Juan Cornetto wrote:
But we pick certain players whose main ability is defence, we often play a mobile prop at 13 - so they are not being overworked. Without the burden of having to tackle around the ruck Burrow has the freedom to run play like a 7 when at 9. Sinfield is not a running 6 and therefore has energy to make extra tackles. Despite the numbers on their backs in general play Sinfield, McGuire and Burrow still play as a 13, 6 & 7 with Burrow going into acting half at the breakdown.
Sinfield does not run like a 6 and is able to do some of Burrow's tackling and Burrow in turn does some of Sinfield's attacking - so it works.
It's not just a question of whether Sinfield runs a lot at 6 or not (again Briers, he wasn't much of a runner in his latter years but Wire would try keep him as fresh for attack whilst opposition would try tire him out). He is still key to attack and is heavily involved regardless of his style.....and an increased defensive workload can't help him do as well in attack as possible. From what I've seen I don't think Burrow does do any of Sinfield's attacking, simply just his own. Whereas it's clear that Burrow's workload is reduced in defence I don't see Sinfield have a reduced role in attack to compensate (nor should we). Sinfield is basically performing 1 & a half roles.....the attack and defence of his own position, and the defence of Burrow's position when at nine.
You say it works, but only just and not convincing enough at times. For three who've been together so long (Sinfield, Burrow & McGuire) they have looked like new teammates unsure about what the other is doing at times. What I've seen work is Aiton adding balance to the team and it look better on the WHOLE even if the individual isn't as talented/exciting attacking as Burrow, he can bring out more in those around him. The same with Lunt and Buderus.
As for the prop at 13, it's a tactic used throughout RL nowadays and would be there regardless of Burrow at hooker or not, and even before when you had a more traditional Loose they could defend just as well so it isn't a big difference defensively. More so it's attack wise for carrying the ball in......but with the distribution at dummy half not as crisp it takes an edge of that tactic.