606 Aviva Premiership Dream Team - No8

Sorry guys, but no time for a write up today, just rushing this in while kids shower before we go out. Not sure anyone has the patience to read my mad musings anyway.
Without research you will just be getting the players who have stood out for me, so some worthies mat be missed. Apologies to Bath, LI, Sale, Worcester & LW fans

For me Crane has been getting better and better, and was the form No8 at the end of the season. However for consistent performances across the whole season I have gone for Nick Easter

Went for Nick Easter, too. As a Saints fan I see van Velze a lot. His better performances were few and far between. Not the best signing Saints have ever made. On the other hand, the other 8s on your list did have good seasons from what I have seen.

Call me obsequious, but I went for Easter too. He may have his detractors at international level, but he is brilliant at premiership level.

Stats seemed to say that Easter could be pretty effective in international games too - but saying that isnt allowed on these forums..

Honestly, if Chris Hala'Ufia hadn't been injured for much of the season, and if Irish games were on TV more, there would only be one winner.

Nick Easter?

Best 8 in the league by a mile and gets my vote, he doesn't wear the captaincy too well but is such a huge presence and attacking threat, amazing hands and vision when hes on form as well.

Crane has played like a man possesed in the Tigers play off games against Toulon and Quins, he was very average for most of the season though (understandable with his injury).

Oh and LT I think we all enjoy your write ups on these players, they're some of the only things worth reading on here!

Agree with LT. Crane has been steadily improving to a point where he's playing very well, got to go Nick Easter though as he's been Mr Reliable for Quins.

LT your write ups are always good value, they're often wrong, but they're good

Easter does deserve to win this, but I don't think it is so clear cut. Baxter and Crane have both had good seasons and deserve recognition. Morgan suffers from a misguided belief he doesn't do enough of the graft, but his stats prove otherwise and he is an integral part of the best backrow Glaws have had for years.

LT - I rely on your write ups entirely in order for me to bluff that I know anything about Jeff rugby. They're phocking critical, man.

Most influential?

Has to be Easter or Baxter. I'd probably just err towards Baxter as he will be missed massively next season.

George Carlin wrote:LT - I rely on your write ups entirely in order for me to bluff that I know anything about Jeff rugby. They're phocking critical, man.

Glad that it's not just me...

Easter for me. A bit of sentiment made me think about Baxter but overall Easter has been very good, he has a Deano like ability just to know where the ball is going to be.

As I said on the flankers thread though, Kalamofoni may have got my vote at 8...