posted Jul 14, 2008

comment by backlineguru (U12355906)
posted 5 Days Ago

furiousJimbo1, hate to disapoint you but I've played first class rugby as a centre and haven't stumbled on here, the fact remains against top class teams Henson does nothing by this I mean the Tri-nations teams, the Lions will badly need the Irish centres to rediscover some form next year and another option with genuine pace to come through the 6 nations, nothing personnel against Henson he just has no pace and is therefore one dimensional

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It's just when people say "Henson is only famous for one kick etc........ it doesn't seem like they know too much. Obviously, if the Irish Centres were back on form that would be great, but you still haven't offered a real alternative if O'Driscoll doesn't turn around a 2-3 year slump in his performances and Darcey doesn't recreate his top form.
By the way, I don't see O'Driscoll as particularly "out of form" per se, I see a very top quality player going through the natural process of declining ability, which is not a criticism, just time waits for no man.
I am a big Henson fan, frustrated as much as I am impressed by him. Currently though, he would start, prejudices aside, I truly believe that.

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posted Jul 16, 2008

Henson does fit the bill for centre on the lions tour. BOD can play 13 ok if he picks up a bit of form, but nobody else can play 12 as good as him in the uk at the mo. You have all forgotten also he has scored against the boks before a couple of years ago. Ppl say he has no pace, but when does he need to use it the way he has been playing at the moment. He has been solid in defence and his passing game has been super. if he needs to run he will. HENSON 12 will be on the back of my Lions shirt when i am in SA next year!

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posted Oct 6, 2008

Surely the most important statistic, to mention, is that when Henson and Shanklin have started in the centre positions for Wales - they have never lost. I think it's about 25 games unbeaten now.

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posted Oct 6, 2008

Henson is Wales best #12 at the moment no question. Part of his game would be wasted at 13.

Why not being in Robinson at #13 and (shock horror) play a flexible game? I know this is not the done thing in a world where the hooker ALWAYs throws into the lineout and the back rown ALWAYS line up in the same order, but t is actually allowed to switch players on the field of play.

Play Robinson at 13 and then occasionally switch the two, that way his size can be used sparingly to create holes, a much better idea than repeatedly trying when the opposition are expecting it.

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posted Oct 6, 2008

I cant understand what the problem with player your best players in their natural position? Fair play to Jamie R - hes had a very impressive season, but Gav is #1 at 12.

the problem for me is that Gav is invisible to Hook - the guy never passes to him or gives him any good ball. He really needs to learn that rugby is a 15 man game and you have to play to your strengths.

If we want to experiment at 13, Morgan Stoddard is the ideal candidate for me.

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posted Oct 6, 2008

Stoddart is too light.

Keep Henson at 12 and put roberts at 13, he has the pace. Would be nice to see roberts burst onto a scissors like you see byrne to so effectively

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posted Oct 6, 2008

At the end of the day 12 and 13 are numbers put them both and rotate them depending on the situation. From a lineout have roberts at 12 or if we are clearing the line have henson at 12. Then this could cause miss matches for defences

Basically what hackerjack has suggested!

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posted Oct 6, 2008

I know this may seem odd and everything but why not put Henson at 12 and Roberts at 13?

If Henson goes on a crash ball from first faze we have Hook/Jones in fly half or Roberts at second faze. plus 13 needs alot of pace and like Jiffy has said Henson doesnt have it. BUT Roberts has played wing and full back for club and country so obviously has the pace, the strength and increasing in skill from playing 12.

1997 Lions tour Gibbs played 13 so why can't Roberts?

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posted Oct 7, 2008

The fact of the matter is that currently Henson is the number one inside centre for Wales. Roberts (although he can break the line) is blinkered and is best left at fullback or wing. Shanklin is also by far better than any 13 in Wales at the moment, and I would go as far to say that if on form he is one of the best outside centres in Europe.

If Wales want to experiment, why not put Henson 12, Roberts/Shanklin 13, and Stoddart 14. Stoddart will add the pace and ability to take people on (Mark Jones take note), and Roberts will add the bulk and crash ball option off Henson.

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posted Oct 10, 2008

Well, if the rumours are right that he was punished for talking to an English club, all the very best to you Gav, they obviously appreciate (like me) your worth fully, if you did disobeyed orders! by not playing for Swansea, if that also be the case, though I strongly believe your book still has people smarting, hence the harsh discipline you keep receiving, which more likely is sheer bloody minded vindictiveness. about time we now had a manager of some worth with the Ospreys now. Possibly someone who doesn't bear grudges.

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