Lewsey to retire from international rugby

Bill W · Post by **Bill W** » Tue Dec 09, 2008 11:58 pm

According to The Times:

http://tinyurl.com/5ml9k2

drc_007 · Post by **drc_007** » Wed Dec 10, 2008 10:11 am

Favourite Lewsey moment

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=iZPZLnA_HWc

parkerd68 · Post by **parkerd68** » Wed Dec 10, 2008 10:47 am

IMO that's a shame. I don't think Lewsey's had a fair crack of the whip, and I certainly think he would have done a better job than Noon in the autumn internationals. Having said that, I hope an improving Hipkiss gets his chance. I thought he looked at the weekend and something approaching his best form.

Nic · Post by **Nic** » Wed Dec 10, 2008 12:17 pm

Agree it would be a shame.

Few of the recent starters seem to play with his aggresive style.

It would be a shame if he is lost to England I still think he has something to offer, I hope he has'nt fell out with Johno.

I am sure he has considered this if true. I personally don't like retirements and then changes of heart at a later date.

masopa · Post by **masopa** » Wed Dec 10, 2008 1:33 pm

Not a fan of the guy to be totally honest. Having said that, he was great in an England shirt for 2-3 of years and it’s a shame he hasn’t really recovered that form.

I would say it was more of a loss when his form deserted him, less so now.

westy154 · Post by **westy154** » Wed Dec 10, 2008 2:29 pm

Agree with Masopa.

I don't think he would ever have found his way back to the team, so it is good that he has gone out on his terms rather than just fade away, and he has been a good servant, especially around the World Cup win.

Haven't liked his play in the past few years and didn't think he deserved a place in the EPS anymore. But irrespective of that, we thank him for his tireless service to the cause.

Another Wolrd Cup winner bites the dust. If only Vickery would follow his lead.

bwightman · Post by **bwightman** » Wed Dec 10, 2008 3:31 pm

I'm in accordance with various sentiments:

1) He was one of Europe's top fullbacks/wingers for the five years around the 2003 World Cup.

2) He would find it extremely difficult to force his way back into the England team now.

3) Surely he'd be a better gamble than Jamie "Offers Nothing" Noon at outside centre.

Fingers crossed for him that his season picks up now he's totally dedicated to Wasps and not worrying about national recall.

Duncan B · Post by **Duncan B** » Wed Dec 10, 2008 3:34 pm

I would still fancy him and cueto in the wing berths over ojo and sackey, or even have had him at outside centre.

Ben the Tiger · Post by **Ben the Tiger** » Wed Dec 10, 2008 5:56 pm

After watching that clip, I was browsing around looking at various others and I came across this one. I can remember seeing it live and I didn't think it was worth a red card yellow yes but red I am not sure.

What do you lot think?

http://tinyurl.com/6aw68h

mol2 · Post by **mol2** » Wed Dec 10, 2008 6:58 pm

I thought the descision had been taken out of his hands by MJ.

To be blunt he has been a great servant of England but at 32 he shouldn't be part of a side building to the 2011 WC. The latter should be applied to a few of the others in the England side.

Daveyboy · Post by **Daveyboy** » Wed Dec 10, 2008 9:03 pm

Ben,

I think that was an indefensible attack by Simon Shaw and deserved the red.

boondock · Post by **boondock** » Thu Dec 11, 2008 5:54 pm

lewsey in his prime was fantastic. the tackle on rogers will live long in the memory.

but he's past that now. he was at fullback when they last at the gardens at the start of the season and had an abysmal game.

so no surprise here.

(p.s - i agree shaw deserved that red)

LessThanSte · Post by **LessThanSte** » Thu Dec 11, 2008 8:31 pm

I still think this was his best moment;

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=CzNv5wO1K ... re=related

BTW, id just like to agree with the person above who said that lewsey and cueto on the wings for england would be better than the current lot!

bc · Post by bc » Thu Dec 11, 2008 11:52 pm

Bill W - Point of order he has retired from England but still wants to play international rugby for Lions!

Which leads nicely to the my 2nd point. I suspect not many players, who have aspirations to play for the Lions, can risk declaring that the are retiring playing for their country. Unless, of course, either your current club boss and club senior coach as well as your club ex boss are the senior managers/coaches for the Lions in 2009!

Bill W · Post by **Bill W** » Fri Dec 12, 2008 12:34 am

An excellent point of order!

We shall retire (well I am already retired) and consider it!

Have to say though I would ab initio even with his Wasps parentage rank his lions channces as 2/3 of 1% of not a lot!