The 'Teach Yourself Something' Thread

[George Carlin]

Just before the international window opens and all of our international teams begin their endeavours, it struck me the extent to which my knowledge of other domestic national squads (i.e. English, Welsh and Irish) has holes larger than the Queen Mother's outstanding bar tab.

I try hard. I really do. I follow Top 14, Jeff, Super 15 and of course the beloved Robocop and I think that my knowledge of other country's players is reasonable given how many hours there are in the day.

But it's still not that great in places. It's often patchier than Inverdale's graying chest hair in terms of certain positions and certain individuals. I am not proud of this but similarly, I cannot be the only one.

The point of this thread is to establish a safe haven for asking any questions about other country's international players that you may wish to have always known, but felt too stupid to ask.

RULES OF THE THREAD:

1. There will be no judging, no condescension and lo, there shalt also be no WUMMing.

2. Questions will be specifically addressed to the national fans of the team that you are asking about. It's easier.

3. No topic is too small, no question too daft.

4. Can all posters replying to questions do so politely and using the 'quote' function so that everyone knows which questions they're responding to.

5. Can anyone replying be short and sweet, with the minimum of polemic. Assume little, if any knowledge.

I am happy to go first - all are genuinely things I don't know:

1. For Ireland Fans: once BOD and Darcy formally shuffle off the international scene, who will replace them? I would have thought that there were obvious candidates by now but no Irish posters seem to agree on this. Is that right? Why is this? Are there too many good candidates and no great ones?

2. For England fans: I seriously don't know much at all about form England locks in the current Jeff game. I really don't. Whom should we look out for in the internationals and do England fans regard this position as a strength at present?

3. For Welsh fans: surely it must be clear cut whom your best 10 is by now? The topic seems to generate extraordinary numbers of posts when it's brought up. Isn't it just Biggar and then Priestland? Or am I missing something?

[Liam]

3. For Welsh fans: surely it must be clear cut whom your best 10 is by now? The topic seems to generate extraordinary numbers of posts when it's brought up. Isn't it just Biggar and then Priestland? Or am I missing something?

Well for me its still Preistland. He had a mare against England and struggled with the boot, which knocked his confidence more affecting other parts of his game. However, he is still a very bright talent and has got the ability, as proven at the WC and during the 6N, to bring his backs into play and get Wales playing on the back foot. His kicking out of hand is also very good and get's us some useful territory when the game is tight, putting the pressure on the opposition.

Hook in 2008 looked the real deal at FH. He was superb. However, although playing FH for Wales, when he returned to the Osprey's, they preferred to play Biggar at 10 and Hook 12. Although Hook imo does a decent job at 12, he is by far a better FH. Its a position though that requires you to be playing there week in week out. No top FH I can think of plays a mixture of positions, they are almost always the club and countries FH. So, when Hoom was coming back to Wales and playing FH, he wasn't what he used to be as he hadn't been playing regularly there for his club. As a result his confidence fell and lost his place to Steven Jones. Ever since he has been messed around by the Osprey's and ultimately stunted his development as a FH. Now however, he is playing week in week out for Perpengian at FH and this showed in his performance against the Baa Baa's on Saturday. He looked cool, calm and collected and played some lovely passes and scored a good try. His kicking was also in fine nick.

At the moment, Preistland holds the starting 10 shirt, but if Hook can put in some good performances down under then he will be for sure right in the frame to take the starting 10 shirt back from Preistland.

[rodders]

1. For Ireland Fans: once BOD and Darcy formally shuffle off the international scene, who will replace them? I would have thought that there were obvious candidates by now but no Irish posters seem to agree on this. Is that right? Why is this? Are there too many good candidates and no great ones?

Well Keith Earls has played 13 in BOD's absence this year so he is in the driving seat followed by Ulsters Darren Cave to replace the great man at 13.

Fergus McFadden has been justling with Gordon D'arcy for the 12 jersey at Leinster and Ireland. Behind those guys Nevin Spence and Eoin O'Malley have featured for the Wolfhounds a few times. James Downey's return to Munster may see him come into the equation at inside centre despite being 30. Luke Marshall and JJ Hanaran are longer term optons at 12.

