Rugby Union 2013-14

[PaulWinch again]

He's a super player at the breakdown. Billy is a fantastic player as well and Armitage isn't a number 8.

[villan1975]

He's a super player at the breakdown. Billy is a fantastic player as well and Armitage isn't a number 8.

He may not be a no.8 but he was top draw today and we have Ben Morgan who is a quality English player. I know it's within the international rules but for me the rules need to be tightened up for everyone and that applies to New Zealand too.

[PaulWinch again]

I'm fine with the international rules, Billy will be amazing for us for years. I do think we need to make sure we have our best players though and Steffon Armitage is one of those.

[villan1975]

I'm fine with the international rules, Billy will be amazing for us for years. I do think we need to make sure we have our best players though and Steffon Armitage is one of those.

Don't you think it belittles the international game though? Football isn't anywhere near as bad and England especially have been pretty good with not drafting in foreign nationals. It's as they said when Billy got his first England cap,he comes from a long line of International rugby stars but they all played for New Zealand. It's not just rugby mind you have got the same problem with England cricket.

[PaulWinch again]

I'm happy enough, he moved to England as a child and grew up here.

[paul_e]

The vunipola's were both pre-schoolers when they moved to the UK, pretty much the only country they'll remember living in is the UK, they are also both full UK citizens.  There is no problem with either of them for me.  I have a much bigger issue with people who come over a lot older.

I think Farrell has got the potential to be very good but he's never going to have the spark of brilliance that Burns or Cipriani can bring.

[paul_e]

Was out for the day and left my tivo box recording the final, it finished just before the froch fight so only just getting round to posting.  I'm absolutely exhausted after that final, what a truly fantastic match.  2 very strong sides, but Northampton always had that little bit extra with the ball in hand.

Myler got the official man of the match but I think that was a mistake, Luther Burrell was immense, as good a centre performance as you'll see, broke the line every time he carried, ran brilliant support lines, tackled excellently and showed he passes (and sees the chances) superbly.

That sarries were the team that got beaten in the last seconds of extra time makes it all the sweeter.

[PGW]

Was out for the day and left my tivo box recording the final, it finished just before the froch fight so only just getting round to posting.  I'm absolutely exhausted after that final, what a truly fantastic match.  2 very strong sides, but Northampton always had that little bit extra with the ball in hand.

Myler got the official man of the match but I think that was a mistake, Luther Burrell was immense, as good a centre performance as you'll see, broke the line every time he carried, ran brilliant support lines, tackled excellently and showed he passes (and sees the chances) superbly.

That sarries were the team that got beaten in the last seconds of extra time makes it all the sweeter.

I am certainly not an 'officianado' of rugby( i don't understand all the rules) - i enjoy the Premiership and 6 nations but i have to agree today was a marvellous match and Burrell was the MOM.

[nigel]

It may have slipped under the radar, but, Jonny Wilkinson has retired after a fantastic season at Toulon.

He was, in my opinion, the best ever player to wear the England shirt.

http://www.rugbyonslaught.com/2014/06/rfu-tribute-to-jonny-wilkinson.html

Tried adding a YouTube link, but, wouldn't load 

[PaulWinch again]

Definitely hasn't slipped under the radar. He is one of the icons of English rugby, it's him and Johnson at the top for me.

[paul_e]

Definitely hasn't slipped under the radar. He is one of the icons of English rugby, it's him and Johnson at the top for me.

Add Will Greenwood and Richard Hill to that, those 4 were the best in the world in their positions for 3-4 years in the build up to the world cup win, Hill was the dog in the team that did all the unseen work to make the rest look as good as they did and Greenwood was the genius that opened defenses for us.

[PaulWinch again]

They were both fantastic players, but the reason I said icon is for the general public perception as well.

[paul_e]

I agree, they were the 2 that were easily 'spotted' by the casual fans, just pointing out the other 2 as being just as important, the rest of that side was excellent as well but those 4 were a level above.

[nigel]

The reason I think Jonny was the best is because he could have played any of the positions 4 - 15 and given his opposite number a proper game. I rule out 1-3 because they play a different game to the others 
I can't think of any player in World rugby who could do that.

Another favourite was Jason Robinson

[paul_e]

The reason I think Jonny was the best is because he could have played any of the positions 4 - 15 and given his opposite number a proper game. I rule out 1-3 because they play a different game to the others 
I can't think of any player in World rugby who could do that.

Another favourite was Jason Robinson

He couldn't have played 4, 5 or 8.  He'd have been an ok 6 or 7 (which is largely in line with what you say) and I'm not sure he was quick enough to play 11 or 14.

I do get the point though, very strong defender, very clever player and good at all the basics.

I think there's a few playing now who could do the same, Wood and Burrell could easily swap roles and be top domestic players, for example.