Back Row 19/20
Posted by: Sara'sman (IP Logged)
Date: 24 February, 2019 09:40
With injuries, retirements, Internationals and rotation, will we be light in this area next season or do we have someone lined up? If I’ve remembered correctly, we started this campaign with 9 (inc NI) + 3 academy. Looking at next year:
First Choice
6 Rhodes still here, still one of the best
7 Wray still excellent, though in truth since his concussions not in the truly outstanding form of last year
8 Vunipola the magnificent
20 Isiekwe I increasingly see Nick as a long term replacement for Rhodes at 6, rather than a lock
Supporting Cast
Clark perhaps has not prospered as hoped due to injuries and lack of pace, though still a very useful squad player
Earl impressing, still young, we’re avoiding overplaying him
Reffell a couple of promising games in the Prem Cup but still very young and needs careful management
Losing
Burger still gives his all but time catching up and highly likely that he’s moving on/retiring
Conlon as with Will F and Matt H, what might have been, but for his devastating injury
Vailanu off to Pests – perhaps you are right SS!
Whilst Itoje can fill in to great effect, he’s an even better lock alongside Kruis, with Skelton(?) and Kpoku as backup, a further 2 in the pipeline. Are we in need of one experienced body and a second punt? (Christie a year away from senior competition starts, Nay too?). There was a weak rumour of a potential Saffa marquee a couple of months back – should attract the trolls!
On a related theme, The Bard’s thoughts on Tolofua playing back row are interesting – in my view he’d be a decent option in the power fest that is French rugby, but lacks the pace of a 7, workrate of a 6, or dynamism/hands of an 8 to make it there at the highest level. How does his skillset compare to his brother?
Any thoughts?
First Choice
6 Rhodes still here, still one of the best
7 Wray still excellent, though in truth since his concussions not in the truly outstanding form of last year
8 Vunipola the magnificent
20 Isiekwe I increasingly see Nick as a long term replacement for Rhodes at 6, rather than a lock
Supporting Cast
Clark perhaps has not prospered as hoped due to injuries and lack of pace, though still a very useful squad player
Earl impressing, still young, we’re avoiding overplaying him
Reffell a couple of promising games in the Prem Cup but still very young and needs careful management
Losing
Burger still gives his all but time catching up and highly likely that he’s moving on/retiring
Conlon as with Will F and Matt H, what might have been, but for his devastating injury
Vailanu off to Pests – perhaps you are right SS!
Whilst Itoje can fill in to great effect, he’s an even better lock alongside Kruis, with Skelton(?) and Kpoku as backup, a further 2 in the pipeline. Are we in need of one experienced body and a second punt? (Christie a year away from senior competition starts, Nay too?). There was a weak rumour of a potential Saffa marquee a couple of months back – should attract the trolls!
On a related theme, The Bard’s thoughts on Tolofua playing back row are interesting – in my view he’d be a decent option in the power fest that is French rugby, but lacks the pace of a 7, workrate of a 6, or dynamism/hands of an 8 to make it there at the highest level. How does his skillset compare to his brother?
Any thoughts?
Re: Back Row 19/20
Posted by: SarrieSaint (IP Logged)
Date: 25 February, 2019 13:19
It's a real shame Conlon had to retire (obviously mainly for the man himself) as he had a lovely attacking game and a great set of skills.
Agree with your take on players but think if Isiekwe is going to move to 6 or become a much more regular choice then I'm sure he'll be working on his carrying which is somewhat upright now and perhaps not as impactful as you'd expect from a big guy?
Vailanu is off but I do think the backrow badly needs that type of player. Even if Wray hadn't had so many knocks I'd prefer to see him playing on the flanks and have a more direct player at 8. One who is rarely away on International duty and is young enough to be likely to develop seems ideal. For the coaches that wasn't Vailanu but maybe they can find someone else?
Hopefully this is where Kennedy is earning his money and the club have identified some potential options for next season. That or Daly will surprise us all by playing 8.
Agree with your take on players but think if Isiekwe is going to move to 6 or become a much more regular choice then I'm sure he'll be working on his carrying which is somewhat upright now and perhaps not as impactful as you'd expect from a big guy?
Vailanu is off but I do think the backrow badly needs that type of player. Even if Wray hadn't had so many knocks I'd prefer to see him playing on the flanks and have a more direct player at 8. One who is rarely away on International duty and is young enough to be likely to develop seems ideal. For the coaches that wasn't Vailanu but maybe they can find someone else?
Hopefully this is where Kennedy is earning his money and the club have identified some potential options for next season. That or Daly will surprise us all by playing 8.
Re: Back Row 19/20
Posted by: nedrichards (IP Logged)
Date: 26 February, 2019 21:26
Mentioning Daly in the back row, and thinking of the post world cup England back row of Nowell 7 , Daly 8, May 6 made me wonder about putting Brad on the flank for some attacking scrums, sticking Nick on the Wing on his own and having either the threat of a very effective cross kick or a built in numbers advantage if the opposition respect putting the second coming of Kris Chesney, winger, on the actual wing.
Re: Back Row 19/20
Posted by: JO'G (IP Logged)
Date: 01 March, 2019 11:52
I actually like that idea. Nick is big and very fast for a forward. on the 22 having him take up a big blind side. Billy picks up, feeds Spencer who takes out the sweeper cover before a long pass to Nick, who walks over the winger to score
Re: Back Row 19/20
Posted by: nedrichards (IP Logged)
Date: 01 March, 2019 11:57
Exactly J'OG. People do similar things off the lineout, and he really is a size/speed mismatch for a lot of people, given how much people practice bringing backs into the scrum in the event of a yellow card you wouldn't even lose *that* much in the tight.
Re: Back Row 19/20
Posted by: nedrichards (IP Logged)
Date: 11 March, 2019 09:28
Resurrecting this thread after England (clearly inspired by a close reading of this board :-) ) stuck Billy in at 12 off a scrum against Italy: https://www.rugbyworld.com/news/billy-vunipola-plays-back-line-england-italy-98573. It's the future I tell you!
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