One of the reasons we are so cr@p at top level is this obsession with "running from dummy half"



Where has the craft gone from a ball playing hooker

(I've just read that back to myself).



IMO we have too many hookers who are failed scrum halves.

I don't think we are obsessed at running from dummy half, as you say, it's more to do with the defences. Last season, Phil Clarke, pointed out why teams run from dummy half, and it's basically because once you get around the two markers with a dummy, there is a great big gap to run through.



Now, as simple as it may seem, 1 player being put into the gap behind the markers would stop the running from dummy half. But, the players only run, because opposition players are offside from a break or simply because of that great big gap, and they think they can get through.



I've noticed a few times since Clarke said that, that there are gaps behind the markers, and that people with a good dummy and pace off the mark, players such as Roby, Burrow and Pryce, exploit this gap.



The hookers aren't failed scrum halves as you say they are, they are just capitalising on poor defences and thinking on the ball.

Yeah you make a good point there, The top hookers can do both. Riddell's distribution was good, but his actual movement, defence, fitness and general ability to stay on the field are all sadly lacking.

He's not that bad mate. Sure, he's no world beater, but he's better than Jon Clarke.

Blasphemy!

Who? Mickey "Can't pass, Wont pass" Higham!

That's the boy. But according to Mick and Montmorency he will be the best signing for any club for this season.

How long till the next great "saviour" Sam follows them?

Maybe after Moore, Tyrer and Smith return to Saints.



I have a feeling that Sam will play for Wigan this season before Easstmond plays for Saints.

Thats because Eastmond has Long in front of him whilst Tomkins has some overpaid Australian no mark in front of him.





How did Riddell get the nickname 'Piggy' by the way? Did this not ring any bells with Wiganers when they thought about signing the guy?



Ancient and Loyal.....the end is nigh.....keep the faith.

Is thatbecause Eastmond is injured and our half backs aren't as bad as yours?





IMO, Moore may well be back at Saints next year, he looks to have upped his game enormously this year and 12 months being coached by an ex hooker in Brown will do himn the world of good. Yesterday, he looked better than I've ever seem McIlorum play.

Scott Moore did an outstanding impression of a ball playing Hooker yesterday.

20-30 yard quick passes to the halves.

As a result Robinson and Brown got lots of room to work with which made their halfback play more effective.