EPS Watch / Player Form Thread
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Re: EPS Watch / Player Form Thread
Just seen the Quins Saints highlights - for Ward's try, Mallinder Jnr's tackle is so piss weak it's laughable
He needs to sort out his D or he'll totally waste his considerable talent. I also don't think he's a natural 15
He needs to sort out his D or he'll totally waste his considerable talent. I also don't think he's a natural 15
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Re: EPS Watch / Player Form Thread
agreed. I actually think he needs a break- I've heard he has an iffy shoulder for a start.TheNomad wrote:Just seen the Quins Saints highlights - for Ward's try, Mallinder Jnr's tackle is so piss weak it's laughable
He needs to sort out his D or he'll totally waste his considerable talent. I also don't think he's a natural 15
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Re: EPS Watch / Player Form Thread
The defending for the Ward try was damn amusing, given it actually coughed up a try into the bargain it was probably worse than Johnny May farting around at fullback having an attack of the Twelvetrees. Not sure Mallinder is quite into French fullback territory, but he's close, very close
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Re: EPS Watch / Player Form Thread
Chris Ashton's defensive bomb behind his own line will take some beating for any aspiring spastic 15.
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Re: EPS Watch / Player Form Thread
Speaking of fullbacks, I just had a random thought ...
So Ollie Woodburn is one of the best under a high ball in the AP, has good positional sense, tackles well, can turn the ball over and runs good lines in attack.
Admittedly I’m not sure about his kicking game, but it looks to me as though he has a good skill set for a fullback and if I were him, I’d be looking at the England squad and think I l’d have a better chance of getting in at 15 rather than on the wing.
Exeter have Short, Nowell and Turner to cover the wing spots, so if he pushed for it to happen, I’d see it as a worthwhile experiment.
So Ollie Woodburn is one of the best under a high ball in the AP, has good positional sense, tackles well, can turn the ball over and runs good lines in attack.
Admittedly I’m not sure about his kicking game, but it looks to me as though he has a good skill set for a fullback and if I were him, I’d be looking at the England squad and think I l’d have a better chance of getting in at 15 rather than on the wing.
Exeter have Short, Nowell and Turner to cover the wing spots, so if he pushed for it to happen, I’d see it as a worthwhile experiment.
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Re: EPS Watch / Player Form Thread
Shouldn't think the Chiefs will with a load of big games to come. He's never struck me as a likely 15, nor a good decision maker. If he wants to spend a season or two in the a league at 15, that's up to him I suppose,, but I'd be amazed if Chiefs would support it. An experiment at 15 can, and does, cost games, especially at the top level.Scrumhead wrote:Speaking of fullbacks, I just had a random thought ...
So Ollie Woodburn is one of the best under a high ball in the AP, has good positional sense, tackles well, can turn the ball over and runs good lines in attack.
Admittedly I’m not sure about his kicking game, but it looks to me as though he has a good skill set for a fullback and if I were him, I’d be looking at the England squad and think I l’d have a better chance of getting in at 15 rather than on the wing.
Exeter have Short, Nowell and Turner to cover the wing spots, so if he pushed for it to happen, I’d see it as a worthwhile experiment.
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Re: EPS Watch / Player Form Thread
Bath have recently been trying this same move with Anthony Watson and look how well that’s turned out.Scrumhead wrote:Speaking of fullbacks, I just had a random thought ...
So Ollie Woodburn is one of the best under a high ball in the AP, has good positional sense, tackles well, can turn the ball over and runs good lines in attack.
Admittedly I’m not sure about his kicking game, but it looks to me as though he has a good skill set for a fullback and if I were him, I’d be looking at the England squad and think I l’d have a better chance of getting in at 15 rather than on the wing.
Exeter have Short, Nowell and Turner to cover the wing spots, so if he pushed for it to happen, I’d see it as a worthwhile experiment.
Exactly.
Next.
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Re: EPS Watch / Player Form Thread
I know its an attempt at amusement, but Watson had played a lot at 15 before he even went to Bath iircMikey Brown wrote:Bath have recently been trying this same move with Anthony Watson and look how well that’s turned out.Scrumhead wrote:Speaking of fullbacks, I just had a random thought ...
So Ollie Woodburn is one of the best under a high ball in the AP, has good positional sense, tackles well, can turn the ball over and runs good lines in attack.
