Comments on: Things We Learned From The Tour #2 – Panic

By: Rugby Nick

Rugby Nick — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 14:03:59 +0000

Ryan’s time at 8 has been and gone imo – we need a more dynamic carrier, even if it has to be Powell… or give JT more of a shot there, would love to see him get some O’s games at 8, not least cos whilst he has talent he is ineffective at 2nd row and 6 recently.

Ryan has to move to 6 if he is to have any sort of future in the international game – and even then he needs to work on adding more dynamism to his game imo

By: Mr Cheese

Mr Cheese — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 13:57:03 +0000

Unfortunately we seem to be trapped in a cycle of diminishing returns, the coaches are afraid to drop Ryan Jones even tho he isn’t playing to the form the team expects from a captain. When I see him carry the ball all I think is “Please don’t get turned over!”. Incumbancy shouldn’t come into it, players should be selected on form alone.

By: Gareth George

Gareth George — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 13:18:37 +0000

Good post Nick. I agree with everything you’ve said.

My concern is that players (the younger one’s especially) play with a freedom and invention at club and regional level which we have rarely seen from the International XV in the last two years.

It seems that once they step up to the big scene, their wings are clipped and they lose the creativity and lack of fear factor that made them great players in the first place.

I don’t want to criticise Gatland, Edwards or Howley, as they are the best men for the job, but this tour HAS to have shown them that changes need to be made.

Ps – how many more times is Byrne going to get sin binned???