Always a Wasp
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31
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: More players for Eddie to Break
« on: June 07, 2022, 12:58:26 PM »“Those getting to wear the England shirt”. That sums it up perfectly. Almost mascot like. These are professional sportsmen not kids being rewarded with a phoney day out. I’m absolutely sure the likes of Robson, Alo etc are absolutely chuffed to bits to be picked. That doesn’t mean there is any rugby benefit at all in it. I’m equally as sure thousands at Twickenham will have a great time - some might even watch some of the game. Again, that doesn’t make it of any benefit to anyone. For players who have had a slog of a season another training camp and game is precisely the last thing they need. But while it’s all about cash that will never be a consideration.
So the players are happy. The fans are happy. The money earned keeps people like me able to play rugby and coach more kids, and therefore keeps them happy.
We've got arguments that these are players that won't make the RWC team (and are happy to be playing), playing 1 extra fixture, and perhaps getting to wear the England shirt in the only time in their lives.
We've got arguments that these are some players that may make the rwc team (and are happy to playing), and have a chance to continue their training that they'll be doing ready for Aus anyway, so will likely be happy to improve their England game.
And there's no benefit? We have very different definitions of benefit.
32
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: More players for Eddie to Break
« on: June 06, 2022, 10:00:48 PM »Ok - I'll withdraw - my main issue is with pissing about at the end of an endless season with knackered players. Dan and others aren't going to the RWC, why not select some U-20's players if we're looking at the future?Completely agree Mike. It’s basically an excuse for thousands of people to get hammered at Twickenham. Meaningless and annoying.
How annoying for those getting to wear the England shirt. And those getting to wear the Baabaa's shirt. And those 10s of thousands of people getting drunk and having fun. And the others enjoying another bit of rugby on the tele. And the millions earned from the fixture going into grass roots.
33
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: More players for Eddie to Break
« on: June 06, 2022, 03:49:05 PM »It’s pure farce isn’t it. He can’t pick from four of the teams that will supply loads of players. So let’s have a training camp for those who won’t be involved (probably) going forward. What on earth is the point.Option 1. Dont bother doing anything as it's a waste of time.
Option 2. Pick those that are available so they can train and work on fitness, moves, skills or whatever. Available players means cast iron certainties, players with a bit of experience or a lot of potential.
The worst outcome from Option 2 is it's a waste of time (the same as Option 1). The best outcome is it throws up a bolter or 2. The most likely is that allows those that will be in the team a chance to train with enough players to make it worthwhile and the players who will not be picked gain experience and insight for the future.
And it always brings in millions of revenue to help keep the grass roots game going.
34
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: More players for Eddie to Break
« on: June 06, 2022, 12:57:18 PM »Ok - I'll withdraw - my main issue is with pissing about at the end of an endless season with knackered players. Dan and others aren't going to the RWC, why not select some U-20's players if we're looking at the future?
For the benefit of those that will/might be going to the rwc. It's another 2 weeks training together. Why throw it away entirely when I reckon almost half that squad will be going to the RWC training group for sure (others may be). And next week, after the semi finals, it'll be an even more England focused group.
35
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: More players for Eddie to Break
« on: June 06, 2022, 12:43:49 PM »Ok - there is the practicality of who's available. Fine. But as an example, if you've decided that Dan isn't your cup of tea - and it's hard to argue otherwise, what's he doing there apart from holding tackle bags? Charlie isn't in anyone's frame for the RWC. Paolo I might well be v wrong about - but hasn't shown much since being injured and would need to in reality be in the 6Ns next season and play to have a chance - well for me.
The squad going to Aus will be v different. Just seems too much like pissing about for getting a coherent 23 on the pitch for the BaaBaas and another game that will add little to his knowledge.
Who are you picking then.
It's easy to say who you don't think should be there, who do you think should be replacing them. Which scrum half do you see ousting Youngs, Mitchell, Randall and Quirke?
36
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: More players for Eddie to Break
« on: June 06, 2022, 12:15:33 PM »Quite a bizarre selection as what's he hoping to achieve? ...Eddie can't pick anyone from Tigers, Sarries, Quins or Saints since they are preparing for playoff semi-finals. Given that proviso, it's a pretty good selection. Gives him a chance to cast his eye over fringe players and see how they perform with the regulars who are available. A bolter or 2 would be a positive outcome.
So why so many uncapped players or players with little experience?
Jonny Hill is back in the mix, which may explain Launcher's absence. Don't think he will make Aussie trip as he hasn't shown particularly good form lately. If Stooke had been fit he may have ousted Ewells.
I'm 100% aware of the limitations of the selection. Do we really see Paolo or Charlie as likely RWC squad players, Dan even, really? I'm with the others on Dan and that selection is for me representative of the whole.
Who do you pick in place of them?