Admittedly I’m not sure about his kicking game, but it looks to me as though he has a good skill set for a fullback and if I were him, I’d be looking at the England squad and think I l’d have a better chance of getting in at 15 rather than on the wing.
Exeter have Short, Nowell and Turner to cover the wing spots, so if he pushed for it to happen, I’d see it as a worthwhile experiment.
Exactly.
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Re: EPS Watch / Player Form Thread
You’re probably right in that it’s probably not in Chiefs’ best interests to experiment, but I don’t think he’s a bad decision-maker these days.Banquo wrote:Shouldn't think the Chiefs will with a load of big games to come. He's never struck me as a likely 15, nor a good decision maker. If he wants to spend a season or two in the a league at 15, that's up to him I suppose,, but I'd be amazed if Chiefs would support it. An experiment at 15 can, and does, cost games, especially at the top level.Scrumhead wrote:Speaking of fullbacks, I just had a random thought ...
So Ollie Woodburn is one of the best under a high ball in the AP, has good positional sense, tackles well, can turn the ball over and runs good lines in attack.
Admittedly I’m not sure about his kicking game, but it looks to me as though he has a good skill set for a fullback and if I were him, I’d be looking at the England squad and think I l’d have a better chance of getting in at 15 rather than on the wing.
Exeter have Short, Nowell and Turner to cover the wing spots, so if he pushed for it to happen, I’d see it as a worthwhile experiment.
Possibly a left field idea, but I’m still not convinced by Watson at 15 or any of the current alternatives so I thought I’d throw it out there.
Even taking the fullback idea out of the equation, I’d much rather he’d been called in to the training squad than Cokanasiga.
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Re: EPS Watch / Player Form Thread
Ben Curry included in the U20 squad
Surely he's a level above that now?!
Surely he's a level above that now?!
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Re: EPS Watch / Player Form Thread
I have to say I don't see an international player in Woodburn. He's in a good run of form and playing in a good team that affords him lots of opportunities. He's like Sharples or Bassett - solid enough and, in peaks of form, might make the grade, but not someone with the talent to be a long-term international.Scrumhead wrote:You’re probably right in that it’s probably not in Chiefs’ best interests to experiment, but I don’t think he’s a bad decision-maker these days.Banquo wrote:Shouldn't think the Chiefs will with a load of big games to come. He's never struck me as a likely 15, nor a good decision maker. If he wants to spend a season or two in the a league at 15, that's up to him I suppose,, but I'd be amazed if Chiefs would support it. An experiment at 15 can, and does, cost games, especially at the top level.Scrumhead wrote:Speaking of fullbacks, I just had a random thought ...
So Ollie Woodburn is one of the best under a high ball in the AP, has good positional sense, tackles well, can turn the ball over and runs good lines in attack.
Admittedly I’m not sure about his kicking game, but it looks to me as though he has a good skill set for a fullback and if I were him, I’d be looking at the England squad and think I l’d have a better chance of getting in at 15 rather than on the wing.
Exeter have Short, Nowell and Turner to cover the wing spots, so if he pushed for it to happen, I’d see it as a worthwhile experiment.
Possibly a left field idea, but I’m still not convinced by Watson at 15 or any of the current alternatives so I thought I’d throw it out there.
Even taking the fullback idea out of the equation, I’d much rather he’d been called in to the training squad than Cokanasiga.
Cokanasiga, on the other hand, has just a ridiculous amount of potential. If we had a must-win game tomorrow and were missing 10 wings, then I'd pick Woodburn, but in terms of who's got a future with England, it's Cokanasiga all the way.
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Re: EPS Watch / Player Form Thread
He is going to wreck that level.TheNomad wrote:Ben Curry included in the U20 squad
Surely he's a level above that now?!
Have you the full squad there? Worth a thread of its own?
