Waterboy-cum-Captain - have your say
While watching the Warratahs v Brumbies Super 14 match this weekend, the injured skipper Stirling Mortlock came on with water for the team while someone was being treated for an injury on the field.
I don’t know about you, but having a player with so much experience and so much access to the coaching staff smells a little funny to me.
One of the most important distinctions between rugby football and American football is the fact that to player decisions are made on the field. The players have to read conditions on the ground and react. In light of this, having Mortlock observe from afar and then come on with water just feels wrong.
Next thing you know, the coach will be the waterboy!
What do you think?
(On Mar 11th, 2008 at 1:28 am)
It is not uncommon for players who are sidelined by injury to come on as waterboys.
World cup winning flyhalf was almost made a career of being a waterboy when he was injured. It became a bit of a joke actually.
This is far far from being one of the biggest distinctions between football and rugby.
They have now become completely different games so to try and compare them is fruitless.
He is coming on to support his team as he is still part of that team. He could be offering words of encouragement or giving a bit of advice.
In football it seems everytime a different player goes on the field he is carrying a bit of info from the coach who is standing on the sidelines. In rugby the coach is not allowed near the sidelines he is usually in the stands.
3 words…
CHALK AND CHEESE!
(On Mar 11th, 2008 at 6:42 am)
I think we’re getting a bit nutty if we’re questioning a Captain doing some extra work for his team.
Part of being a Captain is always supporting your players.
Yes it is true captain’s should be the one’s understanding the coach’s philosophy and would have best knowledge to what a coach may have wanted stated to his team and I can see the question but….
To be honest….
I for one believe true captain….shouldn’t leave the sideline unless medically has to. He/She should continue to be a part of the match anyway he can and if that means bringing out water to his players then more respect to him.
(On Mar 11th, 2008 at 8:11 am)
I agree Glass Jaw. The commentators during the match made a small issue as to the ‘legality’ of it. There is nothing in the law book to my knowledge, so I don’t know if the Super 14 has some regulation or not.
(On Mar 11th, 2008 at 11:31 am)
There’s nothing in the law book about who or even what for that matter brings out water as long as it’s not brought out during play of course.