: Thu Jun 18, 2009 6:01 pm
Notwithstanding current poor form, Wing and Deacon for me but with Jeffries on the bench. Right at the moment I'd be considering Jeffries and Sykes or Menzies but think that Deacs is the medium term option.
Personally I believe Deacon to have been one of the best british half backs in SL and although he's having a frankly shocking run of late, since 2003 we have looked a much more balanced side over the years with him on the pitch. His game is certainly one of being steady and reliable - solid kicking, moving the emphasis of attack down different lines, carrying out structured game plans - rather than an edge of the seat, off the cuff, running at the line style, but he is the sort of scrum half that an exciting, running outside half can operate off without pressure. Unfortunately Deac's form is currently negating the 'reliable' tag and people have short memories. Remember, form is temporary, etc.
For me it then comes down to Wing or Jeffries and Wing is head and shoulders above. I've been a vocal critic of BJ but concede that he's looked good in games this season while being anonymous in others, hence I'd play him as an impact player.
I am not saying that Deacon would be the first name on the sheet ahead of Wing, just that this is how I would build a partnership from scratch. I'd also take the captaincy away and give it to Morrison or Menzies.
