As former Wallabies winger, Clyde Rathbone, trials for the Brumbies in the role of outside centre for the upcoming season, Jake White will be observing closely.
Rathbone, attempting a return to rugby after his retirement in 2009 and battling through depression, has competed in all his Super Rugby matches and Tests as a winger; however, he previously played outside centre during his junior years in South Africa.
Leading the South Africa team coached by White, he secured victory in the 2002 under-21 World Cup while playing as an outside centre.
Rathbone, known for being one of the toughest ball-runners in rugby history at his prime, has the potential to deliver a similar explosive impact in the outside centre position, akin to Stirling Mortlock’s role for the Brumbies.
In the trial match against Western Force in Darwin on Friday night, Rathbone will feature on the wing, but he is set to play outside centre against an ACT XV in Canberra the following week, where he will be in competition with Andrew Smith.
“I would consider him at 13,” noted White. “He has experience in that position and is a strong communicator.”
“The focus is on selecting the best backline.”
Utilizing Rathbone at outside centre would allow White to maintain the back three of wingers Joe Tomane and Henry Speight, along with fullback Jesse Mogg.
Last year, Tomane represented Australia before suffering an ankle injury, while Speight possesses the ability to rise to Test level.
With Matt Toomua and Christian Lealiifano expected to feature in the inside back positions, Rathbone would add an additional attacking option for the Brumbies at outside centre.
by Buford Balony
