The v2 Forum
Would you like to react to this message? Create an account in a few clicks or log in to continue.

Richie Gray, best lock in the world?

+46
tigertattie
IanBru
rodders
Driver
Gibson
sensisball
flyhalffactory
mowgli
funnyExiledScot
anotherworldofpain
123456789
21st Century Schizoid Man
George Carlin
RDW
kiakahaaotearoa
Morgannwg
UlstermaninGlasgow
NeilyBroon
red_stag
HammerofThunor
ChequeredJersey
Sgt_Pooly
Glas a du
TJ1
Standulstermen
R!skysports
thebluesmancometh
Alex_Germany
B91212
Taffineastbourne
miteyironpaw
tooboredtowork
Mickado
Feckless Rogue
Artful_Dodger
dummy_half
Rory_Gallagher
Ozzy3213
Equo Troiano
Biltong
AsLongAsBut100ofUs
Geordie
bluestonevedder
wonder_man
Chunky Norwich
RuggerRadge2611
50 posters

Page 1 of 8 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8  Next

Go down

Richie Gray, best lock in the world?

Richie Gray, best lock in the world? Vote_lcap34%Richie Gray, best lock in the world? Vote_rcap 34% 
[ 32 ]
Richie Gray, best lock in the world? Vote_lcap66%Richie Gray, best lock in the world? Vote_rcap 66% 
[ 61 ]
 
Total Votes : 93
 
 

Richie Gray, best lock in the world? Empty Richie Gray, best lock in the world?

Post by RuggerRadge2611 Thu 16 Feb 2012, 2:55 pm

You'll have to allow me to indulge in this one for a moment, after being involved in a cracking debate on another thread I got looking up some stats on Richie Gray. Now us Scots don't have a lot to be optimistic about at the moment, after another dismal 6N we do have some glimmers of light.

The biggest glimmer, litteraly has to be Richie Gray.

6ft 9 and 19st 12 he is a monster of a man. In the 6N thusfar he has these impressive statistics :

Meters Carried = 89
Clean breaks = 2
Defenders Beaten = 3
Tackles made = 15
Tackles Missed = 0
Lineouts Won = 11
Opposition Linouts spoiled / won = 4


All well and good, however take into account the other fantastic players in the 6N thusfar. Gray has made more clean breaks and carried the ball further than Jamie Roberts or George North and beaten more defenders than Roberts too.

His defensive record is phenomenal too winning or spoiling 4 opposition lineouts and makeing 15 tackles and missing none.

So, is he the best lock in the world? It has to be said even without my navy blue tinted glasses on I'm struggling to think of a better lock playing at the moment. Happy to hear from other poster as to their suggestions for the accolade of best lock in the world.

Oh and he's only 22.





Last edited by RuggerRadge2611 on Thu 16 Feb 2012, 3:07 pm; edited 2 times in total
RuggerRadge2611
RuggerRadge2611

Posts : 7194
Join date : 2011-03-04
Age : 39
Location : The North, The REAL North (Beyond the Wall)

Back to top Go down

Richie Gray, best lock in the world? Empty Re: Richie Gray, best lock in the world?

Post by Chunky Norwich Thu 16 Feb 2012, 2:58 pm

He hasn't carried more than Roberts.

Chunky Norwich

Posts : 4409
Join date : 2011-12-08
Location : Location: Location:

Back to top Go down

Richie Gray, best lock in the world? Empty Re: Richie Gray, best lock in the world?

Post by wonder_man Thu 16 Feb 2012, 2:59 pm

but youve played england so he's bound to have gd stats

wonder_man

Posts : 149
Join date : 2011-10-08
Location : Caerdydd

Back to top Go down

Richie Gray, best lock in the world? Empty Re: Richie Gray, best lock in the world?

Post by RuggerRadge2611 Thu 16 Feb 2012, 3:02 pm

Chunky Norwich wrote:He hasn't carried more than Roberts.

Correct original post ammended. My apologies.

