Wasps vs Glos Friday Night

[Tigersman]

I see Wasps going into next season with
6. T.Willis (Helps he does jump in the lineout)
7. J.Willis
8. Barbeary

[Oakboy]

I see Wasps going into next season with
6. T.Willis (Helps he does jump in the lineout)
7. J.Willis
8. Barbeary

I'd suggest that (at some point in the not too distant future) either/both Curry and Underhill could struggle to displace any of those three IF all of them stay fit AND continue on their past progress curve. Oddly enough, Lawes still might.

[Tigersman]

Lawes is my England 6 till the RWC then for me it could be between T.Willis, Hill or Martin (Granted I also see Martin potentially filling the bench lock option of lock/6 like Lawes did for a time)

[Gloskarlos]

Personally think Barbeary is better sticking at hooker. Far less competition, he could excel there. Back row hugely competitive. Having watched the replay Clement was good at 8, can also play six, and there are dozens like them all over.

[Danno]

Lawes is my England 6 till the RWC then for me it could be between T.Willis, Hill or Martin (Granted I also see Martin potentially filling the bench lock option of lock/6 like Lawes did for a time)

Fine but enough of Curry at 8. It's not horrible, but it is shite.

[Banquo]

Personally think Barbeary is better sticking at hooker. Far less competition, he could excel there. Back row hugely competitive. Having watched the replay Clement was good at 8, can also play six, and there are dozens like them all over.

I agree, but the die is now cast. Ultimately, if he doesn't want to, it'd be counterproductive to force the issue.

[Banquo]

I see Wasps going into next season with
6. T.Willis (Helps he does jump in the lineout)
7. J.Willis
8. Barbeary

I'd suggest that (at some point in the not too distant future) either/both Curry and Underhill could struggle to displace any of those three IF all of them stay fit AND continue on their past progress curve. Oddly enough, Lawes still might.

I'd suggest they are the ones who need to do the displacing, much as I admire them as club players!

[Beasties]

I see Wasps going into next season with
6. T.Willis (Helps he does jump in the lineout)
7. J.Willis
8. Barbeary

I'd suggest that (at some point in the not too distant future) either/both Curry and Underhill could struggle to displace any of those three IF all of them stay fit AND continue on their past progress curve. Oddly enough, Lawes still might.

I'd suggest they are the ones who need to do the displacing, much as I admire them as club players!

While it may be perfectly possible for both T Willis and Barbeary to be both be accommodated at 8 for Wasps with a bit of mild backrow shuffling for different matches, they could easily get in each others' way when it comes to Eng selection. That would be a real shame because both of them could be special players.

[fivepointer]

If Barbeary wants to play in the back row and feels he can play his best rugby there and the coaches agree, then so be it. I think his England chances would be improved at hooker given the competition. He is so obviously a rare talent that I daresay he will make his way into the side wherever he plays.
That may be tough on clubmates and other aspiring internationals, but there's nothing new in a good player being behind one or two who are that bit better.
Might clear the way for Riley to come through at hooker.

[Banquo]

If Barbeary wants to play in the back row and feels he can play his best rugby there and the coaches agree, then so be it. I think his England chances would be improved at hooker given the competition. He is so obviously a rare talent that I daresay he will make his way into the side wherever he plays.
That may be tough on clubmates and other aspiring internationals, but there's nothing new in a good player being behind one or two who are that bit better.
Might clear the way for Riley to come through at hooker.

Yup

[Banquo]

I'd suggest that (at some point in the not too distant future) either/both Curry and Underhill could struggle to displace any of those three IF all of them stay fit AND continue on their past progress curve. Oddly enough, Lawes still might.

I'd suggest they are the ones who need to do the displacing, much as I admire them as club players!

While it may be perfectly possible for both T Willis and Barbeary to be both be accommodated at 8 for Wasps with a bit of mild backrow shuffling for different matches, they could easily get in each others' way when it comes to Eng selection. That would be a real shame because both of them could be special players.

Players do sometimes have to move clubs, but given the mad workloads on players now, chances should still be there.

[Peej]

Blackett, Eddie Jones and Barbeary himself have all decided he is going to concentrate on becoming a backrower, focussing primarily on 8.

Probably the right decision, but it’s not as though there isn’t a fairly steep learning curve to play 8.

Tom Willis is reliably excellent and is a specialist 8, so at least for now, I can see Barbeary being more of an impact player than a starter.

Moving forward, it’s a going to be a bit of a selection headache with Jack Willis due back in early 2022. Young is leaving which probably means Jack is inked in at 7 (with Carr deputising). Shields has stepped-up to the extent that I think he’s a key player at 6 which really leaves Tom Willis and Barbeary fighting for the 8 spot. Collectively, that has to be up there with one of the best back rows in the Premiership.

Add Fifita to the mix too, as his best position is probably 6.