sergeant pepper wrote:
And we'll be much better for it as well. I'm personally really excited to see Sam back at HB. It sounds strange saying it as he's had a great career, but i still think it was a mistake moving him from there all those years ago. For me we've not seen a top class 6 come through the club since Long. When one comes around, especially one like Sam, he should have never been moved.
Also another thing to touch on is what this means long term into 2019. If Escare struggles this season i wouldn't be surprised to see Sarge moving to FB and us being on the lookout for a real top draw centre.
For me it depends on Tomkins' pace/speed. If he can find his pace his best position is FB. FB doesn't have to do half as much tackling as any player in the line. A top FB can communicate with the line in defence and attack, Sam can do all of the above as he is an excellent reader of the game.
A FB attacks both sides of the pitch, linking outside of the 6 and 7 as a second if not third receiver joining the attack where they see fit. Sam is perfect for this, has great hands and a great attacking rugby brain.
If he has pace why limit him to a position where he only features on one side of the pitch and has to do a tone more tackling? Doesn't make sense.
However, if he's lost his pace he'll be partially ineffective as a FB, his plays will be read and he won't have the pace to beat outside backs or make cover tackles in defence. He might as well play at 6 or 7 and create plays for others.
I agree with moving Tommy to 9. I believe he's the best 9 we have, including a massively overrated Micky Mac.
The issue for me now is Escare, not good enough to be a FB for us, and to the best of my knowledge has none/limited experience in the halves.