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Re: EPS Watch / Player Form Thread
I can see Cokanasiga’s obvious potential, but I thought he looked a liability positionally and defensively for the U20s and his time in the AP (albeit limited) doesn’t warrant any attention.Puja wrote:I have to say I don't see an international player in Woodburn. He's in a good run of form and playing in a good team that affords him lots of opportunities. He's like Sharples or Bassett - solid enough and, in peaks of form, might make the grade, but not someone with the talent to be a long-term international.Scrumhead wrote:You’re probably right in that it’s probably not in Chiefs’ best interests to experiment, but I don’t think he’s a bad decision-maker these days.Banquo wrote: Shouldn't think the Chiefs will with a load of big games to come. He's never struck me as a likely 15, nor a good decision maker. If he wants to spend a season or two in the a league at 15, that's up to him I suppose,, but I'd be amazed if Chiefs would support it. An experiment at 15 can, and does, cost games, especially at the top level.
Possibly a left field idea, but I’m still not convinced by Watson at 15 or any of the current alternatives so I thought I’d throw it out there.
Even taking the fullback idea out of the equation, I’d much rather he’d been called in to the training squad than Cokanasiga.
Cokanasiga, on the other hand, has just a ridiculous amount of potential. If we had a must-win game tomorrow and were missing 10 wings, then I'd pick Woodburn, but in terms of who's got a future with England, it's Cokanasiga all the way.
Puja
You might argue he’s in a struggling side, but that hasn’t stopped Lewington from looking good.
A couple of years ago, I might have agreed Woodburn wasn’t test class, but I’d say he’s arguably the most improved player in the Premiership since joining Chiefs and I now think he’s at least worth a wider squad place.
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Re: EPS Watch / Player Form Thread
Agreed, but Lewington has at least five years on 'Little' Joe and didn't look as promising (or at least dangerous) when he was that green. Plus, Lil' Joe has the build that many/most, including me, would like to see somewhere in the backline when we're likely playing Ford, Daly, Fazlet, Joseph, May, Watson. A big linebusting lump would be mighty welcome, even if only at 65mins and Roko just isn't going to make the squad.Scrumhead wrote:I can see Cokanasiga’s obvious potential, but I thought he looked a liability positionally and defensively for the U20s and his time in the AP (albeit limited) doesn’t warrant any attention.Puja wrote:I have to say I don't see an international player in Woodburn. He's in a good run of form and playing in a good team that affords him lots of opportunities. He's like Sharples or Bassett - solid enough and, in peaks of form, might make the grade, but not someone with the talent to be a long-term international.Scrumhead wrote:
You’re probably right in that it’s probably not in Chiefs’ best interests to experiment, but I don’t think he’s a bad decision-maker these days.
Possibly a left field idea, but I’m still not convinced by Watson at 15 or any of the current alternatives so I thought I’d throw it out there.
Even taking the fullback idea out of the equation, I’d much rather he’d been called in to the training squad than Cokanasiga.
Cokanasiga, on the other hand, has just a ridiculous amount of potential. If we had a must-win game tomorrow and were missing 10 wings, then I'd pick Woodburn, but in terms of who's got a future with England, it's Cokanasiga all the way.
Puja
You might argue he’s in a struggling side, but that hasn’t stopped Lewington from looking good.
A couple of years ago, I might have agreed Woodburn wasn’t test class, but I’d say he’s arguably the most improved player in the Premiership since joining Chiefs and I now think he’s at least worth a wider squad place.
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Re: EPS Watch / Player Form Thread
As Danno said, he is 20 years of age! He's got a lot of learning still to do and I've no problem with him getting an accelerated course.Danno wrote:Agreed, but Lewington has at least five years on 'Little' Joe and didn't look as promising (or at least dangerous) when he was that green. Plus, Lil' Joe has the build that many/most, including me, would like to see somewhere in the backline when we're likely playing Ford, Daly, Fazlet, Joseph, May, Watson. A big linebusting lump would be mighty welcome, even if only at 65mins and Roko just isn't going to make the squad.Scrumhead wrote:I can see Cokanasiga’s obvious potential, but I thought he looked a liability positionally and defensively for the U20s and his time in the AP (albeit limited) doesn’t warrant any attention.Puja wrote:
I have to say I don't see an international player in Woodburn. He's in a good run of form and playing in a good team that affords him lots of opportunities. He's like Sharples or Bassett - solid enough and, in peaks of form, might make the grade, but not someone with the talent to be a long-term international.
Cokanasiga, on the other hand, has just a ridiculous amount of potential. If we had a must-win game tomorrow and were missing 10 wings, then I'd pick Woodburn, but in terms of who's got a future with England, it's Cokanasiga all the way.
