We embrace a sporting crossover, as Billy Brake picks an American Football side from the 2019 Rugby World Cup winning South Africa team
One of the more intriguing debates in world sport is the comparison between the NFL and rugby, often the complexities of each sport disregarded – thankfully, Main Stand Musings has done some of the work for you.
Plenty of players have switched between the two codes, including Christian Wade, Jarryd Hayne, Nate Ebner, and Alex Grey. And the argument resurfaced once again when Marquette King, a free agent placekicker, tweeted he would “dominate [rugby] easily.”
For the time being that King is a kicker, wherein he’s not required to tackle or pass and would mostly be useless on a rugby field, should be disregarded. Additionally, for now so too we can forget he’s evidently not good enough to be in the NFL any more – he plays for the St Louis Battlehawks in the XFL.
Twitter – @XFLBattleHawks
But as a point of comparison, I’ve taken the rugby team which is, in theory, the best in the world – something it is in itself frustrating to say. The Springbok team from the 2019 World Cup. Furthermore, I’ve opted for a shotgun formation which allows for a number of receivers and suits the team best.
Quarterback – Francois Steyn
The smallest quarterback to win the Super Bowl was Russell Wilson with the Seattle Seahawks in 2013. And despite the presence of Kyler Murray in the NFL, I’ve gone for an experienced pair of hands that come with size. There’s also the hope that Francois Steyn can transfer his mammoth boot to his hands. Having played at centre and fullback, he’s more than used to dictating play and coming under pressure.
Tight End – Eben Etzebeth
This was probably the easiest decision to come to. Standing up against Rob Gronkowski, widely regarded as the best tight end of all time, Etzebeth’s physical attributes bode well. He’s taller than Gronk by two inches and about the same weight. Etzebeth’s 40m time was recorded at 5.11, with Gronk’s 40 yard time at 4.68. Etzebeth is used to receiving the ball and being utilised as a a battering ram.
Wide Receivers – Lukhanyo Am, Makazole Mapimpi, S’busiso Nkosi
WR was one of the positions that picked itself to an extent, because, along with running back and punter/kicker, it’s probably one of the more directly transferable positions from rugby to American football. You need speed, agility and guile. South Africa’s would-be WRs offer all three in abundance. There was also a study which indicated that the average size of a WR to be 6 feet and 91 kg. The above three all fit the physical bill.
Running Back – Malcolm Marx
To transition from hooker to running back would be a bizarre task, but Marx already plays like an openside flank – in many ways, his presence as the starting hooker for the Springboks is questionable. But at 6 feet 2 and weighing in at 114kg, he outsizes New York’s Saquon Barkley. And while Marx won’t be able to hold a candle to Barkley’s 4.41 40-yard dash time, the durability and physical presence he offers will complement the aforementioned receiving options
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Offensive Line
Tackles: R.G. Snyman and Francois Louw
Image: Twitter – @Springboks
Imposing figures that don’t shy away from physical confrontation, Snyman and Louw are the best fits at providing protection for Steyn and creating space for Marx.
Guards: Frans Malherbe and Tendai Mtawarira
Sitting slightly further into the offensive line, the two props are used for their ability to anchor themselves and hold off the defense.
Centre: Bongi Mbonambi
Image: Twitter – @Springboks
It was always going to be a hooker at centre, given their ability to throw the ball into the lineouts while also bolster his other O-lineman.
Feature image: Twitter – @RugbyWorldCup
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