I don't understand all the negativity towards Ben White, but I suppose it comes down to what you expect from your 9. Some people seem to want regular line breaks and sniping around the ruck a la Ben Youngs circa 2010, but it isn't so common these days. There are exceptions (see Reinach last season) but they are exactly that.
The modern scrum half requirements are game management, good decision making, accurate kicking, fast and accurate delivery to first receiver and communication between the forwards and other backs - plus the odd snipe when the defence isn't set, but that's pretty rare with defences so organised. This is why it also isn't so common to see teenage scrum halves breaking through any more, but the likes of Heinz and Wigglesworth play on well into their 30's. In my opinion, Ben White has displayed all these qualities in abundance, particularly for such a young man.
Teams up v Bath
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Re: Teams up v Bath
I wasnt sure about White but I think hes been very good since the restart
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Re: Teams up v Bath
I'd like to see Simmons at 9 simply because he is one and we know he has talent but I thought Ben White played really well Saturday.
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Re: Teams up v Bath
He was a fullback initially and then moved to scrum half when in the Tigers academy.Jimmy Skitz wrote: ↑Tue Aug 25, 2020 2:59 pm I'd like to see Simmons at 9 simply because he is one and we know he has talent but I thought Ben White played really well Saturday.
Re: Teams up v Bath
I would still like to judge for myself. Simmons v White.
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Re: Teams up v Bath
Think it's a make or break 12 months for Simmons, young JVP looks good, White whilst not exciting looks like a good leader at 9 & very defensively strong.
From the glimpses sometime ago Simmons looked a different sort of 9, but not one that would necessarily fit our game plan going forward, but it would be good to see him start at 9, if that's where he wants to focus.
From the glimpses sometime ago Simmons looked a different sort of 9, but not one that would necessarily fit our game plan going forward, but it would be good to see him start at 9, if that's where he wants to focus.
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Re: Teams up v Bath
Massively agree. Switch him to fullback and see how he does for a few games, he’s a very talented player, but we’re stacked at 9.Wayne Richardson Fan Club wrote: ↑Tue Aug 25, 2020 6:49 pm Think it's a make or break 12 months for Simmons, young JVP looks good, White whilst not exciting looks like a good leader at 9 & very defensively strong.
From the glimpses sometime ago Simmons looked a different sort of 9, but not one that would necessarily fit our game plan going forward, but it would be good to see him start at 9, if that's where he wants to focus.