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Reds 2015

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Train Without a Station

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Now if an absolutely weapon of a lock who can scrummage as good as any lock now, shows himself to be the 2nd best line out lock in the country and has more of an impact around the park than James. And with that James is not willing to play 3rd string to this hypothetical player and Simmons, then let's talk.
 

Scrubber2050

Mark Ella (57)
Now if an absolutely weapon of a lock who can scrummage as good as any lock now, shows himself to be the 2nd best line out lock in the country and has more of an impact around the park than James. And with that James is not willing to play 3rd string to this hypothetical player and Simmons, then let's talk.

Mate I rather James just get back to his best - there you go - problem solved
 

Troy

Jim Clark (26)
Scrubber what's going on? Yesterday you wanted to get rid of CFS, or at least until he was 25. Today you want to put James out to pasture. If you were coach we'd go through players quicker than underwear! Try look at the bigger picture and other alternatives before giving someone their pink slip.
 

Scrubber2050

Mark Ella (57)
Troy, my comment about CFS was simply in response to your post.

Mate I have known CS now CFS since he was in Year 10. Great talent, fantastic talent as shown by making the Wallabies. He has had a heap of injuries, mainly hamstring over the years. My comment about the return at 25 was tongue in cheek.

If you really think James is at the top of his game then think again. I would love to keep him at the Reds + Australia BUT he must be playing well. If he doesn't (same as others in every Super 15 team) then you get the "tap"

At some point in time in professional sport it happens to all. That is, the player retires on his own terms or gets the tap.

I just want to see the bloke play to his ability !!!!! The rest then takes care of itself, doesn't it ?????
 
T

Train Without a Station

Guest
Scrubber you are right that James isn't at the peak of his game. But that's not relevant. His performance in relation to the others is. There's only 2 or 3 locks that can say they are consistently outplaying James as locks. Perhaps only 2 in fact.
 
T

Train Without a Station

Guest
Carter and Simmons.

Skelton is a better ball runner but as I noted, his work rate is much lower and his set piece work is almost non-existent. That's not to say he may not provide a quality necessary and be picked over others.
 

Braveheart81

Will Genia (78)
Staff member
I would have added Douglas to that list (although obviously he's going overseas).

I think he's been comfortably the Tahs best lock this season and his form has been better than ever before.

I agree with the majority though. The Reds would be crazy to try and get rid of Horwill because they won't get a replacement who is better. They should be trying to upgrade EO'D for a younger model though.
 
T

Train Without a Station

Guest
Apologies, I did forget Douglas due to him leaving. I would include him in that 3 as a definite 3. I think he has been a little overrated by Tahs fans, but still has been equally as good as Carter all year.
 

en_force_er

Geoff Shaw (53)
I find it amazing, completely amazing, that someone thinks they can pick one player out of a tight five and rate how well they can push.

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk


My sentiments exactly. Outside of camp nobody would know.

Infact it's never as simple as 'how hard do they push' because if it was logically bigger squat and/or weight would always mean better scrummager. It's equally about fitness, how do they react to different issues in the scrum, what's their binding like, do they keep the front row stable after they've set, etc.

All stuff that no person could know without chatting to 5 or 10 blokes that have done multiple scrum sessions in both trainings and games with each of the blokes.
 

emuarse

Desmond Connor (43)
I find it amazing, completely amazing, that someone thinks they can pick one player out of a tight five and rate how well they can push.

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk


Unless you are a purveyor of the dark arts.
 

emuarse

Desmond Connor (43)
I believe James is contracted to the end of 2015.

He obviously wishes to be a part of RWC and then head overseas to finish career and earn the big $$$$$ (although he would be on a truckload now with ARU captaincy top-up).

If he doesn't in fact make the RWC squad then he may consider 2015 a lost opportunity. He needs to get back to his absolute best - anything else will be insufficent, both from a Reds and Wallabies perspective. I genuinely wish him well.


I thought I heard somewhere that there is a family business for him to get involved in a la Roger Gould. Playing O/S might not be as important for him as it is for others. And running a business - now that is serious stuff that spans a long period of time so he is enjoying his moments on the paddock with his contemparies
 

emuarse

Desmond Connor (43)
Scrubber what's going on? Yesterday you wanted to get rid of CFS, or at least until he was 25. Today you want to put James out to pasture. If you were coach we'd go through players quicker than underwear! Try look at the bigger picture and other alternatives before giving someone their pink slip.


It's the rum I keep telling you - puts a mean streak in any G & GR man:mad: .
 

Scrubber2050

Mark Ella (57)
It seems that any objective comments re James Horwill cop a lot of criticism. Too hard to go against the rip-tide.

Therefore, my new thoughts which I will surely get heaps and heaps of "likes":

James is in his best career form, being the best line out exponent, scrummager, pilferer, runner, defence.

James should be the first lock picked for the Wallabies, certainly over Simmons, Carter, Skelton, Jones or Fardy;

James is a fantastic leader of men and Hooper dumped from captaincy and James re-installed;

James has the absolute undying man-love of his teammates;

James to remain signed by the Reds on a long-term contract until he is say, 56 with a clause that performance and/or age is just not applicable to him

Non performances are now off my agenda, everyone's fantastic, awesome and all the Reds should be in Wallabies: GO THE REDS

Just a Note
Players at this level need fine tuning in skills. Motivation should not be a problem but if it is then surely that is one of the major roles of the coach. Someone said to me that playing at the top level of any sport is about 80% mental and 20% physical (all players are skilled, fit, motivated to win etc etc - but who wants to win the most)

Love you all
 
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Train Without a Station

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Players at this level need fine tuning in skills.

Best and most appropriate quote you have made on this matter Scrubber. I wholeheartedly agree that Horwill needs some fine tuning with his skills. Specifically catching one weekend as well.
 
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