606 Selects its Aviva Premiership AllStars XV - Locks

Apologies for my tardiness - life getting in the way.

We have a front row of Alex Waller, Dave Ward and Logo Mulipola - so now for the men packing down behind them. Criteria to make the poll - at least 10 premiership starts.

Saracens: Steve Borthwick (16 starts) and Alistair Hargreaves (10 starts)
George Kruis is the coming man, but not made enough appearances to qualify. For me Hargreaves is the lock forward at Sarries, a real tough foward with plenty of grunt. Has struggled with injuries and the Sarries coaches probably disagree with my sentiments as to his ability. Steve Borthwick has not played as well as last season, but has still been very impressive. Assuming his body holds together, just one more match remaining in an excellent career - he will need all his motivational qualities to help Saracens recover from yesterdays demoralising defeat.

Northampton: Christian Day (18 starts) and Samu Manoa (15 starts)
An unfortunately timed injury has seen Day hardly feature as the season has climaxed. This has probably hurt saints lineout more than the loss of Hartley. For much of the season, Day has been Saints best player. Understated, he is not a headline grabber, but he makes sure that the saints pack operates like a well oiled machine. It was touch and go whether I would include Manoa or Lawes alongside Day. While Manoa has also featured in the back row, Lawes has had his best performances in England's white. Mano gets the nod as the Opta stats saw him rated as one of the best 6 forwards in the premiership season.

Leicester: Ed Slater (18 starts)
Slater has been a colossus for Tigers this season. Consistently excellent, his form actually stepped up a gear when he assumed the captaincy duties. At times he his been Captain Amazing and that Cockerill plans to rebuild the team around him makes complete sense. Second row duties have been shared with Deacon, de Chaves, Kitchener and Parling - none making enough appearances.

Harlequins: George Robson (20 starts)
Despite not turning 29 till later this year, Robson's chances of a cap are rapidly receding as a plethora of younger locks appear on the England radars. Again, this may not have been his best season - but he has still played very well alog side a number of partners. These partners include Nick Kennedy who has now retired and Charlie Matthews - neither of whom made enough starts. Another partner, Nick Easter, will be in a different poll.

Bath: Stuart Hooper (19 starts) and Dave Attwood (17 starts)
Attwood may have the higher pedigree, but club captain Hooper has been a model of consistency for Bath. He always leaves everything he has out on the pitch. In a team that has underacheived, Hooper has squeezed the maximum from his ability. Can the same be said about England squad member Attwood. For many he has yet to fulfill his early potential. He has been good for Bath, without having the level of performance needed to really put the pressure on Lawes and Launchbury.

Sale - Michael Paterson (21 starts)
Another player who has had a highly impressive AP season. Strong performances underpinned Sales Top 6 finish and saw him included in the England training squad whilst also being nominated for player of the season. Surely will not tour NZ - but has been one of the very best performers in the AP

Wasps - Kearnan Myall (14 starts) and Joe Launchbury (12 starts)
Launcbury is perhaps another whose best performances have been seen on the international stage. New boy Myall may not have made the progress he hoped for following his move from Sale, but now Wasps season has completed will hope to still be in Lancaster's thoughts.

Exeter - Dean Mumm (21 starts)
Chief's season started so brightly, and skipper Mumm was running in tries for fun (with 5 he has more than any Exeter back). Mumm's efforts did not falter as chiefs season tailed away.

Gloucester - Elliott Stooke
Perhaps the one bright spark among the disparate personnel to have made up the Glaws tight 5. Will hope the arrival of big hitters like Hibbard and Afoa will give himm a chance to really impresse the England coaches next season

London Irish - Nic Rouse
Cannot say I know anything about him. In his first season at LI, having moved from Nottingham he easily made the most appearances of any Lock at the club. Honourable mentions to George Skivington who missed the first and last months of the season and veteran Ian Gough.

Newcastle - Scott Macleod (13 starts)
Many different players have packed down in falcons second row. New boy Dom Barrow has been the most eyecatching - but with injuries and back row duties did not have enough matches. Ex Scottish international MacLeod appeared the most.

Worcester - James Percival (14 starts)
Making up the numbers?

Any reason that Damien Welch doesn't appear, LT? Easily more than 10 AP appearances

LondonTiger wrote:Northampton: Christian Day (18 starts) and Samu Manoa (15 starts)
An unfortunately timed injury has seen Day hardly feature as the season has climaxed. This has probably hurt saints lineout more than the loss of Hartley. For much of the season, Day has been Saints best player. Understated, he is not a headline grabber, but he makes sure that the saints pack operates like a well oiled machine. It was touch and go whether I would include Manoa or Lawes alongside Day. While Manoa has also featured in the back row, Lawes has had his best performances in England's white. Mano gets the nod as the Opta stats saw him rated as one of the best 6 forwards in the premiership season.

Thanks for giving some quality recognition to Christian Day. Very under-rated player who does all the little things that make a team better. Personally, I would have linked him with Lawes, but whether Manoa or Lawes, Day is a key lineout operator (as the saying goes), and whole lot more.

Always enjoy your write-ups, mate.

Just to say that Rouse had a great season for Irish - was voted as players player of the year. Obviously there are more athletic and talented locks on that list and I wouldn't vote for him myself, but he has to be one of the most unsung players in the league. His work-rate is ridiculous.

Ps. Paterson and Manoa for me.

LondonTiger wrote:
Sale - Michael Paterson (21 starts)
Another player who has had a highly impressive AP season. Strong performances underpinned Sales Top 6 finish and saw him included in the England training squad whilst also being nominated for player of the season. Surely will not tour NZ - but has been one of the very best performers in the AP

He gets my vote too. Watched a few of his matches - solid player and a quiet achiever.
It's in those NZ genes. No wonder he has been included in the England training squad. The family back home must be thrilled.

Slater and Lawes for me. Both have immense work rates, both have improved themselves massively this season, both play the full 80 and leave nothing behind. Lawes has coupled his athleticism with power in tight and a lot more control this year, Slater has taken to being captain like a duck to water.