TRU's Position Watch - Number Eight

Having taken a brief sojourn during the international and European weekends, TRU’s Position Watch returns this week, with the Aviva Premiership’s number eights the focus of attention.

London Welsh’s midseason acquisition, Opeti Fonua, would feature with more consistency, whilst lock-turned-back row Josh Beaumont has shown encouraging signs at the base of the scrum, but neither cracks the top eight, instead having to make do with honourable mentions, as does Leicester’s Jordan Crane.

8. Ofisa Treviranus, London Irish

The Samoan has been a devoted servant to London Irish since his arrival in 2011, proving to be a shining light during a tough few years for the Reading-based club. Lacking both quality and depth in their pack, Irish often ask a lot of Treviranus, but the Samoan usually delivers in a spectacular fashion, making lung-busting runs through opposition defences as well as delivering thunderous tackles, both of which can prove to be momentum swingers in tight contests.

7. Leroy Houston, Bath Rugby

The former Queensland Red struggled to make the impact in France he would have hoped to following his departure from Australia in 2011, but in Bath he has found a home to display his unquestioned ability. With the likes of Francois Louw, Guy Mercer and Matt Garvey putting in the graft in the Bath pack, Houston is freed up to play to his strengths as a powerhouse carrier. The front foot ball that Houston creates with regularity for Bath is one of the key components that allow their star-studded back line to shine.

6. Thomas Waldrom, Exeter Chiefs

Waldrom, or “Thomas the Tank Engine” as he was affectionately dubbed by Leicester Tigers fans, has found a new lease of life since moving to Exeter this past summer. Playing with a freedom not afforded to him during his final days with the Tigers, Waldrom has stormed the try-scoring charts, leading an efficient and dangerous Chiefs side. The New Zealand-born forward has been in such good form that he was rewarded with a recall to the England training group this autumn and though he did not feature in the test squad, it’s clear his form is being recognised by Stuart Lancaster.

5. Samu Manoa, Northampton Saints

On the surface, fifth seems harsh on Manoa, who is as dynamic as they come, but he lacks the polished skill sets of some of the players above him, as well as the consistency. His ability to also play lock makes him more versatile than most in this list and on his day, he is arguably the most dynamic player at his position in the Premiership, perhaps even the northern hemisphere.

4. Nathan Hughes, Wasps

Much of what was said about Manoa also holds true to Hughes. The Fijian-born back row may not have the well-honed skill sets of those yet to come, but in breaking the line and getting his hands free to offload he is without peer in the Premiership. The game is still new to Hughes, who spent most of his youth playing hockey, and that is at times evident in his defending, but with him seemingly improving with every game he plays, it may not be long till we talk about him in the same breath as the likes of Kieran Read and Sergio Parisse.

3. Nick Easter, Harlequins

The gnarly veteran may have lost a step or two, but he more than makes up for it with a wealth of nous and intelligence that never fails to show on the rugby pitch. He does everything that is expected of the modern number eight, carrying in abundance, contributing at the lineout and making himself known defensively, particularly with his tackling and defence at the set-piece. Easter’s leadership and control of the ball at the base of the scrum are two further strings to his bow that never fail to be underrated.

2. Billy Vunipola, Saracens

Vunipola was well on his way to stardom in 2013, but a string of flatter performances in 2014 have seen him just miss out on taking top spot in these rankings. His move to Saracens has helped develop his all-round game and seen his stamina improve significantly, but at times over the last 12 months he has lacked the game-breaking dynamism that he used to show in abundance. Every player suffers through a blip in form every now and again, especially when they play as much rugby as Vunipola does, so this is likely nothing more than a small bump in the road for the English back rower, who will have sights set on regaining his international starting jersey for the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

1. Ben Morgan, Gloucester

A plumber-turned-rugby player, Morgan has taken advantage of the slight dip in Vunipola’s form, raising his game to the point where has taken over from Vunipola not only as England’s starting number eight, but also the Premiership’s leading light at the position. Playing in an underperforming Gloucester side has not helped Morgan over the last 18 months, but to his credit, the former Scarlet has not let it detract from his consistently impressive performances. Having regained his starting spot with England this autumn, the upcoming duel with a refreshed and energised Vunipola for the spot heading into the RWC will be one to savour for England rugby fans.