Aviva Premiership: Northampton Saints vs Gloucester Rugby (04/09/2011 15:30)

[TRF_Olyy]

Dowson, like Robshaw, has been around the England set-up a couple of times, and even played for "England XV" against Aussie BaaBaas last summer, but he (and Robshaw) were never going to get selected when Johnson was favouring donkeys like Worsely, Moody and Easter (Moody's improved a bit since then though, so I'm not too fussed about him being involved now)

 

[Muse_Cubed]

Manoa showed great skill and phjysicality. But he made an almost unforgiveable error when he broke away with the ball and didn't make the pass go to hand because he was waving the ball around in one hand like a crazy lunatic. It would have been a certain try and he had all the time he needed

True, but at the same time you have to remember that he was an amateur playing for San Francisco Golden Gate only 6 months ago. I thought he'd be a 2 year project and would mostly be restricted to Wanderers duty this year, but to spend 3 months at the club and already be playing at a high level in the Premiership is astounding. A couple of rookie errors, yes, but he definitely shined yesterday.

 

[Saint]

Theres giving a last minute penalty away because you've over-committed yourself at the breakdown, and there's giving a last minute penalty away because you've taken a punch/swipe at an opposition back-row or whoever it was...completely unbelievable

Should of seen my reaction when that happened, haha.

 

[Teh Mite]

True, but at the same time you have to remember that he was an amateur playing for San Francisco Golden Gate only 6 months ago. I thought he'd be a 2 year project and would mostly be restricted to Wanderers duty this year, but to spend 3 months at the club and already be playing at a high level in the Premiership is astounding. A couple of rookie errors, yes, but he definitely shined yesterday.

Andrew Blowers with pace was my thought.

 

[Teh Mite]

Supposedly he's comfortable on the flank, remains to be seen how much truth there is in that statement but I wouldn't be shocked if he could hack it.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

I thought Cato did very well for Saints as well - He looked much livelier than he did for Sarries last season - seems to be getting back to level of when he was considered the "next big thing"

 

[Teh Mite]

I thought Cato did very well for Saints as well - He looked much livelier than he did for Sarries last season - seems to be getting back to level of when he was considered the "next big thing"

Agreed. I was sceptical of signing him, but so far he's even been able to tackle! (haha) Long may it continue. Apart from Tonks I've not got much to grumble about over the preseason and opener - PDJ and Lamb under-performing a bit perhaps, but the rest of the signings have stood up to be counted.