posted Nov 1, 2007

<<< When will you JSD supporters get real? He is a good club player but he has had more than enough chances in an England shirt. At that level he just doesn't cut the mustard. >>>


Do you know how many chances he's had?

Here's a quick run down of all those chances that he's wasted, and in which he's shown he's not up to international rugby.

2002, aged 20.

New Zealand. England win. JSD sets up the position for Wilkinson's try with a superb midfield break.

Australia. England win. JSD creates winning try for Cohen with delayed pass holding the defence.

He then suffers glandular fever, putting him out of action for a while.

2003, still aged 20.

Wales. England win. Substitute appearance. Nothing of note.

Italy. England win. First 6N start. Scores his first England try.

2003, aged 21.

Wales. Starts for the England second-string that demolished Wales in the WC warm-up. A good showing, from what little I recall.

Misses out on any chance of WC selection with a back injury.

2004, aged 21.

Substitute appearance in the 6N against Ireland

2004, aged 22.

Starts in England's appalling demolition at the hands of NZ. His first poor performance in an England shirt as he is among the players to fall off tackles from the start.

2005, aged 23.

After bulking up and improving his defence, JSD is picked at 13 for England's win over Samoa. Unfotunately, he plays outside Tindall and barely touches the ball before being subbed at half time with a hip injury. England win.

2006, still aged 23.

Comes on as a late sub against Italy and scores almost with his first touch to put the game out of their reach. Andy Robinson fails to pick him again, preferring the dynamic skills of Tindall, Noon and Cohen.

2007, aged 25.

Picked on tour of SA and comes on after 35 minutes of England's opening defeat. Creates and finishes England's only try - possibly the only bright attacking move england put together in both tests. Illness rules him out of the second test.


So...

In 5 years he's made just 5 starts for England and 5 sub appearances, scoring 3 tries in the process.

Just how quickly do you normally write off a player?

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posted Nov 1, 2007

So 10 matches spread over 5 years. Seems more than patient to me.

Now that Dan Hipkiss is around that position is filled for the forseeable future. Bye Sinbad!

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posted Nov 1, 2007

<As for Charlie? The same thing applies. As long as Jonny can walk he is the man!>

Maybe it would be better if he couldn't walk. It would certainly stop him drifting sideways all the time .

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posted Nov 1, 2007

<<< Now that Dan Hipkiss is around that position is filled for the forseeable future. Bye Sinbad! >>>

Hipkiss isn't a winger.

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posted Nov 1, 2007

When did Sinbad go back to the wing?

If he has he can kiss goodnight to any chance. Sackey, Lewsey et al are stronger and don't crack under pressure. Even Tait is a better bet.

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posted Nov 1, 2007

<<< When did Sinbad go back to the wing?>>>

He's played 75% of his matches this season on the wing. Last season he started 15 games on the wing to 5 in the centre.


<<< Sackey, Lewsey et al are stronger and don't crack under pressure. Even Tait is a better bet. >>>

Right.. have you any evidence anywhere in any of the 10 tests he's played and the 150 games he's played for Gloucester of JSD ever having 'cracked under pressure'? He's made occasional mistakes. But I bet for every 1 you can find, I can find more for Josh and Sackey. Because all players make mistakes.

Also, as regards physical strength, it may surprise you but JSD is a rather bulky bloke these days. He's actually bigger than Lewsey.

As for Tait... he's had twice the chances that JSD has had, and done very little more. If, indeed, he's done anything more.


Having read your posts about JSD, all I can conclude is that you have a bias against him, and aren't going to admit it.


You don't know what position he plays and you didn't know how many chances he'd had for England. And to cover up this, you've instead gone for posting about generic intangibles without backing them up with evidence.

Try backing them up - try providing examples of JSD showing that he's not up to it.

I bet you can't.

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posted Nov 2, 2007

Juggler, i doff my hat to you!!

Great stats and hopefully Sinbad will get his well deserved chance.

Lewsey, Cohen et al have had there go its time to pass on the baton.

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posted Nov 3, 2007

Sinbad has been massively unlucky with illness/injuries at crucial times. Can he ever take his chance and not break down? That'll be the question in the selectors minds I would guess. From my memory Tait has been able to stay involved over a period of time which unfortunately Sinbad hasn't through no fault of his own.

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posted Nov 5, 2007

When Napolean was asked what he most looked for in his general he said he wanted "Lucky men", unfortunately both JSD and Balshaw are the antithesis of this, both very talented but with a history of being robbed of opportunities by illness and injury.

In an ideal world I'd like the England midfield to build up a relationship by playing together for England for 15-20 matches, I just don't see JSD remaining fit long enough.
I'd be more willing to see him play on the wing. but England do seem to have an ever-growing list of potential wingers, in fact it may be the most competitive position in the England team.

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posted Nov 5, 2007

Just a thought, but why don't you think JSD get's picked, Juggler?

My only guess is that he does occasionally get turned over, and hence is seen as a risk.

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