Aviva Premiership Round 8

[psychic duck]

People were saying for ages that one of MJ's biggest fault was his complete faith in the old, past-it brigade.

I think a lot of other people have taken that to mean that it's bad to play older players full-stop. It isn't if they are the form players (I'd be tempted to even pick Easter). Lancaster probably feels he'll be hounded for picking people who are 30+.

It's a shame because even if he doesn't make the 2015 WC (but I think he will...), JSD would be a great asset for the next few Six Nations. That's the beauty of the Lions though - it doesn't matter about developing players. Take that away, and JSD has to be a frontrunner. I just hope Gatland sees past international players.

Well he selected Quinlan in 2009. And Earls too despite neither featuring for Ireland in the 6N that year.

 

[Peat]

I can see Gatland looking past international rugby - but JSD doesn't have the benefit of HEC rugby, and I can't see him selecting on domestic or Amlin form.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

H'es been impressive? Quite an achievement when Buckley is the other prop.

Buckley is 32 now by the way, any chance of a fresh tighthead possibly signing next season?

Yep. Buckley has improved (slightly) this season (though is still pretty much muck in the scrum) but Harrison is scrummaging very well - I'd say about on par with Eifion Lewis-Roberts is to be honest. His work in the loose is great as well almost like an extra 6/8.

We're, apparently, looking for a new tighthead right now but doubt we'll see one by the end of the season. A scrummaging tighthead should be top of the shopping list though. Such a shame that there was the f**k-up with Karena Wihongi and he left after one season as he was/is a good scrummager and handy in the loose.

 

[psychic duck]

Yep. Buckley has improved (slightly) this season (though is still pretty much muck in the scrum) but Harrison is scrummaging very well - I'd say about on par with Eifion Lewis-Roberts is to be honest. His work in the loose is great as well almost like an extra 6/8.

We're, apparently, looking for a new tighthead right now but doubt we'll see one by the end of the season. A scrummaging tighthead should be top of the shopping list though. Such a shame that there was the f**k-up with Karena Wihongi and he left after one season as he was/is a good scrummager and handy in the loose.

Indeed. Wihongi has done very well back in France with Castres by all accounts (although he is currently injured), and been a reliable solid tighthead for them. Probably was quite cheap as well, as he isn't as well known with 30 odd international caps like Buckley.

 

[Teh Mite]

32 is hardly old by propping standards. Sake have a few more years to get from him yet.

*teeheehee*