Let's talk about the unsung hero of the Wales rugby team, Ben Carter. This guy has quietly transformed himself into a key player, and his impact on the team's performance is undeniable.
The lineout, often an unnoticed aspect of the game, has become a crucial strength for Wales, and Carter's role in this transformation is fascinating.
The Lineout Conundrum
In the world of rugby, the lineout is like a hidden gem. It's easy to overlook, but when it's not functioning well, its absence is glaringly obvious. Wales' journey in the Six Nations tournaments of 2021 and beyond perfectly illustrates this point.
Under Wayne Pivac, Wales boasted the best lineout success rate in 2021, but this success was short-lived. The following tournaments saw a dramatic decline, leaving Wales with the worst success rate.
Coaching Strategies and Their Impact
The coaching strategies employed by Jonathan Humphreys offer an intriguing insight. Humphreys' approach was high-risk, high-reward, a strategy that could be described as 'max drill' in darts terminology. Wales relied heavily on the execution of lift and throw, a utopian ideal that worked well with players like Justin Tipuric.
However, as Pivac's tenure showed, this strategy had its limitations. Tipuric's role as the best ball-playing forward meant that Wales struggled to find a balance between lineout success and ball-playing opportunities.
Carter's Rise to Prominence
Enter Ben Carter, the Dragons second-row who has taken the starting jersey by storm. At 25, Carter has proven that there's always room for improvement, and his recent performances are a testament to this.
Carter's strengths lie in his solid tackling (second only to Jac Morgan) and hard carries. But it's his work at the lineout that has truly elevated him to Test starter status.
The Impact of Carter's Calling
Under Steve Tandy, Wales' lineout success rate has skyrocketed to 91% in games where Carter was the lineout caller. This is a significant improvement from the 84% success rate when Carter wasn't in the starting side.
Carter's calling has not only improved Wales' lineout success but has also given the team a new dimension. His ability to call to himself and set up driving mauls has been a game-changer, as seen in Wales' recent match against Fiji.
A New Era for Wales' Lineout?
The question now is whether Wales can transition from a ball-winning team to a ball-playing team in the lineout. The evidence so far is promising. Wales' performance against Fiji and the Barbarians suggests that they are more confident and versatile in their lineout strategies.
Under Carter's calling, Wales seem to have a wider range of options, sacrificing low-risk options for quality ball movement. This could open up new avenues for the team's attacking play, making the Welsh lineout a formidable platform for driving lineouts and more.
Final Thoughts
Ben Carter's impact on Wales' rugby team is a prime example of how a single player can transform a team's fortunes. His rise to prominence and the subsequent improvement in Wales' lineout success rate is a testament to the importance of individual contributions in team sports.
As Wales continue to build on their recent successes, it will be fascinating to see how Carter's influence shapes their future strategies and performances.
