Ben Alexander

[Blue]

I really enjoyed watching Alexander in the S14 as he displayaed all the skills that make him a perfect prop in a Brumbie style of game.

On the basis of the last game where he started at 3 the question remains if he is an adequate backup at 3 and I really can't see how he can improve his scrummaging enough in the short term to really be a viable backup for Baxter. Everything else he does is fantastic though.

If Baxter goes down tomorrow, who would you start at 3?

 

[Lindommer]

If Baxter goes down tomorrow, who would you start at 3?

Tucky's yer man.

 

[the gambler]

Lets cross our fingers and hope he doesnt!!

But if he does I guess Dunning would probably have to be the man. Didnt see all of the mud game but the Eastwood scrum seemed to be on top against Manly, especially on Dunnings side. Although he did act like a twit at the end of the match when he went within an inch of hitting the ref.

Good to see Growden calling for Moore or TPN to do a Smit and convert to tight head ???

 

[Biffo]

Good to see Growden calling for Moore or TPN to do a Smit and convert to tight head ???

That's OK if you have depth at hooker. We don't.

 

[Biffo]

I really enjoyed watching Alexander in the S14 as he displayaed all the skills that make him a perfect prop in a Brumbie style of game.

On the basis of the last game where he started at 3 the question remains if he is an adequate backup at 3 and I really can't see how he can improve his scrummaging enough in the short term to really be a viable backup for Baxter. Everything else he does is fantastic though.

If Baxter goes down tomorrow, who would you start at 3?

Good question. As noted by Lindommer, Tucky.

Longer-term, it's pretty clear now that Alexander can make it at THP. I wouldn't be surprised to see Cowan cross-trained at THP as well.

So, longer-term, we should be OK. But for now, the position is perilous.

Over about 18 months in 2002-2004, Australia lost its top four THPs permanently. Expert mates of mine told me then it would take at least five years to recover. They were right.

 

[Pfitzy]

Good to see Growden calling for Moore or TPN to do a Smit and convert to tight head ???

Yet more proof of the man's mental shortcomings.

Alexander was OK against the Italians and should be persisted with. I know he can do it but he needs time to really establish himself.

 

[Lindommer]

Longer-term, it's pretty clear now that Alexander can make it at THP. I wouldn't be surprised to see Cowan cross-trained at THP as well.

He'll probably make it in the next year or so but I wouldn't throw him in against the Beast next month. The other newbie who should be groomed as a backup THP is Kepu. If these two develop properly, and Tucky hangs around, we should be OK for THPs in the medium term.

 

[Pfitzy]

Let's not go crazy for props trained in both sides of the dark arts - I know we think we're OK with guys like Robinson, Palmer, and Daley around, but I think Pek should stay as a LHP and Alexander learn both roles. More often than not, having a specialist THP on the bench is better than a specialist LHP.

 

[Cutter]

Let's not go crazy for props trained in both sides of the dark arts - I know we think we're OK with guys like Robinson, Palmer, and Daley around, but I think Pek should stay as a LHP and Alexander learn both roles. More often than not, having a specialist THP on the bench is better than a specialist LHP.

Why?

 

[Lee Grant]

Because a THP playing in the technical position of LHP is less likely to stuff up than a specialist LHP playing in the strength position of THP.

 

[Moses]

Who's Tucky?

 

[Biffo]

The problem will be solved totally when Alexander qualifies as a specialist THP.

 

[fatprop]

The problem will be solved totally when Alexander qualifies as a specialist THP.

In about two years?

 

[Biffo]

Mate, I worded my comment knowing that you'd be along to ask just that question

Yes, I'd say about two years. I wouldn't be rushing it as the man is 23 (?) and hopefully has a long career ahead.

My strategy would be to work on Alexander to try to get him ready to replace The Fuse and concommitantly work on the next generation - Palmer, Kepu, Daley and ?? Get the succession planned.

I have previously written here that our THP stocks were shattered in 2002-03 when we lost out top four within about 18 months. No country could withstand such a loss. I have also written here that my expert mates said in 2003 that it would take five years to rebuild our THP stocks.

We have to be patient but patience depends on being able to see the succession process.

 

[RugbyReg]

The problem will be solved totally when Alexander qualifies as a specialist THP.

In about two years?

2009
+ 1 year
-----------
2010
+ 1 year
----------
2011
======

That'll do me.

 

[fatprop]

The problem will be solved totally when Alexander qualifies as a specialist THP.

In about two years?

2009
+ 1 year
-----------
2010
+ 1 year
----------
2011
======

That'll do me.

Alexander's biggest problem is getting time at THP in the S14 to build that experience.

Dunning will be starting for the Force, Palmer will be sharing time with Baxter and Sheperdson and Ma'fu will be THPs for the Brumbies. So when is he going to get time there? Half a game every so often won't be enough.

 

[RugbyReg]

I agree, he should move to QLD>

 

[Scotty]

for the good of the country of course

 

[Lee Grant]

Who's Tucky?

That's the Tahs nickname for Dunning due to a resemblance to Friar Tuck.

But why is Caldwell "Ducker"?

 

[Lindommer]

for the good of the country of course

Be nice if that sentiment was reciprocated, just occasionally.