Comments on: SOS Mark Gerrard, your country needs you http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/10/31/where-is-mark-gerrard/ The Roar is a sports opinion website. We tackle sports opinion rather than simply sports news. And we embed user-generated content — in the form of articles and comments — into the fabric of the site. Featuring some of the best sports writers in Australia — including the Sydney Morning Herald's Spiro Zavos — The Roar aims to be the leading sports website in Australia. Mon, 22 Mar 2010 08:13:37 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=abc hourly 1 By: Knives Out http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/10/31/where-is-mark-gerrard/#comment-238634 Knives Out Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:32:37 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=24841#comment-238634 The same Mark Gerrard who at no point during his test career suggested he was anywhere near being good enough to play test rugby. Were the European clubs fighting to bring him over to Europe? The same Mark Gerrard who at no point during his test career suggested he was anywhere near being good enough to play test rugby. Were the European clubs fighting to bring him over to Europe?

]]> By: Hoy http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/10/31/where-is-mark-gerrard/#comment-238173 Hoy Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:57:29 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=24841#comment-238173 This is take three. I have had problems posting on this article. A few things spring to mind about the link there with footage of Gerrard. 1) He is a heap bigger in that footage than I remember him being. 2) What don't we see? As good as he looks in that package, what are we not seeing? I never knew whether I liked Gerrard or not. He came onto the scene with a bit of skill, however we always had wingers ahead of him who perhaps didn't really deserve their position. He is very safe catching kicks, he has a great boot, he is a very good defender. For those who say he is too slow, I would love to see a race between Gerrard and AAC. AAC is not speedster and if he is deemed good enough, then I would like to think Gerrard can pull it off as well. If they are worried he can't run down Habana or Rococko or Williams, then not many can anyway. Plus if he got close enough, I would back Gerrard to bring them down more so than O'Connor. This is take three. I have had problems posting on this article.

A few things spring to mind about the link there with footage of Gerrard. 1) He is a heap bigger in that footage than I remember him being. 2) What don’t we see? As good as he looks in that package, what are we not seeing?

I never knew whether I liked Gerrard or not. He came onto the scene with a bit of skill, however we always had wingers ahead of him who perhaps didn’t really deserve their position.

He is very safe catching kicks, he has a great boot, he is a very good defender.

For those who say he is too slow, I would love to see a race between Gerrard and AAC. AAC is not speedster and if he is deemed good enough, then I would like to think Gerrard can pull it off as well.

If they are worried he can’t run down Habana or Rococko or Williams, then not many can anyway. Plus if he got close enough, I would back Gerrard to bring them down more so than O’Connor.

]]> By: Hoy http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/10/31/where-is-mark-gerrard/#comment-238172 Hoy Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:56:46 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=24841#comment-238172 I was looking to tag that link on as well Gagger. A few things spring to mind: Gerrard looks bigger in that clip than I remember seeing him before. It shows some great highlights of his play, but I wonder what we don't see? I never knew what to think of Gerrard. When he came into prominance, we had a few high profile wingers taking up spots they possibly didn't deserve. There can be no denying that he is very safe under kicks, he positions himself well, he can kick bloody well, and he can defend. For those who say he is too slow, I would like to see a race between him and AAC. Who would win? I reckon it would be closer than people think. AAC is no speedster either. If people are worried about him running down Habana, or Williams or Rococko, well no he probably wouldn't, but not many would. I will say this. If he got close to them, I would back him to bring them down more often than I would back O'Connor to bring them down. I was looking to tag that link on as well Gagger.

A few things spring to mind:

Gerrard looks bigger in that clip than I remember seeing him before.

It shows some great highlights of his play, but I wonder what we don’t see?

I never knew what to think of Gerrard. When he came into prominance, we had a few high profile wingers taking up spots they possibly didn’t deserve.

There can be no denying that he is very safe under kicks, he positions himself well, he can kick bloody well, and he can defend.

For those who say he is too slow, I would like to see a race between him and AAC. Who would win? I reckon it would be closer than people think. AAC is no speedster either.

If people are worried about him running down Habana, or Williams or Rococko, well no he probably wouldn’t, but not many would. I will say this. If he got close to them, I would back him to bring them down more often than I would back O’Connor to bring them down.

]]> By: Robbo http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/10/31/where-is-mark-gerrard/#comment-238151 Robbo Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:30:05 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=24841#comment-238151 Well at least we can agree on that. Well at least we can agree on that.

]]> By: Robbo http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/10/31/where-is-mark-gerrard/#comment-238149 Robbo Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:28:47 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=24841#comment-238149 Knives out - You are actually talking about Mark Gerrard right? Knives out – You are actually talking about Mark Gerrard right?

