Ok, starting with the ladies...
Mike Brown vs Rob Kearney - Two greedy guys at the back. Both like to run, although Kearney is more pragmatic in his approach. We all know about his seemingly magnetic abilities under a high ball and dealing with that will be Brown's biggest challenge. If the ball goes too long, Brown will do damage returning the ball - his footwork and leg drive seem in finer fettle than Kearney's at the moment. As such, I'd take Brown
Jack Nowell vs Andy Trimble - Power and footwork. Nowell's footwork is possibly more spectacular but Trimble is no slouch there. Where Trimble has really stood out this 6N is in his harrying and kick-chase. Right now I'd take that and the extra experience over Nowell. Trimble
Luthor Burrell vs BOD - Burrell's really adapted well to international rugby, wrongfooting a lot of English concerns, but I'd expect O'Driscoll to be another step up in terms of test. Less for his own threat, more for his ability to draw and give. If I'm honest I'd have both in my composite team, but if I have to pick only one, I'll go for old age and treachery to beat youth and skill BOD
Billy Twelvetrees vs Gordon D'Arcy - Twelvetrees is the very model of a modern inside-centre, save for consistency and decision making, which are apparently key. Looks like he's playing himself back into some form though. D'Arcy is enjoying an Indian summer, probably brought on by that beard of power. I think I'd back D'Arcy though, he's in the richer vein.
Jonny May vs Dave Kearney - Kearney's the smarter operator and a sharp finisher but he lacks May's freakish ability. In a tight match, May will be caught out a couple of times but probably for no gain, but is far more likely to produce that moment of magic that changes a match. May
Owen Farrell vs Jonny Sexton - Uhm, yeah. Farrell's trying, and he's doing some stuff ok, but his goal kicking is still erratic and his creativity is sporadic and laced with hospital balls. Sexton is the real deal of what Farrell might one day be if he tries really hard. Sexton
Danny Care vs Conor Murray - Horses for courses. I'll take some flak for this but I'd rather have Murray's generalship and tactical kicking over Care's increased breaking threat. Both guys are at the top of their games though, mouthwatering confrontation. I stand by preferring the better kicker though Murray
I'll do the men and bench in a while. Busy day - roll on Saturday...
Mike Brown vs Rob Kearney - Two greedy guys at the back. Both like to run, although Kearney is more pragmatic in his approach. We all know about his seemingly magnetic abilities under a high ball and dealing with that will be Brown's biggest challenge. If the ball goes too long, Brown will do damage returning the ball - his footwork and leg drive seem in finer fettle than Kearney's at the moment. As such, I'd take Brown
Jack Nowell vs Andy Trimble - Power and footwork. Nowell's footwork is possibly more spectacular but Trimble is no slouch there. Where Trimble has really stood out this 6N is in his harrying and kick-chase. Right now I'd take that and the extra experience over Nowell. Trimble
Luthor Burrell vs BOD - Burrell's really adapted well to international rugby, wrongfooting a lot of English concerns, but I'd expect O'Driscoll to be another step up in terms of test. Less for his own threat, more for his ability to draw and give. If I'm honest I'd have both in my composite team, but if I have to pick only one, I'll go for old age and treachery to beat youth and skill BOD
Billy Twelvetrees vs Gordon D'Arcy - Twelvetrees is the very model of a modern inside-centre, save for consistency and decision making, which are apparently key. Looks like he's playing himself back into some form though. D'Arcy is enjoying an Indian summer, probably brought on by that beard of power. I think I'd back D'Arcy though, he's in the richer vein.
Jonny May vs Dave Kearney - Kearney's the smarter operator and a sharp finisher but he lacks May's freakish ability. In a tight match, May will be caught out a couple of times but probably for no gain, but is far more likely to produce that moment of magic that changes a match. May
Owen Farrell vs Jonny Sexton - Uhm, yeah. Farrell's trying, and he's doing some stuff ok, but his goal kicking is still erratic and his creativity is sporadic and laced with hospital balls. Sexton is the real deal of what Farrell might one day be if he tries really hard. Sexton
Danny Care vs Conor Murray - Horses for courses. I'll take some flak for this but I'd rather have Murray's generalship and tactical kicking over Care's increased breaking threat. Both guys are at the top of their games though, mouthwatering confrontation. I stand by preferring the better kicker though Murray
I'll do the men and bench in a while. Busy day - roll on Saturday...
! and if my blood pressure tripled it would probably be just about normal :lol:
