Folau, Brown, Halfpenny and Smith all started as wings. It's happening to Zebo now too.
errr he hasn't been a one-dimensional player for a good 10 years mate. Actually one of the best passing 12s now which is amazing since he was basically incapable of passing in his first few years.Nonu is nowhere near one of the best backs in the world. One trick pony.