bazzaj wrote:
The main point I would like to make would be the possible start pairing of RP and small P.
It maybe inevitable depending on PJs injury.
Asides the fact that RP is better at controlling a game at 9 rather than 10 and PM makes more of an impact off the bench, I would like to make a case for sticking to start PJ at 10.
There are definiately parts of his game which he needs to improve which will come with experience in terms of line breaks and kicking.
His distrubution is excellent but my main point is the way he shuts down the 10 channel like no other 10 in europe outside of Wilkinson or Sexton.
Can anyone recall the last time a player broke through that channel?
His defence is now something we are all taking slightly forgranted but it also has a knock on effect to our outside backs who can concentrate on their defence without any inside worry.
It is one of the reasons why our defence has been water tight this season.
Also when Big Nick threw the ball to no one in our 22 and our player was caught in possession, it was PJ who was first on scene to secure the ball in the ensuing ruck allowing us to clear the danger.
He does the dirty work which is something I am sure that is not lost on the likes of Bell and MA.
I agree Bazzaj. No more stretched defence covering the black hole of IH. PJ's bottle in defence is exceptional for one so young.
My rant is this, and my main negative; NOT with PJ who did have an off night with the boot, and some other aspects of his game, coupled with either a bit of loss of form and confidence- it was the attitude of the crowd last night, both when RP took over the drop outs, and when PJ left the pitch. Some of the reaction was appalling- lack of applause and indeed in some cases, where I was on the terrace, toward the Memorial end, he was given the bird/ ironic cheers.
Disgraceful, and will hardly do the youngsters confidence any good at all. IMO, as a ex-forward, PJ's in credit this season, and will make it through. Setbacks like this will make him stronger and hardened. What age was Sexton when he finally made it? 24-25? PJ has played in an HEC final, and full campaign now at 20, is our first choice out half, and when on song, is outstanding. There are flaws to his game, but what do we expect? Dan Carter ffs?
One for the backs on here- discussed this with a guy beside me on the terrace- We reckoned PJ's drop outs were
deliberately kept low in front of the Glasgow forwards for the knock-on- yet he got the bird. Anyone care to comment?
As has been said, injury may force our hand to play Smallp and RP against Castres- PM plays much more assuredly with RP as his comfort blanket- maybe he feels the pressure of responsibility that dissipates when RP is outside. PM made a signifcant impact last night, and is a great "problem" to have.
In summary- some of the Ravers crowd this season are particularly objectionable (including the "get in the hole" tw*t,) and lack knowledge/ objectivity.. maybe they should f*ck off back to their fleg protests....
but in a closer game, that official ineptitude may have cost us.. i.e. against Castres, who will offer a bit more in the forwards, if they turn up, which I think they will- home pride and all that.