*** EDIT *** He has carried further than Roberts! Doh


Last edited by RuggerRadge2611 on Thu 16 Feb 2012, 3:06 pm; edited 1 time in total
RuggerRadge2611
RuggerRadge2611

Posts : 7194
Join date : 2011-03-04
Age : 39
Location : The North, The REAL North (Beyond the Wall)

Back to top Go down

Richie Gray, best lock in the world? Empty Re: Richie Gray, best lock in the world?

Post by RuggerRadge2611 Thu 16 Feb 2012, 3:03 pm

Furthermore all those voting no..... it would be nice to know who you do think is the best lock in the world!
RuggerRadge2611
RuggerRadge2611

Posts : 7194
Join date : 2011-03-04
Age : 39
Location : The North, The REAL North (Beyond the Wall)

Back to top Go down

Richie Gray, best lock in the world? Empty Re: Richie Gray, best lock in the world?

Post by Chunky Norwich Thu 16 Feb 2012, 3:03 pm

Great player. Tremendous prospect. A sure bet for the Lions squad next year I'd have thought.

Not th best lock in the world though.

Chunky Norwich

Posts : 4409
Join date : 2011-12-08
Location : Location: Location:

Back to top Go down

Richie Gray, best lock in the world? Empty Re: Richie Gray, best lock in the world?

Post by Chunky Norwich Thu 16 Feb 2012, 3:04 pm

B Thorne Probably. Or Bakkies.

Chunky Norwich

Posts : 4409
Join date : 2011-12-08
Location : Location: Location:

Back to top Go down

Richie Gray, best lock in the world? Empty Re: Richie Gray, best lock in the world?

Post by bluestonevedder Thu 16 Feb 2012, 3:04 pm

wonder_man wrote:but youve played england so he's bound to have gd stats

Hilarious.

bluestonevedder

Posts : 3952
Join date : 2011-08-22

Back to top Go down

Richie Gray, best lock in the world? Empty Re: Richie Gray, best lock in the world?

Post by Geordie Thu 16 Feb 2012, 3:04 pm

wonder_man wrote:but youve played england so he's bound to have gd stats

warning tomato

Geordie

Posts : 28322
Join date : 2011-03-31
Location : Newcastle

Back to top Go down

Richie Gray, best lock in the world? Empty Re: Richie Gray, best lock in the world?

Post by bluestonevedder Thu 16 Feb 2012, 3:05 pm

Not sure if he's the best in the world, but he's getting there. I agree with chunky in that there's a breed of older, SH players who may have a better all round game at the moment. Thorn definitely sticks out.

Regardless, Gray is a fantastic player, and his mobility for a man his size is unbelievable.

bluestonevedder

Posts : 3952
Join date : 2011-08-22

Back to top Go down

Richie Gray, best lock in the world? Empty Re: Richie Gray, best lock in the world?

Post by Guest Thu 16 Feb 2012, 3:07 pm

He-Man is most definitely one of, if not the best young locks around.

Guest
Guest


Back to top Go down

Richie Gray, best lock in the world? Empty Re: Richie Gray, best lock in the world?

Post by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Thu 16 Feb 2012, 3:08 pm

Alternatives:
NZ - with Thorne retired, maybe Whitelock up there?
Australia - Nathan Sharpe, but not consistent enough?
South Africa - with Matfield retired, don't think Botha would make it on his own
France - Nallet pushing on a bit, Pape looks v promising
England - Lawes has shown plenty of promise
Ireland - POC = ligind, but not quite at the height of his powers
Wales - Charteris, needs another top notch season to consolidate; AWJ, nah; Davies, tipper
Argentina - Albacete, possbily
...

So, yes Gray is thumbsup

AsLongAsBut100ofUs

Posts : 14129
Join date : 2011-03-26
Age : 111
Location : Devon/London

Back to top Go down

Richie Gray, best lock in the world? Empty Re: Richie Gray, best lock in the world?

Post by Biltong Thu 16 Feb 2012, 3:08 pm

Yes, he is the best lock in the world.

Ian Jones, Victor Matfield and the like stand in awe of him.

I heard Andries Bekker was asked if he thought Gray was the best lock in the world, well he promptly fell off his chair. Laugh

Sorry about that, just had to get it out.

