Re: Squad named
Posted: Thu Jan 19, 2023 2:17 pm
Genge was only 23 at the time and had the vastly more experienced Vunipola and Marler ahead of him. Genge has developed nicely since, become a leader and at 27 is now in his prime.
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Re: Squad named
Posted: Thu Jan 19, 2023 2:21 pm
Ah yes. The word 'Genge' should have given it away.Banquo wrote: ↑Thu Jan 19, 2023 1:57 pmThink they were referring to Genge?Mikey Brown wrote: ↑Thu Jan 19, 2023 12:52 pmI wouldn't have thought those 2 games are the important ones? Wasn't he dropped for Lawes for NZ and SA? IIRC Lawes was making a huge impact off the bench at the time, but was maybe more suited to continue doing that with Kruis being the go-to set piece guy. Easy in hindsight though.
I think it's fair that basically nobody has been playing better in recent times. Curry for instance I think has still been good but nothing like his reputation suggests. When the whole team is collectively underperforming it's hard to lay that at any one player's feet.
I think Lawes has got better when fit in the last couple of years, Ludlam also, Daly has hit his straps again at club level. I totally agree with your collective underperformance point.
Re: Squad named
Posted: Thu Jan 19, 2023 5:25 pm
Curry has suffered from being dicked about positional by Eddie. We can only wonder what If he'd been left to develop as a 7, seeing as he has a shout at already being in the top 2 or 3 in the world in 2019Mikey Brown wrote: ↑Thu Jan 19, 2023 12:52 pmI wouldn't have thought those 2 games are the important ones? Wasn't he dropped for Lawes for NZ and SA? IIRC Lawes was making a huge impact off the bench at the time, but was maybe more suited to continue doing that with Kruis being the go-to set piece guy. Easy in hindsight though.
I think it's fair that basically nobody has been playing better in recent times. Curry for instance I think has still been good but nothing like his reputation suggests. When the whole team is collectively underperforming it's hard to lay that at any one player's feet.
Re: Squad named
Posted: Thu Jan 19, 2023 5:47 pm
I disagree. I think curry has become a much more rounded player, and adds much more to the game now. His carrying is really good now, imo.16th man wrote: ↑Thu Jan 19, 2023 5:25 pmCurry has suffered from being dicked about positional by Eddie. We can only wonder what If he'd been left to develop as a 7, seeing as he has a shout at already being in the top 2 or 3 in the world in 2019Mikey Brown wrote: ↑Thu Jan 19, 2023 12:52 pmI wouldn't have thought those 2 games are the important ones? Wasn't he dropped for Lawes for NZ and SA? IIRC Lawes was making a huge impact off the bench at the time, but was maybe more suited to continue doing that with Kruis being the go-to set piece guy. Easy in hindsight though.
I think it's fair that basically nobody has been playing better in recent times. Curry for instance I think has still been good but nothing like his reputation suggests. When the whole team is collectively underperforming it's hard to lay that at any one player's feet.
I feel like he’s suffered in exactly the same way Itoje has: late Eddie England played like crap.
Re: Squad named
Posted: Thu Jan 19, 2023 6:43 pm
Up to and probably including the Lions tour I think you’re right about LCD. Still battling a number of injuries but would have been in the conversation as one of the better hookers in world rugby. Post tour he’s been pretty disappointing & to my mind is back behind Jamie George again.SDHoneymonster wrote: ↑Thu Jan 19, 2023 1:44 pm Cowan-Dickie is another I think who's improved - not massively, certainly, but when he's not injured he's established first choice now whereas back then he was certainly George's understudy. Ludlam also, although like Genge he was a squad player who rotated in for the Tonga/USA games IIRC rather than a frontliner.
Re: Squad named
Posted: Thu Jan 19, 2023 8:21 pm
I’m looking forward to watching Jack Willis in the 6N, as he’s shone playing for Toulouse, but with Earl and Curry B vying for the 7 jersey, the competition is healthily tough!
Re: Squad named
Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2023 8:55 am
That will be a real litmus test for Borthwick in my estimation. I want to see Jack W get a run of games. What he offers overall puts him ahead of all other candidates for a flanker's shirt, IMO.francoisfou wrote: ↑Thu Jan 19, 2023 8:21 pm I’m looking forward to watching Jack Willis in the 6N, as he’s shine playing for Toulouse, but with Earl and Curry B vying for the 7 jersey, the competition is healthily tough!
Re: Squad named
Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2023 9:34 am
Don't backtrack on me Dors ........ yes, selection will always create great debate but, whoever he selects, it is all about the collective performance at this stage
Re: Squad named
Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2023 9:54 am
True. When it comes to the itty-gritty though - the transformation from non-performing to buzzing - even after you factor in skill-sets of the individual, character (pure dog, if you like) stands out as the crunch contribution leading players to total more than the sum of their parts. For that, I'd want Willis.
Re: Squad named
Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2023 10:08 am
That’s one of the most bizarre sentences I’ve ever read. Good work.