]]> By: Justin http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/10/31/where-is-mark-gerrard/#comment-238147 Justin Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:28:27 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=24841#comment-238147 I have never said JOC should be 15, he should be pushing for 12 but Deans is Deans and likes players to play where they never have! I have never said JOC should be 15, he should be pushing for 12 but Deans is Deans and likes players to play where they never have!

]]> By: Robbo http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/10/31/where-is-mark-gerrard/#comment-238146 Robbo Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:26:47 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=24841#comment-238146 He can catch a high ball - James O'Connor can't. He has an excellent kicking game - James O'Connor doesn't. There's two reasons. He can catch a high ball – James O’Connor can’t.

He has an excellent kicking game – James O’Connor doesn’t.

There’s two reasons.

]]> By: Robbo http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/10/31/where-is-mark-gerrard/#comment-238142 Robbo Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:25:22 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=24841#comment-238142 It's possible he will be back by the 2011 Super 14. But it won't be in Melbourne - he has already said he would never play for any Australian club other than the Brumbies. It’s possible he will be back by the 2011 Super 14. But it won’t be in Melbourne – he has already said he would never play for any Australian club other than the Brumbies.

]]> By: Dan http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/10/31/where-is-mark-gerrard/#comment-238137 Dan Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:21:43 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=24841#comment-238137 I would argue he's far more up to Test football than O'Conner, who, while a great potential talent, really shits himself when the pressure is on... O'Conner provided no relief for the wallabies with his kicking and was walked over in defence on a number of occaisions. Whatever you might say about Gerrard, he would have had to have played pretty badly to match the screw ups of O'Conner in some of those Bled tests I would argue he’s far more up to Test football than O’Conner, who, while a great potential talent, really shits himself when the pressure is on… O’Conner provided no relief for the wallabies with his kicking and was walked over in defence on a number of occaisions. Whatever you might say about Gerrard, he would have had to have played pretty badly to match the screw ups of O’Conner in some of those Bled tests

]]> By: Dan http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/10/31/where-is-mark-gerrard/#comment-238135 Dan Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:18:01 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=24841#comment-238135 He was absolutely the best fullback in the country during the S14 and I don't remember an occaision until he went to Japan that he cost the Brumbies with "lapses of concentration" though I can remember several where his pinpoint kicking got turned deep defence into high attacking opportunities. He has been inconsistent at times, but he wasn't in this years S14 and he absolutely shits on the likes of O'Conner as a fullback. He was absolutely the best fullback in the country during the S14 and I don’t remember an occaision until he went to Japan that he cost the Brumbies with “lapses of concentration” though I can remember several where his pinpoint kicking got turned deep defence into high attacking opportunities.
He has been inconsistent at times, but he wasn’t in this years S14 and he absolutely shits on the likes of O’Conner as a fullback.

]]> By: Dean Pantio http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/10/31/where-is-mark-gerrard/#comment-238126 Dean Pantio Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:09:58 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=24841#comment-238126 He was far and away the best fullback in an Australian Super squad this year. He was far and away the best fullback in an Australian Super squad this year.

]]> By: Justin http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/10/31/where-is-mark-gerrard/#comment-238124 Justin Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:08:02 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=24841#comment-238124 He isnt up to Test football IMO, his kicking is excellent, granted but little else of his game is up to that level to be a consistently good player. Oh and I can almost guarantee that he would have some charge downs in Tests. His low kicking technique with more pressure on would result in some chaotic moments. I am amazed he doesnt get charged down more in S14 but the extra time and space he got at S14 doesnt exist at Test level. He isnt up to Test football IMO, his kicking is excellent, granted but little else of his game is up to that level to be a consistently good player.

Oh and I can almost guarantee that he would have some charge downs in Tests. His low kicking technique with more pressure on would result in some chaotic moments. I am amazed he doesnt get charged down more in S14 but the extra time and space he got at S14 doesnt exist at Test level.

]]> By: Knives Out http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/10/31/where-is-mark-gerrard/#comment-238119 Knives Out Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:01:14 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=24841#comment-238119 He'll also give you countless lapses of concentration, dropped balls and no dynamic running. He’ll also give you countless lapses of concentration, dropped balls and no dynamic running.

]]> By: Dan http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/10/31/where-is-mark-gerrard/#comment-238114 Dan Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:57:41 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=24841#comment-238114 Whatever you might say about Gerrard's speed, the fact is that his tactical kicking is about 400% better than ANYONE else in the current wallabies set up (particularly now Barnes is out). Tactical kicking is absolutely crucial in Rugby, but we currently have absolutely nothing to offer there. THAT is why we need Gerrard. He will give us field position, and field position is paramount if we want to start winning games. Whatever you might say about Gerrard’s speed, the fact is that his tactical kicking is about 400% better than ANYONE else in the current wallabies set up (particularly now Barnes is out). Tactical kicking is absolutely crucial in Rugby, but we currently have absolutely nothing to offer there. THAT is why we need Gerrard. He will give us field position, and field position is paramount if we want to start winning games.

