Reply to: Farrell out

[Bear]

Oh Dear

[oracleslave]

So - it's a straight swap

Mike Catt in for Farrell.

Oh Dear

[Bear]

So - it's a straight swap

Mike Catt in for Farrell.

[oracleslave]

I rate Flood - but he's too inexperienced to start against the Aussies.

Barkley can't control a game enough for me - so that rules him out of 10 or 12.

Really need a good defensive line as well as attacking options so we could bring in Hipkiss although for me I would prefer to see Lewsey move from Full Back into 12, Robinson drop to Full Back and maybe bring Cueto onto the wing.

Controversial?

I just have visions of Mortlock running riot with any of Tait, Flood or Barkley in the center.

[Bear]

I rate Flood - but he's too inexperienced to start against the Aussies.

Barkley can't control a game enough for me - so that rules him out of 10 or 12.

Really need a good defensive line as well as attacking options so we could bring in Hipkiss although for me I would prefer to see Lewsey move from Full Back into 12, Robinson drop to Full Back and maybe bring Cueto onto the wing.

Controversial?

[rootsnall]

What about taking a chance with Barkley at flyhalf and Jonny first receiver.

Sadly that's probably the best solution in the absence of two King Jonnys. Barkley aint a centre, Catt way way too old, Flood can run a bit but he has showed he's even better at throwing interceptions and missing tackles.

[wendigo100]

Problem is, we don't stay on top very long. Look at the cricket. Brilliant performance over one summer, then face up to the Aussies 18 months later and back to rabbit in headlights mode. The talent's there, why can't we (England) be consistent?

When we win something we celebrate for a year, during which all the good work from the years of build-up disappears in a puff of dust.

[oracleslave]

What about taking a chance with Barkley at flyhalf and Jonny first receiver.

[WindyAnna]

but who in his place

Olly Barkley (with dead leg)
Mike Catt
Toby Flood

Didn't Toby Flood used to be in Busted?

I would say Olly Barkley but only if fully fit. Catt's brain is still sharp but his body is slooooow - I actually think his game has got better with age (always used to pass when he should've kicked and kicked when he should've passed) but he's too old to make the most of it. Not sure about Flood, not seen enough of him to really comment but gut instinct is him since he is young and fully fit.

[Bear]

but who in his place

Olly Barkley (with dead leg)
Mike Catt
Toby Flood

[rootsnall]

At least he won't be the scape goat now...
I like Farrell mainly for his exploits at Wigan, but he has been getting too much stick for a poor England team, and to make matters worse the coach has decided to go with the old guard who failed miserably against SA.

Spot on. The English way is when in doubt pick the old guard and then get stuffed. In Ashton's defence the young ones aren't good enough but I would of still thrown them in. I was totally anti Farrell when they signed him but have decided in a good team he would of been a good luxury extra to bring on in the second half. He would of been a very good player if he'd come into RU 6 years ago. Agreed he's better off out of it.

[Churchill]

I fear the worse. However, I shall be propping up the bar offering my support and encouragement.

[rootsnall]

Problem is, we don't stay on top very long. Look at the cricket. Brilliant performance over one summer, then face up to the Aussies 18 months later and back to rabbit in headlights mode. The talent's there, why can't we (England) be consistent?

The talent is thin on the ground, in the Ashes we had 7 or 8 good players who all stayed fit and played well, a few injuries and we can't compete with Australia at cricket. In RU we had a good bunch of players 5 or 6 years ago who have now virtually all gone and there is nothing to replace them. Shuffle the players all you like and we won't win the RWC. In my neck of the woods they stopped playing rugby union at school 20 years ago, local club rugby has fell apart due to no players. The money has gone to the top, the grass roots is in a mess or gone !

[FiveTimes]

At least he won't be the scape goat now...
I like Farrell mainly for his exploits at Wigan, but he has been getting too much stick for a poor England team, and to make matters worse the coach has decided to go with the old guard who failed miserably against SA.

[Moose423956]

I'll take our nicking the World Cup from them at home vs their knocking us out in the Quarter Final in France any day as leaving us on top.

Problem is, we don't stay on top very long. Look at the cricket. Brilliant performance over one summer, then face up to the Aussies 18 months later and back to rabbit in headlights mode. The talent's there, why can't we (England) be consistent?