Players that stood out

[bartman]

Since the Tri Nations forum in Internation can be a bit of a sledge fest (and quite a fulfilling one for people that are into that), I thought I'd start a thread here about superleague players that are impressing during the games so far.

I was impressed with the 80 minute commitment from the GB team v Australia. Guys making the effort to get across in vital defence, to not give up when breaks are made or chases look doomed. To go in and complete and not be tempted to stand back in the defence around the ruck.

I've been critical of Newton before, but I thought he fulfilled his role well in the muscular early exchanges, ahead of Roby then coming on to add some finesse. Hard but sensible is Terry at his best.

Raynor eased my fears that he'd be a weak link with a solid performance. His grand final was poor, but he stepped up this game and looked comfortable in that company. I'd be happier with pryce taking over the 6 jersey now, and Leon contributed and combined well with Long, and I think Maguire will be left to fight his way back through the bench, if he is fit enough to come back this series.

Sean Long's best international game? I think so, or at least best in many years. Took everything that was dished up to him but never shied away, and was decisive in GB's point-scoring.

The forward pack did their job for the full 80, I think the combination and bench are just right now, and would leave it pretty much as it is. Wouldn't hurt to maybe try an unplayed player or two from the bench in the next match against Australia, if they can beat the Kiwis first and a finals berth is assured.

 

[bartman]

What I mean by the forwards, and by the reason for this thread really, is that Interntaional is a different level, and I think some of these guys stepped up a gear in this game from what we're used to seeing within their clubs and superleague competition.

Great to see and imagine the true men of steel we'd see if there was some way to have players operating at that pace and competitiveness for more of the standard season?

 

[JasonE]

Imo Gareth Ellis is the best 2nd rower in the game atm, i've seen him score 50 metre tries out wide using speed, a step and a swerve.
I've seen him doing all the hard tough yards up the middle, he's got the ability to offload in the tackle and he will do 35 tackles per game.
I can't think of another 2nd rower who can do all that.

 

[ParraDude_Jay]

Roby was brilliant from the bench, probably the most dangerous player GB had on the paddock. Hock was also very impressive apart from the error off the restart. Good to see the young guns stepping up to the international level.

Long, Ellis and Senior were all impressive aswell. Senior has been a monster in defence for GB this series.

 

[Deleted member 10972]

Imo Gareth Ellis is the best 2nd rower in the game atm, i've seen him score 50 metre tries out wide using speed, a step and a swerve.
I've seen him doing all the hard tough yards up the middle, he's got the ability to offload in the tackle and he will do 35 tackles per game.
I can't think of another 2nd rower who can do all that.

Ellis is similar to Hindmarsh. Very good at club level, but at international level is more of a defensive player. He doesn't get as much oppurtunities to attack at the top level. SBW is pretty good, can do most of those things, but too often he goes for the big hit when it is not required & ends up being an inefective tackle, & he is even odds to hurt himself on every hitup.

 

[nadera78]

I was giving Senior a lot of stick before the 1st test, but i have to say he has very very strong defensively. After a torrid year at home maybe he is enjoying being on tour and away from his lovely wife.:crazy:

The forwards have been very impressive so far, but then that's been true for a couple of years now. And there are still guys to come in, Richard Graham would have been guaranted a game and there's the likes of Washbrook emerging too.