Brian Bevan/Kevin Penny : Fri Feb 20, 2009 7:48 pm
There are several similarities between these two players.
Both were/are very fast wingers, very elusive and having excellent balance with ball in hand.
Defence wasn't/isn't the strong point of either although I think Penny is improving all the time. BB's defence was awful, his only contribution was to chase (and usually catch) breakaway runners.
When a tackle on an opponent was called for he would stand and watch, usually with hands on hips.
If in danger of being tackled BB very often just stepped into touch, Ive seen him do that many times.
BB was on the field for one reason and one reason only, his speed. He was a try-scoring machine.
One thing they both need/needed was a quality centre to make the intial space, as does any good wing.
I can not remember BB ever being dropped from the team.
For these reasons I think dropping Penny is very poor coaching.
If he is dropped for his defence, well there are other playes in the team equally culpable, why victimise Penny ? Rather than individuals being blamed surely it is the team's defencive strategy that is suspect ?
If he is dropped for lack of tries, as I said earlier, every good winger needs a good centre. KP doesn't have a good centre. He will never score tries without being given the ball (admitted he fluffed one last game).
Apart from not having a half decent centre, there doesn't seem to be any room in the game plan (?) for other players to kick to his wing.
There is one other possible reason for dropping him. Scapegoat.
Whatever the reason it is no way to bring on a talented youngster. I he were playing for Leeds I am certain he would develop into a world-beater.