NZ Rugby's Secret Solution to Aus Centres

[Slim 293]

Actually, I did watch a bit of Mortlock this year with the Rebels.

How do you think Ants would have gone there in Melbourne? Much better? What about McCabe? Now put Mortlock in the Reds backline...would he have done any worse than Fainga'a did. I highly doubt it.

Mortlock more than equals Fainga'a and McCabe for hard running and tackling and what he may lack in pure pace, he makes up for in experience - and RWC experience at that.

Mortlock has been well off the pace for a couple of years now, and his defence hasn't been as good...

I would much rather have McCabe or Fainga'a...

Mortlock is a legend, but his constant run of injuries combined with his age has really brought him down. It's a shame as it would've been great to see him end his career on a high.

 

[Sluggy]

Oh just you wait until Slim reads this.

Based on past experience, and as they are out injured and it looks like Barnes and AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) will step into the centres next game, it will be hard for them to regain their starting spots. Deans seems to favour the incumbent, and the loss to Ireland exposed their lack of penetration.