Re: 19 man squad : Wed Mar 30, 2011 2:42 pm  

Mugwump wrote:

I should say there's a good argument that states we shouldn't need express backs to score long distance tries - provided our support play is good enough. Indeed, I recall a period when a Saints player making a break was swamped with options.

true, but having a modicum of pace in the side does make a nice change

Re: 19 man squad : Wed Mar 30, 2011 2:43 pm  

Mugwump wrote:

I should say there's a good argument that states we shouldn't need express backs to score long distance tries - provided our support play is good enough. Indeed, I recall a period when a Saints player making a break was swamped with options.

Because we were quick enough to get there in support

Re: 19 man squad : Wed Mar 30, 2011 2:47 pm  

Mugwump wrote:

I should say there's a good argument that states we shouldn't need express backs to score long distance tries - provided our support play is good enough. Indeed, I recall a period when a Saints player making a break was swamped with options.

When Lomax broke through against Leeds the support play was good there with Wellens and Foster, only stopped by some excellent scrambling defence by Leeds. Hopefully it's a sign of more things to come.

Re: 19 man squad : Wed Mar 30, 2011 3:02 pm  

We really need two out of Gaskell, Lomax and Roby to track each play. I know Wellens is the spare man, but it's more likely the former will finish off any move given the extra pace they possess.

Millward was successful because he changed the tactical dynamic that had existed at Saints for years switching the axis of attack away from the centre position and closer to the ruck. Almost immediately we went from a team whose top scorers were centres and wingers to one where the stand-off, scrum half and loose-forward contributed most of the tries. And this when we possessed two free-scoring centres in Iro and Newlove.

Of course, it helped that we had two excellent support players in Martyn and Long.

Re: 19 man squad : Wed Mar 30, 2011 3:09 pm  

FearTheVee wrote:

Gone for 2 back rowers rather than a back on the bench as there is a lot of versatility in that side that can cover injuries in the outside the backs and halves (Lomax/Wheeler/Soliola/Flannery/Moore) and Hull KR have a strong pack.

I think Simmons will go with Makinson on the bench.

IIRC, Roby has been doing 80mins, and interchanging with Moore at loose after the initial set of substitutions, with Puletua going into the prop rotation. I don't think Flannery has been subbed either has he? If that continues, there's no need for 2 second rowers on the bench.

Re: 19 man squad : Wed Mar 30, 2011 3:11 pm  

Billinge_Lump wrote:

I think Simmons will go with Makinson on the bench.

IIRC, Roby has been doing 80mins, and interchanging with Moore at loose after the initial set of substitutions, with Puletua going into the prop rotation. I don't think Flannery has been subbed either has he? If that continues, there's no need for 2 second rowers on the bench.

There's very rarely ANY need for an outside back on the bench, so I'd still rather go with another back rower than a kid who will probably get 4 minutes on the pitch if we're winning.

Re: 19 man squad : Wed Mar 30, 2011 3:17 pm  

FearTheVee wrote:

There's very rarely ANY need for an outside back on the bench, so I'd still rather go with another back rower than a kid who will probably get 4 minutes on the pitch if we're winning.

But he has picked one every game so far hasn't he?

And they get at least 10 minutes

Re: 19 man squad : Wed Mar 30, 2011 3:30 pm  

Billinge_Lump wrote:

But he has picked one every game so far hasn't he?

And they get at least 10 minutes

He certainly has, no idea why though!

Re: 19 man squad : Wed Mar 30, 2011 3:38 pm  

Billinge_Lump wrote:

But he has picked one every game so far hasn't he?

And they get at least 10 minutes

He has. Foster first, then Wheeler. (indeed Mackinson too, against Salford?)
Perhaps he thinks its the best way to re-introduce injured backs and introduce youngsters, so that we don't end up in a situation where they're just thrown in the deep end when injuries occur.

Re: 19 man squad : Wed Mar 30, 2011 3:48 pm  

I know his intended aim is to have the back row playing 80mins, that leaves a space on the bench.

It allows him to change tack in attack if he wants to, or covers injury. Plus as OM says, it gives a youngster a bit of game experience.