Utility Backs Choices of the Home Nations
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Londonirishollie
kiakahaaotearoa
EnglishReign
yappysnap
Rory_Gallagher
KickAndChase
Effervescing Elephant
rodders
dummy_half
Biltong
George Carlin
maestegmafia
16 posters
The v2 Forum :: Sport :: Rugby Union :: International
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Utility Backs
Utility Backs Choices of the Home Nations
Lets look at who the board rate as the best Utility Backs possible for the Lions next year.
Pick Two Utility Backs from the Poll below.
Pick Two Utility Backs from the Poll below.
maestegmafia- Posts : 23145
Join date : 2011-03-05
Location : Glyncorrwg
Re: Utility Backs Choices of the Home Nations
Well done Maesteg - the Halfpenny Thread.
Would have to be Leigh and Earls for me - Ha'penny provides another goal kicking option and Earls can play full back, wing or centre and was good on the last Lions tour (coming back well from a nasty bleed into his pectoral muscle as I remember it).
I am assuming that Henson is included because of his utility as a rugby player, reality show participant and general flypaper for derision.
Jonny May has a big future but not on this Lions tour - I expect him to feature on the next one.
Would have to be Leigh and Earls for me - Ha'penny provides another goal kicking option and Earls can play full back, wing or centre and was good on the last Lions tour (coming back well from a nasty bleed into his pectoral muscle as I remember it).
I am assuming that Henson is included because of his utility as a rugby player, reality show participant and general flypaper for derision.
Jonny May has a big future but not on this Lions tour - I expect him to feature on the next one.
George Carlin- Admin
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Join date : 2011-06-23
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Re: Utility Backs Choices of the Home Nations
Maes, just checking, if Leigh Halpenny gets in here, then he doesn't qualify under wing or fullback?
Biltong- Moderator
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Join date : 2011-04-27
Location : Twilight zone
Re: Utility Backs Choices of the Home Nations
1/2p to cover the back 3, Hook to cover 10, 12, 13.
Earls and Fitzgerald probably on stand by
Earls and Fitzgerald probably on stand by
dummy_half- Posts : 6322
Join date : 2011-03-11
Age : 52
Location : East Hertfordshire
Re: Utility Backs Choices of the Home Nations
Halfpenny and Earls for me... actually think I already picked Halfpenny at full back but hey ho......
rodders- Moderator
- Posts : 25501
Join date : 2011-05-20
Age : 43
Re: Utility Backs Choices of the Home Nations
Got to be Halfpenny and Earls. Although not sure how this affects the full back poll. Would rather have Halfpenny starting to be honest. Also i'd rather have Brown instead of Armitage in the poll.
Last edited by Carpe Diem on Thu 12 Apr 2012, 10:24 am; edited 1 time in total (Reason for editing : Typoo)
Effervescing Elephant- Posts : 1629
Join date : 2011-03-25
Age : 48
Location : Exeter/Bristol/Brittany
Re: Utility Backs Choices of the Home Nations
Why no other votes for Patterson? He sounds like he's quite good, got a name very simiar to a recently retired legend.
KickAndChase- Posts : 738
Join date : 2011-08-11
Age : 34
Location : That really depends
Re: Utility Backs Choices of the Home Nations
Fitzgerald and Earls.. already picked Halfpenny at 15, and I rate Fitzgerald higher than I rate Earls. I think Fitz is going to break into the Ireland team again very soon.
Rory_Gallagher- Posts : 11324
Join date : 2011-09-18
Age : 31
Location : Belfast
Re: Utility Backs Choices of the Home Nations
Jonny May, will be the player of the tour.
yappysnap- Posts : 11993
Join date : 2011-06-01
Age : 36
Location : Christchurch, NZ
Re: Utility Backs Choices of the Home Nations
yappysnap wrote:Jonny May, will be the player of the tour.
Strong words.
