RugbyRebels

Oakboy wrote:Is Solomona EQ? Hat-trick in 1st half pretty impressive!

Qualifies in August, which could be scuppered by the change to 5 year residency. Definitely has try scoring abilities!

I think that is delayed for a few years.

Subsequent commentary remark that he is more interested in NZ or Samoa wa followed by Healey saying he might go on jamboree!

Dimes seems to think he qualifies in a few weeks and is interested in playing for England. The five year residency rule can't come quick enough.

Haven't sanity checked it but Dimes also said they had 13 academy graduates in their squad and 5 in Wasps'. That's impressive.

Just thought I'd throw this in here.

Sourdust wrote:Frustrating though it was, that hardly covers it. Munster dominated the whole second half, must have spent about 20 minutes in the 22 for no return, and if Os had held out for another 90 seconds it would have been one of the great defensive victories.

How on Earth it came to that, though, is a cause for more concern. Os were so completely dominant in the first quarter, it was looking embarrassing for Munster. Os turned the dominance into points too, 17-3 after 20 minutes. Munster seemed to have no answer to Os launching penetrating runners off Davies' passing, and Underhill in particular was brushing off tacklers like bothearsome insects.

The game was lost in the 10 minutes before half-time, where two stupid errors in the 22 gifted Munster 5m lineouts, both of which they scored from. From what must have been about about 30% territory and 15% possession, Munster went in only 20-18 down. Ospreys barely touched the ball again. With the lead they should have had, 40 minutes of heroic defence would have been enough. It nearly was anyway.

Too much bellyaching about the ref, though. He was a pain in the arse but that match was in Os' hands.

Also what are people's thoughts on Will Addison? Just looked at the Sale highlights to see Solomona but it was Addison again who had some really impressive offloads in there. Has he still got the pace of when he first arrived?

Is there really hope for him with the options we have at centre/wing? There may be a good reason I've missed that he's simply not going to make it at that level.

Mikey Brown wrote:Also what are people's thoughts on Will Addison? Just looked at the Sale highlights to see Solomona but it was Addison again who had some really impressive offloads in there. Has he still got the pace of when he first arrived?

Is there really hope for him with the options we have at centre/wing? There may be a good reason I've missed that he's simply not going to make it at that level.

I reckon Addison is a good example of how much better the standard of English "journey-men" is in the league now. He isn't going to be an international now, but I reckon he probably would have been in the dark days of Tindall & Noone, assuming an England coach who wasn't an idiot was in place of course.

Thought I'd expand on this. He is a good all rounder in that he's strong enough to be a decent direct centre option, elusive enough to be a competent winger and can place kick. But he isn't outstanding at anything and makes the odd really bad decision, without having anything special to make up for that.

If Leo, Slade, Farrell, Joseph and Daly all went with the Lions I reckon you'd still have Merchant, Hill, Devoto, Hurrell, and others I'm probably forgetting ahead of him.

Mellsblue wrote:Dimes seems to think he qualifies in a few weeks and is interested in playing for England. The five year residency rule can't come quick enough.

Solomona Sep 2016 wrote:However, although the Auckland-born Solomona admitted he has a burning desire to play Test match rugby, he insisted he is not looking outside the southern hemisphere for international honours.

“Rangi Chase had every right to represent England when did, although he still gets a bit of stick for it,” Solomona said.

“He married a woman from here and he’s got two kids, so he’s got every right to represent the country where his heart is.

“But my heart’s not here, it’s not for England. I play in Super League but my heart is for New Zealand and Samoa and that’s who I’ll be representing if they ask. I’d love to represent Samoa while my grandparents are alive, it would mean a lot to do that, but it would be good if New Zealand came calling. I would be open to any option.”

http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/s ... ments-area

I'm hoping he's a man of his word and doesn't suddenly abandon his principles upon the promise of large amounts of Twickenham cash. Either that or the RFU are men of their word and stick to the unilateral 5 year period that they announced.

Hopefully Samoa will be in contact with him as soon as possible.

Puja

Mikey Brown wrote:Also what are people's thoughts on Will Addison? Just looked at the Sale highlights to see Solomona but it was Addison again who had some really impressive offloads in there. Has he still got the pace of when he first arrived?

Is there really hope for him with the options we have at centre/wing? There may be a good reason I've missed that he's simply not going to make it at that level.

he's been one of the best backs in the Premiership this season. I think he's very close to an EPS call, or at least he should be. I'd put him ahead of Marchant and Slade on current form. Really useful centre/wing option, though, who should go to Argentina to at least be tested.