D'arcy and BOD have another season to run on their IRFU contacts though and I have a sneaky suspicion both may carry on until the 2015 RWC.....

[George Carlin]

Feck, this is brilliant. Concise and clear.

[wales606]

3. For Welsh fans: surely it must be clear cut whom your best 10 is by now? The topic seems to generate extraordinary numbers of posts when it's brought up. Isn't it just Biggar and then Priestland? Or am I missing something?

Priestland is most definitely first choice. Biggar has not been selected for the Aus tour. Hook is the backup 10, but with Preistland's poor form in the 6N some want to see Hook given a chance at 10 now that he is playing there regularly in France.

[Zander]

2. For England fans: I seriously don't know much at all about form England locks in the current Jeff game. I really don't. Whom should we look out for in the internationals and do England fans regard this position as a strength at present?

Personally, I feel Lock is an area of strength for England.

At the moment there is Geoff Parling (Leicester Tigers) who runs the lineout for the moment and is going well at international level and Mouritz Botha (Saracens) who is his partner for England and he plays more of the enforcer role. Their backup currently is Palmer who is moving back to London Wasps this summer although he is 33 so is unlikely to make it to the next World Cup.

The Other Options

George Robson (Harlequins)- Similarly to Parling, runs the lineout. He is a solid player but some say he lacks a bit of phisicality, personally I don't think he does. He is in the England squad for the summer tour.

Graham Kitchener (Leicester Tigers)- Young lock who will probably replace Parling in the Leicester team. He is in the England squad however many people are surprised as there are other better options at the moment.

Matt Garvey (London Irish)- Enforcer lock who carries very well and should have been in the England squad this summer. Carries very strongly and is a big man!

Dave Attwood (Bath)- Another player who should have been in the England squad, he is an all round lock with good carrying and is a solid lineout jumper.

Joe Launchbury (London Wasps)- A strong lock who can play 6. He is definitely one for the future at 21 years old and can fill the enforcer role. Watch out for him!

Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints)- Currently injured but a very aggresive player and very athletic. Has had raving reviews although yet to have a decent run of games to prove he can become a permanent starter.

[sugarNspikes]

This is a great idea for a thread!

There are plenty of gaps in my knowledge so I'll think up some questions too

[flankertye]

Can anyone tell me whats the situation with Ireland and locks? The guy who got dumped on his head in the six nations looks decent

[rodders]

Can anyone tell me whats the situation with Ireland and locks? The guy who got dumped on his head in the six nations looks decent

I'll give it a bash again.

The guy who was dropped on his head is Munsters Donnacha Ryan. He's been around a while but has really stepped up this season and seems to have overtaken Donnacha O'Callaghan at Munster at least. Gert Smal and Kidney seem to still prefer O'Callaghan to partner O'Connell for Ireland as Ryan is quite lightweight (6'7 and just under 17st) and they feel O'Callaghan is needed to bind behind Mike Ross on the TH side of the scrum, rather than swapping O'Connell to the TH side. Looks like a matter of time before Ryan nails a permanent Ireland spot if he hasn't already and he and O'Callaghan are likely to be starting locks in NZ.

Dan Touhy has had a very good season with Ulster and is on the NZ tour, Devin Toner isn't but has really impressed at Leinster this year but like Ryan lacks the physicality on the TH side. Connachts Mike McCarthy is touring in O'Connell's absence but at 30-31 is a bit of a journeyman/squad man rather than a potential successor to O'Connell. Leinster captain Leo Cullen is 33/34 and looks to have slipped down the pecking order a bit.

O'Connell obviously is still the main man, when fit, and is contracted until 2014.

[Rory_Gallagher]

1. For Ireland Fans: once BOD and Darcy formally shuffle off the international scene, who will replace them? I would have thought that there were obvious candidates by now but no Irish posters seem to agree on this. Is that right? Why is this? Are there too many good candidates and no great ones?