]]> By: Justin http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/10/31/where-is-mark-gerrard/#comment-238106 Justin Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:47:52 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=24841#comment-238106 Gerrard is a big man, why do you think he is so slow :) Slater is the size of a jockey Gerrard is a big man, why do you think he is so slow :)

Slater is the size of a jockey

]]> By: Knives Out http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/10/31/where-is-mark-gerrard/#comment-238102 Knives Out Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:40:00 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=24841#comment-238102 An article about Mark Gerrard is just like his play on the field - car crash-esque. I just can't my eyes away. An article about Mark Gerrard is just like his play on the field – car crash-esque. I just can’t my eyes away.

]]> By: Robbo http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/10/31/where-is-mark-gerrard/#comment-238095 Robbo Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:30:26 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=24841#comment-238095 No one has a gun to your head forcing you to read it! No one has a gun to your head forcing you to read it!

]]> By: Knives Out http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/10/31/where-is-mark-gerrard/#comment-238078 Knives Out Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:01:01 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=24841#comment-238078 I can't believe there's an article about Mark Gerrard. I can’t believe there’s an article about Mark Gerrard.

]]> By: Matt (Gagger) http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/10/31/where-is-mark-gerrard/#comment-238076 Matt (Gagger) Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:58:35 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=24841#comment-238076 You mean someone who could play fullback like this? http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/gerrards-belter-vs-the-super-14-lions/ You mean someone who could play fullback like this?

http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/gerrards-belter-vs-the-super-14-lions/

]]> By: exile http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/10/31/where-is-mark-gerrard/#comment-237360 exile Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:09:18 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=24841#comment-237360 Gerrard is a big man, about the same size as Mortlock. He apparently dropped a few kilos before the 2009 season due to training to regain speed and fitness. I think Dean's made a big mistake by not having a regular fullback with a big boot, and it cost us this season in the Tri-Nations. I would have been happy if either Gerrard or Shepherd had been available for the job. Deans seems to think speed is more important and that any winger can do the job, and I think that has cost us games this year. It also reduces flexibility. I there was a regualr 15 AAC would not have to be plugging gaps all over the field and could be settled in his best position of 13 (or 14 if and when Mortlock returns). See the following link and videos. I think the comment dated April 7 was bang on. http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/tag/mark-gerrard/ Gerrard is a big man, about the same size as Mortlock. He apparently dropped a few kilos before the 2009 season due to training to regain speed and fitness.

I think Dean’s made a big mistake by not having a regular fullback with a big boot, and it cost us this season in the Tri-Nations.
I would have been happy if either Gerrard or Shepherd had been available for the job. Deans seems to think speed is more important and that any winger can do the job, and I think that has cost us games this year.

It also reduces flexibility. I there was a regualr 15 AAC would not have to be plugging gaps all over the field and could be settled in his best position of 13 (or 14 if and when Mortlock returns).

See the following link and videos. I think the comment dated April 7 was bang on.

http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/tag/mark-gerrard/

]]> By: Knives Out http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/10/31/where-is-mark-gerrard/#comment-236754 Knives Out Sat, 31 Oct 2009 22:58:24 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=24841#comment-236754 'KO – how on earth is 6′4 and 102kg lightweight. Its like saying that Sachin Tendulkar is huge.' Because I use my eyes to see, you see? 102 kg is nothing for a 6'4 player. Contrast his build to the other fullbacks that I mentioned. ‘KO – how on earth is 6′4 and 102kg lightweight. Its like saying that Sachin Tendulkar is huge.’

Because I use my eyes to see, you see? 102 kg is nothing for a 6′4 player. Contrast his build to the other fullbacks that I mentioned.

]]> By: Roy Kneebone http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/10/31/where-is-mark-gerrard/#comment-236753 Roy Kneebone Sat, 31 Oct 2009 22:56:39 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=24841#comment-236753 Japan season finishes in Febuary so that would mean Gerrardo will only miss next years Super 14 and be available to play in 2011 Super 15 and Rugby World Cup???He would be a marquee signing for the melbourne franchise?????? It would be so good to have him back, we needed him last night Japan season finishes in Febuary so that would mean Gerrardo will only miss next years Super 14 and be available to play in 2011 Super 15 and Rugby World Cup???He would be a marquee signing for the melbourne franchise?????? It would be so good to have him back, we needed him last night

]]> By: Robbo http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/10/31/where-is-mark-gerrard/#comment-236742 Robbo Sat, 31 Oct 2009 22:39:54 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=24841#comment-236742 KO - how on earth is 6'4 and 102kg lightweight. Its like saying that Sachin Tendulkar is huge. KO – how on earth is 6′4 and 102kg lightweight. Its like saying that Sachin Tendulkar is huge.

