Mikey Brown wrote:I’m about 50/50 on it being that and the way we’re trying to use him / midfield balance being pretty awful. In SA it felt like we’d made a plan for Teo at 13 then demanded Slade play that way.
As with basically every single problem in the world, it comes down to Farrell.
Exactly. Slade's a smart, constructive player. Pick him to play that way or leave him out. IMO, JJ has been damaged in a similar fashion.
As ever, it's all about Jones's insistence on levering Farrell into the XV come what may. I just don't think a skilful, creative OC can play outside the Youngs, Ford, Farrell trio. It needs a battering ram there with the hope that Ford can create something out of the havoc together with Daly and May.
Don't get me wrong, I am not, and never have been anti-Slade; and I would love for him to get a full 12 month's playing IC for Exeter, followed by another 12 month's playing there for Exeter AND England; but... that's just not going to happen and he's fluffed his lines pretty much every time he's worn the red rose, or the #12.
Oh yes, and Farrell at 12 is a problem for everyone playing further back than SH.
I think I've come to the point where I'd rather he fight it out with Ford and Cips (and Smith) for the 10 shirt alone, and play 2 centres - even if that means 36 has the shirt... (another who had all the tools but never put them together on the international scene)
Which Tyler wrote:Don't get me wrong, I am not, and never have been anti-Slade; and I would love for him to get a full 12 month's playing IC for Exeter, followed by another 12 month's playing there for Exeter AND England; but... that's just not going to happen and he's fluffed his lines pretty much every time he's worn the red rose, or the #12.
Oh yes, and Farrell at 12 is a problem for everyone playing further back than SH.
I think I've come to the point where I'd rather he fight it out with Ford and Cips (and Smith) for the 10 shirt alone, and play 2 centres - even if that means 36 has the shirt... (another who had all the tools but never put them together on the international scene)
Agree with all that. What do you think about Jones at this point?
Jones has done nothing tomxhange my mind from my verdict at the end of the SA tour, or even the 6N.
His words and his actions match each other, and he's deliberately knackering the players in the hopes realising the benefits in the pre-RWC camp. Consequently, I think it's tough to judge team performances.
I think he's going the wrong way about it, that you realise the gains with rest, and that that rest is needed at this stage, not just pre-RWC; but his theory has a degree of validity.
On selection, it all hinges around Faz and Billy. Faz has developed to the point of being an international standard FH, and a Prem level IC; at FH he's simply behind Ford and Cips, whilst at IC he's got less competition, but steals all the time and space from the player to either side of him. I would call it quits on him at IC and chose two of Devoto, 36, Manu and Te'o to take the 12 shirt (or even Eastmond or Slade), even if that means starting the lesser of our 3 FHs.
Up front the insistence of Billy or more to the point, forcing a non-Billy to play like Billy. Much better to develop a plan B with a faster, less powerful 8 like... well, like every other 8 available.
In short, I can see where he's coming from, but disagree with him. His brutal honesty and decisiveness was a welcome change on arrival, but it's been become a bit too brutal, whilst the decisiveness has morphed into trusting his gut instinct rather than actual evidence.
A big step upwards from Robbo / Jonno, a slight step up on Burt / Brian. The right choice at the time, probably still the best choice, and more to the point, if he sold the RFU on his vision in full awareness of the short-term costs; RFU shouldn't look to replace him based on the short-term costs coming due.
We really need to find the right guy to replace him though; and I have no idea who that would be. Deano's the only English name I would consider (maybe with Edwards leading the hands-on coaching) and I don't think he's forgiven the RFU yet.
Which Tyler wrote:Jones has done nothing tomxhange my mind from my verdict at the end of the SA tour, or even the 6N.
His words and his actions match each other, and he's deliberately knackering the players in the hopes realising the benefits in the pre-RWC camp. Consequently, I think it's tough to judge team performances.
I think he's going the wrong way about it, that you realise the gains with rest, and that that rest is needed at this stage, not just pre-RWC; but his theory has a degree of validity.
On selection, it all hinges around Faz and Billy. Faz has developed to the point of being an international standard FH, and a Prem level IC; at FH he's simply behind Ford and Cips, whilst at IC he's got less competition, but steals all the time and space from the player to either side of him. I would call it quits on him at IC and chose two of Devoto, 36, Manu and Te'o to take the 12 shirt (or even Eastmond or Slade), even if that means starting the lesser of our 3 FHs.
Up front the insistence of Billy or more to the point, forcing a non-Billy to play like Billy. Much better to develop a plan B with a faster, less powerful 8 like... well, like every other 8 available.
In short, I can see where he's coming from, but disagree with him. His brutal honesty and decisiveness was a welcome change on arrival, but it's been become a bit too brutal, whilst the decisiveness has morphed into trusting his gut instinct rather than actual evidence.
A big step upwards from Robbo / Jonno, a slight step up on Burt / Brian. The right choice at the time, probably still the best choice, and more to the point, if he sold the RFU on his vision in full awareness of the short-term costs; RFU shouldn't look to replace him based on the short-term costs coming due.
