The UAFC

So, now that the best set of backs in Europe has been scattered to the four winds, it’s time for our back row to come to the fore.

It was Jean, Chris and Marcel in September from 6-8.

Radio silence regarding the injuries to Jean and Matty Rea but, assuming an unlikely clean bill of health, who plays at 6, 7 and 8 in our key games next season?

It’s Marcel at 8 for me.

Jordi, Marcell, Timoney...the numbers don't matter.

Maybe with the exception of 8 if we wanna get Marcel on the ball as often as possible.

And could Matty Rea make a lock? He’s a good line out operator but obviously no giant.

No. Matty really flourished with the more game time he had. He's a 6/8. He's a good lineout option at the tail. He will be a starter if Marcell's knee breaks.

Wishful thinking on my part perhaps.

Still, I fully expect 2MP to smash it out of the park in pre-season.

Dave wrote:Jordi, Marcell, Timoney...the numbers don't matter.

That'll do for me too.

Snipe Watson wrote:

Dave wrote:Jordi, Marcell, Timoney...the numbers don't matter.

That'll do for me too.

With reidy, deysel and rea pushing them on, id hope we have at least 4 available at any one time.

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Hendooo

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And Chris Henry will be seventh or eighth in line, how things change when there's a bit of Blue about.

He can't get a game ahead of Clive Ross atm.

Henry is done, was fully expecting him to retire

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Jackie Brown wrote:Henry is done, was fully expecting him to retire

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Maybe he's carrying a low level injury Jackie? He has been off the boil, no doubt about it but i'd like to see him get back somewhere near where we know he can play and have a real swansong. Very clever ball player, would love to see him get some form and put a string of performances together.

stickinout wrote:

Jackie Brown wrote:Henry is done, was fully expecting him to retire

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Maybe he's carrying a low level injury Jackie? He has been off the boil, no doubt about it but i'd like to see him get back somewhere near where we know he can play and have a real swansong. Very clever ball player, would love to see him get some form and put a string of performances together.

Once a player over 30 starts to decline, it's a trajectory that's hard to reverse. Chad was off the pace which for a 7 is a career ending condition. It will take an incredible force of will to get him back into the frame, stranger things have happened, but it's unlikely. I expected him to be the next retiree.

Snipe Watson wrote:

stickinout wrote:

Jackie Brown wrote:Henry is done, was fully expecting him to retire

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Maybe he's carrying a low level injury Jackie? He has been off the boil, no doubt about it but i'd like to see him get back somewhere near where we know he can play and have a real swansong. Very clever ball player, would love to see him get some form and put a string of performances together.

Once a player over 30 starts to decline, it's a trajectory that's hard to reverse. Chad was off the pace which for a 7 is a career ending condition. It will take an incredible force of will to get him back into the frame, stranger things have happened, but it's unlikely. I expected him to be the next retiree.

I don't think age is the problem, it's more miles on the clock. If his body is capable, i think he has plenty to offer for a season or two. He never was an out an out pacey ball fetcher, so i think he can adapt his game to fit his physical ability. Experience is a great thing and he woudl be a great role model for any young back rower coming through too.

He and Marcell combined well at the breakdown for those brief couple of games together. Chad's game was based on being a relentless energiser bunny and a real nuisance for the opposition. If the legs don't allow that then his opportunities will be limited.