RugbyRebels

Mikey Brown wrote:So we all think our locks are pretty good and we need to play backrowers in the backrow. Christ this place feels like hard work sometimes.

I think we need to make some longer term decisions. So if Lawes/Itoje are going to play 6 they should train and play for it, though I do wonder that they've been given so much time training and playing lock to now perhaps swap.

And Billy V aside I'm not yet sold on any other options if the aim is to be the best team n the world. If the aim is to be competitive in the top 4 we have a number of options at 6, and some emerging options at 7

Digby wrote:

Mikey Brown wrote:So we all think our locks are pretty good and we need to play backrowers in the backrow. Christ this place feels like hard work sometimes.

I think we need to make some longer term decisions. So if Lawes/Itoje are going to play 6 they should train and play for it, though I do wonder that they've been given so much time training and playing lock to now perhaps swap.

And Billy V aside I'm not yet sold on any other options if the aim is to be the best team n the world. If the aim is to be competitive in the top 4 we have a number of options at 6, and some emerging options at 7

yep, though I'm not inclined to even consider Lawtoje as lock/6 compromise. They are both excellent locks and very average 6's internationally.

Banquo wrote:

Digby wrote:

Mikey Brown wrote:So we all think our locks are pretty good and we need to play backrowers in the backrow. Christ this place feels like hard work sometimes.

I think we need to make some longer term decisions. So if Lawes/Itoje are going to play 6 they should train and play for it, though I do wonder that they've been given so much time training and playing lock to now perhaps swap.

And Billy V aside I'm not yet sold on any other options if the aim is to be the best team n the world. If the aim is to be competitive in the top 4 we have a number of options at 6, and some emerging options at 7

yep, though I'm not inclined to even consider Lawtoje as lock/6 compromise. They are both excellent locks and very average 6's internationally.

They are average now. The question is whether their potential by 2019 would see them above Robshaw, Armand, Wilson, just as there's a query on the openside with the Curry boys and Underhill over Haskell? Kvesic looks less likely to have a test career than Steff Armitage at this point.

It's a judgement call now which will see someone, Eddie really, praised or castigated in 2019. So far Eddie has been cautious with England, at hooker, at 9, at 12, at 15 - though changing them all and bringing in new flankers with Billy out would have been a ballsy call 2 years ago, it looks untenable given limited games left

Digby wrote:

Banquo wrote:

Digby wrote:
I think we need to make some longer term decisions. So if Lawes/Itoje are going to play 6 they should train and play for it, though I do wonder that they've been given so much time training and playing lock to now perhaps swap.

And Billy V aside I'm not yet sold on any other options if the aim is to be the best team n the world. If the aim is to be competitive in the top 4 we have a number of options at 6, and some emerging options at 7

yep, though I'm not inclined to even consider Lawtoje as lock/6 compromise. They are both excellent locks and very average 6's internationally.

They are average now. The question is whether their potential by 2019 would see them above Robshaw, Armand, Wilson, just as there's a query on the openside with the Curry boys and Underhill over Haskell? Kvesic looks less likely to have a test career than Steff Armitage at this point.

It's a judgement call now which will see someone, Eddie really, praised or castigated in 2019. So far Eddie has been cautious with England, at hooker, at 9, at 12, at 15 - though changing them all and bringing in new flankers with Billy out would have been a ballsy call 2 years ago, it looks untenable given limited games left

I can't see them being better than average- physiques aren't especially suited to the job for a start (at least as I see it ).

Banquo wrote:

kk67 wrote:Not much mention of link play, Raggs.

alas, rarely mentioned in terms of the importance of a '7' on here.

I meant the linking abilities of the 2nd row. The Kiwi tight 5 can all link.

kk67 wrote:

Banquo wrote:

kk67 wrote:Not much mention of link play, Raggs.

alas, rarely mentioned in terms of the importance of a '7' on here.

I meant the linking abilities of the 2nd row. The Kiwi tight 5 can all link.

ok, accidentally covered anyway