Comments on: June Internationals 2018: England Player Ratings 3rd Test

By: Don P

Don P — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 16:20:07 +0000

AlexD
You got in 4 brother. Auckland Harbour diving of course. As I recall, it didn’t seem to help England though.

By: AlexD

AlexD — Sun, 01 Jul 2018 16:52:42 +0000

What kind?
Free-diving
Pearl diving
Harbour diving
Or skuba diving?

I’m guessing its harbour diving as he has prior form there.
Please clarify without emojis, achronyms or other incomprehensibles.

By: Don P

Don P — Sun, 01 Jul 2018 14:30:05 +0000

Acee
Not shot down by me. See my comments to Andy. Farrell’s too widely elevated above his all round worth IMO. Robotic. Most value as a goal kicking points accumulator which may merit his inclusion, but otherwise too limited in innovation or invention.

By: Don P

Don P — Sun, 01 Jul 2018 14:22:03 +0000

Andy
Agree too. The sores for Brown & Farrell are beyond me. To reverse them would be more objective. Brown played pretty well, esp out of posi, to score his TRIES & Farrell’s main worth is as a goal kicker, maybe a defender, but a Barry John he ain’t. Indeed, he glues up the works @ times. Lacks innovation & TRIES.

By: Mark

Mark — Sat, 30 Jun 2018 10:43:29 +0000

Nathan Hughes has not been fully fit for 2 years. He should have been rested this Summer but keeps getting rushed back to cover for Billy. Looked like he was trying to protect his knee when caught off balance by FDK. Brown is a combative full back. Full stop. I am not convinced by Daly at full back, but playing as winger with licence to roam suits him. May was outstanding. Slade poor, which was disappointing as he’s a class act. Surprised Robson wasn’t given a chance particularly with Cips playing. Robson is the 9 who picks up the pace as he gets straight to the breakdown. Playing Robson and Cips would change the whole attacking philosophy. Not sure EJ is up for that. I don’t see Launchbury as captain. Not forceful enough.

By: Don P

Don P — Fri, 29 Jun 2018 14:04:20 +0000

AlexD
You missed out that Tui was also a deep sea diver!

By: Dazza (Dazzle)

Dazza (Dazzle) — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 13:57:59 +0000

I would love to see Tui make a return to the England fold but, I can’t help thinking he needs to make a change to make it happen.
As someone pointed out above, in the past four seasons he has barely managed six consecutive games. Maybe he needs to think about changing clubs and training environment?

Whilst we’re waiting for Tui to string these games together, can we discuss the alternatives?

I think Marchant would be a worthy addition to the EPS. A genuine centre (not converted fly-half!) with plenty of power, pace and decent in defence.
Sam Hill had a good season for Chiefs and is another genuine centre with all the same attributes as Marchant.
I would love to see one of these guys given a chance in the AIs. I would make Launchbury the captain and give Faz the 10 shirt with Hill or Marchant at 12 and Daly at 13. May, Nowell and Watson as the back three (provided they’re all fit and in form).

By: jake

jake — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 13:51:55 +0000

Tuilagi has just turned 27 so, if he can remain fit (big caveat) then he has time to improve his skill set to the level of Nonu and Basteraud. Nonu was known for his power most of his career, only in the latter stages did he become more well rounded. And Fat Basteraud has only the past year or so displayed more facets to his game.
Tui put a good run of games together at the end of last season, hopefully a summer off will help his fitness.

By: Andy

Andy — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 12:54:35 +0000

It is not just a question of physical fitness either. He has missed most of four years skill development as well, and is hardly likely to have improved to become a more rounded player as Nonu and Basterau have through remaining largely uninjured.

By: Andy

Andy — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 12:50:39 +0000

I don’t think anyone would be anti Tuilagi if he returns to full fitness, but if you are right and he needs six months game time to get there, the question has to be asked how likely is that to happen? In the past four years he has scarcely managed to string six games together, never mind six months. Hoping that he is going to be fit is extremely optimistic, and I agree with Jacob B that the same applies to Billy.
,

By: Andy

Andy — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 12:44:48 +0000

Totally agree Geraint.. How Farrell gets a 7 and Brown only a 5 is beyond me. His tackling and defensive work was excellent, he was looking for work all the time, is hard to bring down and good over the ball for a back. At least a 7, and confirmed for me why he should be one of the first names on the team sheet at full back. Not as sold on Curry as most people seem to be. He did some good things, but doesn’t make much impression in contact. Not sure why Alex thinks he ploughed a lonely furrow pro Allmand on here. Half the country would like to see his sort of abrasiveness given a fair go and have said so frequently.

By: AlexD

AlexD — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 11:23:44 +0000

Thanks for the info.
Being positive about a Tuilagi return can only be a good thing though alot of people remain sadly anti him!