EnglishReign- Posts : 2040
Join date : 2011-06-12
Location : London
Re: Utility Backs Choices of the Home Nations
Very strong words for a modal verb that only represents a mere possibility. If his name were Jonny B. Good that would sound a lot more convincing.
kiakahaaotearoa- Posts : 8287
Join date : 2011-05-10
Location : Madrid
Re: Utility Backs Choices of the Home Nations
He is the best player in the world though.
EnglishReign- Posts : 2040
Join date : 2011-06-12
Location : London
Re: Utility Backs Choices of the Home Nations
He May be. But I think he is not.
kiakahaaotearoa- Posts : 8287
Join date : 2011-05-10
Location : Madrid
Re: Utility Backs Choices of the Home Nations
Carpe Diem wrote:Got to be Halfpenny and Earls. Although not sure how this affects the full back poll. Would rather have Halfpenny starting to be honest. Also i'd rather have Brown instead of Armitage in the poll.
Brown is an out and out fullback. He doesn't cover anywhere else. Armitage covers 11,13 and 14 when needed.
At the moment i'd go for Halfpenny and Earls, but if Delon can get some form at Toulon like his brother has then he shouldn't be discounted. I still feel his exclusion from the last Lions tour has damaged him.
Londonirishollie- Posts : 505
Join date : 2011-06-01
Location : London
Re: Utility Backs Choices of the Home Nations
Yes but Armitage is a c**t.
Effervescing Elephant- Posts : 1629
Join date : 2011-03-25
Age : 48
Location : Exeter/Bristol/Brittany
Re: Utility Backs Choices of the Home Nations
1/2 Penny and Hook, Hook may end up as the starting 10 by the time the tour comes around so may need another player to cover e.g., Wilkinson or Cipriani!
glamorganalun- Posts : 3292
Join date : 2011-05-04
Location : Torfaen
Re: Utility Backs Choices of the Home Nations
Halfpenny in every poll, he's bound to win. Let the others have a go
EnglishReign- Posts : 2040
Join date : 2011-06-12
Location : London
Re: Utility Backs Choices of the Home Nations
kiakahaaotearoa wrote:He May be. But I think he is not.
He's a rich man's Muliaina
EnglishReign- Posts : 2040
Join date : 2011-06-12
Location : London
Re: Utility Backs Choices of the Home Nations
EnglishReign wrote:Halfpenny in every poll, he's bound to win. Let the others have a go
Even got two votes as a Tighthead. He is very highly rated as an all rounder.
maestegmafia- Posts : 23145
Join date : 2011-03-05
Location : Glyncorrwg
Re: Utility Backs Choices of the Home Nations
Twas the scrum-cap that fooled folk!
Taffineastbourne- Posts : 2043
Join date : 2011-05-18
Location : Somewhere in Eastbourne
Re: Utility Backs Choices of the Home Nations
maestegmafia wrote:EnglishReign wrote:Halfpenny in every poll, he's bound to win. Let the others have a go
Even got two votes as a Tighthead. He is very highly rated as an all rounder.
I think he even got most votes as a line out specialist.
Biltong- Moderator
- Posts : 26945
Join date : 2011-04-27
Location : Twilight zone
Re: Utility Backs Choices of the Home Nations
biltongbek wrote:maestegmafia wrote:EnglishReign wrote:Halfpenny in every poll, he's bound to win. Let the others have a go
Even got two votes as a Tighthead. He is very highly rated as an all rounder.
I think he even got most votes as a line out specialist.
Seeing the size of his biceps I wouldn't be surprised as prop. Considering his gravitationally challenged disposition his line out ability is the stuff of marvel.
A real life superman...!
Wait, does Halfpenny wear a cape...?
maestegmafia- Posts : 23145
Join date : 2011-03-05
Location : Glyncorrwg
Re: Utility Backs Choices of the Home Nations
He used to Maes, but it got stolen in NZ and an englishman jmped in the water and tried to swim away with it, I beleive the ferry's propellor ripped it to shreds.
