Comments on: The Rugby Blog’s Aviva Premiership XV of the Season

By: Paolo

Paolo — Wed, 09 May 2012 10:55:01 +0000

I agree with you about Marler, Mark.

Think his scrummaging has really come on this year (perhaps partly due to the time spent with the England squad).

To me, he is the closest thing England have to a Gethin Jenkins. Solid in the scum, plays like a flanker in the tackle and his link play. Never afraid to carry the ball and has suprisingly good hands

By: Mark

Mark — Wed, 09 May 2012 07:01:09 +0000

ESPN Official Dream Team (for comparison purposes):

Marler, Brits, Cole
Manoa, Parling
Robshaw, Scaysbrook, Easter

Thomas, Flood,
Lowe, Pisi,
Agulla, Brown, A. Tuilagi

By: Mark

Mark — Tue, 08 May 2012 17:49:30 +0000

I must say I’m quite surprised at “our” prop choices. Haven’t we picked the two props who gave away the most penalties this season? For that reason I couldn’t pick them. I thought Leicester’s revival coincided with the return of Cole to the front row (and Flood at 10). I also thought Marler was outstanding every time he pulled on a Quins shirt (well each time I saw him). They were my three (including Flood) major disagreements with the eclectic side. All the others I either picked or considered at length.

By: James

James — Tue, 08 May 2012 10:38:39 +0000

Wade is such a class act, so enjoyable to watch. Testament to his skill that he was out for 3 months and the top try scorer in front of him could only muster one try more despite playing more games.

Gopperth is more than just a kicker, most rugby fans wont have noticed since only a couple Falcons games get televised. He’s a hell of a lot better than Farrell in attack as well, (Farrell in my eyes is just a boot).

By: Matt H

Matt H — Tue, 08 May 2012 10:15:43 +0000

Good to see Christian Wade there – seriously exciting player to watch, scores tries for fun. Would love to see him playing for England, perhaps he can buck the trend for massive wingers (North/Cuthbert etc).

By: Graham Whittaker

Graham Whittaker — Tue, 08 May 2012 08:42:23 +0000

I think Rob Miller is unlucky not to have been mentioned for full back. Some of his tries have to be contenders for tries of the season and the ability to create something out of nothing is invaluable.

By: Ben

Ben — Tue, 08 May 2012 08:19:24 +0000

Farrell, who is the first name under ‘Other Nominees’ for the centres, got a few nods, but not as many votes as Barritt & Pisi, or Gopperth at 10.

Gopperth v Evans was very close.

By: Charlie

Charlie — Tue, 08 May 2012 08:11:11 +0000

I understand that these teams are subjective, but can someone please explain how Owen Farrell has not even been mentioned? Gopparth had a decent season under tough circumstances but how Farrell or Evans isn’t the 10 of the season is beyond me.

George Lowe worth a mention perhaps too in the centres, for THAT tackle alone.