Eddie has Youngs, Randall, Mitchell and Quirke. Robson too technically. Robson has a lot of England experience, even if he doesn't have many caps. Does Eddie achieve anything by adding a scrum half with no idea of Englands play/patterns for a single Baabaas game?
Robson isn't there for Robson, he's there for the rest of the team, for the few players that may actually kick on and take a RWC spot, or a shirt in the future from that.
Depending on how Paolo does in the coming season, I can absolutely see him breaking into a rwc training squad. He has a near unique selling point. Whilst Charlie may not be ready for the RWC, Eddie doesn't need him to be. However, Charlie is a bloody good player, with resolute defence and not afraid to run a bit, who's shown time and time again to be solid under the high ball. He may not have the flare of a Smith, or the game sense of a Ford, but he's a very solid player who may be able to fill a Farrell role in the future. And again, who would you take in his place that's got a clearly better chance of being the the rwc squad?
37
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: The X-rated Eddie Jones phone call that ended my England career
« on: April 12, 2022, 09:34:49 AM »
One thing that sort of rings from the Brown interview there...
"Brown was disappointed that England colleagues did not stick up for him"
We all know that Brown can be emotional on the pitch etc, it might be his colleagues didn't see it the same way as he did, with him being the victim etc.
"Brown was disappointed that England colleagues did not stick up for him"
We all know that Brown can be emotional on the pitch etc, it might be his colleagues didn't see it the same way as he did, with him being the victim etc.
38
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Jack back to England
« on: March 16, 2022, 06:12:08 PM »
Who wants to take a bet?
I bet that Jack was over the moon with his callup, even if when he heard, he got straight up told he'd not be included in the final squad.
Anyone want to bet otherwise?
I bet that Jack was over the moon with his callup, even if when he heard, he got straight up told he'd not be included in the final squad.
Anyone want to bet otherwise?
39
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Picture of Alfie on twitter.
« on: March 15, 2022, 07:16:03 PM »Very odd picture on twitter of Alfie. Not the picture itself but the lack of context posted with it. Wasps social media teeing up a contract extension announcement? May well be adding 2 and 2 and getting an 8!
Suspect it may have been more that Alfie was getting selected for England trimmed squad. Might be he's been training with the starting XV?
40
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Briz Scrum Half Injury Concern.
« on: February 24, 2022, 10:39:37 AM »
Not having a 9 will really hurt a team that loves playing at pace in the backs.
41
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: This week's officials
« on: February 23, 2022, 02:57:38 PM »
Don't mind Carley as a ref, bit more pedantic than a few I think, but that's not always a bad thing!
42
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Olly Hartley Re-Signs And Is Promoted To The First Team Squad
« on: February 17, 2022, 02:26:39 PM »
Be nice to keep Mills (if cheap enough/paid per match) if possible, he's definitely one that could impart knowledge.
Having experience at 15 is big for a centre these days. The 50/22 means you need at least 2 players back at all times, and it only takes a small amount of kick tennis/chase for it to be very possible that a centre needs to fall back there.
Having experience at 15 is big for a centre these days. The 50/22 means you need at least 2 players back at all times, and it only takes a small amount of kick tennis/chase for it to be very possible that a centre needs to fall back there.
43
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Wasps injury updates for Harlequins trip and England duo latest.
« on: February 16, 2022, 04:57:56 PM »I agree, not interested about him telling us anything, I just want him to win something, why would you not take the 6 nations seriously. Especially when you haven't won the 6 Nations for 5 years. 5th last season is totally unacceptable and the likely chance this year we might finish 4th at best. Coaches are paid to win games and that's how you are judged. Highest paid coach needs to show he is good, doing something odd and still losing isn't going to do it.
4th at best seems like quite a statement considering we're currently sat in 2nd. I know we've had Italy already, but there's a long way to go.
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Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Wasps injury updates for Harlequins trip and England duo latest.
« on: February 16, 2022, 02:47:25 PM »The problem is that the “fate” or even “integrity” of the GP is being decided on the whim of a crass egotist. Release Marler? Why? Maybe there is a reason. Keep two players in a training camp who’ve just got back into their stride and really need match minutes. It’s insane. The sooner we’re rid of this joker the better.Herein is a big part of the problem. EJ doesn’t think he needs to communicate to fans what he’s doing and why. It’s the lack of respect, not the action itself. We may not agree with him if he told us, but at least we be able to accept his reasoning, or not.
If he told us, he's also telling the other nations his plans.
Why does he need to tell us?
45
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Teams Up for Bath - Joe Starts, Alfie on the Bench
« on: February 11, 2022, 07:23:40 PM »I think the idea of bringing West, Cruse, and JTS on against a tiring scrum is delightful!
Think I'd be tempted to bring them on at 45-50 minutes. Plenty of time to make an impact, and still hitting the end of a tiring starter pack from Bath. All of them more than capable of playing that amount of time.