By Rich Walker
May 15 2002

A little unkind of me to call them Jessicas I suppose. Oh OK I take it back. IMHO the back play has been something of a mixed bag this year. There have been some games where the handling, lines of running and displays of footballing skills have been sublime and others woeful. Compare the games against Perpignan and Northampton at home or Sale away and Newcastle at home. Yes I accept that the forwards have to take some responsibility for these things, but mostly it falls to the backs, and thus to Rod Kafer. He’s brought some useful qualities into the back-line this year and at times some of it has been superb, but next year, there needs to be more consistency and fewer instances of some of this year’s howlers.

Anyway here goes my last batch.

Tim Stimpson: Another player who has had his injury problems this year. However Stimmo has hardly put a foot wrong all year. His goal-kicking has been first class as usual. In fact I would guess that his accuracy rate has been higher than in previous seasons. The other aspects of his play have pleased as well. He’s tackled well, hardly dropped a ball all year and his attacking play has been immaculate.

He’s hit the line hard and at pace, his passing has been spot on and as always he’s displayed strength and bravery in the tackle. What’s more he has proved over and over again this year that he performs at his best when under pressure. I should have never have doubted that he would make “that kick”. I certainly will never forget it. Another player who has fallen foul of the Woodentop’s absurd selection policies, he earned a belated, thoroughly deserved if disappointingly abbreviated recall to the national team in the 6N and was rewarded with a try against Wales. For his consistency, unfailing appetite for work and also the fact that he always has time to stop and chat whether in Safeway or on St Pancras Station he gets a rating of 10/10.

Geordan Murphy: Another guy who’s season has been interrupted by injury and the blinkers of a national selector. That a player of Geordan’s extraordinary talents has only a handful of caps is a travesty. For myself I think he’s a better full-back than winger but he is unlikely to displace Stimmo at 15 and he’s a must selection. I don’t need to describe the dancing feet, the outrageous footballing skills, the pace or the surprising strength belied by his slight frame. What always strikes me about Geordan is his ability, when under pressure, to buy time for his support to arrive. That and the aerial skills which produce tries like that against Perpignan at Welford Rd. 9/10

Freddie Tuilagi. [Does anyone know how to spell “Feretti”?] A slow start, an injury plagued mid-season and a barnstorming, firey final third. Since the Leinster game Freddie has simply exploded brushing aside tacklers, knocking down opposition ball carriers and even chipping full backs. Whilst his try scoring rate is moderate he draws so much defensive attention to himself that the yawning spaces which open up about him allow his teammates virtual freedom of the park. The fact that he plays with a continuous smile on his face only adds to the pleasure. 8/10

Steve Booth: A good year this for Boothy but now needs to “train-on”. His pace and his footwork have been seen to be exceptional this year. The same may not be the case with his “climb up the opponent and attempt to pull him down from the top” tackling technique. He also needs to work on his decision making which sometimes sees him try too much from dangerous situations. That said what cannot be questioned is his ability to confuse defences and the extraordinary acceleration he possesses. As a friend of mine said as he scorched another try past Sarries at WR in the autumn: “Light blue touch paper & stand well back!” 8/10.

Leon Lloyd: What can you say about Leon? I can forgive him a lot for his finishing in Paris last year. But he infuriates me week in week out. How many overlaps has he squandered this season? I make him almost single handedly responsible for the cup exit at Quins. His inclination drift sideways and hold on to the ball too long seriously impede his progression. That said, when he runs straight and hard he is a threat, with his size and pace valuable assets to any side. Add those to his defensive strengths and it’s not hard to see why he’s so highly thought of. His best position? Well his inclination towards selfishness suggests the wing but I query whether he’s possessed of the killer pace needed to be a top flight winger. He often reminds me of another selfish centre: Jeremy Guscott. Now please somebody spend the summer teaching him to pass. 5/10

Oliver Smith: Young player of the season again Ollie’s continued exclusion from the England A team is a mystery. After making an impact last year, this year he’s looked bigger and faster. His reading of the game has improved, as have his footballing skills and he has displayed the flexibility to play at both centre and on the wing. His try at Vicarage Rd this year, reminiscent of his debut try for the club at Gloucester last year, was a classic of outside centre play. He has set an example to others in the back line with his willingness to learn. I’ve said it before & I’ll say it again: this boy is going to be a star. If only the Wooden-leg-from-the-neck-up would show some of the attention he showers on certain League converts he would soon find himself challenging for honours. 9/10

Glenn Gelderbloom: It puzzles me that Gelders hasn’t had a more successful career. I’m not suggesting that he should have represented his native Saath Aafrica, though considering the poverty of some of their recent back play I wonder, but that he came to us as a bit of an unknown quantity astonishes me. He consistently displays strength, intelligence, good pace, soft hands and a rock solid defence. He brings those around him into the game well and poses an everpresent physical threat. I also suspect that his coaching background comes in useful for helping some of his younger colleagues along. On limited opportunities he’s had an excellent year. 8/10

Rod Kafer: I’ve heard some mumblings of dissatisfaction about the Tug Boat over the last few weeks and I’m not sure I really know why. I accept that in comparison to Pat’s last season he suffers. He’s also not as matey with the punters as Pat was. But two thoughts occur: firstly he’s a different player to Pat; not as flamboyant or imaginative but a good deal more disciplined and structured. Secondly, Pat’s first season wasn’t so hot and that was without the coaching duties. I think Rod’s had a pretty good year. Not, perhaps, spectacular but solid which is quite appropriate when you look at him. He’s hardly missed a tackle and sometimes if his passing has been erratic I think the pluses outnumber the minuses. Anyway I’m all for a professional sportsman who lives an unhealthier lifestyle than I do! Go for it Tug. 8/10


I have to spare a word for a few other guys who have been nearly there this season .

I owe an apology to George Chuter since he hardly fits in this group. Whilst his opportunities have been limited by Nobby’s and Cockers continued fitness and high standards, those he’s had he has taken well enough. I’m certain he’s one for the future. He’s another one who should get plenty of opportunities over the next 18 months. Stick to it George! 7/10

Derek Jelley: A quiet injury afflicted year. Not much to say for a good club servant who will also see plenty of opportunities over the next couple of seasons.

Jim Naylor: A player with a decent hard working background has had limited opportunities. Odd really when you consider our relative weakness in the midfield.

James Grindal: a couple of years ago this guy looked like the future. Now he finds himself making two appearances in a season having been passed by Harry Ellis. Actually I think he’s still a good player. His service has always looked better than Harry’s to me but he lacks the confidence to boss his pack. His season has been hindered by a lack of Extras games.

John Holtby: A couple of first team outings as a replacement get John a mention. That said I’ve seen so little of him (in sufficient Extras games!) that I can’t say much more!

And I think that’s it.

Oh God I hope so.
Not been a bad year really. And you never know it might get better still!

See you all in Cardiff. Remember it’s our nice shiny pot & they can’t have it!