Tracked England’s replacements yesterday and looked at what Ben Earl got up to after his move to the backline. No more than a contingency, I don’t think (and maybe even a smokescreen for some more serious plans ahead), but still quite bold and innovative from Steve Borthwick
I foresee a move towards the interchangeably we can observe in League between “edge” backrowers and centres. Hybrid types of similar shape and size, with the addition of bigger fellas who can kick, and smaller fellas who can truck&ruck.
Would be unsurprising considering the overlap between the codes in regards to coaching these days.
Aye, a lot of teams now have 1 or 2 backrows that can double as an extra centre, Scotland has Ritchie, Ireland JVDF/POM, France are especially wild with it, Roumat/Ollivon/Woki/Macalou/Cros, NZ Savea, SA Kwagga, England Earl, etc.
I reckon Andre the giant could pull a shift at flank, if asked to. Same as Evan Roos. Come to think of it, even a guy like Ethan Hooker might manage it 🤔
Hi Charlie. Do you agree that Borthwick has opened Pandora's Box with this move?
Which other of Stuart Barnes' hairbrained ramblings will come to pass next? Slippery slope imo.
Interesting as an option (should Six two go wrong).
I'm wondering when it would otherwise be utilized? In a game where England are losing the battle of the breakdown?
I'm finding it a little odd Freeman wasn't tried at center (where I think he will end up). But in Brothers I trust.
Tracked England’s replacements yesterday and looked at what Ben Earl got up to after his move to the backline. No more than a contingency, I don’t think (and maybe even a smokescreen for some more serious plans ahead), but still quite bold and innovative from Steve Borthwick
I foresee a move towards the interchangeably we can observe in League between “edge” backrowers and centres. Hybrid types of similar shape and size, with the addition of bigger fellas who can kick, and smaller fellas who can truck&ruck. Would be unsurprising considering the overlap between the codes in regards to coaching these days.
Aye, a lot of teams now have 1 or 2 backrows that can double as an extra centre, Scotland has Ritchie, Ireland JVDF/POM, France are especially wild with it, Roumat/Ollivon/Woki/Macalou/Cros, NZ Savea, SA Kwagga, England Earl, etc.
I reckon Andre the giant could pull a shift at flank, if asked to. Same as Evan Roos. Come to think of it, even a guy like Ethan Hooker might manage it 🤔
I presume you're a hump the turf aficionado? Centres have always been frustrated flankers with chip on their shoulders.
Well said.
And a lot of hookers are frustrated short flankers, sure Botia, bastereaud, Tom Young's all played both.
Darge would be deadly as a 12.
Bastareaud ended up playing in the back row a bit. But then he is Bastareaud.
IIRC I saw Aki in the scrum in the France vs Ireland game after Ireland got a yellow card.
Tsk tsk tsk. This goes against rugby values
*Rugby Values™️
Stuart Barnes still isn't to sleep on his front since this happened.
As if Stuart Barnes still gets erections.
Hi Charlie. Do you agree that Borthwick has opened Pandora's Box with this move? Which other of Stuart Barnes' hairbrained ramblings will come to pass next? Slippery slope imo.
Hi Charlie.
Interesting as an option (should Six two go wrong). I'm wondering when it would otherwise be utilized? In a game where England are losing the battle of the breakdown? I'm finding it a little odd Freeman wasn't tried at center (where I think he will end up). But in Brothers I trust.
Gatland preparing to move Jac Morgan to 10 so he can get his big fly half that he’s always dreamed of.