The No 15s for England and New Zealand offer contrasting but important skills and can make the difference at Twickenham
There are mouthwatering matchups all over the pitch at Twickenham on Saturday but the contest that most catches my eye is between the two full-backs. Freddie Steward, England’s Mr Reliable, against one of the All Blacks’ most lethal weapons in Beauden Barrett. Two completely different players but both are integral to their teams this on Saturday.
Steward has looked comfortable at full-back for England since his very first cap. He has 15 now and I can honestly say he has not had a bad performance for the national side. The baseline requirements for a full-back are positional sense, providing security at the back, being solid in the air, on the floor and good decision making. Steward produces that for England every single time he appears and, in addition, he contributes to attacking play and scores tries. Security is the most important thing that you want from the spine of your team and he provides it.
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