Other matches - 29-31st December 2023

[Wayne Richardson Fan Club]

Hadn’t realised that Mako was red carded yesterday for shoulder to head tackle. West likely to be their starting loose head next week

Might be interesting as according to a report, West went off for a HIA hence Mako being on at 80mins.

[Tiglon]

Marcus Smith was exceptional for Quins again yesterday, that’s 3 player of the match performances including one v Racing away.
Question is will that be enough for Borthwick to change his game plan and build a back line around Smith or is he going to ask him to play a game that is unnatural for him.

At home to Gloucester, after coming off firmly second best against Finn Russell. I'm sure it's the question the media will be asking, but until Smith's kicking game is consistently on a par with Farrell's and Ford's in big matches, I don't see him being the right person. Goose steps don't win test matches.

Agree to disagree. IMO his overall game has come on a lot since the World Cup. Goose steps might not do it but pace and game awareness do. He is often at his best as second receiver and having Slade alongside him would give that option.
Unsure if you mean overall kicking or at the posts but none of them are much above mid 60% at present.
I haven’t been much of a fan but past month for me his overall game has moved up a level

Overall kicking - more from hand than anything else. South Africa were heading out of the World Cup against a fairly average England team until Pollard came on, because kicking ability at 10 is more important than fancy hands or running.

That's why countries will keep coming back to the Pollards, Fords and Farrells, even if they do succumb to the temptation of a flashy Smith or Libbok every now and then.

I do agree that Slade needs to be returned to at least the squad, and Smith should be a part of it, but starting him against the likes of Ireland, France or even Scotland is an unnecessary gamble.

[Rugbygramps]

At home to Gloucester, after coming off firmly second best against Finn Russell. I'm sure it's the question the media will be asking, but until Smith's kicking game is consistently on a par with Farrell's and Ford's in big matches, I don't see him being the right person. Goose steps don't win test matches.

Agree to disagree. IMO his overall game has come on a lot since the World Cup. Goose steps might not do it but pace and game awareness do. He is often at his best as second receiver and having Slade alongside him would give that option.
Unsure if you mean overall kicking or at the posts but none of them are much above mid 60% at present.
I haven’t been much of a fan but past month for me his overall game has moved up a level

Overall kicking - more from hand than anything else. South Africa were heading out of the World Cup against a fairly average England team until Pollard came on, because kicking ability at 10 is more important than fancy hands or running.

That's why countries will keep coming back to the Pollards, Fords and Farrells, even if they do succumb to the temptation of a flashy Smith or Libbok every now and then.

I do agree that Slade needs to be returned to at least the squad, and Smith should be a part of it, but starting him against the likes of Ireland, France or even Scotland is an unnecessary gamble.

Very good points, though Ford is hardly Mr. Consistent himself at the moment

[Rugbygramps]

Hadn’t realised that Mako was red carded yesterday for shoulder to head tackle. West likely to be their starting loose head next week

Might be interesting as according to a report, West went off for a HIA hence Mako being on at 80mins.

And with Maui injured too

[DeadlyDunc]

Hadn’t realised that Mako was red carded yesterday for shoulder to head tackle. West likely to be their starting loose head next week

Might be interesting as according to a report, West went off for a HIA hence Mako being on at 80mins.

And with Maui injured too

Logo then?

[Rugbygramps]

Might be interesting as according to a report, West went off for a HIA hence Mako being on at 80mins.

And with Maui injured too

Logo then?

Quite possible. I’m not fully up to speed but I know their prop injury list is lengthy

[Tiglon]

Agree to disagree. IMO his overall game has come on a lot since the World Cup. Goose steps might not do it but pace and game awareness do. He is often at his best as second receiver and having Slade alongside him would give that option.
Unsure if you mean overall kicking or at the posts but none of them are much above mid 60% at present.
I haven’t been much of a fan but past month for me his overall game has moved up a level

Overall kicking - more from hand than anything else. South Africa were heading out of the World Cup against a fairly average England team until Pollard came on, because kicking ability at 10 is more important than fancy hands or running.

That's why countries will keep coming back to the Pollards, Fords and Farrells, even if they do succumb to the temptation of a flashy Smith or Libbok every now and then.

I do agree that Slade needs to be returned to at least the squad, and Smith should be a part of it, but starting him against the likes of Ireland, France or even Scotland is an unnecessary gamble.

Very good points, though Ford is hardly Mr. Consistent himself at the moment

I must admit I've not seen a lot of Sale this season.

A lot of interesting selection decisions for Mr Borthwick!