Where do we stand with our Centre options for next season?

[Neils]

Burger ODENDAAL is in the media to join us.

https://www.thesouthafrican.com/sport/rugby/lions-centre-pairing-wanted-overseas-wandisile-simelane-burger-odendaal-currie-cup-urc-transfer-news-big-sunday-read-6-february-2022/

Article doesn't exactly sing his praises.

[hookender]

Burger ODENDAAL is in the media to join us.

https://www.thesouthafrican.com/sport/rugby/lions-centre-pairing-wanted-overseas-wandisile-simelane-burger-odendaal-currie-cup-urc-transfer-news-big-sunday-read-6-february-2022/

Article doesn't exactly sing his praises.

 I thought that too, but must be reasonable if club captain. Highlight reel ok, but then they always are

[Shugs]

Looks a reasonable player. We certainly need bodies there.

[Rossm]

Burger ODENDAAL is in the media to join us.

https://www.thesouthafrican.com/sport/rugby/lions-centre-pairing-wanted-overseas-wandisile-simelane-burger-odendaal-currie-cup-urc-transfer-news-big-sunday-read-6-february-2022/

Interesting to read of the link between Mitch and Odendall.

[backdoc]

I think the Mitchell link is the key.

With his coaching experience, recommending a player has credibility.

[Mellie]

If he does come to us will he be a Booj replacement? Big and strong squad player but with SA nous and leadership qualities.

He may be tempted by the value of the pound to rand and represent a cheaper value for money option for us.

As the article states, unlikely to be called up by the Boks.

[backdoc]

I think he would be an Esterhuizen equivalent, although we would be fortunate for him to be as effective.

[wasps]

I don't know him, but most teams benefit from a centre whose first thought is to run straight.


Too many attacking opportunities are ruined by players running sideways and limiting the space out wide

[mike909]

I do think that a "hard running" 12 is a good fit for most teams. It does mean that if we had such a player, we'd need to think about who will be providing the alternative to the FH. Currently, this has been Jimmy with the aim to have the harder runner at 13 (Fekitoa) or wider in Odogwu.

So if we did have a power 12 to provide options ball in hand as a decoy for wider players, we would need to think how we use a second distributor and who that might be.

[HDAWG]

I do think that a "hard running" 12 is a good fit for most teams. It does mean that if we had such a player, we'd need to think about who will be providing the alternative to the FH. Currently, this has been Jimmy with the aim to have the harder runner at 13 (Fekitoa) or wider in Odogwu.

So if we did have a power 12 to provide options ball in hand as a decoy for wider players, we would need to think how we use a second distributor and who that might be.

I agree with respect to playmaking we'll likely go down 10-15 axis. But also we've relied on Gopperths management (kicking game in particular) to ease pressure for Atkinson and Umaga. But think we need them to take more responsibility in future matches to make the transition without Gopperth easier.

[backdoc]

I suspect we will go Atkinson 10 and Umaga 15

[HDAWG]

I suspect we will go Atkinson 10 and Umaga 15

But then given how talented Crossdale is, how do we include him?

[wasps]

Bear in mind that a hard running 12 doesn't have to be an absolute monster of a man.

Ben Jacobs fulfilled the role for us on a couple of occasions and offered more besides.

[backdoc]

I suspect we will go Atkinson 10 and Umaga 15

But then given how talented Crossdale is, how do we include him?

Well, neither are playing currently. How amny games per season does a player play for their club?

[RogerE]

Wouldn't Miller be able to fill the role of second distributor?