Puja wrote:

Mellsblue wrote:Dimes seems to think he qualifies in a few weeks and is interested in playing for England. The five year residency rule can't come quick enough.

Solomona Sep 2016 wrote:However, although the Auckland-born Solomona admitted he has a burning desire to play Test match rugby, he insisted he is not looking outside the southern hemisphere for international honours.

“Rangi Chase had every right to represent England when did, although he still gets a bit of stick for it,” Solomona said.

“He married a woman from here and he’s got two kids, so he’s got every right to represent the country where his heart is.

“But my heart’s not here, it’s not for England. I play in Super League but my heart is for New Zealand and Samoa and that’s who I’ll be representing if they ask. I’d love to represent Samoa while my grandparents are alive, it would mean a lot to do that, but it would be good if New Zealand came calling. I would be open to any option.”

http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/s ... ments-area

I'm hoping he's a man of his word and doesn't suddenly abandon his principles upon the promise of large amounts of Twickenham cash. Either that or the RFU are men of their word and stick to the unilateral 5 year period that they announced.

Hopefully Samoa will be in contact with him as soon as possible.

Puja

Good news. Didn't know you could read Yorkshire

fivepointer wrote:

Mikey Brown wrote:Also what are people's thoughts on Will Addison? Just looked at the Sale highlights to see Solomona but it was Addison again who had some really impressive offloads in there. Has he still got the pace of when he first arrived?

Is there really hope for him with the options we have at centre/wing? There may be a good reason I've missed that he's simply not going to make it at that level.

he's been one of the best backs in the Premiership this season. I think he's very close to an EPS call, or at least he should be. I'd put him ahead of Marchant and Slade on current form. Really useful centre/wing option, though, who should go to Argentina to at least be tested.

What has he got in his game that would be a stand-out quality at international level?

Puja
A 'lot of water has flown under the bridge' since that article was published in September last year. Different sport, different allegiances, and perhaps different personal circumstances.
A vast majority of people seek to earn the highest possible salary. In the case of sportsmen this is even more important because of the short timespan available to make their money. Altruism is fine - until reality intrudes. It is easy for contributors to take the high moral ground on a forum such as this. Players should conform to the rules that exist when their life changing decisions are being considered. The choice made will have significant affects on their future life and that of their immediate and extended families.
A final point, we all know that journalists 'bend' statements to produce copy they think is the most likely to be published - the total truth is often a casualty!

Puja wrote: I'm hoping he's a man of his word and doesn't suddenly abandon his principles upon the promise of large amounts of Twickenham cash. Either that or the RFU are men of their word and stick to the unilateral 5 year period that they announced.

Hopefully Samoa will be in contact with him as soon as possible.

Puja

It must be hard for a genuine top class sportsman to decide between his sport and his country. Loyalty to which? Ambition v emotion etc. I can forgive any of them opting for ambition + cash.

ExAviator wrote:Puja
A 'lot of water has flown under the bridge' since that article was published in September last year. Different sport, different allegiances, and perhaps different personal circumstances.
A vast majority of people seek to earn the highest possible salary. In the case of sportsmen this is even more important because of the short timespan available to make their money. Altruism is fine - until reality intrudes. It is easy for contributors to take the high moral ground on a forum such as this. Players should conform to the rules that exist when their life changing decisions are being considered. The choice made will have significant affects on their future life and that of their immediate and extended families.
A final point, we all know that journalists 'bend' statements to produce copy they think is the most likely to be published - the total truth is often a casualty!

The most notable thing I can note that's passed since that quote is just under 5 months. I can understand the allure of pots of cash, but 5 months ago, he said that he didn't feel English and couldn't see himself representing any country but NZ or Samoa.

I can't see what switching sport or switching club could do to his feelings of nationality, so if his perspective has suddenly changed and he's willing to represent England, then we'll know it's solely down to cash.

If you're fine with that, then good. However I believe international rugby should be about more than money.

Puja

Puja wrote:

ExAviator wrote:Puja
A 'lot of water has flown under the bridge' since that article was published in September last year. Different sport, different allegiances, and perhaps different personal circumstances.
A vast majority of people seek to earn the highest possible salary. In the case of sportsmen this is even more important because of the short timespan available to make their money. Altruism is fine - until reality intrudes. It is easy for contributors to take the high moral ground on a forum such as this. Players should conform to the rules that exist when their life changing decisions are being considered. The choice made will have significant affects on their future life and that of their immediate and extended families.
A final point, we all know that journalists 'bend' statements to produce copy they think is the most likely to be published - the total truth is often a casualty!

