Stockdale and Ward - what's the hype?
Before and during the 6 Nations there were calls for Zac Ward and Jacob Stockdale to be included in the Ireland squad.
Having watched them this year and tonight, I just don't see what they bring. Am I blind or are they overblown?
Stockdale is a powerful player, decent under the high ball and can get an offload away. Accepted. But that's the bare minimum for an international quality backthree player. Lowe, Hansen, TOB and Bobby can do all that and more. He reminds me of a slightly worse version of Mike Haley minus the footwork.. And Haley wasn't good enough to make Ireland.
Ward is powerful. That's about it. If we're being nice we'd say he's quick too, but I don't think he's overly quick for a wing. His basic ball skills are poor, looking uncomfortable passing the ball.
So, what am I missing?
On a related note.. I'd fast track Jude and Bryn Ward into the Ireland. Bryn Ward may not be the finished article, but his ball carrying and ability to bust tackles is like nothing else in this country. He reminds me of Jasper Wiese. He needs to be nurtured.
Jude Postelwaithe is an absolute unit and what I hoped High Gavin would become. Given we've got an aging centre stock in the national team he should be given game time soon. His biggest issue is he's more of 12 and it just so happens that Ireland's only in-from centre is Big Stu who's often carrying the team on his back