Re: Squad named
Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2023 10:11 am
Yes, I would like to see Willis give an run. Similarly I don't want Lawes at 6, Farrell at 12 nor Daly at fb. However if that does end up being the line up then I will save my disappointed for when I am out walking the dogs. At which point I shall scream expletives, apologies to a passing runner as I put my clothes back on before returning refreshed and supportive of all things Big Stevie does!!!Oakboy wrote: ↑Fri Jan 20, 2023 9:54 amTrue. When it comes to the itty-gritty though - the transformation from non-performing to buzzing - even after you factor in skill-sets of the individual, character (pure dog, if you like) stands out as the crunch contribution leading players to total more than the sum of their parts. For that, I'd want Willis.
Re: Squad named
Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2023 10:12 am
It is pure gold!Mikey Brown wrote: ↑Fri Jan 20, 2023 10:08 am That’s one of the most bizarre sentences I’ve ever read. Good work.
Re: Squad named
Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2023 10:32 am
One tries to please.p/d wrote: ↑Fri Jan 20, 2023 10:12 amIt is pure gold!Mikey Brown wrote: ↑Fri Jan 20, 2023 10:08 am That’s one of the most bizarre sentences I’ve ever read. Good work.
Re: Squad named
Posted: Sun Jan 22, 2023 11:48 am
Yeah, we definitely need talk about Manu. Thinking I might have been wrong to defend his selection. Looks completely shot.
Needs to put the weight back on, or maybe he’s just done through age & injuries.
Needs to put the weight back on, or maybe he’s just done through age & injuries.
Re: Squad named
Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2023 9:12 am
Re: Squad named
Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2023 9:15 am
Interesting Dunn is on over Blamire. Great for Ribbans to get another go.
Tough for Lawes but it’s hard not to be more excited about seeing someone else get a go in the 6 shirt.
Tough for Lawes but it’s hard not to be more excited about seeing someone else get a go in the 6 shirt.
Re: Squad named
Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2023 9:18 am
Interesting that he's replaced Lawes with a second row....though there are a lot of versatile back rows in the squad. Ted Hill might have been a more like for like ish replacement (or even Coles, who appears to have crashed out of favour). Pleased for Ribbans.
Re: Squad named
Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2023 9:21 am
Chessum or Isiekwe as 6 options? Ribbans should have been in the original squad.
Thats really bad luck for McGuigan. With George taking a bang yesterday there might be a chance he wont be available. Hard not to feel pleased for Tom Dunn who didnt get a fair shake under Jones.
Thats really bad luck for McGuigan. With George taking a bang yesterday there might be a chance he wont be available. Hard not to feel pleased for Tom Dunn who didnt get a fair shake under Jones.
Re: Squad named
Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2023 9:24 am
yes, but Chessum is a lock, I've been told...and Isiekwe is fair enough. Agreed on Ribbans, especially as he was one of the five changes, along with Coles and Furbank (Saints/Tigers conspiracy theoryfivepointer wrote: ↑Mon Jan 23, 2023 9:21 am Chessum or Isiekwe as 6 options? Ribbans should have been in the original squad.
Thats really bad luck for McGuigan. With George taking a bang yesterday there might be a chance he wont be available. Hard not to feel pleased for Tom Dunn who didnt get a fair shake under Jones.
).Re: Squad named
Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2023 9:25 am
Was commenting on this but you beat me to the punch. I’m happy that he wants two ‘proper’ flankers but the thought of Lawes in the row come scrum time would worry me. Perhaps he’s just there to be in camp rather than first team selection. It’s a bit odd whatever the reasoning. All moot given he can’t stay fit, I suppose.
Re: Squad named
Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2023 9:25 am
I’m with Eddie when it comes to Dunn.
Re: Squad named
Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2023 9:26 am
Have to say Lawes has been very good at 6 internationally for a while, much as it pains me having been so against it.Mellsblue wrote: ↑Mon Jan 23, 2023 9:25 amWas commenting on this but you beat me to the punch. I’m happy that he wants two ‘proper’ flankers but the thought of Lawes in the row come scrum time would worry me. Perhaps he’s just there to be in camp rather than first team selection. It’s a bit odd whatever the reasoning. All moot given he can’t stay fit, I suppose.
Re: Squad named
Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2023 9:45 am
I too, would have thought of Ted Hill to replace Lawes. Pleased for Dunn too.Banquo wrote: ↑Mon Jan 23, 2023 9:18 am Interesting that he's replaced Lawes with a second row....though there are a lot of versatile back rows in the squad. Ted Hill might have been a more like for like ish replacement (or even Coles, who appears to have crashed out of favour). Pleased for Ribbans.
Re: Squad named
Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2023 9:46 am
I’d love to see Hill get a shot at 6. I suppose I’m just more worried about lock than flanker.
Re: Squad named
Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2023 9:51 am
aye, though I do think Jonny Hill is pretty good when not being crassly dim; Ribbans is a bloody good tight head lock tho, imo- but his fitness is problematic.Mikey Brown wrote: ↑Mon Jan 23, 2023 9:46 am I’d love to see Hill get a shot at 6. I suppose I’m just more worried about lock than flanker.