Time to look for a Plan B re Itoje?

[jngf]

My concern is Itoje’s become like a scacred Cow to English rugby and I do wonder:

(I) How good is he as a Captain ? Yet to be convinced

(Ii) Is he still objectively the best we can do at 4 ? Rather like his Captaincy for England and Lions when he’s good he’s very good but he’s not that consistent

(Iii) Are we in danger of not having a back up 4 with enough experience Itoje is no longer available?

[Which Tyler]

I] Too early to tell
II] Yes
III) Depends how important shirt numbers are for the two most similar positions on the pitch (AKA, no)

[Banquo]

I] Too early to tell
II] Yes
III) Depends how important shirt numbers are for the two most similar positions on the pitch (AKA, no)

Not many winning lions captains around
World class lock
His all round game and engine hard to replicate and as you imply his number is irrelevant. What you do need is some specialism as a right/tight head lock, you ideally need locks who cover 2 and 4 in the lineout at least both sides of the ball. All need to be mobile and good at the restart. Etc.

[FKAS]

Ollie Chessum can slot in at both LH and TH lock and is a good lineout option. He's the option should Itoje be injured. Does somewhat rely on Martin being fit which is a 50/50 call most the time. Those three are all comfortable at international level, Itoje obviously above the other two.

It's the fourth option we need to bring on whether it be Coles or CCS, maybe an unyet identified option. Having four test quality locks is what any international side is aiming for (SA aside as they have about 6 at any given time).

[Banquo]

Ollie Chessum can slot in at both LH and TH lock and is a good lineout option. He's the option should Itoje be injured. Does somewhat rely on Martin being fit which is a 50/50 call most the time. Those three are all comfortable at international level, Itoje obviously above the other two.

It's the fourth option we need to bring on whether it be Coles or CCS, maybe an unyet identified option. Having four test quality locks is what any international side is aiming for (SA aside as they have about 6 at any given time).

Good and useful skill to have being able to play L and R lock

[Captainhaircut]

Is question 2 a serious question?

Is there a suggestion we have a better lock option?

[Banquo]

Is question 2 a serious question?

Is there a suggestion we have a better lock option?

Not only that, but Itoje is one of most consistently excellent players in the world. Thats why he does 80 mins every game every team.

[Danno]

Is question 2 a serious question?

Is there a suggestion we have a better lock option?

Not only that, but Itoje is one of most consistently excellent players in the world. Thats why he does 80 mins every game every team.

Aye, 33 matches this season, started every one of them. Subbed what, twice? When the game was already done.

If Sarries look to flog him again next season he really needs to take a step back for his own sake, no-one is invincible

[twitchy]

100% bait thread.

[Danno]

100% bait thread.

We usually manage to salvage a bit of discussion out of them regardless

[FKAS]

Ollie Chessum can slot in at both LH and TH lock and is a good lineout option. He's the option should Itoje be injured. Does somewhat rely on Martin being fit which is a 50/50 call most the time. Those three are all comfortable at international level, Itoje obviously above the other two.

It's the fourth option we need to bring on whether it be Coles or CCS, maybe an unyet identified option. Having four test quality locks is what any international side is aiming for (SA aside as they have about 6 at any given time).

Good and useful skill to have being able to play L and R lock

Very useful. Helps a lot at club level so he can slot in alongside either of the other two locks where Martin is a proper TH lock unit and Henderson the lighter lineout specialist. Chessum sitting somewhere in the middle.

[Beasties]

A gooseberry lock, if you wiiiill.