not shirking the tackle attempt shows a bit of bravery though to be fair
i agree that SP gets a fairly unfair amount of flak regarding his defensive abilities (or lack thereof) and it generally verges into hyperbole, but its definitely not an outrageous opinion to think he didnt want to tackle senatla in that video - maybe he thought he had better cover on his inside and pushing hard to the outside would force the attacker back into them, but it also doesnt look out of the question that didnt want the contact.
'called out'… the state of you. You disagree, move on.
Again this ROG was brave narrative is fabricated nonsense. If someone is ran over repeatedly throughout their career because they’re being targeted, they’re not brave.
Does anyone call Mike Catt brave for getting run over by Lomu in 1995? Has anyone ever heard anyone from any other country call ROG brave? He’s hardly up there with the likes of Wayne Shelford, Martin Johnson, BOD and Richie McCaw for putting his body on the line for the team.
SP needs to sort his tackling out and not be getting praised with this ‘he couldn’t tackle but sure wasn’t he brave’ rubbish in 20 years time. If he keeps going like he is, he will which would be a shame as he’s got huge talent.
Didn't Rog start for the Lions in a test in 2009!?
No, Stephen Jones started all 3.
ROG 13 minutes from the bench over the 3 games
This isn't a disagreement. There's actual video evidence that disproved your claims.
The whole situation is incredibly tiring. Just yesterday we had someone on here claiming to be a psychic and knowing Prendergast didn't want to make a tackle. That's utterly crazy.
There are enough legitimate criticisms to make about his game. Nobody needs to lie and invent fictional scenarios in their own heads to make him seem worse.
On to actual Ireland discussion. Jamie Osborne had a great game yesterday evening. He's a big enough talent that you could put him at 12, 13 or 15 and he'll give you a good performance.
He was at fullback tonight. Covered the backfield well, was solid under the high ball, scored a try and showed great hands to set up Deegans try. He'll be Ireland's starting fullback this November.
His best position is at 12 though. He's a big fella and has the speed and power over 5m to get beyond the gain line, and the handling ability to offload in the tackle to keep attacks going. That's exactly what you want from your inside centre.
My only concern surrounding Osborne is that he doesn't have a fixed position yet. Now is when he should be playing one position to further his development. Out of Ireland's new generation of backs I think he's the most talented and has the most potential. Moreso than Prendergast, Crowley, Gavin etc. Can't afford to mess up with him.
you don't have to be a psychic to see someone walking for a departing bus and conclude they don't really want to catch it.
Again. You're not actually answering or proving anything. Just lying to try and further a point that you really don't have to. We know Prendergast is a bad defender.
We often see posters talk about intentionally trying to injure someone by the way the entered a ruck or making a high tackle but somehow we can't discuss the intentions of a player lazily running back to not make a tackle.
Very "impactful" 13 minutes though!
He's going to play 15 in Nov you have to assume with Keenan out. I really do think the sooner he beds into 12 permanently the better though.
I think he's certain to start 15 which means we will only see TOB v Japan & prob Aus.
On reflection we all think he will make & i doubt farrell will start him v NZ fir example.
His starting wingers are not for moving, as much as I'd like to see Osbourne 12 it ain't happening in AI's v the bigger 2 teams i feel.
Osbournes downfall in one way is his versatility
And yet, he went on 3 Lions tours; something the other 10’s he toured with didn’t manage. The reality is if Prendergast or indeed Crowley have half the career ROG had, they’ll be doing extremely well and we’ll be very lucky.
For sure, he had a great career. I imagine he would have started a Lions test had there been a tour in 06 instead of 05 as that was really when he was at his best.
You doubt Farrell will start who against NZ, Osborne?
TOB
Id love to see Osbourne at 12, Hansen to 15 & TOB on the wing
I'd love to see that. I think you're right that Osborne will be 15 and hansen on the wing and Aki at 12. Aki is old and tires earlier than before, but when he's fresh he still has a big impact.
I think Osborne can reasonably target the 6N to take over at 12.
Bar one high ball, Stockdale was excellent at full back for Ulster last night against the Bulls. The Bulls couldn't handle him at all.
of course you do
Big fan of Osbourne, not as much as some, but he was put to 15 for a reason and it's fairly obvious, since Keenan is out.
Stockdale did well against that Rabble last night, at 15, good to have options.
that rabble disposed of Leinster fairly easily last week, and added several Springboks to their 23 for this weeks clash with Ulster.
If they are such a rabble we’ll see how Connacht fair this weekend.
I can't see how TOB isn't a starter come Nov. He's been the standout back 3 player since last season. If it's between him and Lowe, I'm taking Tommy all day
I agree there's an argument for that. But I doubt they pick him over Lowe for NZ anyway. Lowe showed great skill for the kick through try scored by Osbourne last night. And that's his USP.
I wondered if Lowe was slow when he was easily caught on his break near the end. But might have been an unequal start.
I'm expecting Lowe to lose pace as he's older now. So i might have seen what i expected rather than the reailty
in my view TOB is a better winger than Lowe and Hansen. If it was the NZ team, he'd be starting all day. The only guy close to his qualities is Baloucoune, when healthy.
As long as it isn't Nash
if it was the NZ team all 3 would be retired!
He was never exactly fast. What he brings to the game is obviously strength, good option taking and a killer left boot. I will always have a hankering for a bit more pace on the wings though.
Yeah and never relying on outright pace will help him as he ages. I'd say he will be the starter for a while longer.
you're taking that comment personally. DOn't.
SOmething seriously off with the Bulls and Sharks yesterday. Delighted that Ulster got the bonus point win.
Great that Stockdale is providing the option though. But Farrell will go with the leinster lad.
Didn't catch all of the match, how was his defense? That's generally been his biggest weakness as a player .
