Matt Stevens the prop

[psychic duck]

When Matt Stevens returned to rugby after his drugs ban last season, I thought he looked quite good and not gone backwards much at all during his break. I saw him do well against Leicester in the Premiership final, and was especially good in the Saxons matches, destroying the Tongan scrum in the final of the tournament.

However since then, he has been on very underwhelming form, he didn't have a great World Cup and was a penalty machine for the opposition at times, luckily for England neither Argentina or Georgia could capitalise.

And in the occasions I've seen him play with Saracens since, he still hasn't been playing that well it seems. Treviso especially got the better of him, so did Clermont in the Heineken Cup quarter final as well.

He doesn't seem to get driven backwards spectacularly he holds his own in the main there that's not the problem, it is his binding that is his problem, from what I've seen of him since the World Cup the same thing seems to be happening time and time again with his binding and giving away constant penalties.

I know he has an advantage of playing both sides of the scrum for international selection where there is only one prop allowed on the bench, but surely going on form his place in the England squad, or at least the matchday 22 must be coming into doubt.

Would people agree that Stevens on form should be dropped from the England team against South Africa?

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Definitely. I don't think I'd take him on the tour at all, to be honest. Doran-Jones should be our bench prop, maybe even pushing for a starting spot.


I said in another thread, but for me: It looks like Stevens worked incredibly hard during his ban, as he knew he'd tarnished his name. He was in great condition when he went to Saracens, and was playing well too. This continued through the Churchill cup, where he was trying to prove himself enough to make it to the World Cup. After that he's just gotten lazy. He's looks to have packed on a load of weight, and not in a good way (mostly around his middle...), isn't performing in the scrums and is giving away far too many penalties.

 

[cactus]

Yep, everything Olyy said and then some.

I find it a shame to see he decreased so rapidly, to say he was so brilliant when he returned from the ban. It's sad but I don't think he should be let off so easily - I mean I'm sure he learnt his lesson but if he keeps getting worse, will be long before he ends up disheartened and taking drugs again?

It's difficult but I definitely wouldn't let him play for a good while...

 

[psychic duck]

Definitely. I don't think I'd take him on the tour at all, to be honest. Doran-Jones should be our bench prop, maybe even pushing for a starting spot.


I said in another thread, but for me: It looks like Stevens worked incredibly hard during his ban, as he knew he'd tarnished his name. He was in great condition when he went to Saracens, and was playing well too. This continued through the Churchill cup, where he was trying to prove himself enough to make it to the World Cup. After that he's just gotten lazy. He's looks to have packed on a load of weight, and not in a good way (mostly around his middle...), isn't performing in the scrums and is giving away far too many penalties.

so who would you take to SA then?

something like this as first choice

1. Corbisiero
3. Cole
17. Doran-Jones

but who to play in the mid week matches against SA Barbarians and cover for the first choice

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Wilson (not great, but better than Stevens and plays both sides), Nick Wood (if fit, Joe Marler if not - or maybe Matt Mullan) and one of Henry Thomas or Rupert Harden.

 

[lucky number 7]

Definitely. I don't think I'd take him on the tour at all, to be honest. Doran-Jones should be our bench prop, maybe even pushing for a starting spot.

Ah the life of Props , Cocaine and Porn Stars...and they say there is nothing glamorous about the front row

 

[Peat]

Marler should deffo be playing midweek in SA. Sorry Nick Wood, I rate you and all, but Marler's showing the improvement needed, and is such a massive prospect he needs game time.

As for Stevens, yeah, not going wildly well, although I've been more bothered I'll admit. Would be nice to see Porno given a go though.

 

[gingergenius]

agree on Stevens. All season I wouldn't have even had him down as a starter for Saracens, let alone England. PDJ has done enough to usurp Stevens from England's reserve tighthead spot, and }I don't ever want to see Stevens play loosehead either for Saracens or England.

Not a bad player at all, just never been too strong in the scrum and this season has given away so many dumb penalties it's ridiculous.

 

[psychic duck]

how is Tom Mercey progressing this season?

seem to remember Mujati got sin binned in last year's H Cup final, and then when he came on the scrum went from dominant to an unstoppable force (skip to 6 minutes)

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/QovxdwYX2EU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>

 

[gingergenius]

hmm saracens academy should have hung on to him... haven't seen much of this season to be honest though

 

[Teh Mite]

He's 5th choice behind Doran Jones and Waller. Had his head popped through his own backside by quins reserves on Monday night.