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Thoughts on Falcons and international selection
Discussion started by Kwa444 , 28 June, 2015 13:55
Thoughts on Falcons and international selection
Kwa444 28 June, 2015 13:55
It was once the case not long ago that the only international getting a fair view while playing for Falcons was Jonny Wilkinson. Even the Scottish started to have to go North for selection.

I would say the corner seems to have been turning slowly. We now have Italian and Pacific Island internationals and it seems an acceptable place for the Scots again. Our profile has even helped Socino in Argentina.

The one exception in my mind is England. I know Brookes got picked but I still believe the move to the East Midlands by him and Barrow could well be influenced by selection. Mark Wilson seemed to take forever to receive a well earned attempt at showing what he could do in a white shirt. What is it with England and even a reticence to take a good look at Falcons players?

Am I being unfair to England, or do other still feel there is an undercurrent in national side selection process?

Re: Thoughts on Falcons and international selection
captainhaircut 28 June, 2015 20:15
Quote:
Kwa444
It was once the case not long ago that the only international getting a fair view while playing for Falcons was Jonny Wilkinson. Even the Scottish started to have to go North for selection.
I would say the corner seems to have been turning slowly. We now have Italian and Pacific Island internationals and it seems an acceptable place for the Scots again. Our profile has even helped Socino in Argentina.

The one exception in my mind is England. I know Brookes got picked but I still believe the move to the East Midlands by him and Barrow could well be influenced by selection. Mark Wilson seemed to take forever to receive a well earned attempt at showing what he could do in a white shirt. What is it with England and even a reticence to take a good look at Falcons players?

Am I being unfair to England, or do other still feel there is an undercurrent in national side selection process?

I'm not sure I buy into it. Brookes is a prime example- he was worth his place and got his place.

Wilson is the only English player in the squad who is good enough. And he's part of a massively competitive back row which saw the Dave Ewers and Thomas Waldrom not even make the extended squad with superb young players like Beaumont and Clifford coming through.

I think most players leave because they can train with better players, have a challenge to even get in the side which drives them to another level and to play Heineken Cup rugby which is a chance to prove they can perform at a higher stage. Parling a key example of the impact of those three things.

Re: Thoughts on Falcons and international selection
Geordie 02 July, 2015 11:55
I think we are proving you can get selected for internationals at this club

Aside from the Pacific Islanders and Furno

We have:

Keiron Brookes - Full XV
Mark Wilson - Saxons
Scott Wilson - Saxons

Will Witty - England U20 World Cup final starter

Glen Youngs - Scotland U20

Scott Lawson - Scotland Full XV
Jon Welsh to join him in the full Scottish XV

I suspect we will see more this coming season also.
For example:
McGuigan was in the Irish u20's and with a good season could well propel to the Wolfhounds squad as im not sure they have a huge stable of hookers.

Re: Thoughts on Falcons and international selection
aidanb 03 July, 2015 14:39
We don't want McGuigan in the wolfhounds at all

Don't they operate a non overseas policy?

Re: Thoughts on Falcons and international selection
pa8 03 July, 2015 14:48
The Wolfhounds or the Irish Rugby Union ? Sexton played for Ireland this year whilst playing in France.

Re: Thoughts on Falcons and international selection
Kwa444 05 July, 2015 10:36
I think if I was the irfu I would probably make an exception for Sexton. In the same way England would manage to if Jonny was still playing at the height of his prime.

McGuigan is a slightly different prospect as he would be looking to break into the international setup and would therefore need to be Ireland based.

That said he is also England eligible and we do not have a convincing group anymore. Youngs is a nightmare at the line out, Hartley is usually banned (or carded in the game), Webber is not his clubs first choice. That leaves George, Cowan-Dickie and possibly Batty.

Re: Thoughts on Falcons and international selection
pa8 05 July, 2015 12:05
To be fair I think George needs a lot of work on his line out throwing as well.


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