posted Feb 16, 2007

On the issue of whether Balshaw deserves to hold the England number 15 shirt, I have to say that I still believe him to be the best man for the job. Olly Morgan is certainly a very good player, and I do hope for England’s sake that he continues to develop and be successful.

However, it is infuriating to read of an argument suggesting that Balshaw does not turn up for big games. This notion is rather ridiculous. And it must be noted that whenever there have been ‘big games’ in recent years (and Balshaw has been fit), he’s always been selected to play. It is no remarkable coincidence that coaches want him in their side. And Balshaw has played in arguably all of the biggest games known in the modern rugby arena. Whilst this is by no means a definitive list, some of his instant accolades which come to mind are: he is a winner of Rosslyn Park, has represented England at all levels from the under-16s to the senior test team, has captained his premiership team, and of course has won the world cup and has three lions caps to his name – it’s also noteworthy that Graham Henry (the current AB coach) also clearly doesn’t rate Balshaw as “below average”.

The fact remains that if Morgan is to achieve in his career half of what Balshaw has already achieved, he will be able to regard himself as being very fortunate and successful

Olly Morgan may very well be the longer-term future of English rugby (and I wish him luck), but for the present and immediate future I see no need to look beyond Balshaw. If he can just get a little luck by staying injury free, I do think that we the spectators will finally once again be able to see what all the finest coaches in the world have seen for a long time.

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posted Feb 16, 2007

I'd also just like to add that Balshaw received "try of the month" yesterday among some very good contenders. Just in case there were any lingering doubts over his speed - he stood Oriol Ripol (lightning) and then just burnt him. It is very rare that at pro level someone gets done like that - no step, no angle, no pop out of the tackle - just stop dead and go.

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posted Feb 17, 2007

Some valid points about Balshaw's abilities, but I just don't feel that he is able to consistently perform to his potential. And whilst such abilities are highly desirable in a fullback (essential for that of a world class team), first and foremost in my book a fullback should be a rock under the highball, a machine like tackler (cover & head-on), and a higly able kicker. I don't believe Balshaw to sufficiently meet that criteria. If he is to be played anywhere I think it is the wing, but there are a number of players I would currently put ahead of him in that position, let alone those that are clogging up the injury list.

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posted Feb 18, 2007

forget balsh or morgan. why not play robinson at full back and then play tait and lewsey on the wings who are both penetrating runners and can create space for others! and when fit balsh is mor ethan reliable cover and could be used as a great impact player

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posted Feb 18, 2007

i agree with 'olicollingerugby' but id rather see tait at centre, where he plays best, and either lewsey or robinson at fullback with the inform cohen or back-from-injury cueto back in the team.

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posted Feb 18, 2007

i agree with 'olicollingerugby' but id rather see tait at centre, where he plays best, and either lewsey or robinson at fullback with the inform cohen or back-from-injury cueto back in the team. Seeing as they both scored this weekend.

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posted Feb 18, 2007

Have to admit - Jason Robinson is devastating at the moment from fullback - he rarely gets the ball in the middle of the park at wing which is where he is at his most dangerous. Tait is a 13 without a doubt - he runs with a swerve a little like guscott and thinking he can play wing just because he is quick is poor rationale. Both Tait and Varndell will be key dangermen for England after the world cup. In the meantime i would still opt for a back three of Robinson, Balshaw and Cueto.

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posted Feb 19, 2007

agreed Tait would probably be better suited at 13. Yet with Tind and Farrell playing pretty well in the centers, i would argue that Tait could fill in on the wing where hes played there a lot for the falcons and when Cueto is fit Tait can provide excellent cover in a number of positions! Totally disagree about Cohen i think hes past it and personally i would much rather see Simpson-Daniels or Varndell getting a chance ahead of him!

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posted Feb 19, 2007

IMO Balshaws ability should be spoken of in the past tense.Ive watched him a few times for Gloucester and he is less than ordinary most of the time.I watched Agen score two tries down his wing with far to much ease.His defensive tackling was non existant. I personally would play Lewsey or Tait at 15 with JSD/Cueto/Strettle?Lewsey on the wing, either way Balshaw hasnt had a class game for England for as long as I can remember. All you staisticians please dont keep harping on about how good he was.He was marked by the Italians for the high ball because he is so bad under them and he lived up to their expectations he was shocking.Morgan I hope will have a blinder against Ireland. Fingers and toes crossed.Please BA end this love affair no more Balshaw

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posted Feb 20, 2007

It's been said before but it's worth saying again. Balsh has never regained his form since he toured with the Lions in Australia. Yes, he's been plagued by injury in the intervening years but that doesn't explain everything. When he first appeared on the radar as a young player he oozed confidence, skill and style and was fantastic to watch because you never knew what he'd do next (and the odds were that he'd do it well). I don't think he's ever got that confidence back. His defence work is poor and often in attack if the opposition defence if closing in he looks uneasy. I don't think he brings anything to the England team. With other class fullbacks available and playing (Robinson and Lewsey) and Morgan showing real potential I don't understand why BA selected Balsh. I'm sad he's injured but hope he won't get picked for England again.

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