Comments on: Rise and fall of confidence players http://www.theroar.com.au/2007/08/28/rise-and-fall-of-confidence-players/ Your Sports Opinion Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:20:24 +0000 hourly 1 By: Monty String http://www.theroar.com.au/2007/08/28/rise-and-fall-of-confidence-players/comment-page-1/#comment-12020 Monty String Tue, 28 Aug 2007 02:15:42 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/2007/08/28/rise-and-fall-of-confidence-players/#comment-12020 Good reading your essay, Garth. For some time the report on Latho was "Great attack, poor defense." And it's true he made a couple of boo boos which put him in the selectors' bad books. But he tightened up that aspect and showed that, with his super ability to kick-and-gather in a broken field, he's become a tremendous attacking weapon with little downside to him. As for Michalak, the game against England two weeks ago showed what value he can be. His distribution was clever, he tackled like a demon (something he gets small credit for), and his 40-meter snap almost made it. And if you need somebody to kick a few penalties, he's available. On the other hand, against Wales last Saturday, Skrela was merely serviceable and Beauxis showed a solid understanding of the pivot role when he moved into the position. But nobody sparks at fly like Mich and I assume Laporte will start Skrela against the Pumas then bring on Mich if the line needs moving. And he may well start Mich against Ireland. If Freddie doesn't perform in the first 20 minutes - if he's clearly off - then he gets the hook. But I have a feeling he's going to have a great World Cup. And I think his team is, too. You say that no other team can make such a powerful sub at 5/8. No other team, including the ABs, can make such powerful subs in the forwards, either. Good reading your essay, Garth. For some time the report on Latho was “Great attack, poor defense.” And it’s true he made a couple of boo boos which put him in the selectors’ bad books. But he tightened up that aspect and showed that, with his super ability to kick-and-gather in a broken field, he’s become a tremendous attacking weapon with little downside to him.

As for Michalak, the game against England two weeks ago showed what value he can be. His distribution was clever, he tackled like a demon (something he gets small credit for), and his 40-meter snap almost made it. And if you need somebody to kick a few penalties, he’s available.

On the other hand, against Wales last Saturday, Skrela was merely serviceable and Beauxis showed a solid understanding of the pivot role when he moved into the position. But nobody sparks at fly like Mich and I assume Laporte will start Skrela against the Pumas then bring on Mich if the line needs moving. And he may well start Mich against Ireland. If Freddie doesn’t perform in the first 20 minutes – if he’s clearly off – then he gets the hook.

But I have a feeling he’s going to have a great World Cup. And I think his team is, too. You say that no other team can make such a powerful sub at 5/8. No other team, including the ABs, can make such powerful subs in the forwards, either.

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