Richie Gray

clsmooth

Been very impressed with him over the course of the 6 Nations. Dynamic runner and able to offload, suits the modern game perfectly. Great hands for such a big lad. The return of POC from injury and form has been one of the few positives in this campaign for us. However he's not a particular effective and dynamic ball carrier but obviously a great leader and someone the team look up to (metaphorically and literally!). Would you prefer to have Gray or POC in your team?

Blut2

Gray in the long run definately. Hes only 21 and hes already looking a good player. Not to mention that hes already 19.5 stone and 6ft 10, after 5 years of experience playing at this level (and possibly a bit more bulk added to him...he is young after all) hes going to be quite the player I'd say.

Think he's been Scotland's best player in the last two games by a long shot.

Had a sensational game against us, and could well have been MotM. Was everywhere again today, every ruck, every maul, stole lineouts, stole restarts, turned over possession.

Couldn't believe he was still standing after 80 minutes.

GerM

RG for me. He's the modern lock. We still produce and persist with forwards who cannot handle the ball, who cannot pass and who cannot move with any speed. Mal O'Kelly was the only lock who could mix it at the top level in terms of handling and Tuohy is the only one who can now in terms of mobility. RG carries, was the top offloader and tackler today aside from his excellent mobility and strength.

POC was a class act. It remains to be seen if he ever gets back to that level but I think that the time has passed for the type of player he is. As good as he is in the line out and extraordinary work rate, he has always had poor handling and is an average ball carrier. RG can become a truly fantastic, all round forward.

thomond2006

Gray will definitely be locking the scrum for the Lions in Australia IMO.

PhatPiggins

Two very different players. Gray plays like a flanker but how effective is he in the set piece?

danthefan

PhatPiggins wrote: »

Two very different players. Gray plays like a flanker but how effective is he in the set piece?

His lineout seems very good.

His Lineout is top notch!

His restarts and 22 drop outs are absolutely brilliant too. He's becoming the complete 2nd row.

Ian_K

He's what Devin Toner could be if he actually gave a ****

Ian_K

Ian_K wrote: »

He's what Devin Toner could be if he actually gave a ****

Not a chance. Completely different players! He's so far ahead of Toner its not even funny.

Toner doesn't have the athleticism, the power or the stamina of Gray, nor the hands or ability whatsoever!

GerM

danthefan wrote: »

His lineout seems very good.

Indeed. Didn't steal any today but got his hands to one or two and put the best line out in the competition under a lot of pressure. Made sh*te of our line out and pinched one against France too. Think he's stole more ball than anyone else in the tournament. Been possibly the player of the tournament for me.

Corsendonk

A bit early to be saying he will be in the Lions but certainly the find of the season, Gray seems to have become the New Alun Wynn Jones who was the new POC.

clsmooth

Deleted User wrote: »

Not a chance. Completely different players! He's so far ahead of Toner its not even funny.

Toner doesn't have the athleticism, the power or the stamina of Gray, nor the hands or ability whatsoever!

Agree with you 100% unfortunately. Some people say Devin Toners too tall to be effective at hitting rucks/mauls and ball carrying but watching this lad, its obvious that this isnt an excuse. Grays athleticism is awesome

razorblunt

I'm pretty convinced Gray only get noticed as much due to his floppy mullet

Even though he's 6'8 he's built like a brick outhouse, whereas Toner just looks lanky. That said though I've never not been impressed with Toner's defence, he just doesn't have the athletism that Gray does.
Wonder when he'll bite the bullet and move away from Edinburgh?

GerM

razorblunt wrote: »

Wonder when he'll bite the bullet and move away from Edinburgh?

Don't know but Glasgow will be looking for answers if he does.

Hype710

razorblunt wrote: »

Wonder when he'll bite the bullet and move away from Edinburgh?

Hopefully Hines will have a word in his ear and convince him of the value of a move to Leinster!

Deleted User

Deleted User wrote: »

Not a chance. Completely different players! He's so far ahead of Toner its not even funny.

Toner doesn't have the athleticism, the power or the stamina of Gray, nor the hands or ability whatsoever!

Yea, unfortunately Toner's as graceful as a newborn giraffe. It's tough to seem him stepping up to the next level. It'd be great to see someone like Gray coming through in Ireland. I suppose the equivalent here is Tuohy.

sock puppet

Hype710 wrote: »

Hopefully Hines will have a word in his ear and convince him of the value of a move to Leinster!

Actually Hines' experience at Perpignan might make a player hoping to play for the Lions think twice about moving to a big club in France.

PhatPiggins

sock puppet wrote: »

Actually Hines' experience at Perpignan might make a player hoping to play for the Lions think twice about moving to a big club in France.

Did he not just simply walk out on Perpignan when they wouldn't let him train with the Lions instead of playing the T14 Final?

sock puppet

PhatPiggins wrote: »

Did he not just simply walk out on Perpignan when they wouldn't let him train with the Lions instead of playing the T14 Final?

He did. What I meant was that a clash of schedules could easily happen again.

athtrasna

I was really impressed with him in Edinburgh and was surprised he didn't get MOTM. He just seemed to be everywhere, so mobile...for such a big guy. Kinda reminds me of Jeremy Davidson for some reason.

Didn't get to watch today's game yet, was travelling.

razorblunt

GerM wrote: »

Don't know but Glasgow will be looking for answers if he does.

Ha ha too right, try explaining that one to them!! Had him confused with Macleod!