The D'Arcy - O'Driscoll partnership may be going for a few seasons longer I am afraid. Short term replacements for those guys would be McFadden at 12, and Earls/Cave at 13. I do not think any of these guys will be the long term future though. Hanrahan will be the next big thing at 12 in Ireland, while I have a feeling that Spence is going to continue in his development and partner Hanrahan at 13. He is the most physical 13 in Ireland, and I think we need that in our back line. Hanrahan the brains, Spence the brawn.

[ChequeredJersey]

Questions for Scotland- you have a lot of similarly high quality players in the back row, most flexible in they can play several positions. Whom do you rate as your best options there?

[Geordie]

Questions for Scotland- you have a lot of similarly high quality players in the back row, most flexible in they can play several positions. Whom do you rate as your best options there?

And following on from that...why is Barclay...an openside starting at 8? Do Scotland have such a lack of depth in that position...

AND

Also do you think that not having a 3rd regional team...(in the hot bed of rugby that is the Borders) detrimental to Scottish rugby?

[jeffwinger]

2. For England fans: I seriously don't know much at all about form England locks in the current Jeff game. I really don't. Whom should we look out for in the internationals and do England fans regard this position as a strength at present?

I'd say the second row is an area of strength in terms of those coming through, but an area of weakness on this tour.

Long term options Lawes, Atwood, Garvey, Launchbury and Kitchener look very good and from these guys we should get at least one exceptional pair.

Lawes is the best known of the youngsters, has already done well at HC and international level, and would undoubtedly be first choice already but for a string of injuries. An incredible athlete, brutal tackler and nice soft hands for a big guy. Discipline has been a bit of a concern but he's young and he will learn to rein in the dodgy hits.

Attwood has moved around a bit for a young guy and has perhaps not quite settled yet at Bath. A big loss for Gloucester last summer, but he was outshone in the earlier part of this season by Ryan Caldwell who was superb for Bath. He has come on stronger in the latter part of the season. He is massive. Like Ritchie Gray massive. 9/10 games he will be phenomenal in the tight and monstrous in defence, but then on the 1/10 he can lose a bit of focus and go missing, but this will fade with maturity. Perhaps he needs to carry a bit more to be noticed by the selectors. Generally though he is very good all round and can think himself extremely unlucky not to tour. Long term I'd look at Lawes/Attwood as the most likely pairing, which could be world class. I'd actually have that as my first choice now if Lawes were fit.

Garvey is a similar mould to Attwood, but perhaps not quite as much of a thoroughbred. Launchbury has been impressive in a poor Wasps side and unlucky to drop out of the tour through injury, but his initial selection tells us the coaches already have their eye on him. Kitchener has struggled to get an enormous amount of game time for Leicester but when I have seen him for Worcester and junior England sides he's looked strong.

As for the tourers, I think Parling, Botha and Robson are solid but unspectacular. Decent club level performers but perhaps lacking a bit of international class. Parling is a good lineout organiser but I have a feeling he may struggle without Croft and/or Wood in the back row. Botha throws his weight around but can be clumsy, and doesn't offer loads in the lineout. Robson is a fine player for Quins but will need to transform this to the international stage and I'm not confident he will manage.

Palmer has been exceptional for England in the past but age is clearly a factor and they seem to be fading him out, which is fair enough. Kitchener is a development selection, he will play midweek but wont feature on Saturday's. I don't think he is as good yet as Attwood or Garvey so you could say he is lucky to be on tour.

[blackcanelion]

For Irish fans. Who are your long term prospects in the tight five, from a scrummaging point of view.

[blackcanelion]

For Kiwi fans: Anyone know anything about the current under 20 squad. I know I'm a New Zealander, but I have to admit to not being overly familiar with any of the team this year.

[aucklandlaurie]

Blackcan

Nzs coached by Rob Penney and Scott McLeod. They play samoa on Tuesday.

[anotherworldofpain]

For all blacks fans:

Why does selectors make a combinator of old, injury and out of form players from world cup team and young players who not making the impact in the place of world cup players who were in the kind of form? It doesnt make a sense to me.

