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Rugby Union
International Test Matches
[2014 Mid-Year Tests] England
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<blockquote data-quote="Crapspray" data-source="post: 663068" data-attributes="member: 58918"><p>Is it a case of Lancaster's tail wagging the dog?</p><p></p><p>He's stated several times that he's looking for players who are good in all areas and have a "point of difference" in a couple. At the moment it seems his policy is to take solid players into camp/Saxons/midweek and see if they can show something special. The more effective method would be to take players who show tremendous talent and potential, with rough edges, and round out the player.</p><p></p><p>Take Daly: we've listed his weaknesses, but he possesses attacking talent far beyond any fullback tried under Lancaster at a senior level, has long-range place kicking to boot (something the side currently lacks), is an alternative to Tuilagi at 13, and a great option for a utility back at 23. Bring him in and round him out. Don't pick a bland player like Wray and hope he somehow turns out to have world-class skill hidden under the journeyman's appearance. What point of difference does he have?</p><p></p><p>Ashton is another example: a player who has a point of difference (i.e. goal-hanging), but who has huge defensive issues. Why, after three years, has he not been taught to tackle (or been dropped)? If Lancaster is unwilling (or incapable) of rounding current players, is this why he doesn't want to select on talent alone?</p><p></p><p>So long as Lancaster makes bizarre selections – preferring certain mediocrity over possible brilliance – he's going to receive accusations of nepotism. People are always going to look for a reason.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Crapspray, post: 663068, member: 58918"] Is it a case of Lancaster's tail wagging the dog? He's stated several times that he's looking for players who are good in all areas and have a "point of difference" in a couple. At the moment it seems his policy is to take solid players into camp/Saxons/midweek and see if they can show something special. The more effective method would be to take players who show tremendous talent and potential, with rough edges, and round out the player. Take Daly: we've listed his weaknesses, but he possesses attacking talent far beyond any fullback tried under Lancaster at a senior level, has long-range place kicking to boot (something the side currently lacks), is an alternative to Tuilagi at 13, and a great option for a utility back at 23. Bring him in and round him out. Don't pick a bland player like Wray and hope he somehow turns out to have world-class skill hidden under the journeyman's appearance. What point of difference does he have? Ashton is another example: a player who has a point of difference (i.e. goal-hanging), but who has huge defensive issues. Why, after three years, has he not been taught to tackle (or been dropped)? If Lancaster is unwilling (or incapable) of rounding current players, is this why he doesn't want to select on talent alone? So long as Lancaster makes bizarre selections – preferring certain mediocrity over possible brilliance – he’s going to receive accusations of nepotism. People are always going to look for a reason. [/QUOTE]
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[2014 Mid-Year Tests] England
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