In all seriousness though, yes he was very good on the weekend, but what is it with you guys in the north. You hype players up long before they have an established career.


Last edited by biltongbek on Thu 16 Feb 2012, 3:09 pm; edited 1 time in total
Biltong
Biltong
Moderator
Moderator

Posts : 26945
Join date : 2011-04-27
Location : Twilight zone

Back to top Go down

Richie Gray, best lock in the world? Empty Re: Richie Gray, best lock in the world?

Post by Equo Troiano Thu 16 Feb 2012, 3:08 pm

bluestonevedder wrote:
wonder_man wrote:but youve played england so he's bound to have gd stats

Hilarious.

Don't worry, chunder man has an inferiority complex.

Equo Troiano

Posts : 499
Join date : 2012-01-11
Location : East Midlands

Back to top Go down

Richie Gray, best lock in the world? Empty Re: Richie Gray, best lock in the world?

Post by Chunky Norwich Thu 16 Feb 2012, 3:10 pm

biltongbek wrote:

In all seriousness though, yes he was very good on the weekend, but what is it with you guys in the north. You hype players up long before they have an established career.

I'm not sure if some people even watch rugby played South of the Equator! And in some cases, south of Dover.

Chunky Norwich

Posts : 4409
Join date : 2011-12-08
Location : Location: Location:

Back to top Go down

Richie Gray, best lock in the world? Empty Re: Richie Gray, best lock in the world?

Post by Biltong Thu 16 Feb 2012, 3:10 pm

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:
South Africa - with Matfield retired, don't think Botha would make it on his own

Andries Bekker. He has everything Matfield had, and has been the best lock in the Super XV for the past 2 years.
Biltong
Biltong
Moderator
Moderator

Posts : 26945
Join date : 2011-04-27
Location : Twilight zone

Back to top Go down

Richie Gray, best lock in the world? Empty Re: Richie Gray, best lock in the world?

Post by Ozzy3213 Thu 16 Feb 2012, 3:11 pm

James Horwill OK
Ozzy3213
Ozzy3213
Moderator
Moderator

Posts : 18500
Join date : 2011-01-29
Age : 47
Location : Sandhurst

Back to top Go down

Richie Gray, best lock in the world? Empty Re: Richie Gray, best lock in the world?

Post by Biltong Thu 16 Feb 2012, 3:11 pm

Chunky Norwich wrote:
biltongbek wrote:

In all seriousness though, yes he was very good on the weekend, but what is it with you guys in the north. You hype players up long before they have an established career.

I'm not sure if some people even watch rugby played South of the Equator! And in some cases, south of Dover.
Very Happy
Biltong
Biltong
Moderator
Moderator

Posts : 26945
Join date : 2011-04-27
Location : Twilight zone

Back to top Go down

Richie Gray, best lock in the world? Empty Re: Richie Gray, best lock in the world?

Post by Ozzy3213 Thu 16 Feb 2012, 3:12 pm

Biltong, whilst we're on locks, what do you reckon to Rynhardt Elstadt? Could him and Bekker become the new Bakkies and Victor?
Ozzy3213
Ozzy3213
Moderator
Moderator

Posts : 18500
Join date : 2011-01-29
Age : 47
Location : Sandhurst

Back to top Go down

Richie Gray, best lock in the world? Empty Re: Richie Gray, best lock in the world?

Post by Rory_Gallagher Thu 16 Feb 2012, 3:13 pm

Chunky Norwich wrote:
biltongbek wrote:

In all seriousness though, yes he was very good on the weekend, but what is it with you guys in the north. You hype players up long before they have an established career.

I'm not sure if some people even watch rugby played South of the Equator! And in some cases, south of Dover.

Chunky don't even try to act as if you don't fall into that category Laugh

Rory_Gallagher

Posts : 11324
Join date : 2011-09-18
Age : 31
Location : Belfast

Back to top Go down

Richie Gray, best lock in the world? Empty Re: Richie Gray, best lock in the world?

