Comments on: The Autumn XV

By: RuckingGray

RuckingGray — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 21:58:13 +0000

He showed incredible talent, that should be worthy of a mention. Uninjured he’d certainly compete for a place on the squad.

By: Gavin Doyle

Gavin Doyle — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 21:42:47 +0000

How the hell is Sean O’Brien not in that team?!

I’ve never seen the man have a poor game or take a step backwards whether he is clad in blue, green or red.

He is head and shoulders the best back row forward in Europe rampaging at 6 or stifling opponents at 7.

By: Max

Max — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 18:54:16 +0000

mike brown ahead of folau for me

By: Ieuan Rees

Ieuan Rees — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 12:02:43 +0000

Thought Hibbard deserved a mention. Would have him in front of Moore but behind BDP.

By: brighty

brighty — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 11:57:18 +0000

I didn’t read RBs reason for omitting Ireland players in that way – they say that the players were abject against Aus, which I agree with. It’s not that Ireland lost to Aus, it’s that their players put in a shameful performance against Aus that has kept them out of this XV. I’ve heard arguments that O’Brien wasn’t poor in that game – maybe, I’m not so sure but will admit that if you’re the only boy in the team even trying then it’s going to be hard to make yourself look good.

By: Jacob

Jacob — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 11:57:14 +0000

I think they key difference was that Wales competed strongly but lost narrowly – same old story!

Ireland got embarrassed by the Aussies, so any good performance was negated by that terrible performance.

Good point on Etzebeth – thought he was very good against Wales though.

By: BallHandling Hooker (@BHHooker)

BallHandling Hooker (@BHHooker) — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 11:40:25 +0000

I find it hard to follow your logic.

You state, fairly enough, that the inconsistency of Ireland and France, and their lack of a big win against a top side relegates them so that none of their players are included. Debatable, but fair enough.

But then you choose George North, because Wales lost both of their games against South Africa and Australia, only meekly beating Tonga, and then Argentina, who had a terrible record in 2013.

According to your rules set out, big performances from Nick Cummins, Charles Piutau and Willie le Roux would be ahead of North.

Then seem to forget that Eben Etzebeth got injured against Scotland, and his involvement this November was limited.

By: James

James — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 10:50:44 +0000

Did Davies only play about four minutes of the autumn internationals? Now we know he’s a seriously good world class player, but good enough to oust every other 13 in the world in five minutes? Come on

By: RuckingGray

RuckingGray — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 08:07:04 +0000

The six nations sides even get hammered in the honourable mentions?

I’d definitely have had Heaslip, O’Brien, Jonathan Davies, Conor Murray, Robshaw, Mas and Hartley competing for those mentions, if not even first-XV places.

By: Richard

Richard — Mon, 02 Dec 2013 23:21:01 +0000

I think tonner deserves an honorably mention was really good in the three test along with obrien, and heaslip! if only we could hide the aus match from peoples memories! D’arcy had the game of his life against nz but really only 3 players on our team that could possibly get an honorable mention!!

By: Rob Westy

Rob Westy — Mon, 02 Dec 2013 21:51:33 +0000

Joel Tompkins??

By: Rob Westy

Rob Westy — Mon, 02 Dec 2013 21:51:12 +0000

Joel Thompkins??