Pick the Results Weekends Internationals

Am I the only one who thinks Jamie Roberts is a bit overrated now? I'm not sure he's the same player he used to be. I think Davies will grow to be a much better player, if he's not already better now.

Granted I don't see a whole lot of them playing outside of International Rugby though

 

He single handedly won a World Cup quarter final in 2011. Not that that answers the question of whether he is still good but I have that firmly in my mind.

 

He's not even close to Wales' best player

 

You are taking me too literally. Obviously one person can't do a scrum or a lineout by themselves. But one person can be the difference between winning and losing. I have seen McCaw do it before for example.

 

A 13 is pretty critical. Being the centre of the field, they ensure the wings get good ball and also need to defend well. If the opposition can run through your middle, you're fucked.

 

There's the whole defensive side of things too....

I think the only position you could argue is actually less important is wing and that's not because they aren't important but because a wing can have a quiet game without costing a team much/ at all. It's more anything they do add is a bonus.

 

I don't like ranking an importance on something where everyone is important. I can see how it's established but would rather disregard actually using the expression. It labels it as they're the only players who need to perform or without them at the top of their game you won't win. Which simply isn't true. Sure it hinders everything but so does anyone playing poorly. It's all very well having good pill but if your backs aren't doing anything with it/ lose it then your efforts are wasted.

It's a flow on effect, 10 can't do it's offensive job without 9 giving him the ball and so on but in the end it's the whole effect (team) that wins the game.

 

This basically - 13 is a big position in rugby and so is 12.

I have seen lots of people make a massive impact on a game in a number of positions.

Ian Jones at 4 decided he wanted to win the 1995 world cup with 30 minutes to go so he just started winning every freaking line up that came along. Now we did lost that game but he got us close. And it was him doing it in a super human performance.

McCaw in a test against Australia not long ago - just decided we are not losing today and through sheer will power started winning breakdowns with no support. He is the GOAT.

Roberts at number 12 in that game I mentioned just made mega metres with each carry there was no stopping him. And that is what a 12 or 13 can do for you. When you make the gain line (I feel like I am repeating myself) consistently from 2nd and 3rd phase ball you can keep the drive alive and you don't have to kick away possession. This leads to penalties being given away by the opposition and once or twice a game a try.

I can't claim to ever having seen Nonu win a game for us - but he makes a material difference when he is on song.

I have seen Conrad Smith in the 13 jersey when playing for the Canes win a game. He just made such an impact with his tackling that the opposition couldn't make a break it seemed and he was everywhere must have made 15-20 tackles all together.

 

Yeah like I say I'm not disputing it I just disregard using it. If your locks are off form, suddenly kicking for touch isn't so appealing but is for the opposition. Same goes with the front row and scrums and so on.....it's truly a team game which is what makes it an awesome sport. Something as you would know (I would assume) you appreciate even more actually playing the game.

 

There is no doubt in my mind that had a player like Jonathan Davies played that day instead of Roberts they would not have won. I can't prove that statement because it is a hypothetical argument but I am convinced it is true.

I wonder if I can find out who was MOM for that game - be right back.