Centres

[Darc Tiger]

In the next week or two we are going to have some options at centre at last!

Billy came back into the side today with a solid 80 minutes. Nothing too flashy, but defended well and did some nice things in attack. Will grow with game time. Has the skill set that could be key in unlocking defences, which we have lacked for a lot of this season. I think we should use his howitzer a bit more though.

Manu is set to return either for Northampton or against Clermont. He should still be fit, as he should still be able to take part in training whilst nursing his injury, so could go straight back into the side. Has the ability to change a game with one moment, and influence it throughout with his uncompromising style. May still need guidance defensively.

Smith has grown a lot as a player over the years, and I think he has improved as a player each season he has played. He is starting to take more of a leadership role in the side now, and seems to have the task of marshalling the defensive line. He gives everything on the pitch, particularly defensively, where he has grown into a huge presence, tearing around the pitch bringing all comers down. Made a neat break today against Gloucester to set up Floods try, and I feel we need to try and use his pace a bit more effectively.

So who do you pick? You might instantly say Billy and Manu, but I think Smith has really put his hand up the last few weeks. Despite the undoubted attacking attributes of Billy and Manu, will they be assured enough defensively to start together? Smith is the defensive linchpin for us now. Is the risk worth it? Tough call I think.

[GT1]

You have to take your hat off to Billy & the back room team for getting him ready to play a full 80mins after his injury lay-off!!

[tigerburnie]

Don't forget there's two internationals in Tait and Allen to add to the mix,eventually.Great team we've got,just need the good fortune to keep them fit.

[PM76]

I didn't think Manu would be back until Clermont at the earliest so Billy and Smith should start next week, I still think Manu will come straight into the side when fit but Smith has been playing very, very well but he cannot match what Manu can bring in attack. I think Billy will really benefit from a run in the side until Ant is back and it could well be the making of him, we have seen promise before but he has not had the chance to put in a series of performances alongside Flood and Tuilagi.

If Manu is back for next week I would have him on the bench to come on and add some impact.

[Tigerbeat]

Unlikely that Manu will be available untill the second game against Clermont!!!

[Darc Tiger]

News to me. Insider knowledge? Cockers sounded to me that he was definitely going to be back for the Clermont double header. Was I being too optimistic?

[Tigerbeat]

He may be back for the Clermont double header.....but only available for the second match

[PM76]

Unlikely that Manu will be available untill the second game against Clermont!!!

Really bad news but I feel more confident in Smith's ability than I did a couple of weeks ago.

[WiggoTiger]

Smith has been the outsatnding back the last few weeks, solid defensively and trying to create something in attack. Scored great try last week and created plenty today. He was also the first to get to AT and congratulate him on his superb score today.

[tonyw]

Smith has been the outsatnding back the last few weeks, solid defensively and trying to create something in attack. Scored great try last week and created plenty today. He was also the first to get to AT and congratulate him on his superb score today.

Smith HAS played very well in the past few weeks but went missing in action when we most needed him in the first few weeks of the season along with Hamilton.
Is it the better class of player thats making him look good now or didnt he have the bottle early on?

[WiggoTiger]

Smith has been the outsatnding back the last few weeks, solid defensively and trying to create something in attack. Scored great try last week and created plenty today. He was also the first to get to AT and congratulate him on his superb score today.

Smith HAS played very well in the past few weeks but went missing in action when we most needed him in the first few weeks of the season along with Hamilton.
Is it the better class of player thats making him look good now or didnt he have the bottle early on?

Lets face it anyone playing alongside Grindal and Ford/Staunton had problems earlier on in the season. The frowards were also poor....once TTT went WC wandering the control disappeared. Now TTT back the control is starting to show in the forwards and we are going forward giving time and space for the backs.

[kingol22]

He may be back for the Clermont double header.....but only available for the second match

That is bad news if correct. Smith may be playing well but Manu just adds so much more to the team. He is such a threat in attack and defense and can create something from nothing, try v sarries last year is a good example. Smith can be a very very good club player but Manu is just better.

[Cardiff Tig]

smith is a very good 13, always has been. he has scored many a try in that position. i think he struggles when he is forced to play 13 and then on the wing and vice versa but otherwise he is a very good player.

he has scored a number of excellent tries for tigers including in the final of the league!

[Longshanks]

Billy had a decent game yesterday but I would have liked to have seen more of him with ball in hand. To my mind he spends too much time playing the role of back row forward - first to the breakdown, securing the ball for the next phase of possession. He should be ready at first or second receiver where his distribution skills can come to the fore.

[mike]

Agree Longshanks - It is a waste of Billy's skills for him to see so little of the ball .He looked good every time he had ball in hand and has that priceless ability to pass hard and straight - we need him to be used as an attacking centre , not a back row forward .