Size

Size is always going to be an issue in rugby coaching and selection circles.

South Africa is currently seeing it again in one of their young flyhalves - Isma-eel Dollie - who has recently left Western Province in a state because he can't make the match squad. Rugby pundits have looked at him and all agree that he simply does not have the physical presence to be a commanding world class flyhalf irrespective of his ball skills.

The very simple reality of the flyhalf channel is that you need to dominate and control it. Who would you rather have bearing down on you - Butch James or a 80kg Dollie? Especially when you are trying to control large openside flankers and 8th men coming through the channel.

Its not a contest.

While there are exceptions to the size rule - most notably Breyton Paulse, Luke Watson and Brent Russel - the demands of modern rugby require large players. Its a tough fact but coaches who persist with under-sized players are likely to find themselves under pressure in the higher leagues.