BigDan50 wrote: ↑Sun May 09, 2021 7:07 pm
After watching Quins vsWasps today I really believe the best half back pairing Eddie could pick for England is Robson and Smith, both were outstanding today, if you pick them behind England’s dominant pack they could take our back play to a different level. Wish the both of them were playing for us.
They were both fantastic today.
In a game where both sides took a lot of risks and failed to control the game. It was odd because as your rightly say both looked classy in attack but you've got to have more game management than that at international level. You play that loose against one of the big SH teams and the game will be dead by half time.
I hope Smith gets a go in the summer but with a more tactically astute scrum half than Robson who has looked sub par in an England shirt. Spencer would be the ideal option but his age and doesn't really make him as great a successor option long term for Ben. Randall and Smith would be interesting to watch I'm hoping to see that combo this summer.
Harlequins full-back Mike Brown's contact with the head of Wasps' Tommy Taylor was deemed 'not to be deliberate' following his red card in Sunday's Gallagher Premiership game.
The former England international was dismissed in the 44th minute of the match by referee Wayne Barnes for the offence of 'stamping or trampling, contrary to World Rugby Law 9.12'
Brown accepted the charge and was given a six-week suspension by the independent disciplinary panel (Matthew Weaver, chair with Rob Vickerman and Mitch Read).
Brown's free-to-play date will be determined once the club's fixture list is finalised.
Independent disciplinary panel statement - Mike Brown hearing: “The Panel reviewed extensive video footage which included numerous angles and speeds and heard direct evidence from the player as to his actions and intentions. Having considered the totality of the evidence the Panel was satisfied that whilst this was a stamp to the head, it was not deliberate.
"Given the location of the contact and the nature of the actions the Panel considered that this was a top-end entry point but that there was no reason to go above the starting point of 12 weeks.
"The player has an unblemished disciplinary record over a long and illustrious career, he accepted the charge at the earliest opportunity and impressed the Panel with his honesty and obvious contrition throughout the hearing. The Panel had no hesitation in allowing the maximum mitigation of 50%.
JP14 wrote: ↑Sun May 09, 2021 6:36 pm
Had Smith been capped at international level much sooner then I believe we could have been looking at the new Henson or Cipriani, but I actually think it’s paid off quite well and now he’s some player. Could be him versus Ntamack as the world’s best for the next 5-10 years.
I find that contention very contentious indeed.
Leicester Tigers 1995-
Nottingham 1995-2000
Swansea (Whites) 1988-95
A game played on grass in the open air by teams of XV.
JP14 wrote: ↑Sun May 09, 2021 6:36 pm
Had Smith been capped at international level much sooner then I believe we could have been looking at the new Henson or Cipriani, but I actually think it’s paid off quite well and now he’s some player. Could be him versus Ntamack as the world’s best for the next 5-10 years.
I find that contention very contentious indeed.
I will happily hold my hands up and say I was wrong if this isn’t the case.
Formerly of Burbaaage (not Inkleh), now up north at uni
Harlequins Starting XV
1. Joe Marler (220)
2. Scott Baldwin (37)
3. Wilco Louw (23)
4. Matt Symons (58)
5. Stephan Lewies (30) - Captain
6. Tom Lawday (34)
7. Jack Kenningham (8)
8. Alex Dombrandt (71)
9. Danny Care (301)
10. Marcus Smith (105)
11. Nathan Earle (38)
12. James Lang (79)
13. Luke Northmore (23)
14. Joe Marchant (107)
15. Tyrone Green (16)
Impact Players
16. Joe Gray (168)
17. Santiago Garcia Botta (32)
18. Will Collier (183)
19. Dino Lamb (42)
20. James Chisholm (108)
21. Martin Landajo (31)
22. Will Edwards (1)
23. Ben Tapuai (40)
Life can be unpredictable, so eat your pudding first!
JP14 wrote: ↑Sun May 09, 2021 6:36 pm
Had Smith been capped at international level much sooner then I believe we could have been looking at the new Henson or Cipriani, but I actually think it’s paid off quite well and now he’s some player. Could be him versus Ntamack as the world’s best for the next 5-10 years.
I find that contention very contentious indeed.
I will happily hold my hands up and say I was wrong if this isn’t the case.
Wind up
Leicester Tigers 1995-
Nottingham 1995-2000
Swansea (Whites) 1988-95
A game played on grass in the open air by teams of XV.
Pleased we've gone for a strong team. We could do with a win before the Friday final.
I particularly like the back row choice and starting with Ford and Youngs, our best chance at dealing with Smith and Care. It is a mouth watering contest. Interesting that they have given the 15 spot to Green who had an excellent game last week against Wasps.
We need to be winning games like this if we are to recreate fortress WR.
Life can be unpredictable, so eat your pudding first!