posted Jul 14, 2007

still not sure bout corry still unsure bout dillagio think gerghty should be in flood should be there for a no12 poss and no 10 fill in hodgeson cant take the pressure barkley aint good enough and farrell well what is there to say not enough union played not good enough for england yet maybe if he hadn't got injured might be differn't story any who come on the lads its big B.A 's discion hope he gets iut right

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posted Jul 14, 2007

Truewit - you're right English team rugby is in a mess because of a failure of AR to realise one of his job is change management and the progressive introduction of new players. But to say it's as easy as just getting rid of player purely based on age is just plain wrong. Another job of the national coach is to ensure all players, no matter how old or young, no matter what team they play for etc. can have a shot at being in the team IF they are good enough. It is at the very core of EVERY sport, competition. He should have them all confident that that is his strategy. Play them if they are good enough. As a result of AR's incompetence in this area so many players missed the opportunity to gain the required experience for this WC. BA therefore, has no choice, almost, to play the likes of Farrell and LD. The bring experience, confidence and most of all exude pride and competitive spirit. Essential if England have any chance to go further than the QF as people expect. What's more it acts as example to the younger, less experienced lads who will benefit emensely from being along side players who have been there, done it and passionately want to compete again.
What do you all think that having these 6 cut after the stress testing convey about their characters?

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posted Jul 14, 2007

i completley agree. I have faith in brian and his team. What we have to take into consideration is it isnt just ashton making the decision, its a team of them that im sure have been monitering the players closley.

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posted Jul 15, 2007

I think it is obvious that we support two great rivals so to stoke the argument up a bit in respnse to sam .Glaws are second best to who (wasps is my suggestion)
Wasps provide england with deadwood,not whilst any of Leicesters ENGLISH players draw breath (with the possible exception of Ellis.As for Ollie Smith Aand Varndell the list of better players is too long to fit on this board,perhaps they should join Balshaw in the never was good enough team.Finally Corry what can anyone say appears a nice man but when the going gets properly tough he has always been left wanting ,the future is Dws or maybe Haskell or Ellis the present is the one and only Lawrence Dallaglio Lawrence Dallaglio

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posted Jul 15, 2007

I am in agreement with Truewit. Ashton's taking massive backwards steps and playing for a QF rathar than an outside chance of a win

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posted Jul 15, 2007

Yes the present is Dallaligio, yeah sure if you want a player who needed a three week break to manage those massive 50mins in the HEC final.

Yes Varndall the failure, such a horrifically bad player at the age of 21, so past it with an appalling record of 2 tries in three caps. I mean the fact he was the highest try scorer in the GP last year and second highest this year is completley immaterial. Smith a complete no talent, only missed out on the RWC squad because Sir Clive thought we needed a tactical kicker (Catt) to help Jonny, only has more medals in his cabinet than the other centres in the squad put together (apart from maybe Catt again), another past it at 24 as well.

Think its only fair to point out that Tigers only came second after being fined a point by the RFU and Wasps finished where? 5th. Wasps perhaps the 3rd or 4th best team last season.

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posted Jul 16, 2007

Anyone know why these guys were cut, yet people like Tindall, sheridan & hodgeson et al who are still carrying pretty serious injuries are still involved. No way Tindall will be it in time, hodgeson is a liability at the best of times - even worse when he hasn't had much game time. Hope Sheri can make it as our front row could use the help but if he isn't fit why should someone else miss out!

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posted Jul 16, 2007

SO we are left with one specialist openside? Not quite sure about that! Lunds a solid player, and wasnt he our top tackler in SA? He needs to be given a proper chance.

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posted Jul 16, 2007

ScrumyRobo Jonny was our top tackler in the first game. Which doesn't say much for the flankers who were supposed to be protecting him.

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posted Jul 16, 2007

Well Sam you have drawn me in again .I'll answer your points one bo one and see where we go from there.
1.LD didn't choose to miss 3 weeks there were no games and he was injured using him for 50 mins was sure better than Corry for 80.
2.I think you will find waters and Lewsey have as many (if not more ) medals as Ollie Smith.
3.The wingers in front of Tom Varndell are Strettle Lewsey Cueto and Sackey all of whom can tackle as well as score tries.
4And finally with great pleasure the 1pt deduction allows me to saySame old Leicester always cheating.Yet another reason why I am proud to be a wasp!!!!

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