Our second row options
By warriorphill
August 8 2014
As PE has already looked at the options and choices abundant in the back row I thought I would look at our slightly lesser selection headaches – second row.
I think it is fair to say we are yet to fully replace Craig Gillies, but we have brought in two talented 2nd row options that may stick around long enough to challenge Craig’s title or at least some of his statistics.
The 4 shirt, for me, has James Percival written all over it. Only Chris Pennell could compete with Percy for the title of “The Player That Loves Worcester the Most”. He truly plays every game like it is his last and split in half would read Worcester Warriors like a piece of cheap and sticky Blackpool Rock.
The 5 shirt will be contested by two new signings; Dan Sanderson and Darren O’Shea. Sanderson is a time served Championship lock, standing at 6’8” Sanderson has previously played for Rolls Royce, Saints and Moseley. He joins us from Rotherham with a reputation for penalties and off the ball activity. Dan was named in last season’s Championship team of the season, so comes with pedigree, much needed Championship experience and form ahead of our fight to regain a place in rugby’s top flight.
O’Shea is slightly unknown in these parts having signed from Munster in the summer. At a massive 6’9” though mostly reported as being 6’10” (official height reported as 2.06m being 6’ 9 7/64”) he will be the tallest player in our squad and I believe history too. At 21 and having just come through a youth development scheme I would say Darren is one for the future, maybe not so much this season.
Last seasons wonder signing, Mike Williams did arrive as a lock, but played brilliantly at 6 in the premiership. With the vast selection of back row forwards and our seemingly thin set of options I would guess that Mike will be used a lot more at lock again this season, he may also become for Dean Ryan what Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was for Sir Alex, a super sub! As you will be aware the Championship uses a match day squad of 22 instead of the Premiership 23. Also taking into consideration Ryan’s selections last season; omitting a sub lock, I would see Mike as the first name on the subs bench most weeks. Giving cover in the second row but also a more attacking option as second row off the bench.
Before predicting next seasons starting locks I cannot forgot to mention Christian Scotland-Williamson, who I believe joins O’Shea in setting a new club record; from tallest player to player with the longest name – this is already a record breaking season for the Warriors. Christian is a big lad, already with a senior try to his name and has been highly rated by all that have seen him play, but I would guess he is a season or two behind O’Shea and therefore will probably be seen mostly in the B&I and A League games for the 2014/2015 season.
?So, my prediction for the coming season:
4: Percy 5: Sanderson
Bench: Williams
I would think that this combination will do very well in the Championship and I hope that we can bring O’Shea and Scotland-Williamson on ready for 2015/2016.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2014:09:17:21:13:07 by Powick Eastander.
He managed to cut most of his disciplinary problems out of his game last season. Has been Roths best second row since premiership days.
Perceval and Sanderson are the only ones with real experience, Williams, C S-W and O'Shea are novices with potential for the future. If the first two were injured we could struggle.
IF we are able to get promotion this year I would see this as one area where a big signing would be made.
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