Why Aaron Smith and Weepu and not TJ Perenara? Why Sam Cane and not Matt Todd? Why Ben Smith and Israel Dagg and not Andre Taylor? Why Ali Williams at all? Why Mealamu and not Elliot?

I think Hanson try to loose to Ireland and set the expectation very little.

[aucklandlaurie]

For all blacks fans:

Why does selectors make a combinator of old, injury and out of form players from world cup team and young players who not making the impact in the place of world cup players who were in the kind of form? It doesnt make a sense to me.

Why Aaron Smith and Weepu and not TJ Perenara? Why Sam Cane and not Matt Todd? Why Ben Smith and Israel Dagg and not Andre Taylor? Why Ali Williams at all? Why Mealamu and not Elliot?

I think Hanson try to loose to Ireland and set the expectation very little.

Sam Cane has got a bigger toolbox than Matt Todd.

[George Carlin]

Questions for Scotland- you have a lot of similarly high quality players in the back row, most flexible in they can play several positions. Whom do you rate as your best options there?

Chequered, yes there's actually a lot of talent about in the back row (as there is with the other home nations too - the nightmare of Lions selection is being done to death on other threads but you can make an argument for a huge number of players).

Generally, Scotland fans would probably say that the following are the front runners:

6. Kelly Brown (the master penalty procurer, hugely underrated, still - Sarries paid an awful lot of money to extend his contract - there's a reason for that);

Rob Harley (Glasgow's big ginger tackle monster, once he learns to carry he will be one of the finest in the NH, captained Glasgow during the early part of the season during the international window and has never looked back, kevlar defence);

Big Al Strokosch (a firm favourite at the Cherries, a real trier although never quite seems to deliver as the hardman that it's always suggested that he is).

Kelly definitely the first choice. It's a massive loss to Scotland that he's currently injured.

7. Ross Rennie (after a terrible run of injuries, he is finally starting to live up to his huge potential, he famously outplayed Barclay at school and is starting to do it again now. Far less fashionable than Warbuton or O'Brien but in a traditional role as a poaching and spoiling jackal, the 6N stats confirmed what most Scotland fans know, which is that he made more steals and forced more turnovers than anyone apart from (I believe) Lydiate, he is absolutely class),

John Barclay (seems like he's been around for ever but I think that he's still only 25, Barclay is a class act. Shows there's still a place for a smart, smart footballer who is lean and quick, masterful at reading the phases),

Chris Fusaro (only 23, you have to be pretty good to push Barclay out of the '7' shirt for his club side and that's exactly what's happened this season. Fozzy is an enormous talent and looks to be progressing beautifully),

Roddy Grant (dropped off the radar to an irritating extent, RG still has the potential to be great once he recovers some form. 7s star so has huge cardio and is an ex-Edinbugh captain).

Rennie is the man, without really much argument at the moment.

8. David Denton (everyone's favourite Zimbabwean-born wrecking ball. The 6N stats were a testament to the amount of work that he does, jointly topping the tables for the number of carries. His 7s training gives him a huge engine and he is completely fearless. Just 23, his versatility at the blind as well means that Gatland should look at him very carefully indeed. One 6N Man of the Match already, it won't be his last);

Johnny Beattie (in addition to Gregor Townsend's continuing involvement in coaching anyone other than pre-school players, the biggest single disappointment for Scotland fans in recent years has been the decline in form of JB Jnr from the heights of 2009 when he could genuinely have been considered to be at least the equal of any other 8 in the NH. Extensive shoulder reconstruction was followed by a period of weak form and apparently genuine unhappiness. Hopefully Montpellier will bring him back to life. Enormous waste of talent if it doesn't);

Richie Vernon (divides Scotland fans hugely, gangling beanpole who is just too spindly to mix it in the tight or underrated accidental speedster genius who has helped Scotland out of a number of scrapes? We just can't decide. Sale fans seem to like him);

Stuart McInally (only 21, one of Edinburgh's finest players all season, he made the Heineken Cup campaign his own - rampaging through Toulouse was just one highlight of a great season. His recent Scotland call up is absolutely justified. Look out for him).

