: Tue Apr 07, 2009 1:52 pm  

I can't see Manu been dropped to the bench. He seems to be our go to guy on 4th tackle on most sets ('give it to Manu and hope he does something with it'). He should be playing around 40-50 minutes a game, starting on the bench as its been proved that this is when he is at his best. He is been over-used at the moment

Re: Manu : Tue Apr 07, 2009 1:57 pm  

Big Dave T wrote:

Agree about Radford, Tickle and Washy with Manu on the bench, Whiting should be no where near the first team.

Is that a personal preference, or is it a call based on his fitness

[Kosh]

Re: Manu : Tue Apr 07, 2009 1:59 pm  

Big Dave T wrote:

Manu is an impact 2nd row and should be used as you suggest in 2x20 min spells, 2nd half of each half. He had to jog the ball in on Sunday cos he was out on his feet. Tickle shouldnt be used for 80 mins either. Only Agar seems to think they can both play 80!

While I agree he shouldn't be doing the full 80, he always looks more effective when he starts. So maybe the first half of each half would be better.

: Tue Apr 07, 2009 2:00 pm  

He does need a rest in games, been excellent the past two games though, in two very poor team performances.He has a always been a great threat with the ball, but his defence and workrate seems to have improved this season. Made some great hits in defence on sunday.

: Tue Apr 07, 2009 2:03 pm  

Dave K. wrote:

He does need a rest in games, been excellent the past two games though, in two very poor team performances.He has a always been a great threat with the ball, but his defence and workrate seems to have improved this season. Made some great hits in defence on sunday.

Best player in the team this year so far in my opinion. Does need spelling I totally agree. At least he has a go and is prepared to put a shot on and not be dominated in the tackle like most of the rest of our players. Great ball to Hall for 1st try on Sunday. One of the few players any opposition will fear at the moment.

Re: Manu : Tue Apr 07, 2009 2:11 pm  

me 'n' our kid wrote:

Is that a personal preference, or is it a call based on his fitness

Based on his reserve team performances.

Re: Manu : Tue Apr 07, 2009 2:14 pm  

Kosh wrote:

While I agree he shouldn't be doing the full 80, he always looks more effective when he starts. So maybe the first half of each half would be better.

I prefer him off the bench but im not fussy, anything as long as he isnt playing 80 mins!!

Re: Manu : Tue Apr 07, 2009 2:45 pm  

Big Dave T wrote:

Based on his reserve team performances.

I wouldn't take performances by seasoned pros in reserve team games as a sign of form, more a sign of fitness.

Re: Manu : Tue Apr 07, 2009 2:52 pm  

Gordon Gekko wrote:

I wouldn't take performances by seasoned pros in reserve team games as a sign of form, more a sign of fitness.

I'd expect them to show signs of having previously played at a higher level consistently, whether fit or not.

Re: Manu : Tue Apr 07, 2009 3:00 pm  

Big Dave T wrote:

I'd expect them to show signs of having previously played at a higher level consistently, whether fit or not.

A couple of years ago i would have agreed. But IMO the standard of reserve grade is that low at the moment the only purpose it serves is keeping/getting first team players fit.

Form at that level means absolutely nothing.