posted Jan 18, 2008

Would agree with Sachey and Vainikolo but Tait at 15?? Haven't seen much of him there I suppose but I rate him highly at centre. Who would be your midfield?

I would like to see a backline of:

10. Wilko
11. Vainikolo
12. Tindall
13. Tait
14. Sackey
15. Cipriani (Will never happen but would still like to see it)

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posted Jan 18, 2008

Well i was just suggesting who i would have in realistic terms Kiwi.

To be honest my backline would be:

Wilko
Lesley
Tindall
Tait
Simpson-Daniel
Cipriani

but as you said, Cipriani won't play, Tait is the best of what's rest at full back, Simpson Daniel isn't even in the squad.

Regarding Varndell defencively, he is poor. He may have bulked up but mentally he's not good enough. compare him defencively with Howlett. Watch Howlett's defence aginst Clermont compared to how Varndell went against Edinburgh. There are plenty more examples.

It's not just his defence though. his contact skills, retention and intensity at the collision are not that good.

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posted Jan 18, 2008

So who to partner Tindall in midfield if Tait does play FB?? Another combo i'd like to see is:

Cipriani
Volcano
Wilkinson
Tindall
Sackey
Tait.

Then you would have defensive security (Wilko pretty staunch defender), crash ball ability with Tindall and Volcano, kicking dominace with Cip at 10 or Wilko standing at 12 or 13 and distribution along the backline with wide speed of Tait and Sackey. Then you have Cipriani probing from flyhalf also.

Can't see many flaws there.

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posted Jan 18, 2008

That's a tricky one but I suppose Flood will play 12 with Tindall at 13.

Again you have kicking options and good distribution. i can't see Tait being considered as a centre seeing as there is only balshaw at FB in that case.

i think his performance in the WC final has given Ashton confidence he can develop in this position.

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posted Jan 18, 2008

I'm almost certain that, barring injuries, the only question mark in Ashton's mind will be at FB.

Will he go for Balshaw or Tait.

I am hoping that Balshaw is only there as experienced cover (along with the likes of Worsley, Payne, Hodgson, Cueto, Noon) and will not be int he 22 unless injuries strike.

Tait is now playing regularly at 15 and Ashton is a big fan of his.

I reckon the back line will be

9. Gomersall
10. Wilkinson
11. Strettle
12. Flood
13. Tindall
14. Sackey
15. Tait

20. Richards
21. Cipriani
22. Vainikolo

with Cipriani cover at 10 and 15, Vainikolo cover on the wings, and Tait able to move into the centres in the event of an injury.

Not that I entirely agree with the line-up... but I think that's the side he'll go for against Wales.

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posted Jan 18, 2008

Think I'd have to agree with that Juggler!

I think with Vainikolo's family problems at home I don't think he'll start against Wales but I think he may be starting the next game. Think we'll have to wait to see who performs better out of Strettle and Sackey to see who he replaces.

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posted Jan 18, 2008

No way Vainikolo starts. I don't think he's proved that he has the stamina to last 80 minutes at international level yet. Ideally he will be brought on with 20 minutes to go to - he'll probably be the last thing the tired Irish legs will want to seeat that point.

I agree with some of the comments about the backs in the squad. I definately would have taken Simpson-Daniel over Cueto and Lewsey over Balshaw. If Ashton had already decided to leave Lewsey out in preference of youth I would have gone with Abendanon, who has been in great form for Bath. Also a space needs to be found for Barkley once his hearing is out of the way.

With squad chosen I would line up

9. Gommersall
10. Wilko
11. Strettle
12. Tindall
13. Tait
14. Sackey
15. Cipriani

And would bring Vainikolo on with 20-25 mins to go.

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posted Jan 18, 2008

I think Brian from Ashton should start Vainikolo on the bench and bring him on 60mins.

Jason Robinson started on the bench, and look what he did for England.

Watch out Six Nations

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posted Jan 23, 2008

So, Shawsy is out, shame that.

I can see Kay and Borthwick starting and I wonder if Grewcock will be called up?

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posted Jan 23, 2008

I don't think you should play Tindal at 12. we've been down that route and his passing isn't up to it. Mike is a world class outside centre and that is where he needs to play.

Flood is favourite to play 12 (but interchange with Wilko in the same way they do for Falcons)

but if you wanted to be radical and get all your goodies on the pitch then you could play

10, Ciprini / Gerity
12, Wilko
13, Tinds.

This is a combo thats I'd probably keep for italy though!

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