Even more so at the highest level than any other, props are the most different pairing. Locks and wings may have preferences, and there is a clear difference between inside and outside centre, but with props there is perhaps more of a difference than between SH and FH (admittedly only at scrum time).
THP is a power position, LHP is far more technical because of the balance of forces. A specialist LHP should not be forced to scrum at TH if there is any perceived danger, in the same way as a middleweight boxer shouldn't be forced to fight a heavyweight for convenience of the spectators.
As a grass-roots referee, I am surprised when a side chooses to go uncontested, or rather, it never happens until after I have suggested it - and rarely even then.
Having played both positions - each for several (5ish) years - despite being an aged hooker, and in the era of "the hit" too (as well as the 80's), they are completely different at scrum time. In my personal experience, it is easier for a stocky hooker to move to LHP than from 1 to 3.
Local regulations here are such that if teams do not have sufficient players (as per law, and in fact requiring a FR sub even with only 15 men (note law 3.5(a) says "less" instead of "fewer") for front row duties the opposition can claim (30-0 regulation). This is perhaps why in my experience teams prefer NOT to go uncontested. It is also part of the reason I am not afraid to decide to GO uncontested; safety first and all that.
Leaving it at that
THP is a power position, LHP is far more technical because of the balance of forces. A specialist LHP should not be forced to scrum at TH if there is any perceived danger, in the same way as a middleweight boxer shouldn't be forced to fight a heavyweight for convenience of the spectators.
As a grass-roots referee, I am surprised when a side chooses to go uncontested, or rather, it never happens until after I have suggested it - and rarely even then.
Having played both positions - each for several (5ish) years - despite being an aged hooker, and in the era of "the hit" too (as well as the 80's), they are completely different at scrum time. In my personal experience, it is easier for a stocky hooker to move to LHP than from 1 to 3.
Local regulations here are such that if teams do not have sufficient players (as per law, and in fact requiring a FR sub even with only 15 men (note law 3.5(a) says "less" instead of "fewer") for front row duties the opposition can claim (30-0 regulation). This is perhaps why in my experience teams prefer NOT to go uncontested. It is also part of the reason I am not afraid to decide to GO uncontested; safety first and all that.
Leaving it at that