Post by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Thu 16 Feb 2012, 3:13 pm

biltongbek wrote:
AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:
South Africa - with Matfield retired, don't think Botha would make it on his own

Andries Bekker. He has everything Matfield had, and has been the best lock in the Super XV for the past 2 years.
Forgot about Bekker, biltong, he's defo in my top 3

AsLongAsBut100ofUs

Posts : 14129
Join date : 2011-03-26
Age : 111
Location : Devon/London

Back to top Go down

Richie Gray, best lock in the world? Empty Re: Richie Gray, best lock in the world?

Post by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Thu 16 Feb 2012, 3:14 pm

Ozzy3213 wrote:James Horwill OK
Hmm, close, Pete, but I would still take Gray personally OK

AsLongAsBut100ofUs

Posts : 14129
Join date : 2011-03-26
Age : 111
Location : Devon/London

Back to top Go down

Richie Gray, best lock in the world? Empty Re: Richie Gray, best lock in the world?

Post by dummy_half Thu 16 Feb 2012, 3:14 pm

Biltong
In fairness to Gray, he was outstanding last year as well. OK, so being an enormous blond haired monster and stand-out player amongst the mediocrity of the Scottish team does mean he shows up prominently in their games (in the same way that Parisse stands out for Italy), but there are few if any better playing at the moment. One guy I hope is fit for the Lions tour.

dummy_half

Posts : 6317
Join date : 2011-03-11
Age : 52
Location : East Hertfordshire

Back to top Go down

Richie Gray, best lock in the world? Empty Re: Richie Gray, best lock in the world?

Post by Biltong Thu 16 Feb 2012, 3:15 pm

Ozzy, I am concerned about our locks at present.

The sharks has been dabbling with Jean Deysel at lock to see if he can bring some physicality to the tight five.

I have not seen enough from Elstadt to be convinced.

Bekker has line out prowess and great ball carrying ability with very good ball skills, so we would need an enforcer type to compliment him.

I personally think the position at this point in time is one of our biggest worries.
Biltong
Biltong
Moderator
Moderator

Posts : 26945
Join date : 2011-04-27
Location : Twilight zone

Back to top Go down

Richie Gray, best lock in the world? Empty Re: Richie Gray, best lock in the world?

Post by Chunky Norwich Thu 16 Feb 2012, 3:15 pm

Rory_Gallagher wrote:

Chunky don't even try to act as if you don't fall into that category Laugh

Righto. Rolling Eyes

Chunky Norwich

Posts : 4409
Join date : 2011-12-08
Location : Location: Location:

Back to top Go down

Richie Gray, best lock in the world? Empty Re: Richie Gray, best lock in the world?

Post by RuggerRadge2611 Thu 16 Feb 2012, 3:16 pm

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:Alternatives:
NZ - with Thorne retired, maybe Whitelock up there?
Australia - Nathan Sharpe, but not consistent enough?
South Africa - with Matfield retired, don't think Botha would make it on his own
France - Nallet pushing on a bit, Pape looks v promising
England - Lawes has shown plenty of promise
Ireland - POC = ligind, but not quite at the height of his powers
Wales - Charteris, needs another top notch season to consolidate; AWJ, nah; Davies, tipper
Argentina - Albacete, possbily
...

So, yes Gray is thumbsup

If someone has already articulated your feelings, why post anything else.

I would not take any of the names mentioned in this post over Richie Gray.
RuggerRadge2611
RuggerRadge2611

Posts : 7194
Join date : 2011-03-04
Age : 39
Location : The North, The REAL North (Beyond the Wall)

Back to top Go down

Richie Gray, best lock in the world? Empty Re: Richie Gray, best lock in the world?

Post by Biltong Thu 16 Feb 2012, 3:16 pm

dummy_half wrote:Biltong
In fairness to Gray, he was outstanding last year as well. OK, so being an enormous blond haired monster and stand-out player amongst the mediocrity of the Scottish team does mean he shows up prominently in their games (in the same way that Parisse stands out for Italy), but there are few if any better playing at the moment. One guy I hope is fit for the Lions tour.

