The "Singer from N-Dubz" next carry after the near try left Underhill requiring medical attention. I don't think there's many better steps in rugby currently than Telusa Vienau. Underhill England's best tackle effectively got stepped in a space the size of a phone box and bounced his shoulder off TV's shoulder to add injury to embarrassment. TV had an age to size up Steward's covering tackle, I'd have like to see Steward get more purchase on the tackle but at least he slowed him down.Mellsblue wrote:Not sure I’m as hyped about Steward as everyone else. He’s world class under the high ball but not sure what else he currently brings to the party. Did he beat the first man at any point on Saturday? At this stage of his development, and he’s of an age where he clearly has plenty of room for improvement, he seems like a taller Mike Brown with better hands but less elusive. Let’s also not forget he was skinned by a singer from N-Dubz and had to be rescued by Lawes. I may be biased, but Furbank brings an awful lot more in attack than Steward, for me. It seems a bit like the Ford/Smith v Farrell debate but at 15 rather than 10. I’d argue that you could pick Steward if picking Smith but should pick Furbank if not.
What Steward adds in attack is something we otherwise lack significantly in the back three, including if Furbank is there and that's the ability to straighten the line. What Steward does isn't flashy, he either straightens and moves the ball into space or he straightens and gives a target for the forwards to ruck and start the next phase with a bit of momentum. He might need to add more to his game but at 20 that will come.
Furbank for me is reminiscent of Daly, good all round footballer but not actually got an outstanding fullbacks skillset.
