Debate: Rounded vs Specialist

“Jack of all trades, Master of none” is quite an appropriate figure of speech to think about regarding this debate.

The topic of debate this week will be whether you would prefer a team of well rounded players that can do a bit of everything or a team of specialised players that can each do something particularly well.

As with most things a happy medium is generally going to be the best possible solution but what would you prefer? A scrummaging machine of a prop that walks around the pitch until the next set-piece or one that can make himself useful on the occasional creative play yet may not necessarily hold his own in scrums.

Some positions allow for a specialists more than others I think prop is probably one of them, equally some positions certainly require a more rounded approach like centers. More often than not players with the highest TSP (total skill points) are centers and back row players who are also unlikely to have the highest CSR due to their well rounded skill set. The highest CSR players are more likely to be the specialised kickers who can receive much more concentrated training.

So how would you build your team, would you fill it with players that are competant with many skills or with players that each excel at a particular skill?

I think the way I'm training Hambleton and Dedman speaks for itself - Especially with backs, I like rounded players. I have 4 utility backs in my squad

That said, to get the most out of the tactics, you need a squad that's adaptable. In my Ideal 30-man squad I'd have a XV of well rounded, "creative" or even "exciting" players. I'd also have a much more specialised XV to back that up. Then it's a case of picking the right men for the job, whilst monitoring energy etc. It's never that simple though - when am I (or anyone who isn't stinking rich in BR) going to have a squad of 30 120k 25 year olds?

Hopefully, if (big if) my training plan comes together, I might have 20 or so players in mid-to late 20s at that standard. Unlikely though...

I prefer rounded players too - even in more specialist positions like lock and prop.

I'm working on a Team Training regime where I'm rotating through 8/10 skills regularly (omitting only jumping and kicking) for 2 weeks each to grow the overall abilities of all my players...

How long have you been doing that for Pantherus, you get many pops like that?

A specialist will win in a one off game against the rounded but the rounded will do better in the league.

What makes you say that Ted?

A rounded team is capable of flexibility whereas a specialist is rigid. Overall people's tactics change from team to team so somewhere along the line your specialist team is going to be beaten, probably often. With the rounded team you're able to mould your own tactics to counter your opponent.

Obviously a balance is better but of the two extremes I'd rather have all well rounded with the flexibility.
Personally, I think in key positions you need specialists and everyone else should be rounded.

Ah so you mean because a team of specialists has less tactical flexibility and injuries hit harder further into the season.

I also would prefer a rounded team, just wasn't sure what you meant about the difference in league performance