Quote:T-Bone
Kyle's rise has been pretty incredible and delighted for him. Was very surporised to hear he can hit 100 Quins caps if he plays next two games.
I do think Joe should get more credit than he's getting though. Not that much older, 50ish England caps, every chance of playing himself into starting loosehead.
I'm not sure "incredible" is the word - meteoric, certainly, but I think his potential was apparent from the moment he started playing. Don't forget he toured NZ with England two years ago, albeit only playing against Christchurch.
Wholeheartedly agree with you about Marler. Pundits and fans tend to have this assumption that Mako will be the first choice in any given situation - when in six out of eight games when they've both been full fit Eddie has started Joe (and one of the others was against Italy). It's been clear to me from his first senior season that he had the potential to rival the Funbus in the appearances stakes, and he still looks on track to do that.
All of which said, I think Kyle might one day surpass them both. If his scrummaging continues to improve, and he stays fit, he's got every chance of being an England fixture for years to come.