clsmooth wrote: » Completely agree, think we’ve really missed the physicality we had from 2011-2017 with SOB and 2018 with Leavy. Tough players. That said one player isn’t going to magically change everything but Stander needs some support in the back row.
Clegg wrote: » Unfortunately SOB wouldn't have made a blind bit of difference to that game. He doesn't have the incredible athleticism that made him one of the world's best players. Best example I can give is last years Champions Cup final against Saracens. Couldn't make a dent in their defence, nor was he able to stem the flow of their attack either.
shootermacg wrote: » Watching back the Ireland/England 6N game. My god! Ryan and Stander were incredible! I knew CJ had a vicious streak, but Ryan takes zero prisoners! I think we made some terrible mistakes in that game, but our main mistake was a lack of a pick and drive to narrow the defense.
shootermacg wrote: » TBF is Maro was on your team he'd be your favorite player!
Paul Smeenus wrote: » Itoje is the player that actually makes me wish we still had Neil Best to call on. I doubt Maro would try to pin him down after a ruck more than once.
clsmooth wrote: » Completely agree. He had a few no arms clear outs which he was lucky to escape a citing for. That said, I liked seeing that nasty edge in him. We’ve been comparatively powderpuff up front since 2018 for some reason when previous to that we were one of the best packs in the world for a few years. Missing abrasive backrows like SOB and Leavy obviously wouldn’t have helped. Hopefully with a better balanced back row we can right that.
clsmooth wrote: » Nothing in that. Itoje will do that all day long. He gets away with murder somehow. Let him know you’re not taking it and he’ll think twice next time. I remember in the Champions Cup Final he had Ryan’s jersey half off over his head at one stage and Ryan was just looking for help from the referee which wasn’t coming. I’m sure someone had a word and said if someone does that to you again, you sort it out yourself (within reason). At the end of the day they’re committing the foul play and you’re just trying to get away so you’ll get a little bit of leniency shown. No one including the ref likes sh1t housery.
shootermacg wrote: » https://youtu.be/cFOvl98oq2I?t=1655
Paul Smeenus wrote: » I thought at least one of his clear outs was a red card. But he got away with it. If it happens again, he might not be so lucky.
Buer wrote: » I'd consider that handbags and a bit of off the ball messing without a huge amount of impact. He had a couple of clear outs where he launched himself in like a missile with little attempt to bind and made contact very high on the opponent.
shootermacg wrote: » The peoples' elbow he delivered to Itoje was definitely a citing issue. Wonder how it was never picked up? The physicality of that game was off the charts.
OneLungDavy wrote: » I remember himself and Toner clattering Curry. What minute did he hit Itoje?
Buer wrote: » To be honest, Ryan was very fortunate not to be sanctioned on the day for his play. Unfortunately, he was p*ssing into the wind and largely alone in his efforts at trying to clear out the opposition which probably led to him going over the top.
PTH2009 wrote: » Perfect time to bring a lot of new guys into the squad for the farcical autumn games Excited about James Lowes impact but international is a big step up from a pro 12 game vs The dragons etc
stephen_n wrote: » Yep, wish Leinster would move back.
Dravokivich wrote: » Well, at least it isn't Adidas.