Semi-final No 2 Bath V Leicester

[Maverick1987]

I hope Wales use James in the WC because Cole will take him apart every day.

Tbh on current form Cole will take Jenkins or James apart anyway it doesn't really matter who they play we will have scrum dominance . The rise of Mako will make it increasingly hard for Wales too especially if they are without Lee. I can't even see it being different if they pick Francis

 

[spudungeyee]

What a performance by bath proving how the game should be played. Its a shame the weather all year round doesn't allow that.

 

[munstermuffin]

Watched this game and having watched the Glasgow game I think Bath are making a mistake letting Stringer go. He isn't a starter anymore but they could've used him for experience alone off bench. I think watching Bath this year a bit he drags an extra bit out of Ford and well Matawalu I think is a type of 9 that Ford's game wont be suited to.

 

[goodNumber10]

Watched this game and having watched the Glasgow game I think Bath are making a mistake letting Stringer go. He isn't a starter anymore but they could've used him for experience alone off bench. I think watching Bath this year a bit he drags an extra bit out of Ford and well Matawalu I think is a type of 9 that Ford's game wont be suited to.

i dunno, some of the best rugby Bath have played this season has been with Cook at 9 - i find that they tend to lose quite a bit of their attacking speed with Stringer at 9.

I think the idea is to bring Cook on and use Matawalu more when Ford is away on International Duty and they need that spark from elsewhere.

 

[munstermuffin]

i dunno, some of the best rugby Bath have played this season has been with Cook at 9 - i find that they tend to lose quite a bit of their attacking speed with Stringer at 9.

I think the idea is to bring Cook on and use Matawalu more when Ford is away on International Duty and they need that spark from elsewhere.

I agree in that Stringer isn't a starter as I said but he's given that club a real outlet and his pass is still an asset

 

[goodNumber10]

I agree in that Stringer isn't a starter as I said but he's given that club a real outlet and his pass is still an asset

I'm not disagreeing with you he's a great signing for Newcastle, i'm just saying i think they are looking for a more creative 9 to balance out Eastmond and ford being away.

 

[Every Time Ref]

I much prefer Stringer for the big games, I like Cook and agree with our investment in him as the future of the club, but I think Stringer should have rotated in a bit more. Especially ahead of Young, who was just never good enough.

We really should've held on to Stringer, still the best pass around and that's what Ford needs - he's the playmaker, just get him the ball as quick as possible and let him find space. GN10, I agree that Cook's been excellent and we've played some great rugby with him, but don't think we do lose speed with Stringer in his place. Space maybe, as he doesn't tie in defenders (although Cook's not really a big sniper either), but PS gets to every ruck, makes a quick decision and fires a quick pass all day.

Edit: I agree on Matawalu though, Devoto turned out not to be the playmaker needed during the international window, hence Matawalu. He also turned out not to be a ten, hence Priestland. Or the goalkicker, hence Homer. A lot of planning and cash has gone into covering for Golden Boy it seems, I hope we aren't too reliant on him...

 

[munstermuffin]

My point regards Stringer is he can still contribute on the field when required but off the field he's supposedly been massive.

 

[Every Time Ref]

My point regards Stringer is he can still contribute on the field when required but off the field he's supposedly been massive.

I don't think Cook's emergence as a Premiership-quality scrum-half this season, while training with Stringer day in day out, is a coincidence.

 

[munstermuffin]

I don't think Cook's emergence as a Premiership-quality scrum-half this season, while training with Stringer day in day out, is a coincidence.

Have heard Stringer is an unbelievable influence on all the academy. George Ford I've heard a few times speak hugely of him too and the influence he's had.

 

[Wendigo7]

Have heard Stringer is an unbelievable influence on all the academy. George Ford I've heard a few times speak hugely of him too and the influence he's had.

Also bare in mind, 10 years ago Peter was also baby sitting George, literally.

 

[Ragey Erasmus]

Also bare in mind, 10 years ago Peter was also baby sitting George, literally.

Really? What a weird experience this must be.

 

[Every Time Ref]

Yeah, I've heard him talk about Stringer taking him out in Dublin and buying him an ice cream when he was kid!

 

[munstermuffin]

Yeah, I've heard him talk about Stringer taking him out in Dublin and buying him an ice cream when he was kid!

Yeah this is 100% true. it was when Strings was with Ireland and Ford (Mike) was defence coach. Stringer was the responsible 1 as he doesn't drink or smoke so he looked after George. Also George used to stand in to chase ROG's kicks and assist goalkicking like fetching balls etc. And to receive passes from Stringer so he gained a lot it seems.

 

[ratsapprentice]

*IrishtakingcreditforFord*

 

[Ragey Erasmus]

*IrishtakingcreditforFord*

One day Stringer will turn around and go "George me boy, oi am yer faather."

 

[Patchey]

One day Stringer will turn around and go "George me boy, oi am yer faather."

Not with George's hairline he isn't...

 

[Every Time Ref]

Is George Ford a "Project Player" now? Jeez, those Irish, there's nothing they won't stoop to is there?

 

[goodNumber10]

Have heard Stringer is an unbelievable influence on all the academy. George Ford I've heard a few times speak hugely of him too and the influence he's had.

iirc he wanted to keep on playing, not move into a mentoring role/behind the scenes, so....... off to newcastle he goes. Can't hold back the hands of ime just because someone is a good influence, Bath need an attacking 9 to balance out Devoto/RP.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

so....... off to newcastle he goes.

Please stop calling us Newcastle.
It hurts.