Dwain Chambers to have a go at rugby league

[mattie]

Aye. There is some quality coming through in the England back line. In Strettle and Danny the Tranny you have two nailed on line breakers. In the latter you have somebody who (theoretically, let's not forget) can control a match at the highest level. Still don't think you have many top quality options at 9, mind, (though Ellis can do a job) and you're fairly weak at 12, 13 and 15.

As you say, it's getting the bloody thing to them that's the challenge, as much as them knowing what to do with it once they've got it. What Jonno does now is going to be very interesting. Will he actually try to shift England's focus to a faster offloading game in anticipation of ELV changes, and to maximise new strengths he finds behind the scrum?

Robinson going was pretty traumatic, but I wonder if Tait couldn't do a job anywhere in that little group - I'm a huge fan of his, real pace and nimbleness, but as ever we just don't seem to get anyone settled.

Anyway, yep, be interesting to see where Jonno takes it all. Downhill at first, would be my guess, let's hope he actually gets a chance to define a proper plan of action in the long-term.

 

[bendeus]

Leslie "5 trys on his debut in another code" Vainikolo.

Would that have been at international or club level?

Remind me of the number of tries he's scored since his international debut.

Oh, and chuck in the number of knock ons, dropped passes and failures to beat his man that he's managed while you're at it.

 

[bendeus]

Robinson going was pretty traumatic, but I wonder if Tait couldn't do a job anywhere in that little group - I'm a huge fan of his, real pace and nimbleness, but as ever we just don't seem to get anyone settled.

I'm less convinced by his credentials at the very highest level, TBH. He's a very decent club/HEC level player, but full international?

Anyway, yep, be interesting to see where Jonno takes it all. Downhill at first, would be my guess, let's hope he actually gets a chance to define a proper plan of action in the long-term.

Aye. It's going to be a very interesting few years prior to the 2011 WC. I wouldn't bet against England taking a very competitive XXII to that competition if they get a bit of stability at the top.

Hell, I wouldn't even bet against us Taffies taking a good side if the WRU keep their heads.

 

[mattie]

I'm less convinced by his credentials at the very highest level, TBH. He's a very decent club/HEC level player, but full international?



Aye. It's going to be a very interesting few years prior to the 2011 WC. I wouldn't bet against England taking a very competitive XXII to that competition if they get a bit of stability at the top.

Hell, I wouldn't even bet against us Taffies taking a good side if the WRU keep their heads.

The problem is, we know so little about English backs as they never get introduced into a flowing backline and rarely get much of an opportunity over extended periods. Miss a few tackles and get dropped, seemed to be Antony Allen's experience. And whilst we're on about league converts, what about Paul's experiences? Being hauled off after 20 minutes, never to play again, seemed a bit harsh.

 

[Paulie Tandoori]

so. league is better than yawnion. more passing & less rolling-all-over-the-ball in whatever guise you want to call it ie ruck, maul, tackles, scrum, etc etc.

marvellous, rugby league world cup 2012, with true world participation (including wigan), i can't wait.

 

[bendeus]

so. league is better than yawnion. more passing & less rolling-all-over-the-ball in whatever guise you want to call it ie ruck, maul, tackles, scrum, etc etc.

marvellous, rugby league world cup 2012, with true world participation (including wigan), i can't wait.

Never a truer word, Paulie. Never a truer word..........