Dummy I was alittle facecious there, but after the match on the weekend, I mentioned him and denton as your two best players.
Biltong
Biltong
Moderator
Moderator

Posts : 26945
Join date : 2011-04-27
Location : Twilight zone

Back to top Go down

Richie Gray, best lock in the world? Empty Re: Richie Gray, best lock in the world?

Post by Rory_Gallagher Thu 16 Feb 2012, 3:16 pm

biltongbek wrote:Ozzy, I am concerned about our locks at present.

The sharks has been dabbling with Jean Deysel at lock to see if he can bring some physicality to the tight five.

I have not seen enough from Elstadt to be convinced.

Bekker has line out prowess and great ball carrying ability with very good ball skills, so we would need an enforcer type to compliment him.

I personally think the position at this point in time is one of our biggest worries.

Deysel is a bit small for the move to lock though, no? At 6 foot 3, he would be one of the smallest.

Rory_Gallagher

Posts : 11324
Join date : 2011-09-18
Age : 31
Location : Belfast

Back to top Go down

Richie Gray, best lock in the world? Empty Re: Richie Gray, best lock in the world?

Post by Ozzy3213 Thu 16 Feb 2012, 3:17 pm

Is Meyer likely to try someone like Willem Alberts in the engine room with Bekker?

Asbo, I would take Horwill over Gray to be honest. Gray is up there, but there are a few that i would take ahead of him. People also seem to be forgetting about Ali Williams who is still a class act.
Ozzy3213
Ozzy3213
Moderator
Moderator

Posts : 18500
Join date : 2011-01-29
Age : 47
Location : Sandhurst

Back to top Go down

Richie Gray, best lock in the world? Empty Re: Richie Gray, best lock in the world?

Post by Artful_Dodger Thu 16 Feb 2012, 3:17 pm

He's a great player with a brilliant future ahead of him, however he's nowhere near good enough in the lineout to be considered the best yet. One of the best in the loose though.


Last edited by Artful_Dodger on Thu 16 Feb 2012, 3:19 pm; edited 1 time in total

Artful_Dodger

Posts : 4260
Join date : 2011-05-31

Back to top Go down

Richie Gray, best lock in the world? Empty Re: Richie Gray, best lock in the world?

Post by Artful_Dodger Thu 16 Feb 2012, 3:19 pm

As for who I think is the best in the world - Sam Whitelock and Paul O'Connell. I think these guys do everything in the loose that Gray does and are markedly better in the lineout.

Artful_Dodger

Posts : 4260
Join date : 2011-05-31

Back to top Go down

Richie Gray, best lock in the world? Empty Re: Richie Gray, best lock in the world?

Post by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Thu 16 Feb 2012, 3:20 pm

Ozzy3213 wrote:Is Meyer likely to try someone like Willem Alberts in the engine room with Bekker?

Asbo, I would take Horwill over Gray to be honest. Gray is up there, but there are a few that i would take ahead of him. People also seem to be forgetting about Ali Williams who is still a class act.
True that, was watching Ali W during the RWC, and altho he seemed as much of a nuisance as ever, he didn't seem to 'do' quite as much as he used to.

AsLongAsBut100ofUs

Posts : 14129
Join date : 2011-03-26
Age : 111
Location : Devon/London

Back to top Go down

Richie Gray, best lock in the world? Empty Re: Richie Gray, best lock in the world?

Post by Biltong Thu 16 Feb 2012, 3:20 pm

Ozzy3213 wrote:Is Meyer likely to try someone like Willem Alberts in the engine room with Bekker?

Asbo, I would take Horwill over Gray to be honest. Gray is up there, but there are a few that i would take ahead of him. People also seem to be forgetting about Ali Williams who is still a class act.
I was thinking about Alberts as an option whilst I was typing there. One person I would really like to see there is Schalk burger, he isn't too small and is already a line out option we use. If we use Alberts/JUan Smith at 7 and Brussow at six, burger might well be an option.