Puja
You might argue he’s in a struggling side, but that hasn’t stopped Lewington from looking good.
A couple of years ago, I might have agreed Woodburn wasn’t test class, but I’d say he’s arguably the most improved player in the Premiership since joining Chiefs and I now think he’s at least worth a wider squad place.
Puja
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Re: EPS Watch / Player Form Thread
On the subject of fringe players, does anyone know if we're getting an England A match this year? The lack of announcements suggest no, but I'd be keen if only to give the youngsters a chance to show their stuff in an adult representative team. And to pick Vellacott, Graham and whomever else the Celts might have their beady little eyes on, of course.
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Re: EPS Watch / Player Form Thread
Probably better to try someone who had actually played 15, If converting from another position - Slade, Nowell, Daly spring to mind. See Johnny May for example of experimentingScrumhead wrote:You’re probably right in that it’s probably not in Chiefs’ best interests to experiment, but I don’t think he’s a bad decision-maker these days.Banquo wrote:Shouldn't think the Chiefs will with a load of big games to come. He's never struck me as a likely 15, nor a good decision maker. If he wants to spend a season or two in the a league at 15, that's up to him I suppose,, but I'd be amazed if Chiefs would support it. An experiment at 15 can, and does, cost games, especially at the top level.Scrumhead wrote:Speaking of fullbacks, I just had a random thought ...
So Ollie Woodburn is one of the best under a high ball in the AP, has good positional sense, tackles well, can turn the ball over and runs good lines in attack.
Admittedly I’m not sure about his kicking game, but it looks to me as though he has a good skill set for a fullback and if I were him, I’d be looking at the England squad and think I l’d have a better chance of getting in at 15 rather than on the wing.
Exeter have Short, Nowell and Turner to cover the wing spots, so if he pushed for it to happen, I’d see it as a worthwhile experiment.
Possibly a left field idea, but I’m still not convinced by Watson at 15 or any of the current alternatives so I thought I’d throw it out there.
Even taking the fullback idea out of the equation, I’d much rather he’d been called in to the training squad than Cokanasiga.
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Re: EPS Watch / Player Form Thread
True. The Saxons games are always interesting. I’m surprised the Irish don’t use the Wolfhounds more too.Puja wrote:On the subject of fringe players, does anyone know if we're getting an England A match this year? The lack of announcements suggest no, but I'd be keen if only to give the youngsters a chance to show their stuff in an adult representative team. And to pick Vellacott, Graham and whomever else the Celts might have their beady little eyes on, of course.
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Re: EPS Watch / Player Form Thread
You are aware that May has actually played 15 semi-regularly in the past? Actually more recently than Daly, if memory serves, although I suspect Daly would make less of a pig's ear of being dropped back into it unexpectedly.Banquo wrote:Probably better to try someone who had actually played 15, If converting from another position - Slade, Nowell, Daly spring to mind. See Johnny May for example of experimentingScrumhead wrote:You’re probably right in that it’s probably not in Chiefs’ best interests to experiment, but I don’t think he’s a bad decision-maker these days.Banquo wrote: Shouldn't think the Chiefs will with a load of big games to come. He's never struck me as a likely 15, nor a good decision maker. If he wants to spend a season or two in the a league at 15, that's up to him I suppose,, but I'd be amazed if Chiefs would support it. An experiment at 15 can, and does, cost games, especially at the top level.
Possibly a left field idea, but I’m still not convinced by Watson at 15 or any of the current alternatives so I thought I’d throw it out there.
Even taking the fullback idea out of the equation, I’d much rather he’d been called in to the training squad than Cokanasiga.
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Re: EPS Watch / Player Form Thread
I wasn't (thought he'd filled in occasionally) and it didn't show- not a position I'd stick him at regularly; notwithstanding, it looked experimental. I knew he'd played 13 a bit- before Saturday, when did he last play there (15) as a starter. If anything, kind of emphasises the need to learn it properly.Puja wrote:You are aware that May has actually played 15 semi-regularly in the past? Actually more recently than Daly, if memory serves, although I suspect Daly would make less of a pig's ear of being dropped back into it unexpectedly.Banquo wrote:Probably better to try someone who had actually played 15, If converting from another position - Slade, Nowell, Daly spring to mind. See Johnny May for example of experimentingScrumhead wrote:
You’re probably right in that it’s probably not in Chiefs’ best interests to experiment, but I don’t think he’s a bad decision-maker these days.