Denton is the clear first choice. So obviously, he is also injured.

[Poorfour]

Can't add much that's not already been said to the discussion of England's lock options, but I will add one to watch for the slightly longer term. Charlie Matthews is 6'7", 120kg and turns 21 over the summer. He's bern out for a few months with a broken ankle, but is off to the JWC.

Prior to injury, he was looking very promising in the AP. Already a big unit, and almost certain to add a stone or so to his weight in the next couple of years, he's also quick around the park and athletic enough to be a decent lineout option. It looks as if Conor O'Shea sees him as the successor to Olly Kohn (who would on current form be a serious contender for England's enforcer role if he were a couple of years younger), and I think he has the potential to offer even more than Olly.

So, my question for Scottish, Irish and Welsh fans: who are your front row options beyond the familiar faces in the starting line-ups? Is the front row likely to be an area of strength in depth for you come 2015?

[George Carlin]

[quote="GeordieFalcon"]

Questions for Scotlandquote]

And following on from that...why is Barclay...an openside starting at 8? Do Scotland have such a lack of depth in that position...

AND

Also do you think that not having a 3rd regional team...(in the hot bed of rugby that is the Borders) detrimental to Scottish rugby?

1. Barclay at 8 is a combination of three things - the injury to Denton, the poor form of John Beattie Junior and the fact that Andy Robinson has never shown the need to be bound by the convention of picking, you know, specialists in their correct positions. Not all Scotland fans agree on this by any means.

This experiment of Barclay at 8 was started by Sean Lineen, the Glasgow coach, who was stuck in a position of being unable to leave Chris Fusaro (see my post above) out of the 7 shirt at Glasgow because he was playing too well, whilst at the same time not wanting to take Barclay's considerably talents as a fetcher off the field. Most Glasgow fans would probably tell you that Glasgow kept winning despite this strategy, certainly not because of it. Barclay himself is too much of a pro to say that he hated playing at 8, but in interviews you can read between the lines that he was not impressed by this and took a long time thinking about whether to sign a contract extension this season (which he finally did).

There are advantages in having Rennie and Barclay on the pitch - you can slow down ball twice as well and turn over opposition ball much more frequently. The disadvantage is of course in having a player that's 2 stones too light for the position that is still learning to read the wheel and pick up from the scrum. It helps that JB plays with Chris Cusiter who is an experienced and mouthy little terrier.

2. There have been hundreds of hours worth of typed comments on these threads about having a third region. My own view (and it's shared by others here, I think) is that whilst we definitely need a third region, (i) the SRU has to show itself able to run two teams before it can get a third, (ii) we can't really afford it at the moment, and (iii) there's a very strong argument that it shouldn't be based in the Borders in any event. There was a third pro team - it was called the Border Reivers and it was disbanded. What became notable was the fact that people in the Borders towns (Melrose, Kelso, Hawick etc) stuck to supporting their traditional local teams only and did not seem to look fondly on an artificially created region. There's more of an argument that the old Caledonia Reds team should be revitalised and a third pro team should be based in Aberdeen or Inverness, possibly alternating between playing games in both cities.

Other Scotland fans will jump in if I'm taking the name of the brethren in vain.

[The Great Aukster]

Just before the international window opens and all of our international teams begin their endeavours, it struck me the extent to which my knowledge of other domestic national squads (i.e. English, Welsh and Irish) has holes larger than the Queen Mother's outstanding bar tab.

I take it the reference to the Queen Mother is a tasteless inane attempt at humour - you do realise she has been dead for a decade?

[George Carlin]

Just before the international window opens and all of our international teams begin their endeavours, it struck me the extent to which my knowledge of other domestic national squads (i.e. English, Welsh and Irish) has holes larger than the Queen Mother's outstanding bar tab.

I take it the reference to the Queen Mother is a tasteless inane attempt at humour - you do realise she has been dead for a decade?

I am both British and a fan of the Royal Family, so yes it was and yes I do. It was actually meant affectionately but my apologies to anyone that was offended.

