Raggs wrote:Dual playmakers with the 2nd one being 15 can split the attack left and right just as easily, and seemed to be what Wasps were doing on centre ball against quins. With Atkinson stepping in at 10 when Umaga went on a run, or playing around 12/13 when Umaga was at 10.
True but if you're playing 15, particularly in the contestable kick happy days we have currently, there's a big emphasis on ability in the air. If you've got that great, it you haven't then you're a liability. Be interesting to see how Atkinson gets on though the Worcester won't be much of an examination I don't think.
I much prefer a 15 who does all the basics, including ability under the high ball and most importantly gets positioning right in defence, but also is the deep and late running option.....and gas. Not much to ask
Playmaking is a nice to have, to be used occasionally for me; for example, I think Beauden Barrett is a bit wasted at 15- he has/d so much gas, use it.
Raggs wrote:Dual playmakers with the 2nd one being 15 can split the attack left and right just as easily, and seemed to be what Wasps were doing on centre ball against quins. With Atkinson stepping in at 10 when Umaga went on a run, or playing around 12/13 when Umaga was at 10.
True but if you're playing 15, particularly in the contestable kick happy days we have currently, there's a big emphasis on ability in the air. If you've got that great, it you haven't then you're a liability. Be interesting to see how Atkinson gets on though the Worcester won't be much of an examination I don't think.
Atkinson is fearless, no idea if his technique will be upto scratch just yet (though he looked ok briefly against quins), but I have no worries about him being willing to go for it. He's also only 19 still!
Raggs wrote:Dual playmakers with the 2nd one being 15 can split the attack left and right just as easily, and seemed to be what Wasps were doing on centre ball against quins. With Atkinson stepping in at 10 when Umaga went on a run, or playing around 12/13 when Umaga was at 10.
True but if you're playing 15, particularly in the contestable kick happy days we have currently, there's a big emphasis on ability in the air. If you've got that great, it you haven't then you're a liability. Be interesting to see how Atkinson gets on though the Worcester won't be much of an examination I don't think.
Atkinson is fearless, no idea if his technique will be upto scratch just yet (though he looked ok briefly against quins), but I have no worries about him being willing to go for it. He's also only 19 still!
Watched the first quarter before Tigers kicked off and Atkinson looks alright back there. Not a natural fullback but a natural footballer. He looks a talent.
With the conditions it's going to be tough for anyone.
Wasps really playing the conditions, which is nice to see. Still trying to play a little, but a lot more kicking, and quite often, good kicking. Robson still on another level.
Looks like we may be taking the Italian tactic of starting the weaker tighthead and giving them their head for 30 minutes, then replacing.
FKAS wrote:
True but if you're playing 15, particularly in the contestable kick happy days we have currently, there's a big emphasis on ability in the air. If you've got that great, it you haven't then you're a liability. Be interesting to see how Atkinson gets on though the Worcester won't be much of an examination I don't think.
Atkinson is fearless, no idea if his technique will be upto scratch just yet (though he looked ok briefly against quins), but I have no worries about him being willing to go for it. He's also only 19 still!
Watched the first quarter before Tigers kicked off and Atkinson looks alright back there. Not a natural fullback but a natural footballer. He looks a talent.
Personally, I think he looks a better player than Umaga....though he is very left sided.
