Provoke an argument? Really?
I was joking, only an idiot would have Haskell over Warburton, or tipuric for that matter.
I got that.
For years even the English have despaired over Haskell. England do have the makings of a really good side but the back-row is definately an issue because Robshaw and Haskell are both ageing and neither could accurately be described as a decent 7 in an age where 7s are very much a necessity. I find it ridiculous that England are not able to field a 7 who is competitive at the highest levels yet Wales have Warburton and Tipuric either of whom would be starting today for England at 7 if they were English - it really suprises me. Haskell is a very aggressive player but i always find that he seems to struggle to balance aggression and common-sense.
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Billy Vunipola and Taulupe Faletau are the best players in the NH this Six Nations. Vunipola is the wreckiest wrecking ball going, but has also had a big step up in his all-round game; Faletau is pretty much everything I'd want out of a blindside. Vunipola plays more of a specialist role than Faletau. Faletau has been on a reliable upward curve for a long time, whereas Vunipola has waxed and waned in form, alternating with Morgan for a long time, but has made a massive step up this Six Nations. IMO they are apples and oranges, both very different players and it's impossible to say that one of them is better than the other. But I don't think it's a controversial opinion to think that either of them is the best 8 going at the minute.
The thread that keeps on giving. :lol:
Youd better tell Toby to switch to blindside then.
From a Wales point of view, since he has broken into the team, Falatau has been nothing short of sensational and, overall, our best player by a distance. He really is that good and its only watching him game after game after game that gives an appreciation of what he does. 8s in the mould of Scott Quinnel and Billy Vunipola are the traditional barnstorming wrecking balls and at first i waited in vain to see Toby smashing players like skittles, but it never happened.
He is not that traditional 8 but he does everything else and a lot more. I would say he is probably the complete back-rower and could slot in anywhere and still look class. Blindside or openside he has the attributes of both.
Watch him objectively because he truly is a one-off. We have big names like AWJ, Roberts, Biggar and North but truly, the jewel in the Welsh crown is this lad, and he is only 25....i cant wait for him to hit his peak one day. Vunipola is a class act but Toby will be the first name on Gatlands team sheet week in week out without a doubt.
I hope he doesnt make a fool of me today and have a stinker lol
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Well one thing is certain. Wales does have players who can make decisions under pressure, break gain-lines, create tries and cut a swathe through opposing midfields. Well done to the U20s for a scintillating performance and everyone watch out for the next big thing to come out of Wales, Keelan Giles, the kid is like a ferrari, serious serious wheels.
If only Gatland realised that he is coaching that sort of talent out of the senior team.