Comments on: Autumn Internationals 2017: England Player Ratings versus Australia

By: Andy

Andy — Wed, 22 Nov 2017 11:32:38 +0000

In boxing they have a saying “A good bigún will always beat a good littleún.” I suspect it applies to rugby too Big Dia, and although Simmons is playing well, so are Mercer and Wilson. Line Simmonds up against Faletau, Read, or Billy V and I suspect he would not punch quite enough above his weight. Mercer has played a lot at eight, but I suspect will play at 7 at international level because he also is not quite big enough. I think both he and Simmonds would have to bulk up by at least 10 kilos without losing any pace in order to be considered at 8, and then will only play there if we have two really tall flankers. Underhill has potential but is a long way off the finished article as a carrier and over the ball. Agree with you about Willis. I think he has huge promise but probably won´t make it into the squad until after the next World Cup. I haven´t seen him, but isn´t his brother supposed to be a bit tasty as well?

By: AlexD

AlexD — Wed, 22 Nov 2017 11:02:35 +0000

Agreed Big Dia
Hooper isn’t held back by his size and he’s an imp!
Nor were J Robinson and Wade in the backs. Size thing is a bit of a red herring though it can help when combined with the requisite skills and natural athleticism.

By: Jacob Jeffery

Jacob Jeffery — Wed, 22 Nov 2017 08:49:52 +0000

Isn’t the saying that if you’re good enough, you’re old enough? I’m not so sure it applies to weight…

Rugby is a hugely physical sport and weight plays an absolutely massive part in that. Certainly players can punch above their weight but you can’t give away 10-20kg to your opposite man if you play in the pack.

By: BigDia

BigDia — Tue, 21 Nov 2017 20:51:22 +0000

Rubbish, if you are good enough, then you big enough. Simmonds, head and shoulders best number 8 in English Rugby at this time, Underhill and Jack Willis are the future at 7 and 6.

By: Mark

Mark — Tue, 21 Nov 2017 18:35:16 +0000

Mercer to play at 7.

By: Andy

Andy — Tue, 21 Nov 2017 17:46:17 +0000

Harsh on both props. Australia are now a good scrummaging unit, and when two almost equal packs meet the front rows have to expend most of their energy in the tight. Cole is playing well at the moment and causes a lot of disruption without getting pinged as much as he used to. Hughes way undermarked. Hope Mercer gets a run out on Saturday, and that Care gets a well earned start. Would love to see Farrell at ten but it is not going to happen.

By: Pablito

Pablito — Tue, 21 Nov 2017 14:37:38 +0000

If whichever Curry is in favour is injured, I’d be happy to see a backrow for Samoa of
6. Simmonds
7. Robshaw
8. Hughes
or, even though i think Simmonds is probably too small for 8 at this level
6. Mercer
7. Robshaw
8. Simmonds

By: Pablito

Pablito — Tue, 21 Nov 2017 14:35:40 +0000

Not sure I’d agree with that.

Marler, George and Williams made a big difference in the scrum, forcing the Aussies backwards. It was their shunt that lead to May’s try.

Simmonds didn’t get much of a chance to show his stuff but he controlled the ball well from the scrum referenced above before breaking and feeding Care

Slade only got 10 mins.

Pretty good from all of them I’d say and outstanding from Itoje and Care

By: Steve H

Steve H — Tue, 21 Nov 2017 14:12:02 +0000

Hughes worth more than a 4 and Hartley undermarked too. Farrell and Daly overmarked. Were the bench really a 9? Itoje did well enough and Care was outstanding. But the rest had little impact i’d suggest.

By: Jacob Jeffery

Jacob Jeffery — Tue, 21 Nov 2017 14:01:20 +0000

Pretty sure he started 7 in his last Prem game before the AIs. He’s definitely played there so it’s an option

By: Jay

Jay — Tue, 21 Nov 2017 13:12:27 +0000

Alas, Tom Curry injured himself a couple of weeks ago in training camp.

By: Dazza (Dazzle)

Dazza (Dazzle) — Tue, 21 Nov 2017 13:09:40 +0000

Does Simmonds play across the back row for Exeter? Seen him play at 6 and 8 but not 7?