A good number 8 should be capable of putting in huge tackles, making hard yards with ball in hand whilst also getting involved with rucks trying to protect possession as well as winning opposition ball at the breakdown. The number 8 will usually be one of the most skilful players in the pack, possessing great ball handling skills and may even be capable of kicking the ball.

 

The number 8 has two main roles in open play as well as a variety of other secondary tasks that must be performed during a game. In attack the number 8 will provide a strong ball carrying option often taking the play to the opposition at pace using a crash ball to make hard yards and get their team over the gain line.  The number 8 should be adept at spotting weaknesses or mismatches in the oppositions defence and exploiting them wherever possible.  They should also however be more than comfortable taking hits from the largest members of the oppositions team and still coming out on top.

 

In defence the number 8 has an important role to play, putting in huge tackles and bringing down the oppositions ball carriers before competing in the ensuing ruck to attempt to turn over the ball. As well as competing at the breakdown the number 8 should also defend around the fringes of rucks or alternatively look to join into their teams defensive line, potentially even within the backs formation to add a bit more grunt to their teams defence. When the ball is in the oppositions half the number 8 will usually hold back with the full back and wingers on their team ready to catch the ball and carry it back up field at pace should the opposition kick it long.

 

During a maul the number 8 will usually be one of the key driving forces helping to either push their team forwards with the ball or trying to repel the opposition drive and stop them gaining territory.  The number 8 may also attempt to interfere with the oppositions ball and lock it into the maul rather than allowing them to distribute it out of the back.

 

A good number 8 must control the ball at the base of the scrum with their feet whilst their team drives the scrum forwards.  Alternatively  he will pick the ball up from the base of the scrum and attempt to run around the side and gain ground whilst the opposition are still bound or hold the ball for the scrum half to pick up and either run himself (in which case the number 8 should act as a support runner), or more likely fire the ball out to the backs to launch an attack.  In a defensive scrum the number 8 will often be a second up tackler should the opposition attempt to run off the base of the scrum.  The number 8 will then have to be prepared to make a tackle should the runner break through the first line of defence or alternatively be prepared to ruck over and turn the ball over should the opposition runner be brought to the ground.

 

Every rugby fan has his own idea of what greatness is and more often than not the list will feature an inordinate number of his contemporaries because those are the players he knows best; I make no apology for doing likewise.  So without further adieu, here is one man’s opinion of who occupies Rugby Union's Mount Olympus.  Here are my top 5 Number 8's in the history of the sport.  Let the arguing begin.