Freddie Steward @ 12

[Rugbygramps]

I have now seen a number of pundits, including SCW suggesting that Steward moves to 12.
What do other posters think.
IMO it’s a case of Jordie Barrett has done it, so why can’t Freddie, but he isn’t as good an all round footballer as Barrett

[kpj tiger]

I've wondered if it was a possibility, England normally have the luxury of wingers who can play 15 and 13's who can play wing so on attacking plays you could move Steward to 12 and everybody else shuffle out one. That said as a permanent change I can't see if happening as it would mean Steward playing ahead of DK for Tigers which just isn't going to happen, It would also remove the best aspect of his game and I feel this is just another case of looking at what players can't do rather than what they can.

[Rugbygramps]

I've wondered if it was a possibility, England normally have the luxury of wingers who can play 15 and 13's who can play wing so on attacking plays you could move Steward to 12 and everybody else shuffle out one. That said as a permanent change I can't see if happening as it would mean Steward playing ahead of DK for Tigers which just isn't going to happen, It would also remove the best aspect of his game and I feel this is just another case of looking at what players can't do rather than what they can.

I agree. I am wondering if the strongest part of his game is now also causing an issue certainly at test level. He will win the ball and make ground on 95% of kicks that are kicked near him therefore are opposing sides now kicking the ball away from him as there is a better chance of them regaining possession

[fortysix]

Not sure Steward is actually a full back. He can catch , thats for sure but the rest of his game is far inferior to the running 15's in the top teams. Maybe No 12 would be a great fit, along with Earl who just isnt heavy enough for No 8. Stick Tuilagi at 8 cos he is a passenger defensively in midfield, and everyone tackles him now..

[Scott1]

Yes,seems the best teams have worked out how to play against Freddie now and nullify his assets. I think he's a underrated carrier though so maybe we should give him more free reign and let one of the wingers cover.

[mol2]

I guess they are looking at a lack of pace that might be less relevant at centre? Then you need to find a full back so until Arundell is ready that just weakens the side. The problem for England is that they kick away from Steward and if that's Daly he doesn't take it in the air. Watson is fine under the high ball but a bit nervy at times at full back (and now injured).

However that would be a waste of his talents under the high ball. Some speed training with a specialist sprint coach like Jonny May did might be beneficial. (I think it was Jonny who worked with Margot Wells but I may be getting mixed up)

[wigworth]

Wasn't one of people's main gripes about Eddie was his insistence on playing players out of position? Or have times got so desperate it is seen as good idea again.

[Rugbygramps]

Not sure Steward is actually a full back. He can catch , thats for sure but the rest of his game is far inferior to the running 15's in the top teams. Maybe No 12 would be a great fit, along with Earl who just isnt heavy enough for No 8. Stick Tuilagi at 8 cos he is a passenger defensively in midfield, and everyone tackles him now..

I agree to a certain extent. I think he is a better runner than given credit for and has a decent kicking game.
Yes he doesn’t have the footwork of others but is powerful and stays on his feet. I often think a trick is missed by both Tigers and England close to the line. A good old fashioned 8, 9 break and giving Freddie one on one a couple of yards out, not many will stop him

[Scott1]

Think folk are being very harsh tbh! FB is still a very specialised position, see Henshaw or Huw Jones for reference. World class players with some shocking performances at 15! Having Daly next to you doesn't help either,Freddie is still young and learning. Mike Brown or Rob Kearney wernt blessed with express pace and both seemed to do okay

[ay2oh]

Think folk are being very harsh tbh! FB is still a very specialised position, see Henshaw or Huw Jones for reference. World class players with some shocking performances at 15! Having Daly next to you doesn't help either,Freddie is still young and learning. Mike Brown or Rob Kearney wernt blessed with express pace and both seemed to do okay

Agree with this. His strengths far outweigh his weaknesses. Just get him some specialist speed training at Loughborough university as Scott suggests.

[Rugbygramps]

Think folk are being very harsh tbh! FB is still a very specialised position, see Henshaw or Huw Jones for reference. World class players with some shocking performances at 15! Having Daly next to you doesn't help either,Freddie is still young and learning. Mike Brown or Rob Kearney wernt blessed with express pace and both seemed to do okay

Agree with this. His strengths far outweigh his weaknesses. Just get him some specialist speed training at Loughborough university as Scott suggests.

I wouldn’t even see his issue as being speed once he gets going more acceleration

[Scott1]

Im not sure,think the lock at 6 is tired old hat now. Much prefer Ludlam at 6. I'd even contemplate dropping Itoje at present and playing Lawes and Chessum in the second row.

[kpj tiger]

Whilst Steward is definitely not the fastest back 3 player in the world I do think he's quicker than most give him credit for, what I do wonder is if its his acceleration that makes him look slower?

[Rugbygramps]

Would even suggest a fit Tom Curry at 6

[sam16111986]

Im not sure,think the lock at 6 is tired old hat now. Much prefer Ludlam at 6. I'd even contemplate dropping Itoje at present and playing Lawes and Chessum in the second row.

I think Lawes playing lock is done, he's slimmed down a fair bit in the last couple of seasons and bar an emergency, like Ewels red Vs Ireland, he's not going to slot back in there. Not sure his body can take the strain, he's said himself he wasn't sure his body would hold out as long as it has.

The problem for Steward is that he's so solid and reliable and that isn't sexy. People quickly forget that you need players that can do the boring job so that others can shine. How long did we endure Daly at 15, who was great in attack, and worry everytime a kick went up or there was a one on one tackle to be made? Back then we were just wanting a fullback that was rock solid at the basics. Now we have one it seems everyone now wants a world class all court fullback who will make the 1% tackles and run it from deep like Cedric Heymans in his peak but also be rock solid under the high ball and carry strong in traffic.

England have two young 12s coming through very well in the Prem in Dan Kelly and Seb Atkinson. Get the world cup done with and then develop them.