Hi All
New won against Auggies ( their only win so far ) with a backline :
9 Dickens 10 McGregor 11 Williams 12 Barton 13 McLean 14 Takoumo 15 Quinn
Can't see much wrong with this backline but it has not stayed the same since. 9,10 have a good combo. 9 has a good pass and directs play well. 10 is a good runner of the ball, passess well and his short kick game is good. Can tackle if needed. 12 has been solid in defence and links well. 13 is the issue and I've said this before. Need a defensive 13 who can tackle and link well with outside backs. J.McLean defence can be questionable at times and will struggle to contain the J and S outside backs when tested. I would have O.Townsend as 13. good pass,can tackle and kick's well. Gives you another flyhalf option. 11 is J McLean. give him the ball and tell him to run,run,run. 14,15 can interchange but from what I've seen, Quinn has good skills for 15 and Takoumo can finish well and has a big boot. Reserves Williams, McLean Junior and 2nds backs.
Fowards are ok but have not improved as much as would have liked. Set piece is still not the best. As mentioned, if New want to play an expansive game and spread the ball to their talented outside backs, they need to have fit and upskilled flankers to be able to recyle the ball. They have been caught a few times at the breakdown. The flankers work hard but their technique may need improving. Maybe keep it a bit tighter initially before going wide.
Scots will try to truck it up in the forwards. They have a big pack but if New play smart and run them around, they could exploit their backs. It will come down to the forwards ( most games do ). If New keeps possession and not kicks it away, then they have points in them.
Agreeb that McGregor is a great finisher but for this team, I think he is better suited to 10. He is not afraid to take on the defense at 10 which keeps the oppo guessing and with Townsend at 13 you have 2 flyhalves.
Wyvernboy