Possibly a left field idea, but I’m still not convinced by Watson at 15 or any of the current alternatives so I thought I’d throw it out there.
Even taking the fullback idea out of the equation, I’d much rather he’d been called in to the training squad than Cokanasiga.
Puja
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Re: EPS Watch / Player Form Thread
May offers a lot from the wing but positional nous, composure and kicking skills are not obvious attributes. Slade and Daly offer all three.Banquo wrote:I wasn't (thought he'd filled in occasionally) and it didn't show- not a position I'd stick him at regularly; notwithstanding, it looked experimental. I knew he'd played 13 a bit- before Saturday, when did he last play there (15) as a starter. If anything, kind of emphasises the need to learn it properly.Puja wrote:You are aware that May has actually played 15 semi-regularly in the past? Actually more recently than Daly, if memory serves, although I suspect Daly would make less of a pig's ear of being dropped back into it unexpectedly.Banquo wrote: Probably better to try someone who had actually played 15, If converting from another position - Slade, Nowell, Daly spring to mind. See Johnny May for example of experimenting
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Re: EPS Watch / Player Form Thread
He played there for Gloucester at around the same sort of time that Daly was 15 for Wasps, so maybe about 4 years ago. I'd like to say he was rusty, but IIRC, he didn't look that coordinated at 15 back then either.Banquo wrote:I wasn't (thought he'd filled in occasionally) and it didn't show- not a position I'd stick him at regularly; notwithstanding, it looked experimental. I knew he'd played 13 a bit- before Saturday, when did he last play there (15) as a starter. If anything, kind of emphasises the need to learn it properly.Puja wrote:You are aware that May has actually played 15 semi-regularly in the past? Actually more recently than Daly, if memory serves, although I suspect Daly would make less of a pig's ear of being dropped back into it unexpectedly.Banquo wrote: Probably better to try someone who had actually played 15, If converting from another position - Slade, Nowell, Daly spring to mind. See Johnny May for example of experimenting
Puja
It's definitely something he keeps on his CV, because he's been our dedicated 15 back-up for the past few games, so he's obviously volunteered it as something he can do.
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Re: EPS Watch / Player Form Thread
that's a long time, so I'll stick with experimental. He may want it on his CV, but like Woodburn to me, doesn't look a good fit for his skills or decision making ability. Its not a position that's easy to flit in and out of.Puja wrote:He played there for Gloucester at around the same sort of time that Daly was 15 for Wasps, so maybe about 4 years ago. I'd like to say he was rusty, but IIRC, he didn't look that coordinated at 15 back then either.Banquo wrote:I wasn't (thought he'd filled in occasionally) and it didn't show- not a position I'd stick him at regularly; notwithstanding, it looked experimental. I knew he'd played 13 a bit- before Saturday, when did he last play there (15) as a starter. If anything, kind of emphasises the need to learn it properly.Puja wrote:
You are aware that May has actually played 15 semi-regularly in the past? Actually more recently than Daly, if memory serves, although I suspect Daly would make less of a pig's ear of being dropped back into it unexpectedly.
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Re: EPS Watch / Player Form Thread
And yet people keep touting players like Daly, Nowell, and Watson there? Granted, I think they'd do a better job and be more suited to it than May (low bar), but Daly especially hasn't played there in such a long time as to make his previous experience almost meaningless.Banquo wrote:that's a long time, so I'll stick with experimental. He may want it on his CV, but like Woodburn to me, doesn't look a good fit for his skills or decision making ability. Its not a position that's easy to flit in and out of.Puja wrote:He played there for Gloucester at around the same sort of time that Daly was 15 for Wasps, so maybe about 4 years ago. I'd like to say he was rusty, but IIRC, he didn't look that coordinated at 15 back then either.Banquo wrote: I wasn't (thought he'd filled in occasionally) and it didn't show- not a position I'd stick him at regularly; notwithstanding, it looked experimental. I knew he'd played 13 a bit- before Saturday, when did he last play there (15) as a starter. If anything, kind of emphasises the need to learn it properly.
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Re: EPS Watch / Player Form Thread
People keep touting Watson there because he keeps playing there...