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2024 Guinness Six Nations
[2020 Six Nations] England Squad
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<blockquote data-quote="Ragey Erasmus" data-source="post: 985188" data-attributes="member: 56232"><p>Mercer has a lot of fight about him and often stood out in otherwise poor Bath performances. At U20 level his intensity was way above anyone else. He isn't exactly small but has a lot of fight about him. You can't train that.</p><p></p><p>Also simply looking at height and weight stats is a bit lazy (not here but for a coach). Take Hamish Watson or Jack Nowell, both are relatively small yet are very good carriers. We shouldn't just look at a players weight but instead their natural ability to break through tackles and drive with their legs. Granted a bigger, heavier player should be better at this but it isn't always the case. Cole for example is notoriously **** at making ground, even in less heavy traffic, compare him to Sinckler for carrying ability and it's laughable.</p><p></p><p>I think with Billy V we've become obsessed with huge 8's and seem to think nothing else is even feasible. Lighter back rows are not inherently poor, especially if they are more mobile and good at getting to breakdowns. As long as they aren't awful carrying or getting driven back in the tackle then it's fine. Underhill and Curry are both deemed light yet they are some of the most fierce tacklers in the squad. I doubt there are many players internationally who would choose to run at Underhill over Vunipola for example.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Ragey Erasmus, post: 985188, member: 56232"] Mercer has a lot of fight about him and often stood out in otherwise poor Bath performances. At U20 level his intensity was way above anyone else. He isn't exactly small but has a lot of fight about him. You can't train that. Also simply looking at height and weight stats is a bit lazy (not here but for a coach). Take Hamish Watson or Jack Nowell, both are relatively small yet are very good carriers. We shouldn't just look at a players weight but instead their natural ability to break through tackles and drive with their legs. Granted a bigger, heavier player should be better at this but it isn't always the case. Cole for example is notoriously **** at making ground, even in less heavy traffic, compare him to Sinckler for carrying ability and it's laughable. I think with Billy V we've become obsessed with huge 8's and seem to think nothing else is even feasible. Lighter back rows are not inherently poor, especially if they are more mobile and good at getting to breakdowns. As long as they aren't awful carrying or getting driven back in the tackle then it's fine. Underhill and Curry are both deemed light yet they are some of the most fierce tacklers in the squad. I doubt there are many players internationally who would choose to run at Underhill over Vunipola for example. [/QUOTE]
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2024 Guinness Six Nations
[2020 Six Nations] England Squad
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