Rugby Union - by Craig Hill

The differences in how Stephen Larkham and Berrick Barnes approach the No.10 Test role are subtle and not quite yet defined.

But there are enough variations in how they play for their teammates to make adjustments and be prepared to adapt - which will be imperative during tonight's quarter-final when newcomer Barnes must show the guile of Larkham to ensure Australia survive at least another week in the tournament.

As far as Lote Tuqiri is concerned, the chief difference is that Barnes listens more to the senior players. Larkham trusts his own judgement, understandable considering that he is a 102-Test senior player.

"Berrick's young and a bit more malleable," Tuqiri said.

"You can tell him to do things a bit more, while Stephen is the old warhorse. When Stephen breaks the line, he pretty much passes it straight away, whereas Berrick runs another five or 10 metres."

Stirling Mortlock looks upon Barnes as more of a traditional five-eighth, whereas Larkham is more of a free spirit - not surprising considering that his background was in other positions before the No.10 was dramatically thrust on him mid career.

But Mortlock stresses that he feels as comfortable, just as he has been running off Larkham, knowing Barnes is the playmaker.

From a distance, it appears that Barnes is a more direct line runner, will take full advantage of a midfield break and is prepared to distribute far quicker to his supports. He has no qualms if the No.12 - particularly if it is Matt Giteau - shares the playmaker role with him.

Barnes and Giteau often play as a first and second five-eighth. Barnes appears to prefer the short, sharp pass to inside-centre, rather than the long cut-out ball. There is also no doubt Barnes has the more complete midfield kicking game.

Larkham is the drifter. He floats around the field, with the appearance of someone not exactly sure what he is going to do when he makes the break.

It is all part of the bluff - conning the opposition into believing he is doing something which he isn't.
Larkham is the most calculating and unpredictable of all playmakers. He may look like he is cruising, but the mind is always ticking over - especially when he can quickly change the focus of the attack with long cut-outs, usually directed at the charging Mortlock.

"Stephen is a very rare individual," Mortlock said. "He knows how to read the opposition, both in analysis and in battle.
"On game day, he does things based on pure instinct, which other five-eighths probably wouldn't do.

Berrick is playing within our specifics and targets for the game, as opposed to someone going on what he reads at the time.
"Obviously being so young at this level, he is probably not as instinctive at the moment."

Mortlock obviously relishes playing alongside Larkham,

because he provides such great service. But that's not to say Barnes won't, when required, play a similar role.

"Berrick still has a good long pass, but I don't think anyone in the world has a better longer passing game than Steve," Mortlock said. "But if I want the ball directly from Berrick, I'm sure he'll be very happy to give me it."