Did you watch last week v Saints and Stewards performance. Steward is 22 at the peak of his physical fitness and had time off during and after the World Cup
Yes I did watch that game.
According to All.Rugby Steward has already played 24 games since the start of January 2023 and started 23. Has played 12 since the start of August. He played 25 last season, 32 (21/22) and 25 (20/21).
With respect all you have done there is show me a number of games. It is up to the coaching and s&c staff and the player himself as to whether he needs time off. I fully expect him not to play in at least one of our European games in France, and the coaching staff for Yigers and England to look after him properly
True. But my original point was that Brown has been playing well, as we all know brings a great set of skills and retaining him gives us a very good option.
Personally, 32 games seems rather high in a season. I'd prefer to see a bit more rotation at 15 to avoid any negative consequences.
Let me be clear: I am NOT saying Steward isn't our best full-back.
There is also the issue that opponents know what to expect if you play the same 15 every week all season; mixing it up a bit more creates uncertainty.
markharbtiger wrote: ↑Sat Nov 25, 2023 9:34 am
...and TBF I was very doubtful when Brown was recruited, but I have been pleasantly surprised: he has proved to be a real asset.
I think that is very true of many fans and was also the case with Ashton.
I don’t disagree with anyone in terms of what he has brought to the squad.
My point is firstly could the money he will cost if we extend his stay past December be better spent, and that in Shilcock, Bassett, and when fit Simmons, we have 3 players with experience of playing fullback at premiership/championship level.
Unlimited budget and an A team league for him to play in and stay sharp it’s a no brainier. Unfortunately neither of those things are the case and I can’t see him wanting to go out on loan to Leicester Lions
markharbtiger wrote: ↑Sat Nov 25, 2023 9:34 am
...and TBF I was very doubtful when Brown was recruited, but I have been pleasantly surprised: he has proved to be a real asset.
My point is firstly could the money he will cost if we extend his stay past December be better spent, and that in Shilcock, Bassett, and when fit Simmons, we have 3 players with experience of playing fullback at premiership/championship level.
Everyone has opinions, and mine is probably not. But fortunately my opinion does not matter and Dan McKellar will have his own which does!
ay2oh wrote: ↑Sat Nov 25, 2023 9:42 am
When Watson arrives we will have 4 options at full back so Steward will get plenty of rest.
I prefer him on the wing I think.
I do wonder whether we could see Steward at 14 and Watson at 15 at all? Might give Watson a chance to get on ball more and us to use Steward’s height with cross field kicks? Could be an interesting option - and of course if it isn’t working they can swap!
ay2oh wrote: ↑Sat Nov 25, 2023 9:42 am
When Watson arrives we will have 4 options at full back so Steward will get plenty of rest.
I prefer him on the wing I think.
I do wonder whether we could see Steward at 14 and Watson at 15 at all? Might give Watson a chance to get on ball more and us to use Steward’s height with cross field kicks? Could be an interesting option - and of course if it isn’t working they can swap!
It does seem to be a trend in the modern game that the numbers outside 10 are more interchangeable with centre’s appearing on the wing etc
markharbtiger wrote: ↑Sat Nov 25, 2023 10:00 am
I prefer him on the wing I think.
I do wonder whether we could see Steward at 14 and Watson at 15 at all? Might give Watson a chance to get on ball more and us to use Steward’s height with cross field kicks? Could be an interesting option - and of course if it isn’t working they can swap!
It does seem to be a trend in the modern game that the numbers outside 10 are more interchangeable with centre’s appearing on the wing etc
nicmattyg wrote: ↑Sat Nov 25, 2023 2:43 pm
Kelly continuing his form then.
Him and porter seem unable to do a simple draw and pass, and feel the need to hold the ball (usually spilling forward in contact).
Very odd for such a basic skill
I think there's a bit of coaching hangover going on, in the heat of the moment it seems they dither for that split second and then go back to default truck it up
