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Re: The Great Big England A Thread
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 1:52 pm
by Mikey Brown
FKAS wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2024 12:05 pm
Kelly was sensational in the title winning season. Strong argument for form 12 of the season and it was noticeable that Tigers attack dropped off after he got injured. He's never found the same consistent form since. Last season he was finally fit for a good run but McKellar's system just didn't suit him at all. Being stuck covering Kata flying out the line often left him hopelessly isolated in defence and knocked his confidence.
This season he's look much better but was an odd omission from the squad for the Sarries game which makes me think he's had some sort of niggling injury. The week before he was meant to be on the bench before being promoted after Perese failed a late fitness test. Capping him at this point would be tactical but I am hopeful his form is returning. He's both physical enough to play the 12 role that Strong Bosher wants but also has those big miss passes in him that put the wingers into space. He's already set up a couple of tries with those this season and it's tougher for the opposition to see that coming when it's not the 10 dropping out the line to make time to throw it.
Yeah, I really love the balance to his game. Those big, flat passes are glorious when they come off.
I'm probably repeating myself but just wish Borthwick would take a punt on developing someone longer term at 12. Maybe it's a niggling injury as you say, but even if he's not in the most consistent form at the moment you'd think England want to have a closer look at how Kelly (if not Atkinson) could fit in. Maybe they have some grand plan for Ojomoh but I just don't really get that in terms of either playing style or recent form/fitness.
Sounds like Anyanwu is almost definitely off to Montpellier, which is very annoying but maybe explains his non-involvement.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union ... lier-sale/
Maybe Dingwall will show another level than we've seen so far for England. I'm intrigued by the idea he was due to start alongside Lawrence for the first team.
Re: The Great Big England A Thread
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 2:06 pm
by Puja
£300k!

Absolutely can't blame him for taking that cash; fair play to the lad.
Puja
Re: The Great Big England A Thread
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 2:34 pm
by Mikey Brown
How much of that £300k will even be left after commuting from his mum's house?
Re: The Great Big England A Thread
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 2:36 pm
by FKAS
Mikey Brown wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2024 2:34 pm
How much of that £300k will even be left after commuting from his mum's house?
For £300k he's probably moving his mum out with him.
Property in France can be very reasonable and I'm sure his mum fancies a few years in the South of France.
Re: The Great Big England A Thread
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 2:57 pm
by p/d
Mikey Brown wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2024 2:34 pm
How much of that £300k will even be left after commuting from his mum's house?
you did ask
Re: The Great Big England A Thread
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 3:20 pm
by SixAndAHalf
Two other names to chuck into the mix at 12 are Wimbush and Hartley. As is often the case with England we have a depth of good prospects / good prem players but none who necessarily demand international selection. Of the options mooted, I think Wimbush has the highest ceiling but as mentioned on another thread I believe we are holding the 12 spot for Van Rensburg.
Re: The Great Big England A Thread
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 3:21 pm
by Banquo
Mikey Brown wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2024 1:52 pm
FKAS wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2024 12:05 pm
Kelly was sensational in the title winning season. Strong argument for form 12 of the season and it was noticeable that Tigers attack dropped off after he got injured. He's never found the same consistent form since. Last season he was finally fit for a good run but McKellar's system just didn't suit him at all. Being stuck covering Kata flying out the line often left him hopelessly isolated in defence and knocked his confidence.
This season he's look much better but was an odd omission from the squad for the Sarries game which makes me think he's had some sort of niggling injury. The week before he was meant to be on the bench before being promoted after Perese failed a late fitness test. Capping him at this point would be tactical but I am hopeful his form is returning. He's both physical enough to play the 12 role that Strong Bosher wants but also has those big miss passes in him that put the wingers into space. He's already set up a couple of tries with those this season and it's tougher for the opposition to see that coming when it's not the 10 dropping out the line to make time to throw it.
Maybe Dingwall will show another level than we've seen so far for England. I'm intrigued by the idea he was due to start alongside Lawrence for the first team.
...in his two games to date, in a misfiring team? Take your point though.
Re: The Great Big England A Thread
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 3:29 pm
by p/d
Banquo wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2024 3:21 pm
Mikey Brown wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2024 1:52 pm
FKAS wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2024 12:05 pm
Kelly was sensational in the title winning season. Strong argument for form 12 of the season and it was noticeable that Tigers attack dropped off after he got injured. He's never found the same consistent form since. Last season he was finally fit for a good run but McKellar's system just didn't suit him at all. Being stuck covering Kata flying out the line often left him hopelessly isolated in defence and knocked his confidence.
This season he's look much better but was an odd omission from the squad for the Sarries game which makes me think he's had some sort of niggling injury. The week before he was meant to be on the bench before being promoted after Perese failed a late fitness test. Capping him at this point would be tactical but I am hopeful his form is returning. He's both physical enough to play the 12 role that Strong Bosher wants but also has those big miss passes in him that put the wingers into space. He's already set up a couple of tries with those this season and it's tougher for the opposition to see that coming when it's not the 10 dropping out the line to make time to throw it.
Maybe Dingwall will show another level than we've seen so far for England. I'm intrigued by the idea he was due to start alongside Lawrence for the first team.
...in his two games to date
and yet it feels more....
Re: The Great Big England A Thread
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 3:59 pm
by Banquo
p/d wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2024 3:29 pm
Banquo wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2024 3:21 pm
Mikey Brown wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2024 1:52 pm
Maybe Dingwall will show another level than we've seen so far for England. I'm intrigued by the idea he was due to start alongside Lawrence for the first team.
...in his two games to date
and yet it feels more....
pray explain, yoda?
Re: The Great Big England A Thread
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 4:17 pm
by FKAS
Banquo wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2024 3:21 pm
Mikey Brown wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2024 1:52 pm
FKAS wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2024 12:05 pm
Kelly was sensational in the title winning season. Strong argument for form 12 of the season and it was noticeable that Tigers attack dropped off after he got injured. He's never found the same consistent form since. Last season he was finally fit for a good run but McKellar's system just didn't suit him at all. Being stuck covering Kata flying out the line often left him hopelessly isolated in defence and knocked his confidence.
This season he's look much better but was an odd omission from the squad for the Sarries game which makes me think he's had some sort of niggling injury. The week before he was meant to be on the bench before being promoted after Perese failed a late fitness test. Capping him at this point would be tactical but I am hopeful his form is returning. He's both physical enough to play the 12 role that Strong Bosher wants but also has those big miss passes in him that put the wingers into space. He's already set up a couple of tries with those this season and it's tougher for the opposition to see that coming when it's not the 10 dropping out the line to make time to throw it.
Maybe Dingwall will show another level than we've seen so far for England. I'm intrigued by the idea he was due to start alongside Lawrence for the first team.
...in his two games to date, in a misfiring team? Take your point though.
Unfortunately what he showed in those two games was a serious lack in physicality which has done little to help his cause to be reselected. Unless you've got insider knowledge I thought any chance of him starting for England unlikely Vs NZ. Always felt it more likely Slade would be given every opportunity to come back into the side (for better or worse).
Re: The Great Big England A Thread
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 4:27 pm
by Banquo
FKAS wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2024 4:17 pm
Banquo wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2024 3:21 pm
Mikey Brown wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2024 1:52 pm
Maybe Dingwall will show another level than we've seen so far for England. I'm intrigued by the idea he was due to start alongside Lawrence for the first team.
...in his two games to date, in a misfiring team? Take your point though.
Unless you've got insider knowledge
I may do