[Suspicious lurker]

Just before the international window opens and all of our international teams begin their endeavours, it struck me the extent to which my knowledge of other domestic national squads (i.e. English, Welsh and Irish) has holes larger than the Queen Mother's outstanding bar tab.

I take it the reference to the Queen Mother is a tasteless inane attempt at humour - you do realise she has been dead for a decade?

Mate this a good natured thread, no need to get ance over a clearly tongue in cheek comment

[dallym]

For all blacks fans:

Why does selectors make a combinator of old, injury and out of form players from world cup team and young players who not making the impact in the place of world cup players who were in the kind of form? It doesnt make a sense to me.

Why Aaron Smith and Weepu and not TJ Perenara? Why Sam Cane and not Matt Todd? Why Ben Smith and Israel Dagg and not Andre Taylor? Why Ali Williams at all? Why Mealamu and not Elliot?

I think Hanson try to loose to Ireland and set the expectation very little.

Perenara hasn't been selected due to being too young/too inexperienced. He'll be in the All Blacks with a year or two.

The selectors believe Cane is better than Todd.

Andre Taylor is like Perenara - bloody good but they've chosen people who are more experienced.

Ali Williams is there because of his experience. If he's not there then Whitelock would be the head lock (but he's a bit young for that role) and the other locks would be debutants.

And I'm guessing Mealamu is there because of his past performances in the black jersey.

[dallym]

For the Bokke.

Pat Lambie and Dannie Russouw - what are their best positions and should they play there for S15 and Springboks?

[CurlyOsp]

So, my question for Scottish, Irish and Welsh fans: who are your front row options beyond the familiar faces in the starting line-ups? Is the front row likely to be an area of strength in depth for you come 2015?

Hey Poorfour!

Assuming that by "familiar faces" you mean Jenkins, Rees and Jones, we have a few options, some old and some new, in the front row:

Loose Head

Paul James - The strongest and most noteable contender to Jenkins's jersey. Has racked up a fair few caps for Wales with Jenkins out and is generally seen as the better scrummager of the two. Very Solid player and will make the bench 9 times out of 10 as he covers both sides of the scrum. At 30 years old now, may or may not make 2015.

Rhys Gill - Was somewhat overlooked untill his good form down at the Saracens made him hard to ignore. Got given a chance in this years 6 nations after a premiership winning season with his club and was very impressive. Came across as a very well rounded player and not shy of hard work. As he is only 25, he's the one to watch for 2015.

Ryan Bevington - Will be first choice for the Ospreys next season with the departure of Paul James. Got a run out in the world cup where he displayed an impressive running game, albeit against lesser opposition. Is very much in the Jenkins mould. Only 23, been left out of the Australia tour, but you can expect to see him around the Wales set up for years to come.

Hooker

Ken Owens - Has been stuck behind Matthew Rees for club and country but always shown up well in his absence. Given recent injuries he could very well be in the starting line up against Australia. Made his debut in the RWC, looked the real deal when he came on, potentially starting hooker come 2015.

Richard hibbard - Ospreys hooker, not completely unfamiliar with the welsh set up can be brilliant in the scrum and at the breakdown, but there have been question marks over his fitness. He will be around for 2015, but unlikely to be first choice.

Huw Bennet - Off to France next season, which will put him out of favour with Gatland (if that's possible). The most suprising player to Welsh fans in the world cup, put in huge performances, but given his lack of consistancy and previous problems at the line out, can't see him being involved heavily in the future.

Tight head

Craig Mitchell - Currently playing for the Exeter cheifs after being stuck behind Jones at the O's. The move to England seems to have lowered his chances for playing for Wales, but the truth is, he's the next best tighthead we have. Still very young, strong favourite to take over Jones in my eyes.

Rhodri Jones - Is a specialist Loose Head, but Gatland likes him and wants a new tighthead. His conversion to the other side of the scrum will make or break him, at only 20 years old, it's too early to say.



