Versatile players who are important for their sides

 With Wales assistant coach Rob Howley announcing today that James Hook could make the Wales World Cup squad because of his versatility to play in many positions we look at other players whose versatility will be important to their sides.

Ben Smith

Ben Smith will without a doubt be picked in New Zealand’s World Cup squad and his ability to play in many positions in the backline could prove to very important for the success of the All Blacks in England. His preferred position is at Fullback and that is where he plays for his club side the Highlanders but for New Zealand he has spent most of his time playing on the wing. He can also operate as an outside centre but with Conrad Smith and Malakai Fekitoa to be picked for the 13 jersey both players would have to fall victim to injury for Ben Smith to deputise for them.

Adam Ashley-Cooper

The Waratahs man has played nearly every position in the backline for the Wallabies. Going into the World Cup he is set to start on the wing but has also played at Fullback and if Kuridrani were to miss out through injury, Ashley-Cooper would be his most likely replacement to come into the centre. With Adam Ashley-Cooper moving to Bordeaux next year, the change in rules for overseas players will give Michael Cheika the opportunity to keep selecting a player that has given his all for the Wallabies in the last 10 years.

Ian Madigan

Like James Hook, Ian Madigan is a player who can play 10,12 and 15. For Ireland’s World cup campaign, Ian Madigan will play second fiddle to Sexton as Ireland’s first choice outhalf but his ability to play 12 and 15 could be vitally important for Ireland’s World Cup campaign if players like Henshaw and Rob Kearney are injured for crucial games. For Leinster this season Madigan has played a majority of his games at 12 so he would have no trouble playing there for Ireland if called upon. He also played at Fullback for Leinster with most of those games played under the management of Joe Schmidt.

Some may say that versatility is a poison chalice because you are so good at playing many positions that you are never given the opportunity to cement your place in one position. However a player who can play many positions is a coach's dream as it gives them more options to pick other players in other positions and also makes their job easier when picking a matchday squad.