The only physical deficiency I spotted was a missed tackle at the end v Italy....though he didn't make much of a carrying dent in either game. But I am biased as a family friend; I'd like his brain and skill in midfield, and his ability to do most centre jobs well. But aware no means a perfect solution in fairness- imo better than other options.
Re: The Great Big England A Thread
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 4:41 pm
by p/d
Banquo wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2024 3:59 pm
p/d wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2024 3:29 pm
Banquo wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2024 3:21 pm
...in his two games to date
and yet it feels more....
pray explain, yoda?
Oh, no more than I thought we had seen him in an England shirt for more than just 2 games. I suppose it would only fair if he got another run out before we moved on.
Re: The Great Big England A Thread
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 4:42 pm
by Banquo
p/d wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2024 4:41 pm
Banquo wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2024 3:59 pm
p/d wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2024 3:29 pm
and yet it feels more....
pray explain, yoda?
Oh, no more than I thought we had seen him in an England shirt for more than just 2 games. I suppose it would only fair if he got another run out before we moved on.

Re: The Great Big England A Thread
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 4:52 pm
by Epaminondas Pules
For me you want a rounded skill set at 12 and that pins towards The Duke and Atkinson, and Hartley albeit slightly different. But ultimately they have to be in the environment and time to shine. At the moment it feels square pegs in round holes, but then I don’t know what our actual attacking plan is. Quick ball is ace, but only with the right structure / ethos behind it.
Re: The Great Big England A Thread
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 4:54 pm
by Banquo
Epaminondas Pules wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2024 4:52 pm
For me you want a rounded skill set at 12 and that pins towards The Duke and Atkinson, and Hartley albeit slightly different. But ultimately they have to be in the environment and time to shine. At the moment it feels square pegs in round holes, but then I don’t know what our actual attacking plan is. Quick ball is ace, but only with the right structure / ethos behind it.
The Duke? who be that? Bobby Windsor is the only one I know.
Why not Dingwall- his all round skill set is probably as good as anyone at 12.
Re: The Great Big England A Thread
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 5:10 pm
by p/d
So, still no one warming to giving Steward a run.
We are all missing a trick.
Re: The Great Big England A Thread
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 6:41 pm
by Mellsblue
p/d wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2024 5:10 pm
So, still no one warming to giving Steward a run.
We are all missing a one trick pony.
FTFY
Re: The Great Big England A Thread
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 6:42 pm
by Mellsblue
p/d wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2024 2:57 pm
Mikey Brown wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2024 2:34 pm
How much of that £300k will even be left after commuting from his mum's house?
you did ask

