is it possible that, rather than them improving out of sight in another, allegedly better environment than SR, they’re just playing a weaker comp and are made to look better?
Absolutely possible, and (imo) the stone cold truth.
Players don't stay the same their entire career. They mature, develop, learn, grow. Blokes that left Aus being no good may become class while overseas (and vice versa). Nick White came back a much more complete player, Skelton certainly looks a much better athlete etc. Coaches will be acutely aware of which of the O/S players would/wouldn't cut the mustard at intl level.
Which is Mitchell's stock in trade, of course ...
As well (and this could be the subject of a more fulsome post, if I could be bothered reviewing the supporting stats) - and digressing from BPA's merits - I'm kinda getting over the multiple calls for selecting Aust players currently O/S, as though they'll be the WB's saviours should they be picked. Don't get me wrong, we have some serious talent floating around the Premiership, Top 14 etc, but almost none of these blokes were able to cut it while here. Whether it's Skelton, Morahan or Kerevi - is it possible that, rather than them improving out of sight in another, allegedly better environment than SR, they're just playing a weaker comp and are made to look better? The obvious example of a bloke who was claimed to have developed into a world beating superstar due to a better environment in the Prem was Beale, and, let's be frank, he was mostly rubbish on his return. The UK Telegraph even had Rob Simmons as one of the few best locks in the Prem earlier this week. And Curtis Rona as one of the top 3 centres in the comp. Even Nick Phipps looks good playing for Irish! As I say, all good players, but let's stay local with WB selection, mainly 'cause, well, we don't need to look elsewhere for the most part ...
True, but then he went on to compare selecting a player who's committed to playing OS to hiring coaches who've been OS.
It was all a bit incoherent and whiny for me
Pick local unless there is a gap in the playing roster then pick overseas. There is not much between the Superugby hookers this year so I would pick local.
The choice to pick Drew to promote Bledisloe tickets was unfortunate as we remember him being one of the most vocal advocates for axing the Force. Surely RA could have picked anyone else.
This is a bit out of context. They were debating about whether they should select Brendan Paenga Amosa for Wallabies because he is leaving for Montpellier next season. Drew's argument was it shouldn't matter if he is leaving or not - select the best players available, the argument was never about bringing back players from overseas.
Guess
Roar Rookie
Ditch Mitchell
Guess
Roar Rookie
it’s not out of context
ThugbyFan
Roar Guru
Drew Mitchell is a flip. The mute button was invented for blabs like him.
piru
Roar Rookie
Agreed, his comments definitely had the feel that he didn't know where he was going with it and just started meandering
piru
Roar Rookie
is it possible that, rather than them improving out of sight in another, allegedly better environment than SR, they’re just playing a weaker comp and are made to look better? Absolutely possible, and (imo) the stone cold truth.
numpty
Roar Rookie
Players don't stay the same their entire career. They mature, develop, learn, grow. Blokes that left Aus being no good may become class while overseas (and vice versa). Nick White came back a much more complete player, Skelton certainly looks a much better athlete etc. Coaches will be acutely aware of which of the O/S players would/wouldn't cut the mustard at intl level.
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
The Gitau Law will dissapear.. The market will ultimately decide that.. All RA can do is drag it out..
AJP
Roar Rookie
Which is Mitchell's stock in trade, of course ... As well (and this could be the subject of a more fulsome post, if I could be bothered reviewing the supporting stats) - and digressing from BPA's merits - I'm kinda getting over the multiple calls for selecting Aust players currently O/S, as though they'll be the WB's saviours should they be picked. Don't get me wrong, we have some serious talent floating around the Premiership, Top 14 etc, but almost none of these blokes were able to cut it while here. Whether it's Skelton, Morahan or Kerevi - is it possible that, rather than them improving out of sight in another, allegedly better environment than SR, they're just playing a weaker comp and are made to look better? The obvious example of a bloke who was claimed to have developed into a world beating superstar due to a better environment in the Prem was Beale, and, let's be frank, he was mostly rubbish on his return. The UK Telegraph even had Rob Simmons as one of the few best locks in the Prem earlier this week. And Curtis Rona as one of the top 3 centres in the comp. Even Nick Phipps looks good playing for Irish! As I say, all good players, but let's stay local with WB selection, mainly 'cause, well, we don't need to look elsewhere for the most part ...
Chester B
Roar Rookie
Unfortunately Drew doesn't always thinks before he speaks.
Rugger
Guest
A better headline would have read “Fans urge RA to permanently ditch renounced Narcissist Drew Mitchell”
piru
Roar Rookie
True, but then he went on to compare selecting a player who's committed to playing OS to hiring coaches who've been OS. It was all a bit incoherent and whiny for me
Ex force fan
Guest
Pick local unless there is a gap in the playing roster then pick overseas. There is not much between the Superugby hookers this year so I would pick local. The choice to pick Drew to promote Bledisloe tickets was unfortunate as we remember him being one of the most vocal advocates for axing the Force. Surely RA could have picked anyone else.
nroko
Roar Rookie
This is a bit out of context. They were debating about whether they should select Brendan Paenga Amosa for Wallabies because he is leaving for Montpellier next season. Drew's argument was it shouldn't matter if he is leaving or not - select the best players available, the argument was never about bringing back players from overseas.