One thing that I read a few weeks ago was that Meyer wants to talk to Matfield, I hope he leaves the man be and doesn't hold on to him like PDV did to Smit.
Biltong
Biltong
Moderator
Moderator

Posts : 26945
Join date : 2011-04-27
Location : Twilight zone

Back to top Go down

Richie Gray, best lock in the world? Empty Re: Richie Gray, best lock in the world?

Post by Biltong Thu 16 Feb 2012, 3:21 pm

Artful_Dodger wrote:As for who I think is the best in the world - Sam Whitelock and Paul O'Connell. I think these guys do everything in the loose that Gray does and are markedly better in the lineout.
Very good calls those, especially Whitelock.
Biltong
Biltong
Moderator
Moderator

Posts : 26945
Join date : 2011-04-27
Location : Twilight zone

Back to top Go down

Richie Gray, best lock in the world? Empty Re: Richie Gray, best lock in the world?

Post by Rory_Gallagher Thu 16 Feb 2012, 3:22 pm

Artful_Dodger wrote:As for who I think is the best in the world - Sam Whitelock and Paul O'Connell. I think these guys do everything in the loose that Gray does and are markedly better in the lineout.

O'Connell no. He is not nearly as good as Gray in the loose anymore. Whitelock I agree with however is on the same level.

Rory_Gallagher

Posts : 11324
Join date : 2011-09-18
Age : 31
Location : Belfast

Back to top Go down

Richie Gray, best lock in the world? Empty Re: Richie Gray, best lock in the world?

Post by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Thu 16 Feb 2012, 3:23 pm

Artful_Dodger wrote:As for who I think is the best in the world - Sam Whitelock and Paul O'Connell. I think these guys do everything in the loose that Gray does and are markedly better in the lineout.
Dodge, think you're being overly generous to POC there - he has in the past been better than Gray in the lineout, but not recently imo

AsLongAsBut100ofUs

Posts : 14129
Join date : 2011-03-26
Age : 111
Location : Devon/London

Back to top Go down

Richie Gray, best lock in the world? Empty Re: Richie Gray, best lock in the world?

Post by RuggerRadge2611 Thu 16 Feb 2012, 3:24 pm

biltongbek wrote:
Artful_Dodger wrote:As for who I think is the best in the world - Sam Whitelock and Paul O'Connell. I think these guys do everything in the loose that Gray does and are markedly better in the lineout.
Very good calls those, especially Whitelock.

O'Connel is nowhere near as strong or powerful. Fantastic player but nowhere near as physical.
RuggerRadge2611
RuggerRadge2611

Posts : 7194
Join date : 2011-03-04
Age : 39
Location : The North, The REAL North (Beyond the Wall)

Back to top Go down

Richie Gray, best lock in the world? Empty Re: Richie Gray, best lock in the world?

Post by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Thu 16 Feb 2012, 3:24 pm

My top 3 in no particular order: Sam Whitelock (NZ), Andries Bekker (RSA), Richie Gray (Sco) OK

AsLongAsBut100ofUs

Posts : 14129
Join date : 2011-03-26
Age : 111
Location : Devon/London

Back to top Go down

Richie Gray, best lock in the world? Empty Re: Richie Gray, best lock in the world?

Post by Ozzy3213 Thu 16 Feb 2012, 3:25 pm

biltongbek wrote:
Ozzy3213 wrote:Is Meyer likely to try someone like Willem Alberts in the engine room with Bekker?

Asbo, I would take Horwill over Gray to be honest. Gray is up there, but there are a few that i would take ahead of him. People also seem to be forgetting about Ali Williams who is still a class act.
I was thinking about Alberts as an option whilst I was typing there. One person I would really like to see there is Schalk burger, he isn't too small and is already a line out option we use. If we use Alberts/JUan Smith at 7 and Brussow at six, burger might well be an option.

One thing that I read a few weeks ago was that Meyer wants to talk to Matfield, I hope he leaves the man be and doesn't hold on to him like PDV did to Smit.

