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International Test Matches
Tuilagi and England's centres
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<blockquote data-quote="Peat" data-source="post: 631293" data-attributes="member: 42330"><p>Given how long he stuck with Barritt, I don't think he has tried to stick with that balance. He's settled on the biggest ball player he could find. More over, the ball player/power runner combo leaves no obvious room for the evasive centre.</p><p></p><p>Maybe it would be fairer to say he prefers rock solid defence to all other traits in his centres though. Which tends to eliminate the smaller guys pretty quick.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Eastmond's size means you want him defending at 12. Being at 12 reduces the chance of him being stuck in a 1 on 1 with a power runner which is generally a situation to avoid with all less bulky centres (I recognise Eastmond's defensive record as being very good, he's not a specific worry). His fly-half and back-row can step in and make a double tackle at 12, they can't at 13.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Cullen in the centres, Muliania in the centres, SBW on the wing, Ben Smith in the centres... this list can stretch on and on but yes, they'll pull players out of position for the good of the team/to fit exceptional players in. I believe there is something wrong in not having Tuilagi playing, he is not complete but he is incredibly talented and I believe we shoot ourselves in the foot by not picking him, albeit if we possibly shoot ourselves in the other foot if we do.</p><p></p><p>Right now we have a useful centre partnership and no established wingers. Tuilagi has some of the qualities of a winger for definite and may have others, or be able to learn others. He does have experience there. Lancaster's seem him at close quarters, presumably he thinks its realistic.</p><p></p><p>I think it has to be tried.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Peat, post: 631293, member: 42330"] Given how long he stuck with Barritt, I don't think he has tried to stick with that balance. He's settled on the biggest ball player he could find. More over, the ball player/power runner combo leaves no obvious room for the evasive centre. Maybe it would be fairer to say he prefers rock solid defence to all other traits in his centres though. Which tends to eliminate the smaller guys pretty quick. Eastmond's size means you want him defending at 12. Being at 12 reduces the chance of him being stuck in a 1 on 1 with a power runner which is generally a situation to avoid with all less bulky centres (I recognise Eastmond's defensive record as being very good, he's not a specific worry). His fly-half and back-row can step in and make a double tackle at 12, they can't at 13. Cullen in the centres, Muliania in the centres, SBW on the wing, Ben Smith in the centres... this list can stretch on and on but yes, they'll pull players out of position for the good of the team/to fit exceptional players in. I believe there is something wrong in not having Tuilagi playing, he is not complete but he is incredibly talented and I believe we shoot ourselves in the foot by not picking him, albeit if we possibly shoot ourselves in the other foot if we do. Right now we have a useful centre partnership and no established wingers. Tuilagi has some of the qualities of a winger for definite and may have others, or be able to learn others. He does have experience there. Lancaster's seem him at close quarters, presumably he thinks its realistic. I think it has to be tried. [/QUOTE]
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Tuilagi and England's centres
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