The Rugby Union center backs are player numbers 12 and 13. They play in mid field between the fly half, and the wings and fullback. Number 12 is also known as the inside center with number 13 being the outside center. The centers need to be powerful backs, they need to be fast runners with good acceleration; they need to be skilled ball handlers, able to pass and receive.
The Inside and outside centers have similar roles but by using players with differing skills and styles a team will most often create the most effective center pairing.
Number 12. The Inside Center.
The inside center is sometimes known as the second five-eighth, so called because this position shares some of the responsibilities of the first five-eighth, the fly half. The inside center can be thought of as a fly half in midfield. (also see: Half Backs) The inside center is often the more powerful center, able to take the ball up to the defensive line, to stand up in the tackle or break free and then pass the ball to the outside center, wing or fullback. The inside center is best placed to quickly switch to the flyhalf position and can also be useful as extra cover at fullback.
Number 13. The Outside Center.
The outside center will be the faster of the two centers and be skilled at evading the defence. If the inside center has run the ball into contact, has drawn in the defence and given a good pass, then the outside center will have more space and can then be most effective. Given the extra space afforded by the inside centers work the outside center can run the ball up field. As the defence closes in the outside center must be ready to pass to the wing or fullback to release the team’s fastest runners. The outside center is well placed to switch position to the wing should this be necessary.
The Kicking Option
Centers must also be good footballers and be able to play a variety of kicks. The inside center will often have space to kick for territory or to attempt a drop goal-hence the idea of the second-five eighth, also known as a footballing or kicking 12. The outside center can sometimes opt to play a grubber kick-a low kick along the ground, in an effort to place the ball behind the defence for the wingers or fullback to run onto and collect.
The Centers Role in Defence.
In defence the centers will be required to make many tackles and support the fly half’s defence. The centers must be strong in the tackle and bold enough to stop a charging opposition player or even to drive the attacker backwards. The centers will often be expected to tackle an opposition backrow forward. (also see: The Back Row)
Skill Summery
The Rugby Union center needs to be a powerful and versatile back. Quick off the mark with good top speed; powerful in contact and with the skill to evade a tackle; good handling skills, both passing and receiving and able to play a variety of kicks. This is one of the most demanding positions for a Rugby Union back.
Notable Rugby Union Centers
No. 12. Inside Center. Gavin Henson. Wales
Gavin Henson won the IRB young player of the year and his first cap for Wales at the age of 19. Henson went on to play alongside outside center Tom Shanklin in all of Wales’ 2005 and 2008 6 Nations ‘Grand Slam winning’ games, a partnership that exemplified much of what a great center pairing should offer.
Following a string of injuries and having become disillusioned with the game, Henson effectively retired aged only 26. We will never know how good this promising young player might have been.
(also see: Gavin Henson)
World Select Centers
No.12 Inside Center/second five-eighth. Tim Horan. Australia.
Captain of the Wallabies and double Rugby World Cup winner. A quality center who was also able to play at flyhalf. One of the world’s best centers throughout the 1990’s with an enviable ‘all-round’ game.
No.13. Outside Center. Brian O’Driscoll. Ireland.
Ireland Captain and holder of over 100 test caps. An elusive runner with dazzling handling skills. Rightly acknowledged as one of the all time great Rugby Union centers.
Also see: The Back Three
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