Wow, another Ntamack fan !? I liked him more as a centre, he just ran beautiful angles and the way he glided into gaps was so smooth and elegant. Unfortunately he was hopeless in defence.
That French flair era seems so long ago. A bunch of slender guys who looked like they'd never been in the weights room but all with verve, pace, clever footwork, and they made the ball sing. They did make ball skills and support play look easy. The irony is Ntamack as french backs coach has failed to bring that element to Les Bleus and they are suffering for it.
Of the current mob I most admire:
Stephen Moore - the way he's developed and rounded out his game since becoming a Wallaby. Too many guys fail to remedy their flaws. Moore has chipped away and crafted himself into a world class player. I also vastly prefer the big hookers - the 100 kg wannabe loose forwards shit me to tears. And Moore always seems to give his all whereas guys with 2-3 caps are out their twiddling their thumbs, not taking their opportunties.
Cliffy Palu - just so dynamic around the park. A gamebreaking forward. Should be wearing a big S on the front of his jersey. He does the impossible. Scrum backpedalling, 2 monster loose forwards about to pounce on him, and from a standing start he'll pick the ball up with one hand, palm one off, run over the other and storm forward looking for his next victim. Hulk smash !!
