It has been the same for as long as the game has been played. Talk up a fly-half for his dash and vision and someone with big hands and a crooked nose will take a long sip from his pint before putting you straight. Back in the day the words “fancy dan” or “luxury item” might have been used. Now it will be “gameplan” or “defensive solidity” or some other mood-dousing excuse why talent, on its own, is not to be trusted.
In the late 70s and early 80s in Ireland, for example, you were either a Tony Ward or an Ollie Campbell fan. Both were wonderful players but only one of them could start. It was a similar story when England had to choose between Rob Andrew and Stuart Barnes. Roundheads v Cavaliers. Glass half- empty or half-full. After a while it becomes less a sporting debate than a soul-baring symbol of your entire personality. A Finn Russell man? Thought so.