The most notable thing I can note that's passed since that quote is just under 5 months. I can understand the allure of pots of cash, but 5 months ago, he said that he didn't feel English and couldn't see himself representing any country but NZ or Samoa.

I can't see what switching sport or switching club could do to his feelings of nationality, so if his perspective has suddenly changed and he's willing to represent England, then we'll know it's solely down to cash.

If you're fine with that, then good. However I believe international rugby should be about more than money.

Puja

I agree with you as it happens. The difficulty is, if he does play for England, give it his all and play well, I'll cheer him like I will anyone else, because I'm a shallow person who likes rugby too much.

Also, technically he said "I would be open to any option", so he wouldn't be going back on himself....right? Nah, me neither

Anyone pay much attention to Slade at 12 at the weekend? His "poor form" still seems to be measured against his talent rather than what he is achieving. One thing is he doesn't seem as involved when Steenson is on. I'm possibly reading something in to nothing but Steenson went off and suddenly he's bossing people around more and throwing some beautiful passes. Him bringing others in so he is still at second receiver, making plays behind the back, was interesting in this regard.

Either way. He needs a change and should head to Quins pronto.

Mikey Brown wrote:Anyone pay much attention to Slade at 12 at the weekend? His "poor form" still seems to be measured against his talent rather than what he is achieving. One thing is he doesn't seem as involved when Steenson is on. I'm possibly reading something in to nothing but Steenson went off and suddenly he's bossing people around more and throwing some beautiful passes. Him bringing others in so he is still at second receiver, making plays behind the back, was interesting in this regard.

Either way. He needs a change and should head to Quins pronto.

If I've learned anything from this board, he needs to be snatching the ball off Steenson and taking the line kicks and goal kicks.

If he's on the market, I will cry if Leicester aren't in the mix. Ford, Slade, Tuilagi as our 10/12/13. And during the internationals, we shall play Cuthbert, Dibble and Grub because we'll have no cap left.

Puja

Puja wrote:

Mikey Brown wrote:Anyone pay much attention to Slade at 12 at the weekend? His "poor form" still seems to be measured against his talent rather than what he is achieving. One thing is he doesn't seem as involved when Steenson is on. I'm possibly reading something in to nothing but Steenson went off and suddenly he's bossing people around more and throwing some beautiful passes. Him bringing others in so he is still at second receiver, making plays behind the back, was interesting in this regard.

Either way. He needs a change and should head to Quins pronto.

If I've learned anything from this board, he needs to be snatching the ball off Steenson and taking the line kicks and goal kicks.

If he's on the market, I will cry if Leicester aren't in the mix. Ford, Slade, Tuilagi as our 10/12/13. And during the internationals, we shall play Cuthbert, Dibble and Grub because we'll have no cap left.

Puja

Dibble and Grub I'd have no issues with but after his performance against England you can do better than Cuthbert.

Clearly didn't get the message either that Manu is not, was not and never will be a 13.

Rob Baxter about Slade -

Slade showed some glimpses of his handling and running skills after switching from inside centre to fly-half midway through the victory over Worcester Warriors and Baxter insisted: “It was valuable game-time for Henry, playing at 10 when Gareth Steenson had to come off. He showed a couple of lax touches to start with but then showed a couple of really good ones, too. It was certainly a nice off-load to Campo [Michele Campagnaro] for his try.

“But Henry is in a really difficult position. He plays for us when he’s available. He’s had a couple of injuries. So when he almost gets on the fringe of the England team that perhaps disrupts his game-time.

“Then we get him back and get him going again. And I think the key for Henry is to say nice and calm because he’s aware of what Eddie [Jones] wants to see from him, and I know what Eddie wants as well.

“There needs to be a really good driving point where we need to get Henry to become a big star for this Exeter team. As a club we also have to play our part in making sure he gets to that level where he can go in and play a key role for England.

“Only then can we see some real consistency in terms of how often he plays for us,” Baxter added. “He could play for us, go off to play for England, and then back again. It’s getting that kind of consistency going in order to help his development over the next two or three years.

“Everyone at Exeter knows how good a player Henry is, and can become. And Eddie can also see what a huge talent there is. All the weapons are there but it’s just about us to keep driving him forward and he will show a lot more.”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/ ... worcester/

I do think he has to start playing at 10 week in, week out to really start delivering on his promise.

Puja wrote:

Mikey Brown wrote:Anyone pay much attention to Slade at 12 at the weekend? His "poor form" still seems to be measured against his talent rather than what he is achieving. One thing is he doesn't seem as involved when Steenson is on. I'm possibly reading something in to nothing but Steenson went off and suddenly he's bossing people around more and throwing some beautiful passes. Him bringing others in so he is still at second receiver, making plays behind the back, was interesting in this regard.

