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How Harlequins plan to deal with their 'unbelievable' kicking dilemma
By Josh Raisey
At the age of 35, with 101 Wales caps to his name and a further four for the British and Irish Lions, the rugby world by now knows exactly what to expect from Leigh Halfpenny.
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Rock-solid reliability in the backfield, a shedload of experience and elite goalkicking are just some of his traits, but the latter could potentially prove problematic this coming season for his new club Harlequins.
The Welshman’s new head coach Danny Wilson was effusive in his praise for his new recruit this week ahead of what could be his competitive debut against Sale Sharks on Sunday in their Gallagher Premiership opener.
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While recognising that he may not necessarily be at the peak of his powers after almost two decades in professional rugby, Wilson said that Halfpenny brings so much more than just his performances on the pitch.
“Leigh, we first and foremost brought in for his playing ability,” he said. “Over the years he’s obviously been a world-class No15, a British and Irish Lion, unbelievable goal kicker.
“He’s a great mentor, he’s got the ability to add from a coaching point of view as well, and his playing ability.”
One thing that would not have left Halfpenny though as he has moved further into his 30s is his kicking ability. His right boot has guided him to 850 Test points and Quins would be “mad not to use that” according to Wilson.
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But with England flyhalf Marcus Smith in the squad, the southwest London club are likely have two Test-level kickers in their starting XV on many occasions this season. England head coach Steve Borthwick will not be best pleased to see what may be his starting flyhalf not regularly goalkicking week in, week out.
For now, Wilson said that the kicking duties will be decided on a week-by-week basis, but hinted that the fullback may take on the long-range duties, which may not be the Englishman’s strong suit.
He added: “On every individual selected game we’ll talk about that, but Leigh’s, especially from longer range, a very, very good goalkicker and we’d be mad not to use that.”
Wilson may not be forced into making this kicking decision immediately, however. Smith’s workload over the summer, where he started for England against Japan and both Tests against the All Blacks, may mean his minutes are managed in the opening weeks of the season.
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While not wanting to show his hand too much regarding his selection, the Quins boss is aware that some players have racked up a lot of minutes.
“It’s case-by-case,” he said. “Some players have had a lot more minutes on the field, both for England and for club, than others, so that’s been taken into consideration.
“Some players needed a little bit longer in pre-season, one player in particular when he finished with England had a minor bit of treatment that cost us a week. It’s an individual basis but you’ll see them involved, like every club at the moment.”
