The Number Eight Situation.

[Ruggo]

I agree. Lets test it out on the poms and see how it goes.

 

[Biffo]

I am basically for Rocky, Pocock, HigginBum but would like to see Leroy given a crack at some stage. He just may be one of those slow-maturing number 8s. We are familiar with those through Kefu and Palu.

 

[Cutter]

Rock is a decent 8 and has proved it in outings at test level a few years back and more recently for Leinster.

I think what Rocky proved when he played a few tests at 8 is that he isn't a great test 8. Until last year, Palu was criticised and yet Rocky didn't replace him. It appears as though the form backrowers (plus Pocock who has been injured) are Pocock, Rocky, Hodgson and Higginbottom and so they will stock the bench and run on team. However Houston's performance last night does bring him into the frame. I hope he continues to shine as, if his form could even remotely justify it, I'd pick a specialist 8 in front of a converted 6 any day of the week.

 

[Scarfman]

Houston stopped moving at the 60. Tended to be first to the pillor position after that.

 

[RugbyReg]

he was busy though.

13 tackles (2nd behind FaingaaA -15)
8 runs
hit 32 rucks (2nd behind Van on 33)
most counter rucks too on 15

My impression, for such a big lad, his he doesn't play the Cliffy power game. He's got great hands. Once he learns to use his bulk a bit more (remembering he's still only young without a lot of footy) and if he keeps his skills, he could be anything.

 

[Grandmaster Flash]

He fired some ripper passes on Saturday too, and I remember the deft ball he turned inside to Hynes for Morahan's try against the Force.

I would like to see him in the squad so Jim Williams can give him some tips.

 

[Scotty]

he was busy though.

13 tackles (2nd behind FaingaaA -15)
8 runs
hit 32 rucks (2nd behind Van on 33)
most counter rucks too on 15

My impression, for such a big lad, his he doesn't play the Cliffy power game. He's got great hands. Once he learns to use his bulk a bit more (remembering he's still only young without a lot of footy) and if he keeps his skills, he could be anything.

Maybe he needs to do less work, to have more of an impact on the game?

 

[Sully]

he was busy though.

13 tackles (2nd behind FaingaaA -15)
8 runs
hit 32 rucks (2nd behind Van on 33)
most counter rucks too on 15

My impression, for such a big lad, his he doesn't play the Cliffy power game. He's got great hands. Once he learns to use his bulk a bit more (remembering he's still only young without a lot of footy) and if he keeps his skills, he could be anything.

Maybe he needs to do less work, to have more of an impact on the game?

Don't think that is the way link wants the pack to work.

 

[Scotty]

Yeah, I wasn't really serious.

 

[Reddy!]

Wasn't everyone, including myself, booing Eddie Jones for suggesting Houston as a Wallaby a week or 2 ago?

 

[DPK]

Well, firstly, were not really saying he's going to be a Wallaby, rather it would be good if he was included in the squad to get someone extra training and some more experience. Jones wanted him in the 3N run on squad.

But yeah, I was booing.

 

[TOCC]

This isnt about me been a Reds fan, rather it just been a lack of suitable candidates.

Im not such a fan of converting a flanker to number 8, as displayed earlier in the season when Higginbotham struggled to secure the ball at the back of the Reds scrum, its a bit of a learned art.

I would like to see Houston brought into the Wallabies squad, educate him a bit and maybe give him a cap or two, need some kind of replacment for 2011 if palu isnt fit.

 

[Reddy!]

He is doing well though. Did Houston actually play the full 80min on the weekend? A year ago he would have been gone after 30minutes.

 

[TOCC]

He is doing well though. Did Houston actually play the full 80min on the weekend? A year ago he would have been gone after 30minutes.

yeah houston played the full 80

 

[Scotty]

This isnt about me been a Reds fan, rather it just been a lack of suitable candidates.

Im not such a fan of converting a flanker to number 8, as displayed earlier in the season when Higginbotham struggled to secure the ball at the back of the Reds scrum, its a bit of a learned art.

I would like to see Houston brought into the Wallabies squad, educate him a bit and maybe give him a cap or two, need some kind of replacment for 2011 if palu isnt fit.

As far as I know Higginbotham isn't a converted 6, he is a converted 8, who plays 6, and sometimes 8. Can someone with more knowledge of his club rugby (Wests?) confirm that he does in fact play mainly at 8 for them?

 

[tranquility]

he does play 8 at club rugby, however he plays for wests who are the worst team in the comp. At super level he looked a bit iffy with the ball skills required for number 8. He looks much better as a 6. Leroy has a silky pair of hands.

Rocky to 8.

 

[Scotty]

The point is I think people should stop referring to him as playing out of position if he plays 8. Fact is he has probably played more there than at 6.

Of course your point is also valid. He does seem to make a better 6 at S14, but who knows into the future.

 

[Reddy!]

He isn't really your metre making type backrower - 8 or 6 - like Rocky or Palu. But he offers something different if he is given a bit of space - good on the counter and turn over ball.

 

[DPK]

Any more news on Palu's injury? Still expected to be out for a year?

 

[Scotty]

What I think he excels at is support play. He is always supporting the ball carrier, always chasing, always there when someone makes a half break.

And I don't think you should put Rocky and Palu in the same bracket as far as making the hard yards close to the ruck. IMO Rocky isn't that great at this, and is well behind the likes of Palu, Alexander and TPN. Rocky works better wider.