Debate: Forwards vs Backs

Today I am asking the BR England Community the age old question “Forwards or Backs?”

Seems as your playing a rugby management game I think its fair to assume you enjoy the sport and probably watch or even play it. In which case you have more than likely already been asked which you think is more important to a team's success, a strong pack of forwards or a creative back line. It always provokes a heated discussion in the clubhouse or changing rooms when raised as well as a lot of banter on the pitch!

Obviously one without the other is pretty much useless, the forwards “hopefully” win possession and the backs “hopefully” do something with it. If your a forward you have probably felt the despair of slogging your guts out to win a scrum (that has collapsed and been reset 3 times already) only to pull your head out from between two sweaty asses and witnessed your prima donna fly-half knocking the ball on after attempting some sort of ridiculous “no-look reverse pass.” Equally if your a back who's been exceptional with the boot all game, constantly pinning the opposition back in there 22 and making superb penalty kicks you have more than likely felt the same way when you hopelessly watch your forward's abysmal performance in the line-out put it all to waste and hand over possession only 5 meters out from the try-line.

Either way you will probably have some fairly strong opinions on the matter if any of this rings true for you! Let the voting commence

The old adage is true - forwards win matches, backs decide by how much.

Without a good pack, you'll win nothing.

You can't win a match with forwards. If you have Shimmy attacking backs you just keep it in the forwards. Is it that tricky?

Forwards can score tries, backs can't win rucks, or mauls.

Kicking is a bit of an issue but I'd rather field 15 forwards than 15 backs.

Saying this as a forward, and a forward advocate, our team would die without our backs. I'd be hesitant to field a team of 15 forwards, since there wouldn't be any response to the rucks at all...

As a forward myself I will always believe the forwards win matches, I've seen 3rd team backs playing at hooker and it never works out well.

I think we need to Harry Hill this and set up a friendly - forwards v backs on a Thursday. Need 2 teams with similar CSRs to field them if anyone fancies it?

Ha that would be an interesting game to watch, backs tactics vs forwards tactics as well lol

If there are any mid-bottom table Div4 teams who are up for it I don't mind putting my guys up but think it might do for better viewing if some of the bigger boys give it a go!

Well I only have a 24 man squad, so I couldn't provide a full 15 forwards or 15 backs. It would need to be someone with a 30 man squad really...

I got a 31 man squad,

I'm up for it, can I play forwards?

Putney Pirates
http://www.blackoutrugby.com/game/club.lobby.php#page=summary&id=35016

I'm 2123rd in the world at the moment

I have a 29 man squad and could probably squeeze it with a couple of my less talented back row forwards (stick them on the wing!).

http://www.blackoutrugby.com/game/club.squad.php#player=all

I'm currently 2623.

Um that link doesn't go anywhere useful, and I don't think you're 2623 anymore after today's matches, I'm team no. 35016 challenge me and we can do this thing.

Anyone at a div III level with a big squad want to have a go later in the season, I'm pretty sure I can field both 15 forwards or 15 backs.

It would make for good banter you would have to do like a best of 3

I bet wing's old Supersonic Mavericks would have owned with 15 forwards on

MMM - Just checked your squad out an not sure it would be too accurate due to the CSR difference per player but I'm game anyway!

Also - My team are Ruckin Ard.

What do you think about tactics? Both play the same or try to play to strengths?

I've challenged you for this thurs.

As Harmsy pointed out playing to strengths is the way forward.

I was planing on 50/50 Pick and Go/Driving with none of that fancy shmancy back play at all, and running every ball back at you.

Tho maybe I should get one of the props to try a few up and unders just fer the lulz

Ha you will have to do at least 10% expansive/creative or you will never score any points mate!

Also Kicking even if it is terrible would be useful cos I should think your Locks would secure 95% of the line outs hopefully..

You can pick and go, or drive for a try.

Tho I take yer point about kicks, they often lead to lineouts or scrums.

Maybe kick 30% of the time split 60/40 line/up'n'under

Is this a forwards vs backs game then?

I personally think we should test all 3, Forwards v backs, forwards v forwards & backs v backs.

Tactics for the forwards v forwards game would be so obvious that I'm sure we would see loads of "exciting rugby"

Haha yea forwards vs forwards would have to be the most exciting!

Should try backs/forwards only vs mixed to see which one does better or if they get smashed by mixed. If mixed wins everytime it would be good to see which one does better still.

I spose it would give some good insight into whether you should concentrate on backs or forwards with regards to training etc

Ok it's on - I'll opt for the opposite then and try to run rings around your guys! Not looking forward to the scrums though - may have to sacrifice some of my better backs to help with the str/tech.

I don't have the most creative of teams but will try and up it, along with playing maybe 40% expansive. No kicking to touch either!

Also, I will have to go with forwards on my subs bench so to minimise injury do you think we should play Normally and by the book?