Former Former wrote: » And I don't understand how people are so convinced his best position is 13 when he hasn't played there in years and never at a particularly high level, whereas he's shown himself to be a world-class 12 for Leinster, Ireland and Lions. I also don't understand how people can think Joe Schmidt is the man to suddenly make unforced changes to something that he thinks is working well. What about the last four seasons would give anyone that idea? I don't mind where he plays either tbh, I just think he will play at 12.
awec wrote: » I'm not hugely bothered if we play him at 12 really, I just don't understand why so many people are so against him at 13.
ClanofLams wrote: » In six league games this season, Aki has played 12 three times and 13 three times. It's certainly not accurate to say he rarely plays 12.
RichieRich89 wrote: » Henshaw defends the 12 channel better than he defends the outside centre channel, but attacking from 13 allows him to utilise more of his talents. So what's the solution? Have Aki and Henshaw switch positions between attacking and defending?
molloyjh wrote: » Are you actually serious? You’re asking me how taking 1 player and slotting him into a position of need while not moving anyone else in any way is different from slotting a player into a position he doesn’t play for his province and moving a player who plays in that position for province and country to a position he rarely plays (and doesn’t play for his country) are different. I mean it’s all there in black and white. I’m not sure how you can’t see the difference.
Neil3030 wrote: » Stick Ringrose on the wing, then we can have Bundee, Henshaw and Ringrose all in the same team.
awec wrote: » How?
Former Former wrote: » Excuses for what? When Henshaw got his break on the international scene, it was a case of playing 12 or not playing at all. Kearney was nailed on at 15 and Payne was nailed on at 13. But D'arcy was injured and shoving on. So Henshaw played 12 and has been unassailable first choice there for three years. Three years. He is now the nailed on player. Is Joe going to suddenly change his mind about something that has worked so well for him?
awec wrote: » How? I think people are just making up excuses now to be honest.
molloyjh wrote: » Which would be a good point if you were talking about slotting 1 player into a position where we needed him. Which is what happened when Henshaw started playing 12. However what we are now talking about is switching 2 players around when there is absolutely no need to. That’s a completely different thing.
awec wrote: » We've definitely never picked players for Ireland in positions other than the one they play provincially before. I mean, Robbie Henshaw definitely wasn't playing 13 and 15 when he was picked at 12 for Ireland.
Buer wrote: » He's also not going to be in the position to get torched defending that outside channel.
prawnsambo wrote: He's not going to be any quicker playing at 12.
Buer wrote: » He was absolutely torched on the outside early on and clutching at six when Glasgow made a 70m break resulting in their opening score.
Former Former wrote: » So Henshaw plays his club rugby at 12. Aki plays his club rugby at 13. Why would we swap them for the national side?
prawnsambo wrote: » He wasn't really roasted. He missed a lot of tackles, but that's a side effect of an agressive blitz defence. He may not have got his man on those occssions, but he cut off the options and the cavalry mopped up.
Buer wrote: » He was roasted against Glasgow on more than one occasion. He's an excellent 13 generally but he's just as good at 12. The role he fills at 12 just isn't as eye catching as the one at 13 is.
