Returns from injury
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tigerland12
John Thornett (49)
Drew Mitchell has said he is targeting the Aus Barbarians vs Canada game as his return.
Possibly this game will see some other players returning from injury.
When's the WC squad have to be announced by?
Possibly this game will see some other players returning from injury.
When's the WC squad have to be announced by?
Blue
Andrew Slack (58)
Can't find an official ref but looks like it is 23 August.
http://www.sarugby.com/2011/06/20/preliminary-bok-rwc-squad/
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby-world-cup-2011/news/article.cfm?c_id=522&objectid=10730347
Groucho
Greg Davis (50)
This is obviously right. Burgess is an electric attacking halfback with a wayward pass. I can't see how anyone can't see this obvious fact.
The_Brown_Hornet
John Eales (66)
Agreed. Burgess still has a poor pass, but he's also still the best backup for Genia. He brings other things to the table, like the ability to run from the ruck base and he's a great defender.
On balance, he is who I would have on the bench for the RWC. I rate Phipps too, but it's probably a year early for him.
On balance, he is who I would have on the bench for the RWC. I rate Phipps too, but it's probably a year early for him.
Groucho
Greg Davis (50)
Yep, the capability to turn a game.
Richo
John Thornett (49)
I was watching the HK Bled again today and Burgess made a critical difference. It's not that he was better than Genia per se, but he came on with fresh legs and a bloody-minded attacking intent. Not sure we would have won that game without his threatening the line from the back of the ruck.
Groucho
Greg Davis (50)
Yes, and off the bench. Nau is wrong to start. He just destroy himself. Let him destroy himself at the end, and take some people with him.
The_Brown_Hornet
John Eales (66)
Yep, the whole idea of having and using a bench is guys who can be influential in relatively short bursts. Obviously you have to cover injury scenarios too, but they are relatively rare by comparison with needing someone to take the attack to the opposition or in some cases shut the game down.
I don't look at the bench that we had on the weekend and necessarily have that feeling. All good solid players, but they aren't blokes who would take the game away from the opposition. I will acknowledge that injuries to key players have been largely the cause of this, however.
I don't look at the bench that we had on the weekend and necessarily have that feeling. All good solid players, but they aren't blokes who would take the game away from the opposition. I will acknowledge that injuries to key players have been largely the cause of this, however.
Richo
John Thornett (49)
I think TPN is slightly better than Moore, but I agree with you. Moore is an 80 minute type of player and TPN is a human missile of destruction. Play Moore 60 minutes and give TPN 20 minutes to seek and destroy.
MrTimms
Ken Catchpole (46)
Yeah, I agree, start him. Why do impact players always have to have the impact late in the game? wouldn't the impact from someone like TPN be better at the start?
It's not like his throwing is suspect any more. Besides, with a player like Moore to bring on, what is the real risk?
It's not like his throwing is suspect any more. Besides, with a player like Moore to bring on, what is the real risk?
The_Brown_Hornet
John Eales (66)
I can think of an argument for not starting "impact" players: the opposition are fresh too and the necessary mismatches wouldn't be created. It's also fair to say that against quality opposition like NZ, Boks, England, France or Ireland that their players in key positions are pretty handy too. TPN is a fantastic player, but not one who goes for 80. Hell, some weeks he doesn't even go 40. Best to have him go hell for leather in a set time, I think.
DPK
Peter Sullivan (51)
Faster, more agile, kicks from the hand better. More experienced, as good in defence. More versatile from the bench, some leadership value.
In short, yeah.
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