606 AP Team of the Year - Stand-Off

The contenders:

Quins – Nick Evans, 18 appearances, 214pts, 2 tries, 36 conversions, 44 pens. Evans is surely a shoo-in? A board favourite, the second best 10 in the World? Yet… he has not been at his best and has had some really shaky moments since his sublime form of the Autumn. He seemed to suffer a post RWC dip. It was as if realising what he had given up hit home as he saw Stephen Donald being feted as a WC winner. He needs to regain his Autumn form quickly if Quins are to push on and win the title.

Tigers – Toby Flood, 13 starts, 196pts, 6 tries, 29 conversions, 36pens. Put RWC despair behind him to start his domestic campaign in fine form as Tigers set about the climb from 11th place. Was unlucky to get injured just after Lancaster announced the EPs and mentioned him as one of the team’s leaders. Was rusty in first game back (v Exeter) but since then has been the dominant player in the Premiership as Tigers have won 7 matches in a row with TBPs.

Sarries – Charlie Hodgson, 13 starts, 119pts, 2 tries, 14 conversions, 25pens, 2DG. I still stand by my assertion that he is the most talented English 10 of the pro era. Injury to Flood saw him selected for England and after two wins he was unlucky to get injured himself. Has been unable to show how well get can get a back line moving due to Sarries gameplan that chews up the minutes before the SH kicks the ball.

Exeter - Ignacio Mieres, 19 starts, 211pts, 1T, 19C, 55P, 1DG. He is more than just a kicker. But a fine kicker he is. The few times I have seen him, he looks a good organiser and runs well with the ball.

Sale – Nick McLeod, 21 starts, 233pts, iT, 28C, 55P, 4DG. He must be knackered. Only Sales decision to select an all U26, all England 23 prevents McLeod starting every match. He also started all 4 LV games, and probably all 6 Amlin. A decent, consistent player but perhaps up against some heavyweights in this list.

Gloucester – Freddie Burns, 16 starts, 185pts, 2T, 20C, 44P. His form has tailed away as Glaws have started to struggle. At his best, though, he has been superb.

Newcastle – Jimmy Gopperth. Well I had to include him.

This is tougher than it seems. A few months ago Evans would have been a shoe in, but his form has dropped. By anyone else's standard he has still been playing well, but by his standards he is capable of more. I didn't for Brits for this reason, but Evans early season form was sublime, which would put him ahead of Hodgson who has had a good season, so Evans it is.

A season too soon for Burns and he will benefit from Cowan's arrival next season.

going on the favourable stat's with less games i'm going for Flood.

Flood and Hodgson often get a bit of an armchair ride behind a dominant pack, so I don't believe that you can really put too much store by the stats in this one.

For me is McLeod, with Mieres in second.

Jimmy Gopperth....

Ozzy3213 wrote:Flood and Hodgson often get a bit of an armchair ride behind a dominant pack, so I don't believe that you can really put too much store by the stats in this one.

For me is McLeod, with Mieres in second.

But you can't handicap them because they have.

I'd go for Flood, yes he is behind the best pack in the league but still he is class and this season has been his best for Tigers so far.

yappysnap wrote:I'd go for Flood, yes he is behind the best pack in the league but still he is class and this season has been his best for Tigers so far.

Agree 100%. Honorable mentions for McLeod & Mieres.

nathan wrote:

Ozzy3213 wrote:Flood and Hodgson often get a bit of an armchair ride behind a dominant pack, so I don't believe that you can really put too much store by the stats in this one.

For me is McLeod, with Mieres in second.

But you can't handicap them because they have.

Two points.

1. I'm not handicapping them, I'm just not voting for them as I don't believe they deserve to win the award.

2. If I want to handicap them, I will do just that ta.

Owned

I think C.Hodgson's contribution is really underrated.

Can't believe he has only two votes including my own.

He was integral in Saracens crushing Leicester and Sale. He slotted every penalty vs Saints to take the win.

Showed his class again on the weekend - one excellent solo try and was integral in another when coming off the bench.

He's had a really strong first season for Saracens in my opinion. Most consistent fly half IMO.

1st period of season - Evans
2nd period of season - Flood
Overall - Hodgson

Certainly wipes the floor with Mieres and Mcleod.