posted Mar 13, 2007

fredaz_uk

Wilkinson is "on his day at full fitness the best number 10 in the world (even better than Carter)".

On what do you base this? When they've played against each other Carter has been easily better. And I've never seen Wilkinson put in an all round performance like Carter did in the second Lions test. He doesn't possess the all round skills to do so.

You also say he single-handedly won the RWC.

Do you actually know anything about the game or are you just an English bandwagon jumper.

Let me guess... Flintoff is "the best cricket player in the World", Rooney is " the best football player in the world".

For all his great performances leading up to the RWC, Wilkinson had a pretty ordinary tournament. Even his goal kicking wasn't up to his normal standard. One drop kick didn't change that (except for people who don't know anything about the game and base their opinions on what the tabloids say).

If anyone "single-handedly" won the RWC (and no one did) it would have been Martin Johnson. How quickly people forget in the frenzy to place Wilkinson up on his pedestal.

Wilkinson seems like a very modest chap. He must get sick of all the hype thrown around by blinkered English fans.

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posted Mar 13, 2007

I must say that i find it hilarious that so many people have given Flood and Geraghty the nod over Wilko. Anyone remember the 04 Autumn international V South Africa-Hodgson had an absolute blinder, the papers said 'who needs Wilko'....Hodgson then fell to pieces against Australia and they all said 'come back soon jonny'.Wilko is pure class- just ask any professional.
However, Brian Ashton has made the right decision as Wilko is not fully fit yet. Flood and Geraghty both had stormers and if England get off to a good start in Cardiff, I think they will destroy Wales. If Wales play a kicking game- it may be awkward however.

Last but not least- why is there so much talk over the backs when the forwards were the real heroes last Sunday. If the pack perform as they did last Sunday,they will bulldoze the Welsh pack, no question ! Bring it on !

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posted Mar 13, 2007

I don't make much of the injuries England are currently have to endeavor as it only gives others a chance to stake a claim for a coach not as "this is the starting XV, lets keep it that way unless need be" (of course I'm talking about Andy Robinson). I mean Lewsey, he's healthy in fitness, but form-wise since the 2003 final hasn't been the same.

Cueto back in the squad is great news as I like Cueto's play and how he uses the ball and he's borderlining as an impact player if given the chance and the space.

Of course injury is a horrible thing to any team, but it's nice to see England's cover play if need be and perform when needed to and this weekend, I believe both changes being positive out of the negative.

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posted Mar 13, 2007

If JW was fit of course he'd be picked, not only can he offer accurate kicking and the ability to create great passages of play (not that I'm saying other FH can't or don't do that) but he also brings an experienced head to a very young and inexperienced team. However, he's not 100% fit and it would be silly to risk him. Let him enjoy the end of the season with the Falcons and then come back and prove his worth in the summer matches against SA. All the talk about wanting him out of the squad altogether is rubbish, fully fit he is a wonderful player and deserves his place on the pitch.

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posted Mar 13, 2007

Very good comment 'handy-legend'. I remember 04 well as I was in the crowd when Hodgson choked against the Aussies, a week after the SA performance. One good game playing with the Twickenham crowd behind you and against a French team playing below par simply does not mean you have made it. Playing well against a Welsh team desperate to avoid the wooden spoon against Engalnd will prove whether Flood and Geraghty have what it takes. We have been there (ie false dawn) with Hodgson, and I really do hope we have genuine long term alternatives to Jonny Wilkinson, but, in the meantime, he remains the best proven FH in England, when fit.

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posted Mar 13, 2007

My comment isn’t really about England’s injury crisis, more about the excitement of the team picked for Wales. I’m a big fan of Josh Lewsey but he hasn’t looked in-form for sometime so the inclusion of Mark Cuato is a big plus. Not only is Cuato a proven international try-scorer, he has the benefit of playing along side his club colleague Jason Robinson. Personally, I’ve wanted to see Mathew Tait play instead of Tindell all season, greater pace and ability to beat a man, his defence, when he’s come off the bench has been top-notch as well. I just think the back line is mouth-watering, so much pace and talent. If Mike Catt doesn’t last the game, I’d love to see Shane Geraghty come on with Toby Flood moving to inside centre (apparently he plays there for Newcastle when Wilco’s fit) and would be along side his club partner Tait. Got say also that I hope Nick Easter makes it, I was very impressed with his driving play and off-loading, much more impressive than Martin Corry’s head down rush and die with the ball. Having said that about Corry, I thought he had a really good game against France and fully deserves to keep his place, although I really would like to see Chris Jones given a go along side Palmer. As for Tom Rees, he does look full of promise and the genuine article of a true no 7, (is it me or does he look like a bigger version of Josh Lewsey?). Tim Payne and Julian White played well last week but I’m really looking forward to the return of Matt Stevens and Andrew Sheridan, what a pack of forward that would be! Good luck boys for Saturday, 60+ and the Championship is ours