Either way. He needs a change and should head to Quins pronto.

If I've learned anything from this board, he needs to be snatching the ball off Steenson and taking the line kicks and goal kicks.

If he's on the market, I will cry if Leicester aren't in the mix. Ford, Slade, Tuilagi as our 10/12/13. And during the internationals, we shall play Cuthbert, Dibble and Grub because we'll have no cap left.

Puja

Cheeky prick.

fivepointer wrote:Rob Baxter about Slade -

Slade showed some glimpses of his handling and running skills after switching from inside centre to fly-half midway through the victory over Worcester Warriors and Baxter insisted: “It was valuable game-time for Henry, playing at 10 when Gareth Steenson had to come off. He showed a couple of lax touches to start with but then showed a couple of really good ones, too. It was certainly a nice off-load to Campo [Michele Campagnaro] for his try.

“But Henry is in a really difficult position. He plays for us when he’s available. He’s had a couple of injuries. So when he almost gets on the fringe of the England team that perhaps disrupts his game-time.

“Then we get him back and get him going again. And I think the key for Henry is to say nice and calm because he’s aware of what Eddie [Jones] wants to see from him, and I know what Eddie wants as well.

“There needs to be a really good driving point where we need to get Henry to become a big star for this Exeter team. As a club we also have to play our part in making sure he gets to that level where he can go in and play a key role for England.

“Only then can we see some real consistency in terms of how often he plays for us,” Baxter added. “He could play for us, go off to play for England, and then back again. It’s getting that kind of consistency going in order to help his development over the next two or three years.

“Everyone at Exeter knows how good a player Henry is, and can become. And Eddie can also see what a huge talent there is. All the weapons are there but it’s just about us to keep driving him forward and he will show a lot more.”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/ ... worcester/

I do think he has to start playing at 10 week in, week out to really start delivering on his promise.

I have more time for Baxter than any coach I can think of but I'm not totally sure what he is saying here to be honest.

Am I being dim or does this bit not make a whole lot of sense?

"As a club we also have to play our part in making sure he gets to that level where he can go in and play a key role for England.

Only then can we see some real consistency in terms of how often he plays for us”

It still doesn't seem like anybody is totally sure what the plan is.

fivepointer wrote:Rob Baxter about Slade -

Slade showed some glimpses of his handling and running skills after switching from inside centre to fly-half midway through the victory over Worcester Warriors and Baxter insisted: “It was valuable game-time for Henry, playing at 10 when Gareth Steenson had to come off. He showed a couple of lax touches to start with but then showed a couple of really good ones, too. It was certainly a nice off-load to Campo [Michele Campagnaro] for his try.

“But Henry is in a really difficult position. He plays for us when he’s available. He’s had a couple of injuries. So when he almost gets on the fringe of the England team that perhaps disrupts his game-time.

“Then we get him back and get him going again. And I think the key for Henry is to say nice and calm because he’s aware of what Eddie [Jones] wants to see from him, and I know what Eddie wants as well.

“There needs to be a really good driving point where we need to get Henry to become a big star for this Exeter team. As a club we also have to play our part in making sure he gets to that level where he can go in and play a key role for England.

“Only then can we see some real consistency in terms of how often he plays for us,” Baxter added. “He could play for us, go off to play for England, and then back again. It’s getting that kind of consistency going in order to help his development over the next two or three years.

“Everyone at Exeter knows how good a player Henry is, and can become. And Eddie can also see what a huge talent there is. All the weapons are there but it’s just about us to keep driving him forward and he will show a lot more.”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/ ... worcester/

I do think he has to start playing at 10 week in, week out to really start delivering on his promise.

It's a good point though - any fringe players to the EPS must struggle to push on if the team they play for domestically has players who challenge for their places.

Difficult for Baxter to go with Slade at 10 if he's been away for the week training when he has Steenson about (see also 12, with Devoto / Hill / Campagnaro)

Its not that clear, is it. I'm sure Rob knows that before too long Slade really has to take over running Exeter from 10. Difficulty now is trying to make that happen, giving him a run of games, when he's with England over the 6N's and has limited time with his club.

But if you want consistency, then playing him in one position seems to me to be the way to go.

Ah, I think I get it now. Weirdly I said the same thing the other day regarding Slade but read Baxter all wrong there.

As for playing at 10, I'm still not sure. I don't know what my reservation is either as he has all the skills.

How often does he kick anymore though?