Zander Fagerson regularly tops tackle charts (and rucks hit stats) for Scotland. But then he's a bit of a freak over 80 minutes. A genuine machine of a player. So not sure he's the best point of reference at TH!
While that's absolutely true, it also feels like he's not exactly viewed with any sympathy by the Scotland setup either.
Even going eighty almost every game, he's designated as a primary carrier into contact, a key tackler, and a pivot for cleaning ruck ball.
I sometimes think of it like the character Boxer from Animal Farm. He's this standout powerhouse, but who's being absolutely drained for every single minute he can give - until he eventually and inevitably breaks.
In any other side he would be lightly worked but for 50/60, and probably manage to deliver another level above his current work purely because he knows he doesn't need to hold anything back for the final twenty minutes!
It's part of the reason why I'm so disappointed he dropped out of this tour. With other top TH's alongside him he could have gone 100% for the full 50/60, rather than keeping anything behind for that final 20 minute arm wrestle.
It's notable how sides with multiple good front rows can keep intensity up much better. It's the main reason Scotland has never won a 6N. Wales has been lacking depth recently too to an even worse extent - Morgan and T Williams are really good but they're obviously not going to win a Test match by themselves.
Scotland can't even get a backup TH who's playing regular club minutes!
Although that may change now that Elliot MM is a European champion, and Cole has retired so Hurd is more likely to feature with Heyes...(still not quite what I have in mind for test level, but that's the way it goes I suppose).
But it really goes to show how sizeable the drop off behind Fagerson truly is.
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u/Not_Hando You Aint Seen Nothin Like The Mighty Finn Jun 21 '25
Zander Fagerson regularly tops tackle charts (and rucks hit stats) for Scotland. But then he's a bit of a freak over 80 minutes. A genuine machine of a player. So not sure he's the best point of reference at TH!
The Flyhalf part really stood out for me too...