2024 Six Nations Chat
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Re: 2024 Six Nations Chat
Why do people want to move Freddie to center when it would negate his world class aerial ability, attack & defence, yet also open his largest weakness of slow initial acceleration?
Re: 2024 Six Nations Chat
I would not but the reality he may have to face as a player is that if Furbank is seen as the first choice (not saying if that is right or wrong) then it would not be usual to have a dedicated 15 on the bench and so if he wants to have a place in the match day 23 then he may have to develop another string to his bow, perhaps by spending more time on the wing.
Seems so harsh when a top class player cannot get on the pitch but that is sadly the way sometimes.
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Re: 2024 Six Nations Chat
Furbank has performed well at 10 for Saints, so have him on the bench covering 10 and 15, start with Smith at 10 and Steward at 15
Re: 2024 Six Nations Chat
But that would involve changing large chunks of the back line to fit Steward in. SB wants, at the moment, Ford at FH and Furbank at 15 and so it is on Steward to do something to fit into the squad plans and not on the coach to base his selection on the selection of one player.Rugbygramps wrote: ↑Mon Mar 11, 2024 12:30 pm Furbank has performed well at 10 for Saints, so have him on the bench covering 10 and 15, start with Smith at 10 and Steward at 15
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Re: 2024 Six Nations Chat
Before the tournament he wanted Smith at 10 and Furbank at 15. So wouldn’t surprise me if he reverted back to his initial plans for the last game. I’d have Steward on the bench over Daly as Freeman can cover 13.GB72 wrote: ↑Mon Mar 11, 2024 12:36 pmBut that would involve changing large chunks of the back line to fit Steward in. SB wants, at the moment, Ford at FH and Furbank at 15 and so it is on Steward to do something to fit into the squad plans and not on the coach to base his selection on the selection of one player.Rugbygramps wrote: ↑Mon Mar 11, 2024 12:30 pm Furbank has performed well at 10 for Saints, so have him on the bench covering 10 and 15, start with Smith at 10 and Steward at 15
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Re: 2024 Six Nations Chat
Well it would involve changing 2 starting players Smith for Ford Steward for Furbank. I wouldn’t say that was a large chunkGB72 wrote: ↑Mon Mar 11, 2024 12:36 pmBut that would involve changing large chunks of the back line to fit Steward in. SB wants, at the moment, Ford at FH and Furbank at 15 and so it is on Steward to do something to fit into the squad plans and not on the coach to base his selection on the selection of one player.Rugbygramps wrote: ↑Mon Mar 11, 2024 12:30 pm Furbank has performed well at 10 for Saints, so have him on the bench covering 10 and 15, start with Smith at 10 and Steward at 15
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Re: 2024 Six Nations Chat
Bar a couple of changes I think Borthwick will pick pretty much the same 23 as against Ireland, not saying I agree.
Marler to start for Genge to deal with Antonio, as good as Chessum was Root in at 6, with both Genge and Chessum onto the bench. Unless Slade is injured I think he’ll leave the backs, both starting and bench alone
Marler to start for Genge to deal with Antonio, as good as Chessum was Root in at 6, with both Genge and Chessum onto the bench. Unless Slade is injured I think he’ll leave the backs, both starting and bench alone
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Re: 2024 Six Nations Chat
1 tackle made and 2 missed. A 33% completion tackle rate and his tendency to run into forwards and get turned over isn't a good look for a centre. I think 15 or maybe wing is where he needs to remain at international level though he might do an emergency job at 10 if really required.TigerFeetSteve wrote: ↑Mon Mar 11, 2024 9:01 amWhy not move Furbank into the centres? He's a player who has played more in alternative positions than Freddie?Jimmy Skitz wrote: ↑Mon Mar 11, 2024 3:26 am looking at his England situation I do wonder if Steve will be speaking to Freddie about a position change, he is too good a player to leave out, I'd still be starting him at 15 personally but with England having a serious lack of midfield options I could see Steve wanting him there, at least as an option if he's in the 23 shirt
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Re: 2024 Six Nations Chat
The prop pairings are intentional. Cole and Marler are there for the scrums and for hitting rucks. Genge and Stuart are there for their ability in the loose. Whilst Genge was regaining match fitness he and Cole rode the bench. Now Genge is match fit they are both back in. Not sure we'll see those pairings broken up.Rugbygramps wrote: ↑Mon Mar 11, 2024 1:08 pm Bar a couple of changes I think Borthwick will pick pretty much the same 23 as against Ireland, not saying I agree.
Marler to start for Genge to deal with Antonio, as good as Chessum was Root in at 6, with both Genge and Chessum onto the bench. Unless Slade is injured I think he’ll leave the backs, both starting and bench alone
I'd keep the side the same bar Roots in for the injured CCS and Steward onto the bench for Daly.
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Re: 2024 Six Nations Chat
If this is the case, one would think that McKellar would arrange for Steward to have specialised sprint coaching?
Semper in excretia
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Re: 2024 Six Nations Chat
It may be a case of you can’t do anything about Genetics. Take Usain Bolt, a lot taller than most sprinters and frequently behind at 30 metres, usually in front by the 70 metre markRobespierre wrote: ↑Mon Mar 11, 2024 1:45 pmIf this is the case, one would think that McKellar would arrange for Steward to have specialised sprint coaching?
Re: 2024 Six Nations Chat
Stuart and ability in the loose
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Re: 2024 Six Nations Chat
show me the law that says he needs to be in the second row to be in the lineout and maybe stop being so pig headed about players changing positions it happens all the time, otherwise we'd only have the 1 senior fly half at Tigers as the other started at full back just as a quick exampleRugbygramps wrote: ↑Mon Mar 11, 2024 8:05 amAt 6ft 7 he’d make a decent line out option. Are you thinking 2nd row ?Jimmy Skitz wrote: ↑Mon Mar 11, 2024 3:26 am looking at his England situation I do wonder if Steve will be speaking to Freddie about a position change, he is too good a player to leave out, I'd still be starting him at 15 personally but with England having a serious lack of midfield options I could see Steve wanting him there, at least as an option if he's in the 23 shirt
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Re: 2024 Six Nations Chat
I'm not against that either, but I just have a gut feeling Steve if going to stick with Furbank at 15TigerFeetSteve wrote: ↑Mon Mar 11, 2024 9:01 amWhy not move Furbank into the centres? He's a player who has played more in alternative positions than Freddie?Jimmy Skitz wrote: ↑Mon Mar 11, 2024 3:26 am looking at his England situation I do wonder if Steve will be speaking to Freddie about a position change, he is too good a player to leave out, I'd still be starting him at 15 personally but with England having a serious lack of midfield options I could see Steve wanting him there, at least as an option if he's in the 23 shirt
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Re: 2024 Six Nations Chat
Freddie does need to work on his kicking & passing to some extent & possibly needs to look at positioning in defence to counter his initial lack of acceleration, my guess is over the length of the pitch there would be little difference between Freddie & the other backs.
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