Why is Chabal rated so high?

Question

Is it only me or was he a total non-performer on Saturday?

Answer 1

Because he looks like the missing link. If he had a haircut and a shave nobody would mention him. Because he looks unique they seem to rate him. The fact he cant even make the starting line up says a lot for his (lack of) ability

Answer 2

He is used as a strike player, for when the opposition gets tired.  He played well on Saturday and was unlucky not to score, save for last line of defence from England.

His looks mean he is a cult player, but he is used effectively.

David Giffin was used the same way for the Wallabies

Answer 3

Well you have to look at the bigger picture.  Nowadays with squads having 7 players on the bench, rather than the days of old where it was 5, coaches now have the option to have more players on the bench, some which can play two or three different positions, to be used as substitutions for injured players, and some to be used as impact players, where Chabal comes into play... but we'll get to him later.  Now with 7 players on the bench, most coaches go for four fowards, mainly two front row players a second row, and a back row foward, but each of those players can play in two positions in the scrum, for example, a prop that can act as a hooker, and a second row that can go to the back three if needed.  The other three reserves are usually a scrum half, a fly half, and a third that can play anywhere from 11 to 15.  Having gone from 5 to 7 reserves, the coach can bring in a player that might not have the fitness, but can play hard, and I do mean hard, for 30 min or so, sometimes longer.  this is where Chabal comes in, hes a big bloke, and a good runner, but only really comes in when its the second half, usually in the 60th minute, and the opposition is tired.  Chabal is a good player, but is overrated, case in point, Saturdays game against England.  he was brought in too early and was tired in the second half, henceforth why england stopped him three meters shy of the try line.  I'd say as a bench impact player he does a good job, but people overrate him because he comes in against a tired oppostion and runs through them and makes it look easy, start him on the pitch, and he can't keep up the tempo all game, OVERRATED, but still a reat player in reserve.