We really need to find the right guy to replace him though; and I have no idea who that would be. Deano's the only English name I would consider (maybe with Edwards leading the hands-on coaching) and I don't think he's forgiven the RFU yet.
Doesn't even want it. Thinks it has nothing to do with what he's good at.
Of the English candidates, it's really hard to think of one who could be amazing. I'm looking with jealousy at what the Irish have to come with O'Gara, as he looks top notch. Given time, Gustard may show himself, while Farrell could also come into the picture, though I'd prefer it in 12 years time when Jr. isn't around anymore. Baxter is doing wonderfully at Prem level but...question marks remain.
Which Tyler wrote:Jones has done nothing tomxhange my mind from my verdict at the end of the SA tour, or even the 6N.
His words and his actions match each other, and he's deliberately knackering the players in the hopes realising the benefits in the pre-RWC camp. Consequently, I think it's tough to judge team performances.
I think he's going the wrong way about it, that you realise the gains with rest, and that that rest is needed at this stage, not just pre-RWC; but his theory has a degree of validity.
On selection, it all hinges around Faz and Billy. Faz has developed to the point of being an international standard FH, and a Prem level IC; at FH he's simply behind Ford and Cips, whilst at IC he's got less competition, but steals all the time and space from the player to either side of him. I would call it quits on him at IC and chose two of Devoto, 36, Manu and Te'o to take the 12 shirt (or even Eastmond or Slade), even if that means starting the lesser of our 3 FHs.
Up front the insistence of Billy or more to the point, forcing a non-Billy to play like Billy. Much better to develop a plan B with a faster, less powerful 8 like... well, like every other 8 available.
In short, I can see where he's coming from, but disagree with him. His brutal honesty and decisiveness was a welcome change on arrival, but it's been become a bit too brutal, whilst the decisiveness has morphed into trusting his gut instinct rather than actual evidence.
A big step upwards from Robbo / Jonno, a slight step up on Burt / Brian. The right choice at the time, probably still the best choice, and more to the point, if he sold the RFU on his vision in full awareness of the short-term costs; RFU shouldn't look to replace him based on the short-term costs coming due.
We really need to find the right guy to replace him though; and I have no idea who that would be. Deano's the only English name I would consider (maybe with Edwards leading the hands-on coaching) and I don't think he's forgiven the RFU yet.
Doesn't even want it. Thinks it has nothing to do with what he's good at.
Of the English candidates, it's really hard to think of one who could be amazing. I'm looking with jealousy at what the Irish have to come with O'Gara, as he looks top notch. Given time, Gustard may show himself, while Farrell could also come into the picture, though I'd prefer it in 12 years time when Jr. isn't around anymore. Baxter is doing wonderfully at Prem level but...question marks remain.
12 more years of Fazlet?!?!? **** me. Not sure I can cope with that.
Which Tyler wrote:Jones has done nothing tomxhange my mind from my verdict at the end of the SA tour, or even the 6N.
His words and his actions match each other, and he's deliberately knackering the players in the hopes realising the benefits in the pre-RWC camp. Consequently, I think it's tough to judge team performances.
I think he's going the wrong way about it, that you realise the gains with rest, and that that rest is needed at this stage, not just pre-RWC; but his theory has a degree of validity.
On selection, it all hinges around Faz and Billy. Faz has developed to the point of being an international standard FH, and a Prem level IC; at FH he's simply behind Ford and Cips, whilst at IC he's got less competition, but steals all the time and space from the player to either side of him. I would call it quits on him at IC and chose two of Devoto, 36, Manu and Te'o to take the 12 shirt (or even Eastmond or Slade), even if that means starting the lesser of our 3 FHs.
Up front the insistence of Billy or more to the point, forcing a non-Billy to play like Billy. Much better to develop a plan B with a faster, less powerful 8 like... well, like every other 8 available.
In short, I can see where he's coming from, but disagree with him. His brutal honesty and decisiveness was a welcome change on arrival, but it's been become a bit too brutal, whilst the decisiveness has morphed into trusting his gut instinct rather than actual evidence.
A big step upwards from Robbo / Jonno, a slight step up on Burt / Brian. The right choice at the time, probably still the best choice, and more to the point, if he sold the RFU on his vision in full awareness of the short-term costs; RFU shouldn't look to replace him based on the short-term costs coming due.
We really need to find the right guy to replace him though; and I have no idea who that would be. Deano's the only English name I would consider (maybe with Edwards leading the hands-on coaching) and I don't think he's forgiven the RFU yet.
Doesn't even want it. Thinks it has nothing to do with what he's good at.
Of the English candidates, it's really hard to think of one who could be amazing. I'm looking with jealousy at what the Irish have to come with O'Gara, as he looks top notch. Given time, Gustard may show himself, while Farrell could also come into the picture, though I'd prefer it in 12 years time when Jr. isn't around anymore. Baxter is doing wonderfully at Prem level but...question marks remain.
12 more years of Fazlet?!?!? **** me. Not sure I can cope with that.
At least, with his current levels of improvement, in a decade he'll be an world class 12... We've just got the 10 years until then to put up with
