Team of Week 1

[Gavin]

Mike Phillips is the best scrum-half in the world, irrespective of his Welsh nationality.

You've got to be kidding me!

Genia, Weepu, Parra to name a few who are better than Phillips.

 

[King_D'Arcy]

You've got to be kidding me!

Genia, Weepu, Parra to name a few who are better than Phillips.

Yeah Both french scrumhalves are better than him imo.

 

[Olliekooga]

Phillips has a very annoying habit of taking 3 or 4 lateral steps towards his 10 before passing. This allows the defence to be up in the face of the 3/4's a lot quicker and cuts down the thinking time of 10, 12 and 13. He is a big lump and very strong but he also needs to remember what number he has on his back and its not 6,7 or 8

I think someone has already mentioned the fact that Wales dont need another flanker/ 8 on the field (especially with the back row they have) they need a scrum half. If you listen to the ref mic on Sunday he got a lot of protection from Wayne Barnes and so doesnt need to be a physical monster he can concentrate on sparking the offence. I also thought he had to do a lot of digging on Sunday though and think he needs cleaner ball from his fatties to unleash a physically imposing back line.

 

[Toby Faletau-Jones]

You've got to be kidding me!

Genia, Weepu, Parra to name a few who are better than Phillips.

Genia is absolutely crap! Parra is only good for kicking, but imo Weepu is pretty good. Im surprised you didn't mention the saffies scrum-half something de preez.

 

[SelimNiai]

Genia is absolutely crap!.

Are you mad?!?!

Genia crap?

He's a top class 9. And I think he will be mentioned in the same breath as Gregan comfortably

 

[TRF_Olyy]

You'd be hard pressed to find (m)any who'd agree Philips is the best in the world.
Be hard pressed to find (m)any to say he's the best in the 6N...

 

[Toby Faletau-Jones]

Phillips has a very annoying habit of taking 3 or 4 lateral steps towards his 10 before passing. This allows the defence to be up in the face of the 3/4's a lot quicker and cuts down the thinking time of 10, 12 and 13. He is a big lump and very strong but he also needs to remember what number he has on his back and its not 6,7 or 8

I think someone has already mentioned the fact that Wales dont need another flanker/ 8 on the field (especially with the back row they have) they need a scrum half. If you listen to the ref mic on Sunday he got a lot of protection from Wayne Barnes and so doesnt need to be a physical monster he can concentrate on sparking the offence. I also thought he had to do a lot of digging on Sunday though and think he needs cleaner ball from his fatties to unleash a physically imposing back line.

Yeah to a certain extent I must agree, it is a weakness that needs eradicating from his game. However in his defence, and from his mindset, you have to think. He is most likely taking those steps to keep the defence guessing. Because he is such a big bugger, defences need to contain him so by taking these steps he could potentially dummy through a gap and so defenders follow him. My point is that he may be trying to attract defenders to alleviate the pressure on his outside backs. Although as you clearly highlighted this can be counterproductive.

All im saying is just watch him and compare him to other halves from now on. Look at his contribution and theirs. By no means, am i a Phillips favourite fan. Apart from him leaving the blues for the dirty hairsprays, he does have issues. But joking aside, I just can see the hard work, and platform he provides Wales with. It's just my opinion though.

 

[Mrs. Peter Quinn]

You'd be hard pressed finding many saying he's the best in Wales...

 

[Seaton]

Mr Toby, I presume you agree with Nick Mallet trying that flank/ eigthman at 9 a few years ago?

Who was he again?

 

[Olliekooga]

If he is trying to keep the defence honest with his lateral movement every so often he has to go round the fringes and start sniping a'la Matt Dawson. If he doesnt he gets predictable and the defence just push out. This is going to be difficult for a big lad.
Also guards and bodyguards at the side of rucks only have responsibility for the zero channel (One closest to rucks) if no runner is hitting the gap between Phillips and the break down (ie the space he has just left) happy days and goodnight 10.

 

[ThatFellowEdwards]

I thought Manning had a good game...

*boom boom*

 

[groga]

Genia is absolutely crap! Parra is only good for kicking, but imo Weepu is pretty good. Im surprised you didn't mention the saffies scrum-half something de preez.

Mate Parra is a very talented number 9. Has a lot more to his bow then just good kicking..... I'd take Parra/Genia > Weepu

 

[HowieLO6]

Phillips has a very annoying habit of taking 3 or 4 lateral steps towards his 10 before passing.

This.

Its infuriating. I suppose the difference is that he can cope/relishes the additional contact that this brings. Can only hope that the Lions coaches take note and go with someone who can deliver quicker ball.

 

[martinspoonboy1]

i think i'd have Will Genia at scrum half, just for his quick ball, pace and consistency. He's the most reliable scrum half in world rugby and in my opinion beats mike philips to the world xv shirt.

 

[Seaton]

Mike Phillips second best scrum-half in the world.

:S