Farrell you C++T

[Which Tyler]

2) Being obliterated by Wilson because "Wilson bulldozes through him, yet is brought down by Beirne without hurting the Lions too much."

Isn't this the entire point of the "Ford's a weak defender" talking point?

8) Stuart's decision not to pass to him and make a break instead.

TBF, that was an excellent decision by Stuart


You missed CM's very first praise for Farrell - the "sign of maturity" of... calling his ex-team-mate by their nickname

[Puja]

I think the thing that really annoyed me about the article is that one of his last points is 100% correct and an example of Farrell genuinely being pivotal.

In the phase before the last try, Beirne carries and is going to be isolated and turned over - Fazlet spots it earlier than anyone else and runs in from a mile away to cover for whomever was supposed to be there, preventing the turnover with a well-timed clearout. That is a genuine bit of skill, nous, and decision-making, that would've cost the game had he not been able to do it - worthy of praise!

Yet because the rest of the article has been filled with, "He made a pull-back pass! " and "He led a kick-chase that did nothing to impede Wright's counter! ", I'm still left infuriated with him.

Puja

[Banquo]

Perzackly.

double this.

Too many (top) ex players get parachuted into big roles without earning their badges.

England were plagued with it for years with Johnson, then Lancaster/Catt/Gustard/Farrell. Can easily see it happening again and the media would be all over it.

it happens all over the game.

[Oakboy]

My main concern would be him actually paying his dues and not just waltzing in to a high level job immediately, which now I say it does seem inevitable.

Perzackly.

double this.

Too many (top) ex players get parachuted into big roles without earning their badges.

Fair comment. Out of interest, do we (you) know that OF has not done his coaching training?

I know nothing about the coaching set-up so value your comments in the area. Do you know what requirements are laid down by the RFU as regards appointments? I'd imagine that anyone with the word 'coach' in their job description would require certain qualifications but is that so? Could Farrell (or anybody) simply be employed without such a label - 'Inspirational Director' or whatever? Presumably, there are quite a few fringe jobs operating already.

[Danno]

I doubt he's had time to train as a coach yet other than screaming at Arundell to "chase fucking kicks"

[pompey-zebra]

If we assume either Farrell Jr or Marcus Smith make the 3rd test squad, then two England 10's will have been capped in test series, but not the two England 10's in form prior to the tour.

This is where Lions squad selection should get away from the whole " best of the best" perception. Being unquestionably the best helps, for the rest, versatility is probably just as important as an attribute. Good enough in three positions is a better prospect than being a narrow second best in one.

[Banquo]

Perzackly.

double this.

Too many (top) ex players get parachuted into big roles without earning their badges.

Fair comment. Out of interest, do we (you) know that OF has not done his coaching training?

I know nothing about the coaching set-up so value your comments in the area. Do you know what requirements are laid down by the RFU as regards appointments? I'd imagine that anyone with the word 'coach' in their job description would require certain qualifications but is that so? Could Farrell (or anybody) simply be employed without such a label - 'Inspirational Director' or whatever? Presumably, there are quite a few fringe jobs operating already.

To be honest, whilst you have to have qualifications for coaching kids (in theory) I don't believe there are any formal requirements and even if there are, I think they are ignored regularly. No idea on Faz jr- but even if you've got the badges (and I've got what was the senior badge having also done what was euphemistically called 'Top Coaches'; in theory I could and should have been coaching a divisional or junior divisional team at the (long) time (ago)) you still need to actually learn to coach, ideally starting at a low rung and working your way up (both with young adults, and starting with a skills area, then unit, then defence/attack/forwards backs) esp with aspirations to head coach.