Re: Changes for 3rd Test : Thu Nov 12, 2015 11:21 pm  

I wouldn't be surprised if the idea behind Smith is to take some of the responsibility for organising and general kicking off Widdop and therefore letting him concentrate on getting the ball into danger areas. Gale might also be able to do that, but it would be a big ask in his first Test.

To be fair to McNamara he made a gutsy call in Williams - he could easily have gone for Gale/Smth from the off. I don't think anyone was questioning Widdop before the series started either.

The issue for me is that he should probably have gone for this change in the Second Test. Easy to say with the benefit of hindsight, but England weren't crash hot in the first game and didn't create a try for an outside back in that game either. If he had made whatever change he makes, he's still have another card up his sleeve for the third test - either bringing in Gale or reverting back to the halfbacks from the first game.

Re: Changes for 3rd Test : Fri Nov 13, 2015 12:05 am  

Drop Bateman, Williams, & Burgess.....that will help us.

Re: Changes for 3rd Test : Fri Nov 13, 2015 12:17 am  

Sad to see these changes as it indicates there will be no change in tactics from our terrible coach, although strangely the 17 you would expect to see on Saturday does fit the game plan (that hasn't worked in either game so far) a little better.

Re: Changes for 3rd Test : Fri Nov 13, 2015 6:45 am  

Joseph Burgess has done nothing wrong that would justify his being dropped. He is the most distinguished rookie in the game. He must be retained!

Re: Changes for 3rd Test : Fri Nov 13, 2015 8:56 am  

Smith will swap with Williams and Mcilvary in for Burgess.

Re: Changes for 3rd Test : Fri Nov 13, 2015 9:46 am  

B.Rowlins wrote:

Smith will swap with Williams and Mcilvary in for Burgess.

I'm going for Smith for Williams as the only change

Re: Changes for 3rd Test : Fri Nov 13, 2015 11:21 am  

I am at a complete loss to understand what Smith adds to the team. It wouldn't surprise me if he partnered Smith with Williams. The term 'organiser' is invariably reserved for those with limited abilities; ironically Deacon was also defended for those mystical abilities, but at least he was an excellent kicker. He creates nothing, he is too much of a lard ass to support breaks, his kicking is mediocre. Brough, McGuire, Sneyd, Sinfield, Gale, Williams, Ratchford put him to shame in virtually every stat - tries, assists, missed tackles, tackle busts, metres made, average gain, clean breaks, missed goals.

Re: Changes for 3rd Test : Fri Nov 13, 2015 12:12 pm  

tigertot wrote:

I am at a complete loss to understand what Smith adds to the team. It wouldn't surprise me if he partnered Smith with Williams. The term 'organiser' is invariably reserved for those with limited abilities; ironically Deacon was also defended for those mystical abilities, but at least he was an excellent kicker. He creates nothing, he is too much of a lard ass to support breaks, his kicking is mediocre. Brough, McGuire, Sneyd, Sinfield, Gale, Williams, Ratchford put him to shame in virtually every stat - tries, assists, missed tackles, tackle busts, metres made, average gain, clean breaks, missed goals.

I don't actually think Smith is a poor player, he isn't, and probably justified his place last year.However, this year he has been off the pace and his GF performance was woeful, where he was outshone by McGuire.There are clearly better options this time. And to ask an off form player who hasn't played for over a month to come in and change the teams fortunes in a 3rd test is clutching at straws imo.

Re: Changes for 3rd Test : Fri Nov 13, 2015 2:04 pm  

IMO if he picks Smith and drops Williams we lose the series. Widdop has arguably done less than Williams with the ball. It's at the DW, Smith and Williams got Wigan to the Grand Final and they know each other's roles and responsibilities. On the plus side, when we lose, SM will be out of a job thank French Connection UK.

Re: Changes for 3rd Test : Fri Nov 13, 2015 2:33 pm  

I'd leave the halves as they are now. Everyone needs to muscle up for them to have some space.
SM has spoken about Jerry adding a quicker play of the ball and having his tough running game. It suits the England team tactics perfectly. So why is it now he may add him in the team?

Steve has done a decent job... Brought a good squad together and given the younger lads a chance. HOWEVER win, lose or draw I think it's time the coaching set up changed. Freshen things up.. Do it early before the next World Cup.