Stephen Ferris

stephen_n · 03-03-2014 06:30PM

who_me wrote: »

Hard to compare them given they fulfil so different a role. Ferris is a physical freak who can just smash people in the tackle, and smash through tackles as a ballcarrier. POM provides his worth at the breakdown, and increasingly at the lineout (took more lineouts than POC & Toner combined vs England).

I guess it comes down to a "horses for courses" selection, picking dependent on where you think the need is.

Ferris was pretty much as effective as POM at the breakdown, has a massive tackle count, is a great ball carrier and also a useful lineout option. I'm not knocking POM in any way but he still has a long way to go, to be as good as Ferris was at his best.

who_me · 03-03-2014 06:40PM

stephen_n wrote: »

Ferris was pretty much as effective as POM at the breakdown, has a massive tackle count, is a great ball carrier and also a useful lineout option. I'm not knocking POM in any way but he still has a long way to go, to be as good as Ferris was at his best.

I don't remember Ferris' work as a lineout option much, but I have trouble believing he was as easy to lift as POM! I don't think POM will ever match Ferris' physicality - unless he bulks up massively over the next pre-season or two.

Neil3030 · 03-03-2014 06:49PM

who_me wrote: »

I don't remember Ferris' work as a lineout option much, but I have trouble believing he was as easy to lift as POM! I don't think POM will ever match Ferris' physicality - unless he bulks up massively over the next pre-season or two.

Another 5 or so kg should do it.

Ferris is 116kg at 1.93m, or a BMI of 31.

To hit that BMI, POM would need to be 113kg at his height (1.91m), and he's 108kg now.

A noob could easily pack that on in less than a year but it'll be far tougher for POM, who is probably already operating pretty close to his natural size limit.

03-03-2014 06:58PM

yeah, "creatine" (+additives)

Sangre · 03-03-2014 07:10PM

Neil3030 wrote: »

Another 5 or so kg should do it.

Ferris is 116kg at 1.93m, or a BMI of 31.

To hit that BMI, POM would need to be 113kg at his height (1.91m), and he's 108kg now.

A noob could easily pack that on in less than a year but it'll be far tougher for POM, who is probably already operating pretty close to his natural size limit.

I'd say he is nowhere near his 'natural' size limit. The problem isn't gaining size per se. Its finding the time to gain that size while maintaining fitness and mobility. Over the next three years I'll say he'll pack on a a kg or two of lean muscle each summer.

jacothelad · 03-03-2014 07:15PM

Ugo Monye spacecraft experience wrote: »

Hasn't played the game in 2 years. He was world class but even two years ago he was rarely consistently fit

Doubt he'll ever play consistent rugby again and there's no guarantee he will be the force he once was

He last played in Nov. 2012. 16 months out - not 24. Still bad but here's hoping.

bilston · 03-03-2014 07:17PM

awec wrote: »

Just saw this.

Someone on UAFC claimed they had been speaking to the man himself and he is hopeful of getting a few games in before the Saracens game.

How true that is remains to be seen, but we only have 3 Rabo games before Saracens.

Hopefully we will find out soon enough. He would be a handy weapon off the bench against the Puppy Pack.

Ardillaun · 03-03-2014 07:21PM

How long is the average career at provincial level? It must be getting shorter with the punishment these guys are taking? I'd be very surprised to see Ferris back for Ireland, sad to say.

Neil3030 · 03-03-2014 07:25PM

Sangre wrote: »

I'd say he is nowhere near his 'natural' size limit. The problem isn't gaining size per se. Its finding the time to gain that size while maintaining fitness and mobility. Over the next three years I'll say he'll pack on a a kg or two of lean muscle each summer.

Well if you know the man personally, ask him for his wrist and ankle sizes and slot them in here.

I'd take a guess at 8 inch wrists, 10 inch ankles and around 10% bodyfat.

That equates to 106-110kg natural limit.

clsmooth · 03-03-2014 07:47PM

Neil3030 wrote: »

Another 5 or so kg should do it.

Ferris is 116kg at 1.93m, or a BMI of 31.

To hit that BMI, POM would need to be 113kg at his height (1.91m), and he's 108kg now.

A noob could easily pack that on in less than a year but it'll be far tougher for POM, who is probably already operating pretty close to his natural size limit.

Its not just about size, but about pure power which Ferris possesses. POM will never be as powerful, that's not his game, but he has plenty of other things going for him. What's Henderson's stats? Another powerful animal

rugbyU · 03-03-2014 08:07PM

Henderson is around nearly 6'7 and 116kg. Pure raw power, fantastic athlete.

remwhite · 03-03-2014 09:27PM

If it was as simple as lifting weights and being stronger then everyone would be the same strength. Some people are born with greater strength and explosiveness than others. Just look at David Wallace or Sean O'Brien. Also, balance and technique in contact go a long way towards making you a good attacker/defender. The gym might work at AIL level but not at top international level. And even at AIL level it only goes so far.

Gordon D'Arcy is another great example of natural strength.

Ferris is a freak and Peter O'Mahony can't train himself to be the type of player he is. Same way Craig Gilroy couldn't become Tommy Bowe.

Sangre · 03-03-2014 09:35PM

Neil3030 wrote: »

Well if you know the man personally, ask him for his wrist and ankle sizes and slot them in here.

I'd take a guess at 8 inch wrists, 10 inch ankles and around 10% bodyfat.

That equates to 106-110kg natural limit.

That calculator is one man's educated guess, hardly conclusive of anything. Also, while I haven't seen the man topless I'd be very surprised if he was 10% bodyfat.

I'd agree with you that he will probably level out at around 110 (maybe 112kg). He is only 24, very young in development terms.

The point I'm trying to make though is if he can get to that weight as backrow player. If he was trying to do nothing but gain weight, and ignore fitness, you would find his 'natural' limit would be quite a bit higher than his optimum rugby weight.

thecomedian · 03-03-2014 09:47PM

I would love to see Ferris back playing at his best.
He would gave being a superstar for yes if he hadn't so many injuries problems.
When he first came on the scene I remember reading how fast he was over 100 metres it was, something crazy for a big man.
POM is a different type of player, he will never have that power that Ferris has.

A 100% Ferris and SOB in the backrow would be a dream. I'll also look forward to seeing Henderson in the Irish team soon.