Callum Sheedy a genuine contender – and what else we learnt in February

Callum Sheedy a real contender

Callum Sheedy, or Calm Sheedy as he shall now be identified, moved up Wales’ Take a look at ladder along with his efficiency towards England. What he delivered shouldn’t be underestimated.

Callum Sheedy launches an assault towards England (Getty Photos)

Wales have lengthy been in search of a inventive possibility at ten who was additionally stable sufficient to carry out the Dan Biggar function, and that’s precisely what he delivered.

Previous to the England sport, Sheedy was in the identical class of promising tens as Jarrod Evans et al – those that supply a inventive answer however not sufficient solidity, as but, within the ‘ugly’ stuff. That’s not the case for Sheedy. His management of the sport was immaculate.

Sure, there have been the 2 clear breaks and defenders overwhelmed, which supporters like to see, however his goalkicking, tactical kicking and defence have been bang-on.

Sheedy has been instrumental in a brand new strategy from Wales over the previous few video games, the place they’ve tempered Wayne Pivac’s pure need to assault from wherever and solely assault when it’s essential. Towards England they scored 4 tries, with simply 4 line breaks.

Sheedy is not the younger pretender, however the real contender. Nicely performed, Calm Sheedy.

Maro Itoje penalty depend a priority

This column has lengthy been a fan of Maro Itoje. Who isn’t? He’s one of the best lock within the northern hemisphere and approaching being one of the best on this planet. His ‘fundamentals’ are immaculate and he comes with extra ‘extras’ than a Pleased Meal.

Nonetheless, extreme penalty counts have now additionally been added to the extras column. Itoje has at all times conceded penalties just because he’s concerned within the sport to such a level that his numbers replicate these of an openside flanker greater than a lock.

England lock Maro Itoje conceded 5 penalties towards Wales (Getty Photos)

Over the previous decade we have now seen loads of gamers who ‘play on the sting’, however there comes some extent the place the sting turns into a cliff and performances slide from the inexperienced and nice land straight into the ocean.

Towards Wales, it occurred. England’s penalty depend, as a complete, was hefty. As a group, they conceded 14. The issue is, 5 of these got here from Itoje. The England lock conceded extra penalties than the again 5 of the Welsh pack mixed and that group contains ball-hungry back-rows who love a ‘jackal’.

The query over Itoje’s penalty depend isn’t overly related at England degree. He’ll proceed to be chosen and ship ridiculous efficiency ranges, as he has performed all through his profession. Nonetheless, it might properly have an effect on his potential to captain the British & Irish Lions. Minimize the penalty depend to 2 or three a sport and he may lead the Lions.

Associated: Wales v England Match Verdict

Refereeing is tough

Nothing extra so as to add.

Tremendous Rugby Aotearoa immediate high quality

In case you genuinely love Super Rugby Aotearoa, discovering out after months of nervous negotiations that it might be broadcast via RugbyPass was an enormous second. A second worthy of particular cake, a celebratory dinner or perhaps a tattoo on the arm subsequent to that of your youngsters.

In case you’d chosen the rash tattoo possibility, you wouldn’t have had any regrets having seen the opening video games. They have been merely beautiful. It was a rust-free zone. There was no build-up, no excuses for pre-season bleariness, it was immediate high quality.

Sevu Reece’s efficiency for the Crusaders was outstanding, so too was Codie Taylor’s strive – a participant who, together with Dane Coles, is blurring the function of hooker to some extent that you could squint to see it.

The standard of dealing with from the Hurricanes can solely actually be in comparison with that of a pc sport, while the Blues began the season like the real title contenders that they’re. The Blues performed with three legit outside-halves within the back-line and have a again row that makes you salivate in your legs.

Covid hasn’t introduced many positives, however one is Tremendous Rugby Aotearoa. It has delivered probably the most concentrated type of inventive rugby that the sport has ever seen. It’s like consuming honey straight from the jar.

Balex Homdranp for England!

It appears that evidently if you happen to point out a participant being unfairly neglected for England that it truly decreases the possibilities of Eddie Jones choosing them.

Alex Dombrandt is a superb instance – possibly we must always begin calling him Balex Homdranp! His latest performances for Harlequins have been exemplary – particularly going ahead. And his attacking skill-set is one thing that England’s present back-row choices are lacking.

Bam Bimmonds additionally falls into this class. Good luck Balex and Bam!

Jordie Barrett kicking too properly

The usual of goalkicking in skilled rugby is outstanding and massively underrated as a ability – particularly at Take a look at degree. Kicking greater than 80% of your kicks, beneath submarine-like strain, is what separates membership kickers from elite kickers. However is it potential to kick the ball too properly?

Nicely, Jordie Barrett has moved into that territory. His kicking within the opening sport of Tremendous Rugby Aotearoa was beautiful. Even when kicking from close to the midway line, on the touchline, the ball was above the extent of the posts when crossing the bar.

And herein lies the issue. In case you kick too powerfully, ie. too excessive, it dangers floating immediately over the submit and bringing in a component of human interpretation from the assistant referees. And so, it proved.

Barrett was denied a kick that seemed good to many. So, do your self a favour Jordie, miss the candy spot and your share might inversely go up.

England’s bizarre relationship with relegation

The Gallagher Premiership has rightly, in my opinion, eliminated relegation for this season. Covid has created an uncommon state of affairs and subsequently an uncommon decision was required. However what’s attention-grabbing shouldn’t be that relegation was eliminated, however the response to it.

Discussing relegation in English rugby is like discussing evolution in Kentucky and the fallout on social media could be simply as vociferous.

Even if you happen to don’t agree with eradicating relegation, to some you aren’t even allowed to say it with out being forged into the fiery pits of hell. Even if you happen to don’t wish to take away relegation, at the least be open to discussing it. In any other case, it’s stopping rugby from evolving.

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