]]> By: Knives Out http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/10/31/where-is-mark-gerrard/#comment-236738 Knives Out Sat, 31 Oct 2009 22:34:33 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=24841#comment-236738 Billy Slater isn't that small and his size is irrelevant in a game where there is no contest for possession. Size is relevant in rugby union because of that fact, hence current test full bakcs: Muliaina, F. Steyn, Byrne, Kearney and now AAC are massively powerful and unlikely to be turned over in the tackle. Gerrard lacked any tackle breaking ability and was too lightweight to contest the big event. Billy Slater isn’t that small and his size is irrelevant in a game where there is no contest for possession. Size is relevant in rugby union because of that fact, hence current test full bakcs: Muliaina, F. Steyn, Byrne, Kearney and now AAC are massively powerful and unlikely to be turned over in the tackle. Gerrard lacked any tackle breaking ability and was too lightweight to contest the big event.

]]> By: Bay35Pablo http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/10/31/where-is-mark-gerrard/#comment-236456 Bay35Pablo Sat, 31 Oct 2009 07:22:58 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=24841#comment-236456 Giteau "has begun to demonstrate the leadership and skills deserving of the accolades that preceded his first international Test". Huh? How? When? Not this season he hasn't!! Giteau “has begun to demonstrate the leadership and skills deserving of the accolades that preceded his first international Test”. Huh?

How? When? Not this season he hasn’t!!

]]> By: TommyM http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/10/31/where-is-mark-gerrard/#comment-236445 TommyM Sat, 31 Oct 2009 07:13:05 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=24841#comment-236445 Here here. BTW- Do I take it from your nick that you're an 18 year old girl? If so, what tremendous insight! Here here. BTW- Do I take it from your nick that you’re an 18 year old girl? If so, what tremendous insight!

]]> By: hammer http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/10/31/where-is-mark-gerrard/#comment-236407 hammer Sat, 31 Oct 2009 04:41:13 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=24841#comment-236407 Why is everyone so full of slater - the bloke is average best defensively - last weekend yet again another example of how poor he is as the last line of defensive - and he's certainly not worthy of mention in the same sentence as Cullen Why is everyone so full of slater – the bloke is average best defensively – last weekend yet again another example of how poor he is as the last line of defensive – and he’s certainly not worthy of mention in the same sentence as Cullen

]]> By: Chris http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/10/31/where-is-mark-gerrard/#comment-236402 Chris Sat, 31 Oct 2009 04:19:09 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=24841#comment-236402 I can't think of anything less intelligent than picking a rugby team based on physical appearance. Besides - take a Christian Cullen or a Billy Slater. Both are pretty small for a rugby player but they are arguably the greatest fullbacks of the modern era in their respective codes. I can’t think of anything less intelligent than picking a rugby team based on physical appearance.

Besides – take a Christian Cullen or a Billy Slater. Both are pretty small for a rugby player but they are arguably the greatest fullbacks of the modern era in their respective codes.

]]> By: Knives Out http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/10/31/where-is-mark-gerrard/#comment-236348 Knives Out Sat, 31 Oct 2009 01:44:21 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=24841#comment-236348 I find it hard to believe that Gerrard is 6'4. Latham is 6'4. Anyhow, I meant size as in his frame. He looks puny, like Huxley used to. I find it hard to believe that Gerrard is 6′4. Latham is 6′4. Anyhow, I meant size as in his frame. He looks puny, like Huxley used to.

]]> By: Chris http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/10/31/where-is-mark-gerrard/#comment-236324 Chris Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:52:28 +0000 http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=24841#comment-236324 Deans made it very clear to Gerrard that he wouldn't be selected no matter what he did. Besides - he was the form Australian back of the S14 (apart from Ioane and Genia) so I don't know what you mean about mediocrity. It seems to me that Deans (with his constant selections of TPN, Luke Burgess and JOC) is the one content with mediocre players. Deans made it very clear to Gerrard that he wouldn’t be selected no matter what he did. Besides – he was the form Australian back of the S14 (apart from Ioane and Genia) so I don’t know what you mean about mediocrity. It seems to me that Deans (with his constant selections of TPN, Luke Burgess and JOC) is the one content with mediocre players.

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