RugbyRebels

Tigersman wrote:

Scrumhead wrote:

Tigersman wrote:
Pretty sure he isn't EQP yet.



Trouble NZ have a really really really dangerous team.

Only really Mercer, TBC and Malins are now obvious standout players.

Personally think Eddie has done the wrong thing taking Isiekwe, Curries and Maunder. It isn't like the JRWC is a bad marker for players (How many of our current squad where U20's finalists?).

Protheroe is available for selection and has played for the U20s already I believe.

Evans is unlucky, but an illness is better than an injury (all things considered) and presumably he'll be back for pre-season. However, given O'Connor's famed lack of faith in young players, I'm concerned that he won't have much opportunity.

Eddie's interest in the U20s is in its value as a pathway. While experience in a tournament is good, I'm not sure if he's too bothered whether they're successful as long as the senior side is doing well.

If the Currys can build upon last season's performances, I think they have a genuine chance of making the World Cup squad so I don't think it is a mistake to take them. If Eddie believes they can make it, then the sooner they're involved the better. I'd much rather they had 10-20 caps come 2019 even if they are a little out of their depth to start with.

The back row is fairly strong anyway. Earl was captain and first pick at 7 in the 6N before getting injured and Mercer is a class-apart at this level.

Whether or not Maunder should have been selected may be a moot point as it looks as though he may be ruled out through injury. In any case, Randall's performances in the 6N were more than good enough to suggest that Maunder's absence will not be a problem.

Isiekwe is a different case. Realistically he's never going to leapfrog Itoje, Kruis, Launchbury or Lawes. I guess he could potentially get ahead of Ewels, but I don't see it happening. Ewels is a regular starter for Bath and I can't see where Isiekwe's game time is going to come from next season with Saracens having signed Skelton and Day. I would rather he had gone with the U20s.

That said, Caulfield and Clegg are highly rated and Nay looked decent alongside Isiekwe in the 6N.

I think we'll be hard pressed to defend the title, but I don't think we'll do badly.

Don't confuse Protheroe playing in the 6N's with him being EQP as the eligibility rules don't count in the 6N's U20 but do in the JRWC (Which he didn't feature in). Think this is his final year before he is qualified.

RE MOC famed lack of trust in youngster is a bit overstated IMO not liked we improved with Cockers after in terms of giving youngsters game time.
I mean he gave a 18/19 year old George Ford 10 games during the AP and Heinken cup.

Puja wrote:Anyone able to give me a summary? Trapped in work, so streaming is useless to me. I *liked* being able to Sky+ JWC games to watch later. Bloody IRB.

Puja