Bath

markpat says...

Cipriani is very miss, miss, miss, miss, miss, miss, miss, lucky hit, miss.

The guy was appalling for England, bar one game.

The guy was appaling for the rebels, full stop.

The guy was hit and miss for a very good wasps side.

Even on his best day, his decision making is lucky rather than calculated.

I swear I'll support the opposition if England ever pick the guy again!

His last "international" game for the barbarians against Australia summed him up perfectly.

Posted 12:24 09th July 2012

heart_of_oak says...

Bones7 - you said "England's outside backs look very dangerous with the right ball and I think he (Cipriani) looks the most capable of providing it". I take it that by "it" you mean attacking vision and flair.

I have to say I could not disagree with you more. Who are the backs that you consider dangerous and what's your evidence for this ? Also, what recent performances has Cipriani put in to make you think he could deliver attacking flair and vision ?

I'm sorry mate, I wish I was wrong, but I just don't see our backs as dangerous and nor do I see Cipriani providing anything but newspaper headlines for all the wrong reasons.

Our scrum is in great shape but our backs are dreadful. Thank God for Manu - at least we've got one powerful centre. We have a real problem at inside centre. On the wings, we have Ashton and A.N.Other and Ashton isn't consistent enough and whoever plays on the other wing gets injured. We have 3 good full backs (Goode, Foden and Brown) so I'm not too worried about that position.At scrum half, we may get a good performance every 2 or 3 games from say Youngs or Care but the next match, they'll be crap and we'll all be saying we should have played the other guy. There seem to be some options at fly half but again, we lack a consistently good performer in this key position.

You're right that we need some vision but if Cipriani is to provide it then I'm a Chinaman, which, given my Yorkshire roots, ain't that likely.

Posted 20:30 05th July 2012

Bones7 says...

@ Centre12, Twelvetrees had a few very average Saxons games if I remember so blotted his copybook slightly I think.

It's great that Hodgson, as a bloke who got limited opportunities and a lot of stick over the years was given the chance he deserved and performed so well. Lancaster's faith in picking him gave him the chance to really polish his international career. Mears has been a great servant too and could always be relied upon to add an unexpected moment of fun from the front row with his impressive ball-handling.

I think Cipriani is in with a good shot providing he doesn't impersonate a set of saloon doors next season. His attacking skills, vision and pace are far beyond that of Farrell, who looks like Wilkinson at his most boring but without the big hits and dead-eye kicking. England's outside backs look very dangerous with the right ball and I think he looks the most capable of providing it. Flood is an odd one as he has all the skills but flaky confidence. He can be brilliant on his day and also a massive liability unfortunately. A natural 12 who can play the ball, tackle well and kick wouldn't go amiss I don't think and that might be the best place for Flood.

Posted 13:38 02nd July 2012

Centre12 says...

Right decision for both players and perhaps Easter and Cueto should have acted in a similar fashion instead of trying to prolong their international careers.

For all of those mentioning Cipriani, well 4 years ago when he single handily ripped Ireland to pieces, I would have 100% thought that his name would be set in stone in the England #10 jersey by now, however with only himself to blame he returns to the Premiership with still a lot to prove. I wouldn't even be mentioning his name in the Saxons Squad let alone the EPS.

Big question marks loom over Tweletrees?????? Even after Lowe got injured on tour, Jonny May got picked over of Twelevtrees, I cant believe he isn't in the EPS yet, what has he done to upset SL???????

Posted 14:31 29th June 2012

Headhunter99 says...

The only fault Charlie Hodgson had was to be around when Wilkinson was at his best and to suffer a series of cruel injuries when his opportunities arrived. Totally honest and full of integrity, a good way to bow out. Likewise Lee Mears, as others have said good to se SL is looking forward.

Thanks for the memories guys

Posted 23:27 28th June 2012

alanatleeds says...

Good Northern common sense by Stuart as we would expect. IMHO George Ford is the future England No. 10

Posted 20:49 28th June 2012

fatdan15 says...

This can only be good news for both England and these boys. Charlie has had some frustrating outings for England and Lee is about a foot short of being a really great hooker. It will be good for them to focus on their club careers (where they consistently are in the top two or three in their position in the league) and give the likes of George Ford and Tom Youngs chance to step up.

Posted 14:28 28th June 2012

OJHolden says...

Think if Cipriani can turn it on at Sale he might be in with a shot of the England team. This summer has shown that Farrell is a solid player but won't set the world on fire and Flood looks is a bit limited too.

Of course there are questions over Cipriani's defense but when he's on his game, he knows how to get a back line flowing.

Posted 13:52 28th June 2012

APV1 says...

A good call by all involved. It shows that Sl is not going to flog dead horses and that the players realise that too. No point trying to be Peter Pan, when there are clearly better players coming through. Concentrate on your club games whilst you can and let the new lads have their chance.

It will be good to have Mears back at Bath full time too.

Posted 13:24 28th June 2012