He naturally plays the kind of rugby that Jacob and Charlie want to play.
Off topic, but this season in particular I think this couldn't be more incorrect.
Our attack has been very reserved this season. I'd argue we're moving away from Cipriani-esque attack in favour of reliable and solid attack. I think there's a noticeable change in style that's happened under Blackett where we're more forwards and defence based.
Teams like Quins have embraced attack roots, we haven't. Not necessarily bad, we seem more capable of winning big games when we have players, but the attack definitely feels less flashy and attractive than it used to.
Agree with HDAWG . Seeing more forwards based plays /tries or is it less backs tries?
Was thinking about this earlier with regards lower kicking percentages. To my mind, with forwards drives / pick and go , tries are a bit pot luck where you manage to get over the line. If a centre or wing is able to get a run in they will attempt to run round to posts. Haven’t looked to back it up , but could be part of less successful kicking rates
Not sure I understand this moving-away-from-attack under Blackett suggestion. It was Blackett, who after taking over from Dai, decided that the two things we should focus on (as in strengths we need to play to) as a team were unstructured play and turnover plays.
Defence vs Attack is a very hard thing to balance, it sort of ebbs and flows. Sometimes we appear too loose, others too tight and forward-orientated. Think we’ve been seeking to try and find the balance.
Mitch will have most likely wanted to tighten up the attack in order to give better defensive structures. I think we’ll also see the backline begin to settle down in terms of selection which will allow us to get back to play with the shackles off a bit more.
Interesting observations about Jacob at full-back vs 10 and I'd like to see more of it. However, think Crossdale has the chance to be an outstanding full-back for us and has a decent amount of WLR about him (in a good way). For me, he'd almost feel wasted on the Wing.
Over the next few years, think we could see Jacob and Charlie play 10, 12, 13 and 15 between them at times. I still think Charlie has the right attributes to be the sort of 12 we're looking for. He can tackle, pass, carry and kick.
Would be interested to see how a backline of:
10. Umaga
11. Bassett
12. Atkinson
13. Spink
14. Odogwu
15. Crossdale
Would go.