England vs Wales - Sat 5.30pm - A New Hope

[p/d]

I was reacting to p/d's yearning for 'attitude' in a lock (or the front five generally).

Dors! Don't throw me under the bus. I'm still getting to grips with having to like BiggAr, let alone defend the mullet

[Oakboy]

The problem is that Hill has failed to bring a lot of those strengths you mention to international rugby. He went through a spell of being devastating 5m out for Chiefs but has never really threatened ball in hand for England. He's not a dominant tackler, his skill levels aren't high when you consider the other international locks. Itoje and Ribbans are a considerable distance ahead there Chessum not far behind them.

He is a good lineout jumper but Hill just looks a big lump at international level. The four options selected are more mobile and get through as much if not more work. Hill's pretty poor showing off the bench in the second half in Cardiff the other weekend put the nail in the coffin of his selection.

There speaks another Leicester man. Fair enough. You agree with SB. I don't. Time will tell.

[Mellsblue]

I was reacting to p/d's yearning for 'attitude' in a lock (or the front five generally).

Dors! Don't throw me under the bus. I'm still getting to grips with having to like BiggAr, let alone defend the mullet

As Hill’s changed his haircut will you need to change your opinion? I’ll let you mullet over.

[Oakboy]

I was reacting to p/d's yearning for 'attitude' in a lock (or the front five generally).

Dors! Don't throw me under the bus. I'm still getting to grips with having to like BiggAr, let alone defend the mullet

As the supreme wind-up merchant, you have to accept some hassle. I was tempted to remark that as the supreme 'Joe Bugner of rugby' in terms of not punching his weight as a player, maybe SB does not think dog/grunt counts in front five forwards. Maybe a bent nose is all that matters.

[FKAS]

The problem is that Hill has failed to bring a lot of those strengths you mention to international rugby. He went through a spell of being devastating 5m out for Chiefs but has never really threatened ball in hand for England. He's not a dominant tackler, his skill levels aren't high when you consider the other international locks. Itoje and Ribbans are a considerable distance ahead there Chessum not far behind them.

He is a good lineout jumper but Hill just looks a big lump at international level. The four options selected are more mobile and get through as much if not more work. Hill's pretty poor showing off the bench in the second half in Cardiff the other weekend put the nail in the coffin of his selection.

There speaks another Leicester man. Fair enough. You agree with SB. I don't. Time will tell.

I actually really wanted Hill in the team more over the last four years, particularly when Ewels seemed to be getting capped. Unfortunately Hill hasn't translated Prem form to the international stage. He's still a very good Prem lock and was a great acquisition for Sale last season.

I doubt time will tell because Hill is unlikely to break back in and crave out a name for himself on the international stage. At 29 it's not out of the question but it is unlikely, particularly when the preferred options are younger (Chessum and Martin significantly so).

[p/d]

I was reacting to p/d's yearning for 'attitude' in a lock (or the front five generally).

Dors! Don't throw me under the bus. I'm still getting to grips with having to like BiggAr, let alone defend the mullet

As the supreme wind-up merchant, you have to accept some hassle. I was tempted to remark that as the supreme 'Joe Bugner of rugby' in terms of not punching his weight as a player, maybe SB does not think dog/grunt counts in front five forwards. Maybe a bent nose is all that matters.

Fair enough! I actually like Hill, but do not think he has kicked on to become the enforcer type lock we need. Hopefully Sale will instil that into him in due course.

[p/d]

I was reacting to p/d's yearning for 'attitude' in a lock (or the front five generally).

Dors! Don't throw me under the bus. I'm still getting to grips with having to like BiggAr, let alone defend the mullet

As Hill’s changed his haircut will you need to change your opinion? I’ll let you mullet over.

I actually thought it was Stuart 'Bandana' Broad readying himself to come on