Biltong- Moderator
- Posts : 26945
Join date : 2011-04-27
Location : Twilight zone
Re: Utility Backs Choices of the Home Nations
biltongbek wrote:He used to Maes, but it got stolen in NZ and an englishman jmped in the water and tried to swim away with it, I beleive the ferry's propellor ripped it to shreds.
I'd be surprised if anyone could catch him. He was clocked at 110 mph adjusting his scrum cap.
maestegmafia- Posts : 23145
Join date : 2011-03-05
Location : Glyncorrwg
Re: Utility Backs Choices of the Home Nations
I put 1/2 p and May but as I think halfpenny should be going as starting 15, I'd say Earls as well
ChequeredJersey- Posts : 18707
Join date : 2011-12-23
Age : 34
Location : London, UK
Re: Utility Backs Choices of the Home Nations
Carpe Diem wrote:Yes but Armitage is a c**t.
A little harsh but the general sentiment is I think a valid point. With mixing several nations automatically additional discord and attitude issues are really not helpful in the Lions so the likes of Armitage and Care need to sort themselves out before they should be considered. Suggesting Henson as a tourist should be illegal (just kidding. But barely)
ChequeredJersey- Posts : 18707
Join date : 2011-12-23
Age : 34
Location : London, UK
Re: Utility Backs Choices of the Home Nations
Halfpenny should be starting on the wing. Earls is the clear utility option. The only player on the list with significant international experience at centre, wing & FB. Not to mention a good understanding of the Lions environment.
alcoombe- Posts : 242
Join date : 2011-06-11
Re: Utility Backs Choices of the Home Nations
A trifle harsh indeed Chequered, however having seen him 'strutting' his stuff in Torquay my comment stands!
Effervescing Elephant- Posts : 1629
Join date : 2011-03-25
Age : 48
Location : Exeter/Bristol/Brittany
Re: Utility Backs Choices of the Home Nations
alcoombe wrote:Halfpenny should be starting on the wing. Earls is the clear utility option. The only player on the list with significant international experience at centre, wing & FB. Not to mention a good understanding of the Lions environment.
Luke fitzgerald is similar positionally to Earls, and a former lions test player, then James hook has covered Center, fullback and flyhalf at international level
maestegmafia- Posts : 23145
Join date : 2011-03-05
Location : Glyncorrwg
Re: Utility Backs Choices of the Home Nations
To be honest, I can see Fitzgerald overtaking Earls this year for Ireland, so he will be in front as a Lions option.
Rory_Gallagher- Posts : 11324
Join date : 2011-09-18
Age : 31
Location : Belfast
Re: Utility Backs Choices of the Home Nations
Rory_Gallagher wrote:To be honest, I can see Fitzgerald overtaking Earls this year for Ireland, so he will be in front as a Lions option.
Ireland are very lucky to have both at their disposal.
maestegmafia- Posts : 23145
Join date : 2011-03-05
Location : Glyncorrwg
Re: Utility Backs Choices of the Home Nations
maestegmafia wrote:Rory_Gallagher wrote:To be honest, I can see Fitzgerald overtaking Earls this year for Ireland, so he will be in front as a Lions option.
Ireland are very lucky to have both at their disposal.
They are, so it is a shame they are wasting the talent available. Fitzgerald firstly should have went to the RWC, should be playing 13 (in my opinion) and Earls shouldn't be playing 13. Earls' skill set hasn't been used very well so far at 13 (in my opinion again).
Rory_Gallagher- Posts : 11324
Join date : 2011-09-18
Age : 31
Location : Belfast
Re: Utility Backs Choices of the Home Nations
maestegmafia wrote:alcoombe wrote:Halfpenny should be starting on the wing. Earls is the clear utility option. The only player on the list with significant international experience at centre, wing & FB. Not to mention a good understanding of the Lions environment.
