The center physiques vary. Of the backs they tend to be bigger, stockier players, but they really can be anything. The center closest to the Fly Half is the Inside Center and the player outside of him is the Outside Center. The Inside Center sometimes plays a similar role to that of the Fly Half (sharing the load). They run at the opposition, making breaks if possible or pass the ball quickly to faster outside players if warranted. They are stronger in these areas.
- speed and good acceleration
- vision for seeing all the options and a good rugby brain for knowing what those options are
- agility and elusiveness, those flankers are coming for them as hard and fast as they can, and not forgetting their opposite center.
- ability to handle the ball well under pressure
- kicking ability, grubber and chip kicks
- strength and buld for barging through the opposition and playin a strong part when defending
Everything evolves within and around these backs, their actions depend on what is called and they have to be ready to:
- run hard and strait
- run elusively
- chase long kicks to gain ground
- chip kicks which they chase and regather
- up and under they charge on to
- recieve the ball and pass to faster moving players in better positions
- deal with cut out passes which create overlaps
- moves called to confuse the opposition
- set dummies from the ball carrier
- for passes back inside - either ones they make or one sent in their direction
These are some of the qualities that we look for in our centers and these guys are all improving every practice and every match we play. For a number of guys who have come out to play rugby and not even know what they're doing, they have all learned their position and the game well and will only get better with time.