With ten games played in the Aviva Premiership this season, and another European break upon us, I have put together my Premiership XV so far this season. Including four Quins players, two from Wasps and Sale and seven other clubs featured, I think it looks quite strong. Let me know your thoughts.
1 – Marcos Ayerza (Leicester) – The Tigers haven’t lost in four. No coincidence that this has coincided with their big players returning from New Zealand. They don’t come much bigger than Ayerza, who loves a scrum! He has been solid as ever, and the tigers can breathe easier with him in their number 1 jersey.
2 – Joe Gray (Harlequins) - Having seen a number of Joe Gray’s performances over the season, he does very little wrong. Always getting over the gain line, and hitting most of his lineouts. A quality player with a big future.
3 – Henry Thomas (Sale) – The England U20 prop has been fantastic for Sale this season. Great around the park, Thomas is the modern prop personified. He carries well and has picked up a few tries, always a nice bonus for a tight head.
4 – Marco Wentzel (Wasps) – A towering presence for Wasps this season. Wentzel has shown fantastic nouse in the lineout and made his presence felt in the tight.
5 – Dave Attwood (Bath) – Unfortunate to miss out on the RWC, but has flourished at Bath. A great purchase over the summer and must be in England’s plans for the Six Nations. Good in the loose and has picked up a few important tries as well.
6 – Chris Robshaw (Harlequins, Captain) – The first name on my team sheet, not only here but for my England side. The way he has lead Quins from the front has been remarkable. A great team around him but his solid defence, dogged work at the breakdown and neat touches in the loose have all been exceptional. Could have played him anywhere in the back row.
7 – Luke Wallace (Harlequins) – Wallace has grabbed his chance in the Quins back row with both hands. Quins’ defence has been very strong all season and Wallace has been at the heart of this. Countless turnovers and tackles as well as picking up 4 tries to boot.
8 – Richard Baxter (Exeter) – Exeter are sitting 3rd in the league, granted they are only 6 points clear of Bath in 10th, but they wouldn’t be in the mixer in December if it wasn’t for their ever present number 8. Baxter has got tries in the vital wins at Welford Road & Edgeley Park as well as being a constant carrying and defensive force for the Chiefs.
9 – Dwayne Peel (Sale) – With so many young scrum halves in the Premiership it may seem strange to choose an old timer! But I have always been a massive Dwayne Peel fan – I think he is a quality scrum half with the ability to change a game and an insatiable appetite to win. Part of a Sale team showing they have what it takes this season. Has picked up a few cheeky tries as well this year.
10 – Nick Evans (Harlequins) – A no-brainer for me, the best 10 in the Premiership this year. Evans rarely makes a mistake and more often than not will produce a moment of brilliance when needed. Ryan Lamb has had a resurgence in a Saints shirt this season and Ignacio Mieres has impressed at Exeter but it’s all about Evans at the moment.
11 – Christian Wade (Wasps) – Wasps’ backline has so much potential with the likes of Varndell & Elliot Daly running at pace and utilising Flutey and Waldouck’s skill in the midfield. But it has been the Premiership’s top try scorer Christian Wade who has stolen the headlines. Great feet and raw pace, if Wasps can get some quick ball we will be sure to see more of Wade.
12 – Owen Farrell (Saracens) – Started at 10, 12 and 13 for Sarries this season and shown that he is more than capable in any of these roles. I would like to see him given a chance at 12 for England and am confident we will get a look at him in the Six Nations.
13 – Tom May (Northampton) – May has impressed on his return to the Premiership and once again shown that he is a quality utility back. He has slotted nicely into Northampton’s midfield, running some great lines off Lamb. A top all round footballer with the ability to take the ball up or spread it wide.
14 – Luke Fielden (Newcastle) – Newcastle may be sitting bottom of the pile, but would be struggling even more if it wasn’t for their right wing. Fielden impressed on the sevens circuit and has been a key part of the Falcons’ side when it has functioned this season.
15 – Tom Homer (London Irish) – Mike Brown fans will be livid, but I had to recognise Homer’s goal kicking talent. The man is a kicking machine. Irish have picked up a losing bonus point in every game that they have lost. I put this down to Homer’s ability to kick goals from almost anywhere with consummate ease. Sale’s Rob Miller has also shown he is a top talent.
On a completely separate note - anyone who hasn't seen this should watch it! - It's Quality!
Andy
Think those are some good selections, but I strongly disagree with Luke Fielden on the right wing! Dave Strettle has beaten more defenders than anyone else, Topsy Ojo is always dangerous and at the end of the day Newcastle have been poor this season, how many tries have they scored 12 in 10 games.
ReplyDeleteA fair point Tom - lots of choices on the wings - i think Seb Stegmann has been quality as well. My decision was based on how well he has done with the chances he has had!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting selection, for mostly its spot on, Luke Fielden is a mental selection and Tom May has been decent but not worth it for me. I'd go James Short on the wing, so under rated, awesome strength class in d and attack. At full back, other than Alex Goode who is clearly class, Hugo Southwell has been a difference maker at Wasps for me, I've never been a fan of his but I think his influence at full back this season has been huge
ReplyDeleteSouthwell and Goode both been very good this season and worthy candidates. Short is a quality player - best player on the pitch at the prem final last year in my opinion
ReplyDelete