From the clips I've seen of Houston at Bath, he is quite mobile. He is more the out and out No 8 than either of Pocock or McMahon, and has shown every indication of being a more aggressive, impactful No 8 than McCalman. The only qualification I'd offer is the usual one that we really don't know how strong NH form is. However, Cheika apparently urged him to return, and then included him in the initial test training squad, so I'd say he sees something he likes in the way he plays. If we lose this test, I'd expect to see Houston as one of the changes in the third test lineup.
Houston wouldn't be in the top 5 or 6 8s running around the UK.
NH form is nice but without some previous Aus evidence I think they need do stuff in super rugby first before real Wob call up.
We also have McCaffrey & Grey starting at 8 in the NH, neither could get a start in Super rugby
Because I'm bored at work I've run a calc and it looks like our starting pack is only about 1kg less than the Wallabies starting pack from last week, so not too drastic a change there. Still about 25kgs lighter than the Eng pack from last week.
Sio will need to have a think about his performance last week and his inability to adjust to counter what Cole was doing. Mind you I was surprised that there was hardly any talk amongst the front row to help him.
I guess if you are a test prop then you are expected to know what to do in that situation.
He is a good player and he will be better for this. We will see him later in this series or in the RC for sure.
From the clips I've seen of Houston at Bath, he is quite mobile. He is more the out and out No 8 than either of Pocock or McMahon, and has shown every indication of being a more aggressive, impactful No 8 than McCalman. The only qualification I'd offer is the usual one that we really don't know how strong NH form is. However, Cheika apparently urged him to return, and then included him in the initial test training squad, so I'd say he sees something he likes in the way he plays. If we lose this test, I'd expect to see Houston as one of the changes in the third test lineup.
Kepu is close to the most block-busting forward ball runner in the country.Yes but is there one of those to choose from? I've never watched Houston play but possibly him, regardless he's not in the squad, and we lose mobility. Balance!
Big week/end for the Doug clan! Enjoy
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McMahon's ball running is far far superior to that of Pocock. Turnovers may not be so great (but neither was Pocock last game)
Anyway the turnovers are supposed to be a big part of a seven
Lilo played at 12.
Why was he defending out on the wing then?
McMahon's ball running is far far exaggerated at test level.
Really? I think his running has generally been quite strong in most of his appearances.McMahon's ball running is far far exaggerated at test level.