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Rugby Union
Premiership Rugby / Premiership Cup
Premiership Rugby 20/21 - Rd 19
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<blockquote data-quote="BPM" data-source="post: 1039402" data-attributes="member: 59968"><p>They don't swap roles. As those articles outline, Simmonds has a role that is unique to Exeter's system which means he doesn't have the same responsibilities as most other back row players. His role has some similarities to a 7 acting as a 'link' man, but very little in common with a 6.</p><p></p><p>You'd also have to think about what stats you want to prioritise for a back row player. For example, Simmonds' # of carries, metres made stats will be very high, whereas his turnover stats will be low and he doesn't generally take any lineout ball. From what I've seen in the past, his tackle stats are high for an 8 and average for a flanker which kind of fits with his role being a roaming forward/8th back.</p><p></p><p>I'd mostly like to see what he does at the breakdown as IMO, that's where 'back row' players really earn their corn. The trouble is, there aren't really accurate stats that capture that AFAIK. My perception is that he'll clear attacking rucks if he's nearby but he's often stationed elsewhere waiting to be used on a carry (that's the gameplan not a criticism of him) but that he's not that busy/present in defensive rucks. Exeter are happy to have other players picking up the slack there, but I doubt England or the Lions will be.</p><p></p><p>I know this sounds as though I'm just criticising Simmonds. That isn't my intention. My opinion is that his role for Exeter is a blessing and a curse. It highlights his strengths and allows him to shine, but the role is unique which means he can't really be compared to the players he's competing with for test recognition.</p><p></p><p>I would pick him for England, but I'd have him as an impact sub.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="BPM, post: 1039402, member: 59968"] They don’t swap roles. As those articles outline, Simmonds has a role that is unique to Exeter’s system which means he doesn’t have the same responsibilities as most other back row players. His role has some similarities to a 7 acting as a ‘link’ man, but very little in common with a 6. You’d also have to think about what stats you want to prioritise for a back row player. For example, Simmonds’ # of carries, metres made stats will be very high, whereas his turnover stats will be low and he doesn’t generally take any lineout ball. From what I’ve seen in the past, his tackle stats are high for an 8 and average for a flanker which kind of fits with his role being a roaming forward/8th back. I’d mostly like to see what he does at the breakdown as IMO, that’s where ‘back row’ players really earn their corn. The trouble is, there aren’t really accurate stats that capture that AFAIK. My perception is that he’ll clear attacking rucks if he’s nearby but he’s often stationed elsewhere waiting to be used on a carry (that’s the gameplan not a criticism of him) but that he’s not that busy/present in defensive rucks. Exeter are happy to have other players picking up the slack there, but I doubt England or the Lions will be. I know this sounds as though I’m just criticising Simmonds. That isn’t my intention. My opinion is that his role for Exeter is a blessing and a curse. It highlights his strengths and allows him to shine, but the role is unique which means he can’t really be compared to the players he’s competing with for test recognition. I would pick him for England, but I’d have him as an impact sub. [/QUOTE]
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