So over all, we're fairly gifted in the LH postition, doing alright for hookers and really struggling for TH's! I'd be confident going into 2015 with a front row of 1. Gill 2. Owens 3. Mitchell, but an injury to Mitchell could spell disaster.

There are a few more up and coming players but on the whole, it's too early to tell. 19 year old Samson Lee (tighthead) has been turning heads at u20 level, Adam Jones sings the praises of Joe Rees (his Ospreys protege) and Kirby Myhill has been impressive for the Scarlets.

Hope I've helped!

[ChequeredJersey]

I know they are rare on here but for the French fans-

What is your opinion on the influx of foreign players into your League? Does it strengthen it by allowing young Frenchmen to play with great players like Johnny Wilkinson? Or does it deprive talented players from getting gametime?

[Biltong]

In my French superspy disguise.



Ah, but mon ami, we get ze young playerz from all across ze world, zen ven zey have been around long enough, zey ca play for us.

[ChequeredJersey]

Hey! That's our tactic, thank you very much, I'll thank you not to steal it

[Biltong]

Pardon monsieur.

We have been doing it for a long time now, Pieter de Villiers has been playing for us for ze long time.

[SecretFly]

Ok, so I'm only new to rugby, having come over from darts. My question is who is Dan Carter? I hear he's one of the very best but I'm thinking if he was one of the very best why wasn't he selected for the last WC?

Only serious answers will be listened to.

[Zander]

Dan Carter is arguably the best flyhalf in the world currently. He was in the opening few rounds of the World Cup however got injured before the knockout rounds as far as I can remember.

[wales606]

Ok, so I'm only new to rugby, having come over from darts. My question is who is Dan Carter? I hear he's one of the very best but I'm thinking if he was one of the very best why wasn't he selected for the last WC?

Only serious answers will be listened to.

[George Carlin]

Ok, so I'm only new to rugby, having come over from darts. My question is who is Dan Carter? I hear he's one of the very best but I'm thinking if he was one of the very best why wasn't he selected for the last WC?

Only serious answers will be listened to.

He's a 67 year old jazz musician from Pennsylvania: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Carter_(musician)

Probably a bit sh!t at rugby in that case. Arthritic hip and all that.

But surely is an integral part of the French half-time Parc de Prince brass band.

[whocares]

I know they are rare on here but for the French fans-

What is your opinion on the influx of foreign players into your League? Does it strengthen it by allowing young Frenchmen to play with great players like Johnny Wilkinson? Or does it deprive talented players from getting gametime?

good for the league and bad for the development of french players at specific positions such as fly half and tighthead. we can always recruit south african tightheads obviously but their flyhalves export quality have been average (so we sent michalak there as a disguised scout to unearth local talent, he miserably failed so was sentenced for a punishment of one season in toulon).

[rodders]

Dan Carter is arguably the best flyhalf in the world currently. He was in the opening few rounds of the World Cup however got injured before the knockout rounds as far as I can remember.

Zander I don't know how to break this to you..but... err..... hmm.. ....nah forget it....

Fly

[Biltong]

Dan Carter is arguably the best flyhalf in the world currently. He was in the opening few rounds of the World Cup however got injured before the knockout rounds as far as I can remember.

Zander I don't know how to break this to you..but... err..... hmm.. ....nah forget it....

Fly

[Zander]

Dan Carter is arguably the best flyhalf in the world currently. He was in the opening few rounds of the World Cup however got injured before the knockout rounds as far as I can remember.

Zander I don't know how to break this to you..but... err..... hmm.. ....nah forget it....

Fly

Shssssssssss! I'm tired!

[anotherworldofpain]

I know they are rare on here but for the French fans-

What is your opinion on the influx of foreign players into your League? Does it strengthen it by allowing young Frenchmen to play with great players like Johnny Wilkinson? Or does it deprive talented players from getting gametime?

It Strengthen French rugby because the players coming to France most of them are not select by their country! and is make easier for French team. For example Carl Hayman. Was take and then make into some pasture cow and no longer become the threat.

[nganboy]

Actually pain the English got hold of Hayman first. Clearly not just a French tactic.

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