Re: The Great Big England A Thread
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 6:50 pm
by p/d
Banquo wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2024 4:54 pm
Epaminondas Pules wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2024 4:52 pm
For me you want a rounded skill set at 12 and that pins towards The Duke and Atkinson, and Hartley albeit slightly different. But ultimately they have to be in the environment and time to shine. At the moment it feels square pegs in round holes, but then I don’t know what our actual attacking plan is. Quick ball is ace, but only with the right structure / ethos behind it.
The Duke? who be that? Bobby Windsor is the only one I know.
Why not Dingwall- his all round skill set is probably as good as anyone at 12.
Is there a McKenzie playing somewhere?
Crying shame if there isn't.
Re: The Great Big England A Thread
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 6:57 pm
by p/d
Mellsblue wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2024 6:41 pm
p/d wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2024 5:10 pm
So, still no one warming to giving Steward a run.
We are all missing a one trick pony.
FTFY
I do miss him. Strange that he has now fallen behind Furbank, Smith, Slade and Harrison Ford.
Re: The Great Big England A Thread
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 10:08 pm
by Banquo
p/d wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2024 6:50 pm
Banquo wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2024 4:54 pm
Epaminondas Pules wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2024 4:52 pm
For me you want a rounded skill set at 12 and that pins towards The Duke and Atkinson, and Hartley albeit slightly different. But ultimately they have to be in the environment and time to shine. At the moment it feels square pegs in round holes, but then I don’t know what our actual attacking plan is. Quick ball is ace, but only with the right structure / ethos behind it.
The Duke? who be that? Bobby Windsor is the only one I know.
Why not Dingwall- his all round skill set is probably as good as anyone at 12.
Is there a McKenzie playing somewhere?
Crying shame if there isn't.
or a John Wayne lookalikey
Re: The Great Big England A Thread
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 10:50 pm
by p/d
Banquo wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2024 10:08 pm
p/d wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2024 6:50 pm
Banquo wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2024 4:54 pm
The Duke? who be that? Bobby Windsor is the only one I know.
Why not Dingwall- his all round skill set is probably as good as anyone at 12.
Is there a McKenzie playing somewhere?
Crying shame if there isn't.
or a John Wayne lookalikey
Perhaps a mid 70’s Bowie doppelgänger
Re: The Great Big England A Thread
Posted: Fri Nov 08, 2024 7:57 am
by FKAS
Banquo wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2024 4:27 pm
FKAS wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2024 4:17 pm
Banquo wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2024 3:21 pm
...in his two games to date, in a misfiring team? Take your point though.
Unless you've got insider knowledge
I may do

The only physical deficiency I spotted was a missed tackle at the end v Italy....though he didn't make much of a carrying dent in either game. But I am biased as a family friend; I'd like his brain and skill in midfield, and his ability to do most centre jobs well. But aware no means a perfect solution in fairness- imo better than other options.
I just remember him making passive tackles or falling off tackles. I'd give him a bye on the ball carrying considering the state of the attack at the time. Slade wasn't much better iirc.
Re: The Great Big England A Thread
Posted: Fri Nov 08, 2024 8:36 am
by Banquo
p/d wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2024 10:50 pm
Banquo wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2024 10:08 pm
p/d wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2024 6:50 pm
Is there a McKenzie playing somewhere?
Crying shame if there isn't.
or a John Wayne lookalikey
Perhaps a mid 70’s Bowie doppelgänger
V thin v white
Or The Duke of Ben Earl
Re: The Great Big England A Thread
Posted: Fri Nov 08, 2024 8:38 am
by Banquo
FKAS wrote: ↑Fri Nov 08, 2024 7:57 am
Banquo wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2024 4:27 pm
FKAS wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2024 4:17 pm
Unless you've got insider knowledge
I may do

The only physical deficiency I spotted was a missed tackle at the end v Italy....though he didn't make much of a carrying dent in either game. But I am biased as a family friend; I'd like his brain and skill in midfield, and his ability to do most centre jobs well. But aware no means a perfect solution in fairness- imo better than other options.
I just remember him making passive tackles or falling off tackles. I'd give him a bye on the ball carrying considering the state of the attack at the time. Slade wasn't much better iirc.
One fall off. Dominant tackles, good to have it’s true