posted Nov 5, 2008

Surely Geraghty is the standby inside centre option?! Its a no brainer. I thought Flood did an Okay job there too last year and it could even be the future position for Wilko...

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posted Nov 5, 2008

Chris M62

Your 'born in the country rule' reminds me of a friend of mines dad. A fanatical Yorkshire cricket man in the days, not so long ago, when you had to be born in the county to play for Yorkshire. He was settled with his family in the south but when his wife went into labour with their first child instead of setting off for the hospital he embarked on a four hour car journey to Yorkshire with his wife screaming in pain the while way!

The rule certainly gave a strong identity to Yorkshire cricket club.

I agree with your desire to keep international competition meaningful but don't believe the single criteria is the way forward.

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posted Nov 5, 2008

I havent really watched newcastle play to much so i dont know how well noon is playing and i have noticed hipkiss is playing quite well. i am very dissapointed that abendanon and wilkinson are injured but england do have a strong team

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posted Nov 5, 2008

Jurgen, I agree with Geragthy as no. 2 for the moment. Again, I do not mind whois picked as long as two, max 3, IC's are rotated. If we keep trying new no. 12s we may have picked 10 of them by 2011 and still be none the wiser. That's why if a player does well keep him there. I did like Ollie B but now have reservations regarding his tackling.

The Yorkshire story; excellent! I wonder how many times "Are we there yet?" was asked in a shrill voice?!

I will be in my local club havin a beer (or two) hoping for a convincing win...

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posted Nov 5, 2008

as for the whole flutey debate, it seems kind of stupid that everyone is wasting their time talking about it. everyone agrees that its kind of strange, but its part of sport it happens all the time just give up nothing will change it! england have benefited from this anyway, and as for flutey not even getting a look in in NZ im not quite sure about that. sure england arent as strong as NZ are in regards to national teams, but the premiership has unbelievable talent in it, you dont get as much respect and praise as flutey does without playing very well.
i really think the pacific islands have a chance in this game. look at the baa baas match a while back, that was a team was less flair and power than this PI team, and they pushed england close. i know the teams have changed and scenarios are different, but england arent established and there vulnerable to the likes of delasau and rabeni. these guys are world class and if they get some coherent, fast play going i can see johnsons first match being deemed a failure

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posted Nov 6, 2008

I agree with glosglosglos, your all blwoing this way to far out of proportion! Stop arguing no one cares, hes been selected! GEt over it! Hope he scores a brace of tries! BAAA!

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posted Nov 6, 2008

Is anyone going to mention that Martin Johnson played for New Zealand under 21s before he played for England? Flutey has never represented NZ at senior level in the same way Johno didnt....if he plays with his heart and his head he could be born in Timbuktu for all i care- he should be judged on his commitment to the team and his perfomance on the pitch.

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posted Nov 7, 2008

'dog' mmm not sure if there is but i prefer 'cheetah' anyway

I saw wasps play on TV several times last year and evertime their inside centre got the ball you took notice. frightening and thats from a tigers fan.

danny care - also head and shoulders the best i've seen lately at club level

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posted Nov 7, 2008

Anyone wondering why Cipriani has been picked to start despite being third best fly half in the country at best this season? Flood and Wilkinson have been the best two, it's a shame Wilko got injured so it's fair enough to call Cipriani into the 22 but surely he should be on the bench. picking teams basd on names never works out well.....

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posted Nov 8, 2008

I personally would say that Flood has been the best performer this season, though Cipriani needs to be nurtured to great things. Team seems solid to me, and I'm interested to see how our attack changes under Brian Smith.

Anybody else a little dissapointed that Noon got the nod over Hipkiss? Noon's good, but he lacks some imagination and the running lines of his northern cousin. Also gutted Tait got injured, but Armitage is quality and I'm sure he'll shine.

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