Spring Tour:New Zealand vs Ireland - 1st Test. (09/06/2012, 08:35 GMT)

[donmcdazzle]

Bateman, crotty, even the weird suggestion of Ben smith or Andre Taylor, none of them are physical enough to be relied on to consistently crash it up and create go forward ball in international footy. You guys are clutching at straws.

Also has everyone forgot that Bateman buggered off to Japan for the paycheck? Or is that something you're only allowed to hold against SBW?

 

[admartian]

I think SBW's work at the breakdown is very under-rated. He is certainly not as good as someone like Conrad Smith on defensive breakdowns - on occasion he does drive through well and create the potential for turn-overs, but he doesn't have the 'natural rugby instinct' (e.g. the ability to chose when to compete and when not to) that is required to be great in this area (though he is improving). His work on attacking breakdowns is outstanding though in my opinion - as good as any back in world rugby. He hits breakdowns low and hard , which helps provide quick ball for the team - he is like having another forward on attacking breakdowns.

Bateman, crotty, even the weird suggestion of Ben smith or Andre Taylor, none of them are physical enough to be relied on to consistently crash it up and create go forward ball in international footy. You guys are clutching at straws.

Also has everyone forgot that Bateman buggered off to Japan for the paycheck? Or is that something you're only allowed to hold against SBW?

No one is clutching at straws here.

Was simply sharing a thought.