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Opinionated Rugby Commentary - by Fans for Fans
Spill what you really think about events in the rugby world.
Benji Marshall Should Play Rugby in Australia 7 views
23 July 2013 by The Swede Eaters
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Do you think that rugby league convert Benji Marshall should play rugby in Australia or New Zealand?
Benji Marshall looks set to leave the West Sydney Tigers NRL club but while it is great that he wants to pledge allegiance to New Zealand, here are five reasons I think he should play in Australia.
1) New Zealand rugby has so much more depth than Australian rugby. The Wallabies don't have a good first five eighth at the moment, so if Marshall wants to gain international test match rugby status then it is probably easier doing it in Australia. He would make a good fullback although he could develop into a good first five eighth. The only problem is that the All Blacks have quality players like Dan Carter, Beauden Barrett and Aaron Cruden at first five eighth and Israel Dagg, Ben Smith and Charles Piutau at fullback. While he would have more of a chance at second five eighth, I think he could make the Wallabies more easily.
2) If Marshall wants to play Rugby Sevens at the Olympic Games in 2016 then he will struggle because it looks like NZ Warriors playmaker Shaun Johnson will also want to be in that team where they would be the sweeper in the defensive line and playmaker. There is also more depth in the New Zealand sevens team than Australia. Johnson is younger, faster and has played rugby league less and this could be an advantage when switching codes. There is however no guarantee that Australia will win a medal at the Olympic Games in 2016, but New Zealand should. There are current players like Tomasi Cama who already play in that position too.
3) The Wallabies need a Number 10. James O'Connor was patchy in the Wallabies and so they really need a Number 10 who can make things happen for them yet has a great kicking game. Benji Marshall could be that guy.
4) Marshall is 28 and has been playing rugby for ages. He may take ages to prove himself in rugby, but because of the lack of depth of Australian teams then he will continue to be given game time as teams like the Rebels and Force don't have the depth to not use a Benji Marshall.
5) Teams like the Rebels and Force are desperate for quality players, especially with the skills and profile of Benji Marshall. If Australian rugby is going to be competitive then they need all the help they can get. In this case, Benji Marshall could get more opportunities if he plays in Australia which would make him ineligible for the All Blacks.
Do you think Benji Marshall should play rugby in Australia or New Zealand? While it appears that Benji Marshall might prefer to play in New Zealand, I think if he is wanting to get somewhere in rugby then Benji Marshall is probably better playing in Australia.
http://www.superrugbytips.com/2013/07/five-reasons-why-benji-marshall-should.html
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