Luke fitzgerald is similar positionally to Earls, and a former lions test player, then James hook has covered Center, fullback and flyhalf at international level
Yes, quite right, I'd blanked that Fitzgerald had featured a couple of times for Ireland at centre a number of years ago, though my point was about "significant international experience" and Earls has played a fair bit more at centre and more recently. He's definitely the only player to have featured for his nation at centre, wing and FB in the last year 12 months.
Hook covers a number of position, but not wing, which given there are two I think is essential from your no.22 shirt.
alcoombe- Posts : 242
Join date : 2011-06-11
Re: Utility Backs Choices of the Home Nations
Halfpenny and Hook are good goal kickers as well as utility positional players so have a good chance of a bench position if not starting.
glamorganalun- Posts : 3292
Join date : 2011-05-04
Location : Torfaen
Re: Utility Backs Choices of the Home Nations
alcoombe wrote:maestegmafia wrote:alcoombe wrote:Halfpenny should be starting on the wing. Earls is the clear utility option. The only player on the list with significant international experience at centre, wing & FB. Not to mention a good understanding of the Lions environment.
Luke fitzgerald is similar positionally to Earls, and a former lions test player, then James hook has covered Center, fullback and flyhalf at international level
Yes, quite right, I'd blanked that Fitzgerald had featured a couple of times for Ireland at centre a number of years ago, though my point was about "significant international experience" and Earls has played a fair bit more at centre and more recently. He's definitely the only player to have featured for his nation at centre, wing and FB in the last year 12 months.
Hook covers a number of position, but not wing, which given there are two I think is essential from your no.22 shirt.
I would not see Hook on the wing but as he covers 10, 12, 13 and 15 I think that is a huge benefit to your bench. Also a top goal kicker.
Meaning, as Wales do so often, you can have three backline subs on the bunch covering all the positions.
I would imagine that the backline will be something like.
Phillips, Sexton, Bowe, Davies, O'Driscol, North, Halfpenny. (he'll be ahead for his goal kicking)
You could have a bench of Youngs, Hook and Fitzgerald.
maestegmafia- Posts : 23145
Join date : 2011-03-05
Location : Glyncorrwg
Re: Utility Backs Choices of the Home Nations
maestegmafia wrote:alcoombe wrote:maestegmafia wrote:alcoombe wrote:Halfpenny should be starting on the wing. Earls is the clear utility option. The only player on the list with significant international experience at centre, wing & FB. Not to mention a good understanding of the Lions environment.
Luke fitzgerald is similar positionally to Earls, and a former lions test player, then James hook has covered Center, fullback and flyhalf at international level
Yes, quite right, I'd blanked that Fitzgerald had featured a couple of times for Ireland at centre a number of years ago, though my point was about "significant international experience" and Earls has played a fair bit more at centre and more recently. He's definitely the only player to have featured for his nation at centre, wing and FB in the last year 12 months.
Hook covers a number of position, but not wing, which given there are two I think is essential from your no.22 shirt.
I would not see Hook on the wing but as he covers 10, 12, 13 and 15 I think that is a huge benefit to your bench. Also a top goal kicker.
Meaning, as Wales do so often, you can have three backline subs on the bunch covering all the positions.
I would imagine that the backline will be something like.
Phillips, Sexton, Bowe, Davies, O'Driscol, North, Halfpenny. (he'll be ahead for his goal kicking)
You could have a bench of Youngs, Hook and Fitzgerald.
His ability to cover a number of positions is most definitely very useful, but as you show, you still need someone to cover the wings on the bench, and if you're also picking Fitzgerald or Earls (or May from the poll) then Hook's cover for FB & centre isn't a significant factor. He's effectively in contention for the no.21 shirt (not the utility back 22 shirt), and the polls show that there are preferred FH backups for that place.
alcoombe- Posts : 242
Join date : 2011-06-11
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