Should Balshaw be playing for England?

[rhinochopig]

I used to really rate him, but he's just a disaster now. Always out of position, can't seem to catch the ball, and he doesn't seem to run much any more.

[hornetrider]

He does appear to be a bit of a headless chicken - surely Lewsey can't be that out of form?

[stimmers]

Leswey is bang in form and playing very well for Wasps.

Balshaw has never ever been able to defend. His inclusion at full back is staggering.

The only time anyone THOUGHT Balshaw was worthy of a place on an Internatiobal rugby field was when he was playing in an England side that controlled the ball for 80 mins, controlled the territory for 80 mins, and had some creative players who could put him into space and take advantage of his pace.

Balshaw in this Eng team is pointless. Something that has been shown 3 times out of 3 so far in this 6 Nations. Lewsey, Tait, Cipriani and Abendenon are all far betters 15's than Balshaw.

[Gun]

I still don't know why he insists on picking Balshaw, he hasn't really performed in any of his matches in the 6 nations yet but seems to get automatically picked. I think Lewsey would be a better choice even if he was out of form, always thought Lewsey was one of Englands best players.

[Jemco Andy]

I went to Wasps on Saturday, and we were saying to each other how amazed we were that Lewsey was not playing for England (and Worsley for that matter) - then next minute he dropped a pass in his own 22, missed a tackle as the ball bounced into the arms of a Bristol player and conceded a (what could have been a match losing) try.

It's a difficult one.

[soapbox]

No. Never. Ever.

[soapbox]

Jemco Andy said:

I went to Wasps on Saturday, and we were saying to each other how amazed we were that Lewsey was not playing for England (and Worsley for that matter) - then next minute he dropped a pass in his own 22, missed a tackle as the ball bounced into the arms of a Bristol player and conceded a (what could have been a match losing) try.

It's a difficult one.

Didn't see that game but saw him at Bath last week. Have not seen a better Lewsey performance in the last 3-4 years. He was back to his devistating, Matt Rogers destroying best and should be in the squad at the very least.

[Shandypants]

calamimty balshaw!

[stimmers]

I think Balshaws got pictures of Ashton's wife doing somethig she shouldn't be.

I read a quote in the paper about Balsahws attempt to catch that high ball.

'He looked like a man stranded on an island waving at a passing ship to come rescue him'

[DJC]

No.

Next question.

[Mr Edd]

No.

If hes playing next week can we club together and buy him some oversize foam hands he might get close to catching a ball then.

[johnnywb]

No way. I see Dayglo is now suggesting that Cipriani should play 15. That would be interesting to see. Or Tait. Or anyone for that matter, just not Balshaw, he's appauling.

[stimmers]

johnnywb said:

No way. I see Dayglo is now suggesting that Cipriani should play 15. That would be interesting to see. Or Tait. Or anyone for that matter, just not Balshaw, he's appauling.

Leswey is till bar far the stand out 15, actually still the best all round 15 in Britain and Ireland for me.

[hornetrider]

I thought DallyGlo talked a lot of sense re: Cipriani saying they introduced him at 15 at Wasps for a while before giving him 10. Makes a whole lot of sense and maybe England should do the same. It seems from some posters here, who pay a lot of attention to the Guinness Prem, that Lewsey's form seems to be a bit hit and miss. Some are calling for Cipriani to play but to me he obviously shouldn't be playing ahead of Wilkinson.

15 seems like a good idea to get him in.

Mind, I'm quite happy to see the Balsh continue at FB

[stimmers]

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