Whilst Matfield would clearly still be imperious in the lineout, South Africa need to move on and I think tempting him out of retirement would be a real backwards step for the Springboks. He would however be great to have on the coaching side working with the younger locks and passing on his experience.
Ozzy3213
Ozzy3213
Moderator
Moderator

Posts : 18500
Join date : 2011-01-29
Age : 47
Location : Sandhurst

Back to top Go down

Richie Gray, best lock in the world? Empty Re: Richie Gray, best lock in the world?

Post by Geordie Thu 16 Feb 2012, 3:26 pm

For as good as O'Connell is...he is nowhere near as good as Gray is in the loose.....

Gray is right up there as one of the top locks....

Geordie

Posts : 28322
Join date : 2011-03-31
Location : Newcastle

Back to top Go down

Richie Gray, best lock in the world? Empty Re: Richie Gray, best lock in the world?

Post by RuggerRadge2611 Thu 16 Feb 2012, 3:28 pm

GeordieFalcon wrote:For as good as O'Connell is...he is nowhere near as good as Gray is in the loose.....

Gray is right up there as one of the top locks....

To counter that though o'Connell brings Experience and leadership that Gray will get in time. But I agree O'Connell physically and in the loose has nothing on Gray.


Last edited by RuggerRadge2611 on Thu 16 Feb 2012, 3:28 pm; edited 1 time in total
RuggerRadge2611
RuggerRadge2611

Posts : 7194
Join date : 2011-03-04
Age : 39
Location : The North, The REAL North (Beyond the Wall)

Back to top Go down

Richie Gray, best lock in the world? Empty Re: Richie Gray, best lock in the world?

Post by Artful_Dodger Thu 16 Feb 2012, 3:28 pm

O'Connell may not be quite as good as he was, still an immense player and what he has that Gray doesnt is leadership, he is still a player that an entire team can rally around. Granted some of that may be down to how young Gray is and he may develop into a great leader as well. I also feel that O'Connell systematically outplayed James Horwill in the Ireland vs Australia WC match and Ive seen Horwill name mentioned in this thread.

My top 3 would be; Whitelock , O'Connell and Bekker.

Artful_Dodger

Posts : 4260
Join date : 2011-05-31

Back to top Go down

Richie Gray, best lock in the world? Empty Re: Richie Gray, best lock in the world?

Post by Rory_Gallagher Thu 16 Feb 2012, 3:29 pm

Whitelock, Lawes and Gray are the three young locks who really will be world class over the next number of years. Are there any other young second rows who are up there with these 3 guys? By young I mean below 25 or so.

Rory_Gallagher

Posts : 11324
Join date : 2011-09-18
Age : 31
Location : Belfast

Back to top Go down

Richie Gray, best lock in the world? Empty Re: Richie Gray, best lock in the world?

Post by Biltong Thu 16 Feb 2012, 3:36 pm

Ozzy3213 wrote:
biltongbek wrote:
Ozzy3213 wrote:Is Meyer likely to try someone like Willem Alberts in the engine room with Bekker?

Asbo, I would take Horwill over Gray to be honest. Gray is up there, but there are a few that i would take ahead of him. People also seem to be forgetting about Ali Williams who is still a class act.
I was thinking about Alberts as an option whilst I was typing there. One person I would really like to see there is Schalk burger, he isn't too small and is already a line out option we use. If we use Alberts/JUan Smith at 7 and Brussow at six, burger might well be an option.

One thing that I read a few weeks ago was that Meyer wants to talk to Matfield, I hope he leaves the man be and doesn't hold on to him like PDV did to Smit.

Whilst Matfield would clearly still be imperious in the lineout, South Africa need to move on and I think tempting him out of retirement would be a real backwards step for the Springboks. He would however be great to have on the coaching side working with the younger locks and passing on his experience.
Yes, I agree with you. The problem is Matfield and Meyer has a very special bond. kiss And Meyer will most definitely use Matfield in some form. The alternatives are poles apart though. If he uses Matfield as coach, great, if he uses Matfield as player and possibly captain, we will not change our gameplan and thus not progess.
Biltong
Biltong
Moderator
Moderator

Posts : 26945
Join date : 2011-04-27
Location : Twilight zone

Back to top Go down

Richie Gray, best lock in the world? Empty Re: Richie Gray, best lock in the world?

