Always a Wasp

General Category => Wasps Rugby Discussion => Topic started by: DGP Wasp on April 07, 2022, 03:40:16 PM

Title: Latest Clear Out - Saints
Post by: DGP Wasp on April 07, 2022, 03:40:16 PM
https://www.northamptonsaints.co.uk/news/quartet-of-saints-to-depart-northampton-this-summer

Tuala, Ratuniyarawa, Francis and Naiyaravoro all out the door.  That's a fair bit of quality and experience to lose.

There's a couple of big back 3 players and a centre there who could all offer Wasps something (think we're good for 2nd rows)
Title: Re: Latest Clear Out - Saints
Post by: InBetweenWasp on April 07, 2022, 03:48:44 PM
Wonder where Francis is off to?
Title: Re: Latest Clear Out - Saints
Post by: baldpaul101 on April 07, 2022, 03:49:40 PM
Naiyaravoro would be a handy signing if he's fit. Would definitely add something different to Wasps backline.

The rest are past their best IMO
Title: Re: Latest Clear Out - Saints
Post by: JonnyD on April 07, 2022, 03:50:11 PM
Naiyaravoro would fit the bill of ‘hard running back’ alright, not sure if he’s recovered from the knee injury and would probably still get into a few Aus super rugby sides / not sure if there’s any rumours of his next club.

How is Francis still going? So many injuries and as many head knocks, maybe time to call it a day. Forgot he was even at Saints if I’m honest
Title: Re: Latest Clear Out - Saints
Post by: NellyWellyWaspy on April 07, 2022, 03:58:21 PM
I think all of them are not being offered new contracts due to age and injuries. Not where we want to go fishing either.
Title: Re: Latest Clear Out - Saints
Post by: Shugs on April 07, 2022, 05:46:01 PM
Hmmm not sure. I wouldn’t mind Francis at the right price. Kicks too.
Title: Re: Latest Clear Out - Saints
Post by: DGP Wasp on April 08, 2022, 08:32:12 AM
Surprised at how old Francis is.  My first thought was that he could be useful for us, but he's had his share of recent injuries, and at 32, that doesn't bode well.  We already have one injury cursed centre, but at least Mills has youth on his side.

Naiyaravoro would certainly give us something we don't currently have.  Question is whether that's what we want.
Title: Re: Latest Clear Out - Saints
Post by: Laterontoday on April 08, 2022, 08:47:04 AM
Naiyaravoro would certainly give us something we don't currently have.  Question is whether that's what we want.

Ball in hand he is quite formidable, ask Rob Miller who I saw jump out of his way at FG rather than tackle and get battered.

Ask a Saints fan though about him and they will say he is a one trick pony.  He cant tackle for toffee and his defence work is poor.
Title: Re: Latest Clear Out - Saints
Post by: MarleyWasp on April 08, 2022, 08:53:41 AM
Naiyaravoro also gets binned a fair amount for seatbelt tackles. No thanks.
Title: Re: Latest Clear Out - Saints
Post by: Rossm on April 08, 2022, 09:14:25 AM
Not for me. Turning circle of a super tanker.
Title: Re: Latest Clear Out - Saints
Post by: will311293 on April 08, 2022, 09:30:30 AM
IF anyone i'd take Francis, think he offers a decent amount and could be a great squad signing.
Title: Re: Latest Clear Out - Saints
Post by: Sliminator on April 08, 2022, 10:33:35 AM
Naiyaravoro, one trick pony, I remember 1 season in the first game against Saints he gave us all sorts of problems, by the return match he was completely absent as we'd adapted and stopped them getting any ball to him.
Title: Re: Latest Clear Out - Saints
Post by: 13thWarrior on April 08, 2022, 04:57:24 PM
For me Tuala is the most interesting of the 4. But couldn't say how he is going for his age.
Title: Re: Latest Clear Out - Saints
Post by: InBetweenWasp on May 19, 2022, 05:53:25 PM
Francis has signed for Bath.  Will see if it was shrewd signing.  A bit like Mills, he’s a player with a good rugby brain and leadership… when/if available.