ARM wrote:Trying to rationalise the Watson/Hardie thing.
Could be that they want Hardie to play as a stopper to combat the Gatlandball/one out play around the rucks. Watson is a good tackler but Hardie - when on form at least - is probably a little more destructive. So despite the numbers on their backs, Hardie will be more of a six, allowing Barclay to get over the ball at the breakdown aided by the likes of Brown.
The problem is when we have the ball. Strauss is a better carrier than Wilson. Watson carries better than Hardie and Dell > Reid.
Mind you Watson will make more impact off the bench than Hardie would so if we keep the score tight and tire out their fatties, he might be the catalyst to run them hard in the last 20
Not entirely convinced by this analysis myself, but might be the coaching view.
Being analytical about it makes it worse IMO.
On current form: Watson has been in better form. At club level he has been better for a long time.
Ball in hand: As you say Watson carries better than Hardie.
Tackling: Hardie may be more aggressive in the tackle but he is more inefficient. He misses more tackles and has the tendency to put his heid in the wrong place. Watsons defensive work rate arguably negates Hardies increased aggressiveness.
Over the ball: Watson was treading a fine line in the French game, slowing the ball down and the odd turnover. When our back row were on top v Ireland Watson was heavily involved.
Really strange one, but hey ho on to Saturday we go.