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posted Mar 13, 2007

Snowmonkey nich to hear from you. Notice Caperscooter has been quiet(just like a Taff)Well what a turn around for England.We all been coming up with remedies symptoms and ideas to solve Englands ills and after just 5 days together they go out with several changes and make the second best team in the world look ordinary. Its a funny game. Not sure about Cueto at FB although Im a Cueto fan I thought he was out of luck with Strettle and Robinson. Might be another experiment.Lewsey cant be that bad France didnt score any trys and I do like Lewsey.Strange how it works players like wWorsley and Corry consistantly havent performed over the years and are still in Lewsey who has been one of our most consistant performers is out after 2 or 3 average games. he hasnt done anything really badly so maybe a little harsh. Anyway its all building up to me a cracker saturday.Donr know if I will make it to 5:30 might be well oiled by then (I must pace myself)I bet all my Taff mates will have their phones switched off again. Notice its been all quiet from the Principality. Bet it isnt if they win. (Nightmare thought)Come on England
Once more into the breach, dear friends once more. Or close up the wall with our English dead.In peace theres nothing so becomes aman as modest stillness and humility. But when the blast of war blows in our ears Then imitate the action of the Tiger.
And the English have no tradition and nothing to be proud of!!!

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posted Mar 13, 2007

Heya Eganosrap, on Lewsey, during 2002 until 2003 , imo I felt he was the most exciting player. If memory serves he did not take a proper break from the game.. however ,someone an ex-player put a thought in my head that has never left. They believed that one day Lewsey would become a rugby legend ( better than in 2002 & 2003) , great i thought but for whatever reason it has not happened. Stupid but i feel miffed.Is he denying us his true potential ? Herman once said but did not elaborate that the rest of the squad don't like him. Has this effected his play or is he too focused anyway to care ? As for the France match, yes he did make a good tackle but it was his passing that annoyed me,followed by his grin. I've gone off him. He needs to find his game again and quick.
As said in other thread and Kwa444 ,pointed it out first , Barnes recommended Cueto for FB .
My choice would be Tait at FB

Ellis : 9
Flood : 10
Varndell : 11
Catt : 12
JSD : 13
Strettle 14
Tait : 15
and to revise my bench for backs
Cipriani ,Geraghty, Cueto.

Oh on Henry V lets hope they are not like Greyhounds in the slips straining upon the start.. but thunder out like a locomotive with a cattle-rail in front at full pelt
And as they Cry God For Harry, ( no panning in the stands please! ) England and St Ashton? ( ok weak) may those words and the England team be carried far by the Sweet Chariot.

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posted Mar 14, 2007

<<<
Ellis : 9
Flood : 10
Varndell : 11
Catt : 12
JSD : 13
Strettle 14
Tait : 15
and to revise my bench for backs
Cipriani ,Geraghty, Cueto.
>>>

Interesting... mine would be:

9. Ellis (Leicester) - consistent now
10. Flood (Newcastle) - good display against France
11. Cueto (Sale) - presence
12. Catt (Irish) - leader
13. Tait (Newcastle) - will run at anyone
14. Strettle (Quins) - what can I say?
15. Robinson (Sale) - making breaks from behind/good tackler

20. Richards (Gloucester)/Gomersall (Quins)
21. Geraghty (Irish)
22. Brown (Quins)

You may think that I am being bias, but anyone who goes down to Quins regularly will know how good Gomersall's and Brown's form have been. Brown beats Morgan hands down if only he got his chance. Brilliant break against Wasps on Saturday - anyone see it?

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posted Mar 14, 2007

heya DaZzLiNg MiGhTy QuIn , I put Tait at 15 because of his speed and creativeness. It also allows JSD ,Strettle and Varndell for extra speed an aggression, think the combine speed of these guys and creativity..with Catt at 12 to offer experience and allow them to play as they should ..free!!. Robinson is great, but in my view is not as quick ,France nailed him every time he tried to make a break, or perhaps they just knew his game plan , not saying i would not use him in world cup i would. Against the younger wingers say of the AB' s, if we got to meet them, i think it would show. That's why Varndell needs to come in and he needs to gain experience.
Can't comment on Gomersall or Brown, im afraid.

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