Quote: jonh "Just watching the Cowboys game again on Setanta. Something has stuck me. Look at the likes of Matty Bowen, he is tiny very short and rarely gets found wanting under the high ball. While i appreciate he is clearly more experienced than Ainscough and has a better positional sense, watch the support his team mates give him. Its like an assault course to get to him. The chase has to get over and around a shed load of bodies that put themselves in the way.
The players are drilled to protect him and add to this are not too stupid or bone idle to put themselves into a position that protects there fullback, the chase rarely gets close to him. Its a shame out players are not coached or have the same work ethic to protect our shorter player.'"
This is what I posted yesterday on the subject
"Roberts didn't get to 2 at the weekend (Although 1 of which no-one got to and it was scrambled clear) and 1 resulted in a try.
On BOTH occasions Tims Smith's covering was a disgrace! No effort to block the runners etc!
If Ainscough's kick defence is a problem with him playing on the Left Wing it will be double on the Right With Smith anywhere near him! "
This IMHO is also a contributing factor in team selection.
Smith's blocking of Kick chasers on Friday was a disgrace, no effort to block runners, totally disinterested.
I think Noble does not want to risk Ainscough on that side with Smith in the team whereas he is better protected on the left.
Either way I still think at this moment the current set up with Phelps FB and Roberts/Richards on the wing is the best for the team presently.