Quote:ballsout
Obano the only first choice player for Bath, everyone else 2nd, 3rd, 4th choice...
Quote:Nath-coys
Francis is actually a pretty tenacious defender so don't see a problem there.
Quote:SaintsMan87
The constant non selection of mallinder makes me wonder if there’s a deeper issue! Picked by eddie jones but not us
Quote:Dragonboy
I do agree that it's a shame Lewis isn't getting more of a chance, particularly as he had such a strong start to the season, however we don't know how his illness has impacted on him. He may not be featuring on the injured list but is he yet recovered enough for first class rugby but then we must of course respect his privacy.
Tom Collins is a mystery to me as to why he doesn't feature. We were stuffed for pace last week by Yarde and Solomona, hey arguably our quickest available and wanting to play wing doesn't get a look in.
I've been an admirer of Tom Stephenson since he first started to appear in the Wandies at probably about 17, however for me he just doesn't cut it by virtue of the fact that he doesn't often pass and seems to try and beat everyone every time so it doesn't matter if we have Usain Bolt or Garry Pearce on the wing the result is always the same. The ball doesn't get that far. And with respect to Tom he isn't Alan Bateman.
Quote:Walks11Quote:SaintsMan87
The constant non selection of mallinder makes me wonder if there’s a deeper issue! Picked by eddie jones but not us
Constant? He was ill last week, no explanation this week but don’t see a trend of him not being selected
Quote:OlneySaint2
That side, assuming Mikey is unable to play, is the strongest side we have available in the eyes of the coaches. Exactly as expected. Wrong on so many levels. Persistent failure is rewarded. First choice players are not rested. Development/squad players are discouraged just when they would be raring to go.
What must the likes of Paul Hill, Lewis Ludlam, Tom Collins and Mitch Eadie be thinking? Or the younger prospects who have seen their counterparts in other clubs getting game time? Why remain at Saints if you want to play rugby and be developed? Will we play Lawes and Hartley in the A league latter stages so we can claim some silverware?
I do still hope we win the match and I do accept the obvious point that we are trying to salvage something from our season, but just can't suppress a feeling of embarrassment when I look at the Bath team. I'm going to the Rec, so will put up with none of my own arguments from the locals!
All that said, I agree with SaintMaul, the Bath bench is very strong. I expect James Wilson will have a point to prove and Hurrell is a strong runner. Their front row, bench and starting, could pose us problems and I'm not confident about Reece Marshall in the set piece. The Bath youngsters in their pack, Ellis, Bayliss and Douglas are eye-catching players and may combine well with the experience of Phillips and Ewels. Our Myler/Francis pairing is overdue and may be crucial, but I wonder whether our experience and class in the back row battle will be the deciding difference. Could be close.
Quote:Saint James
Completely agree with above ref younger players getting a shot in a meaningful game.
Unfortunately sums up the desperation of the coaches and state of the season to make safe selectIons. I fear it might work the other way, fresh, motivated lads with a point to prove would have been nice to see.