RugbyRebels

Timbo wrote:There’s also an argument that says Glos are doing better in large part due to the fact a number of teams have gone backwards this season. Maybe.

They seem to be playing better tbh, and have a definite plan.

Yes they are playing far better than in recent seasons. As we have been discussing in other threads their back row looks great. Ackerman jnr looks like a top player in the making (if we want a long term robshaw replacement).

Is that really who you'd compare Ackermann to?

twitchy wrote:Yes they are playing far better than in recent seasons. As we have been discussing in other threads their back row looks great. Ackerman jnr looks like a top player in the making (if we want a long term robshaw replacement).

has he said he'd like to qualify through residency?

Mikey Brown wrote:Is that really who you'd compare Ackermann to?

I'm just working on the assumption that billy will get fit again at 8. He won't qualify for ages any way so don't worry I'm not criticising or wanting to drop St Christopher.

Banquo wrote:

twitchy wrote:Yes they are playing far better than in recent seasons. As we have been discussing in other threads their back row looks great. Ackerman jnr looks like a top player in the making (if we want a long term robshaw replacement).

has he said he'd like to qualify through residency?

Nothing recent that I know of but I always assumed (maybe wrongly?) this was the plan.

I didn't take it as criticising, I just haven't really seen much from him and all I have seen is highlights of (some slightly wild, but generally effective) carrying.

Banquo wrote:

twitchy wrote:Yes they are playing far better than in recent seasons. As we have been discussing in other threads their back row looks great. Ackerman jnr looks like a top player in the making (if we want a long term robshaw replacement).

has he said he'd like to qualify through residency?

The whole family have said they see their family home now in the UK and in Glos specifically. So by extension yes, although not clearly stated by the player himself.

Gloskarlos wrote:

Banquo wrote:

twitchy wrote:Yes they are playing far better than in recent seasons. As we have been discussing in other threads their back row looks great. Ackerman jnr looks like a top player in the making (if we want a long term robshaw replacement).

has he said he'd like to qualify through residency?

The whole family have said they see their family home now in the UK and in Glos specifically. So by extension yes, although not clearly stated by the player himself.

He has said that it's an ambition of his to play international rugby and that might be from moving back to South Africa or from qualifying for England. Great.

Puja

Apparently manu may play vs munster. I can't think what will go wrong.

twitchy wrote:Apparently manu may play vs munster. I can't think what will go wrong.

Live images of Leicester A&E staff bracing themselves for a busy Sunday evening.

Mellsblue wrote:Live images of Leicester A&E staff bracing themselves for a busy Sunday evening.

It's the stretcher bearers more than the A&E staff I feel sorry for - A&E have it easy - "here's some morphine; there's the X-ray suite. How much Breakfast would you like?"

Itoje due back "in 3-4 weeks" according to Sarries. That would even give him time to have a few games back before the 6N.

Puja

Manu back for Tigers on Sunday.

Just don't.

Rumours and speculation thread. Perhaps. At best.

Speaking of rumours and speculation, Mark McCall has said that BillyV will be back "in a few weeks" so potentially he'll get a couple of game to get back to fitness/get injured again before the 6N.

Puja

Ten pounds say Billy and Manu’s playing time this season don’t overlap.

Mellsblue wrote:Ten pounds say Billy and Manu’s playing time this season don’t overlap.

No bet.

Puja

fivepointer wrote:Manu back for Tigers on Sunday.

Can't help but feel nervous about this.

I for one wish Manu all the best.

If the World Cup was starting this month I would have Isiekwe in my 4 England second rows. That boy is every bit as promising as Maro was.

Timbo wrote:If the World Cup was starting this month I would have Isiekwe in my 4 England second rows. That boy is every bit as promising as Maro was.

I reckon he's a better 6 than Maro if that helps!

So you'd have Lawes, Launchbury, Itoje and Isiekwe? Fair enough.

Banquo wrote:

Timbo wrote:If the World Cup was starting this month I would have Isiekwe in my 4 England second rows. That boy is every bit as promising as Maro was.

I reckon he's a better 6 than Maro if that helps!

So you'd have Lawes, Launchbury, Itoje and Isiekwe? Fair enough.

Yep, with Ewels on standby.

Not sure where Kruis would be in my pecking order at the minute. Thought he was a bit powderpuff again today, with the scrum going backwards, no lineout steals and maul not doing a lot...that’s where he’s supposed to excel. Missed 5 tackles according to the stats, loads more than any other player. Maybe a serious Lions hangover.

Elliot Stooke has been good for Bath and the young Exeter 2nd row looks very handy too. Will Spencer could come into the equation.

If the World Cup was starting this month I'd have Kruis as one of my locks, you just can't move past 20 odd caps. And actually between now and the WC getting around he has 20 odd caps is something there isn't a lot of time to circumvent

Update on Sam Underhill (and Taulupe Faletau):
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/ ... mptomatic/

I'm delighted to see a DOR taking this approach, and seeking to actually walk the walk on match day as well.