: Tue Aug 07, 2007 11:29 am  

Redundant Man wrote:

Should smith take a gamble on him against the kiwis?

With one eye on the world cup next year i hope Smith does give him a chance against the Kiwis

: Tue Aug 07, 2007 11:31 am  

Redundant Man wrote:

Should smith take a gamble on him against the kiwis?

What's he like under a kick, and what's his positional defence like?

: Tue Aug 07, 2007 11:36 am  

Offside Monkey wrote:

What's he like under a kick, and what's his positional defence like?

Competent i would think.

Watching tries scored against wire i haven't really noticed penny being at fault.

Besides, who cares?

Would rather have a player with penny's pace and finishing ability then someone who could catch kicks most of the time.

: Tue Aug 07, 2007 11:42 am  

Offside Monkey wrote:

What's he like under a kick, and what's his positional defence like?

Hard to judge at the moment as he has Fa'filli next to him who isn't a great defender, GB may be a bit too early for him to be honest although an invite to camp would do him well in the future.

: Tue Aug 07, 2007 11:45 am  

Redundant Man wrote:

Would rather have a player with penny's pace and finishing ability then someone who could catch kicks most of the time.

Anthoney Sullivan (rightly) used to struggle to hold GB spot down, despite being the best finisher in the league. He was always dodgy under the high ball. If the Aussies get wise to a player with such an obvious weekness, then they'll cruicify him. Whether the Kiwi's have such a ruthless talent is debatable.

: Tue Aug 07, 2007 11:47 am  

Mark™ wrote:

Hard to judge at the moment as he has Fa'filli next to him who isn't a great defender, GB may be a bit too early for him to be honest although an invite to camp would do him well in the future.

Possibly so.

I just feel he'd do well though, but he's on the crest of a wave of confidence since making his debut and i think he could carry that into the test series and play without fear, be a success then never look back.

He'd do damage IMO because the way smith likes to play creates quite a few breaks and space for the wingers.

: Tue Aug 07, 2007 11:49 am  

He'd play well off Senior and has a simliar powerful centre in King next year.

1.Wellens
2.Gardner
3.Gleeson
4.Senior
5.Penny

Would be exciting but too soon for him IMO.

: Tue Aug 07, 2007 12:09 pm  

Offside Monkey wrote:

What's he like under a kick, and what's his positional defence like?

He's fine under a high ball, however his defence needs work.

: Tue Aug 07, 2007 12:14 pm  

gary numan wrote:

He's fine under a high ball,

Wasn't he a promising basket ball player until recently? Those skills probably help.

: Tue Aug 07, 2007 1:38 pm  

Outside Senior would be ideal. Senior is the best protective centre in Britain (or maybe "obstructing" would be a better word).