RugbyRebels

Oakboy wrote:

Adam_P wrote:

padprop wrote:
It's all well and good saying that, but it was clear to see Northampton improved when Myler came on, whether that be chance or Myler having an effect who is to say.

Fact of the matter is Francis has now had over half a season to impress and is yet to put in a significant impact from a much lauded new zealand franchise fly half.

He has started only 3 games at 10 I believe...

But, somebody took a selection decision to start him there! Regardless of how poor Saints might be as a team unit, Francis looked hopeless. I have seen posts on this board saying that Parisse will always look a star in such a poor Italy team. Lawes looked a good player yesterday. Wood looked poor. Basically, a good player looks good wherever and whenever (and vice-versa), IMO. I never said Francis made Saints a bad team but he sure as hell looked a considerably worse FH than Myler which takes some doing.

I've seen McCaw look iffy when a game didn't suit him, so there has to be some leeway that a good player doesn't always look good, and more reasonably than citing McCaw as an example then Lawes hasn't always looked good and he's your example of a player doing well due to talent. I don't know whether Francis is a 10 or 12, but either way he could really use a tight five, an openside and some pace in the back three

Smith was bloody good!

Smith was excellent (again!) He really is some talent.
Bit harsh to pick on Francis. He's hardly had a run of games to find his feet, while those around him have been floundering. He's looked very lively when he has come on for England, so am happy to see how things go at Saints.

I feel a bit sorry for Francis. He was definitely poor, but he was playing behind a well-beaten pack. Without making excuses for him, I suspect that some of the reason Myler looked better is that he came on in Saints main period of ascendency when Quins had 14 men and then oversaw the final quarter or the game when Quins knew they were home and dry.

On the other hand, I do think Francis needs to stop insisting he’s a 10 and accept that he’s better at 12. Most of his best rugby in NZ was as a 12 playing outside West at the Blues and when he’s looked good for England, it’s also been as a second playmaker.

A midfield of Biggar, Francis and Horne would be quite decent with Burrell on the bench to offer more power if needed.

fivepointer wrote:Smith was excellent (again!) He really is some talent.
Bit harsh to pick on Francis. He's hardly had a run of games to find his feet, while those around him have been floundering. He's looked very lively when he has come on for England, so am happy to see how things go at Saints.

quite

Digby wrote:

Oakboy wrote:

Adam_P wrote:
He has started only 3 games at 10 I believe...

But, somebody took a selection decision to start him there! Regardless of how poor Saints might be as a team unit, Francis looked hopeless. I have seen posts on this board saying that Parisse will always look a star in such a poor Italy team. Lawes looked a good player yesterday. Wood looked poor. Basically, a good player looks good wherever and whenever (and vice-versa), IMO. I never said Francis made Saints a bad team but he sure as hell looked a considerably worse FH than Myler which takes some doing.

I've seen McCaw look iffy when a game didn't suit him, so there has to be some leeway that a good player doesn't always look good, and more reasonably than citing McCaw as an example then Lawes hasn't always looked good and he's your example of a player doing well due to talent. I don't know whether Francis is a 10 or 12, but either way he could really use a tight five, an openside and some pace in the back three

...and a bit of team spirit and heart.

Banquo wrote:

fivepointer wrote:Smith was excellent (again!) He really is some talent.
Bit harsh to pick on Francis. He's hardly had a run of games to find his feet, while those around him have been floundering. He's looked very lively when he has come on for England, so am happy to see how things go at Saints.

quite

Smith rarely fails at to impress.

Francis looked good for England as a 12 though. I just don’t think he’s a 10.

Scrumhead wrote:

Banquo wrote:

fivepointer wrote:Smith was excellent (again!) He really is some talent.
Bit harsh to pick on Francis. He's hardly had a run of games to find his feet, while those around him have been floundering. He's looked very lively when he has come on for England, so am happy to see how things go at Saints.

quite

Smith rarely fails at to impress.

Francis looked good for England as a 12 though. I just don’t think he’s a 10.

Smith's a good un, and agreed on Francis

fivepointer wrote:

Banquo wrote:Gaffney has a sh*t ton of work to do. Saints lacking heart amongst other things

thats what struck me. some of their players just didnt want to know. The urgency and energy levels were way below what is required at this level. Some of the tries scored and ground made were far too easy. Yards were routinely given up without anyone challenging the ball carrier.
Come on Saints, you are a big club and have plenty of good players at your disposal. You simply have to be better than this.

A group of players who have seen the wrong 'coach' sacked