RugbyRebels

Raggs wrote:Cipriani is ridiculously structured... the reason he can pull off a lot of the no-look passes is because he knows the running lines everyone is on. He's so hard to play against because he can pick any of the 2/3 options available, based on the defence, whilst looking either at the defender, or at the other attacker, but the lines they're running are set.

OK, yeah, that I accept totally. I kind of meant that the opposition needs to be less structured at that point. Ford has more control in close than Cipriani. A lot more. And he's a better defender. And considering England have Billy and Mako, as well as Tuilagi, I think that suits Ford more.

But I think we can agree on one of those two getting the most out of England's attack.

Raggs wrote:Cipriani is ridiculously structured... the reason he can pull off a lot of the no-look passes is because he knows the running lines everyone is on. He's so hard to play against because he can pick any of the 2/3 options available, based on the defence, whilst looking either at the defender, or at the other attacker, but the lines they're running are set.

Not sure about ridiculously structured, but the difference with Cips and other top level 10’s is that to get the most out of Cipriani you have to pretty much give him complete ownership of the attacking structures. That’s why, IMO, no England national team coach would ever have him as first choice 10.

Raggs wrote:Cipriani is ridiculously structured... the reason he can pull off a lot of the no-look passes is because he knows the running lines everyone is on. He's so hard to play against because he can pick any of the 2/3 options available, based on the defence, whilst looking either at the defender, or at the other attacker, but the lines they're running are set.

I agree with you on that, but that's the reason I'm not a fan - he works at his best when the entire team is structured around him (cf. His underwhelming performance when dropped in for Ford vs South Africa, Gloucester's collapse when he's injured). He's a very good player, but good enough that we build a team around him (and take the subsequent hit if he's injured)? Not in my opinion.

Puja

Jones continues to ignore our advice.

He has clearly got Farrell, Ford, Cipriani in that order for the 10 shirt, though, at some point, there is nothing to say he won't revert to Farrell at 12. We are also STILL stymied by the lack of top quality at 9. I don't rate T'eo and I am concerned that too much is expected of Tuilagi. He remains too daft to adapt his game to avoid injury and that means his availability/absence record will remain disruptive.

Also, can Jones find a combination to get the best out of JJ, should he get back to full fitness and form?

Where does any of it leave Slade who Jones has picked at 13 for quite a run?

Daly has been messed about. Brown is back to form. Devoto is again looking the part.

Is May the most reliable? What about Nowell?

It really ought to be more settled at this stage.

Oakboy wrote:Jones continues to ignore our advice.

He has clearly got Farrell, Ford, Cipriani in that order for the 10 shirt, though, at some point, there is nothing to say he won't revert to Farrell at 12. We are also STILL stymied by the lack of top quality at 9. I don't rate T'eo and I am concerned that too much is expected of Tuilagi. He remains too daft to adapt his game to avoid injury and that means his availability/absence record will remain disruptive.

Also, can Jones find a combination to get the best out of JJ, should he get back to full fitness and form?

Where does any of it leave Slade who Jones has picked at 13 for quite a run?

Daly has been messed about. Brown is back to form. Devoto is again looking the part.

Is May the most reliable? What about Nowell?

It really ought to be more settled at this stage.

I really do rate Ford but I agree with pretty much all of that. There’s so many question marks, add to that a few of the players most assured of their spot are the ones with the least quality/talent.

On the Ford/Farrell thing though, if Ford played for Saracens nobody would even question which one was better.

As for the 6 nations predictions. Wales are going to be good and it’s going to piss me off.