I don't think zero_cool is necessarily rubbishing those high level players but more so trying to show that even though they are some of the best we have they still have some big holes to their game.
Obviously that reporter for the Guardian hasn’t been keeping an eye on how many steals Creevy has been getting for the Jaguares a game. The art of pilfering has not been written out of the game, Pocock will hopefully adapt.
I don't think zero_cool is necessarily rubbishing those high level players but more so trying to show that even though they are some of the best we have they still have some big holes to their game.
Agree but I think the game has been heading this way for a while with the amount of turnovers Pocock and others were getting as the tackler reduced somewhat when they started emphasising that the tackler has to give a clear release a few years back. Since then the best players over the ball have started getting more turnovers by positioning themselves on the outside of the tackler and hopping on the ball after the tackler has gone low.Sure if Pocock hangs back and waits for the cut tackle of isolated units he can still get turnovers
It is Pocock's ability to tackle slide to his feet and attack the ball that is being negated by the rule change along with the time to execute being less
He will adapt, but he has to change as well. No 7 is getting the turnovers they used to
On a side note I’m not a great fan of the continued crack down on the pilfer. Maybe in 7s you might want the game to be more up tempo but to me pilfering is an art form and the ability to turnover the ball in the tackle contest is what separates us from League.
Yeah man it's all about the English. They have no breakdown specialist and it was painfully exposed in the RWC and in the past 6 nations. Robshaw is a 6.5. Too small to be a 6 and a bit too shit to be a 7. Tinfoil hat stuff, though, really.
I think Pocock will probably do fine over the ball.
I actually aren't keen on TPN starting. I feel like we have a number of young (and less young) prospects on the rise. BPA, Ulelese, Rangi, Able. Not to mention Andrew Ready and Tolu Latu. We really need to be geering up for the RWC not picking average players who aren't even playing in Australia.
Can Hamish Stewart play hooker?
Thank Goodness for your positive thoughts that Poey will do well over the ball.
That's about as guaranteed as daylight tomorrow.
I can go to bed with kind thoughts !
One option at 6 might be one of the locks, and I do still remember the Garrick Morgan fiasco.
And that was indeed a fiasco but there are locks who are well suited to the gig - Fardy was one, Hanigan is emerging as one, and then there's Tui & Timani, and even someone like Matt Philip.
Timani ought to be better than Hanigan in virtue of his sheer mass.
He fucken isn't though. He sucks.
Honestly, Timani is the biggest disappointment in Australian Rugby at the moment!