Post by Biltong Thu 16 Feb 2012, 3:37 pm

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:My top 3 in no particular order: Sam Whitelock (NZ), Andries Bekker (RSA), Richie Gray (Sco) OK
I would think that is most likely close to the best, yes. Although I would like to see more of Gray, before I commit that in ink.
Biltong
Biltong
Moderator
Moderator

Posts : 26945
Join date : 2011-04-27
Location : Twilight zone

Back to top Go down

Richie Gray, best lock in the world? Empty Re: Richie Gray, best lock in the world?

Post by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Thu 16 Feb 2012, 3:38 pm

biltongbek wrote:
AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:My top 3 in no particular order: Sam Whitelock (NZ), Andries Bekker (RSA), Richie Gray (Sco) OK
I would think that is most likely close to the best, yes. Although I would like to see more of Gray, before I commit that in ink.
But then if I reply to your post, we've got in ink and you can't go back on it! Unless you're going to blame that foxy secretary of yours Whistle

AsLongAsBut100ofUs

Posts : 14129
Join date : 2011-03-26
Age : 111
Location : Devon/London

Back to top Go down

Richie Gray, best lock in the world? Empty Re: Richie Gray, best lock in the world?

Post by Biltong Thu 16 Feb 2012, 3:39 pm

I typed......... uhh sorry my assistant typed that in pencil.
Biltong
Biltong
Moderator
Moderator

Posts : 26945
Join date : 2011-04-27
Location : Twilight zone

Back to top Go down

Richie Gray, best lock in the world? Empty Re: Richie Gray, best lock in the world?

Post by Geordie Thu 16 Feb 2012, 3:51 pm

Rory_Gallagher wrote:Whitelock, Lawes and Gray are the three young locks who really will be world class over the next number of years. Are there any other young second rows who are up there with these 3 guys? By young I mean below 25 or so.

Rory...i need to see a big improvement in Lawes. I just feel he is neither an enforcer type...nor a lineout guru...and this is a problem for me. Ive said before he needs to work his a$$ off on his lineout..and become a lineout leader. Then matched with his workrate..and tackling etc he could become an awesome player...

Geordie

Posts : 28322
Join date : 2011-03-31
Location : Newcastle

Back to top Go down

Richie Gray, best lock in the world? Empty Re: Richie Gray, best lock in the world?

Post by Rory_Gallagher Thu 16 Feb 2012, 3:52 pm

Lawes does have potential though. He puts in some huge hits and has a tremendous workrate. He is very athletic. I agree both he and Gray need to do more in the line-outs however.

Rory_Gallagher

Posts : 11324
Join date : 2011-09-18
Age : 31
Location : Belfast

Back to top Go down

Richie Gray, best lock in the world? Empty Re: Richie Gray, best lock in the world?

Post by Feckless Rogue Thu 16 Feb 2012, 3:54 pm

The most exciting young 2nd row prospect in the world. Not the best in the world yet. He'll definitely be on the Lions tour and we'll see how he does in a much stronger team.

I have to say I'm very disappointed in his decision to go to Sale for less money that Glasgow were offering. Scottish rugby needs to hold onto stars like him. His logic was that Glasgow don't have much hope of going far in the HEC, so he thinks playing in the Premiership would increase his chances of being selected for the Lions.

a. He'll be selected for Lions anyway based on his great performances for Scotland
b. Why Sale?? There are far better teams in Europe who would have signed him I'm sure.
c. For top class Heineken Cup rugby he should have come to Leinster. The best team in Europe. And we need a good lock.
Feckless Rogue
Feckless Rogue

Posts : 3230
Join date : 2011-05-18
Location : The Mighty Kingdom Of Leinster

Back to top Go down

Richie Gray, best lock in the world? Empty Re: Richie Gray, best lock in the world?

Post by Sponsored content


Sponsored content


Back to top Go down

Page 1 of 8 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8  Next

Back to top

- Similar topics

 
Permissions in this forum:
You cannot reply to topics in this forum