Top performance: Mike Brown
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Harlequins director of rugby Conor O'Shea lauded the performance of full-back Mike Brown after he shone during their victory over Gloucester.
The domestic champions were without England quartet Chris Robshaw, Ugo Monye, Danny Care and Joe Marler, but had Brown - released from the international squad by Stuart Lancaster - in red hot form alongside number eight Nick Easter.
"I thought the lads really stepped up. Nick is an outstanding leader and Brown reacted phenomenally in the way he played tonight. His involvement in the game was huge," said O'Shea, with Brown crossing for a try in the 28-25 win.
"He's absolutely outstanding in the fundamentals of full-back play. He scores tries, he takes responsibility.
"I hope he gets the opportunity to play at home in a Test match from the start over these next few weeks.
"I'm not saying anything against Ben Foden, who is a great player - injured - and Alex Goode, in outstanding form, but Mike Brown for two years has been absolutely the best full-back in the country."
Comments
Nicholas41 says...
If he was fearless he would have hurt more than his thumb in South Africa...
Posted 21:24 06th November 2012
rugby_rockstar says...
Connor, you are biased!!! I'm sure Mike's brown's Mum would pick him too.
Next time ask Brian Smith to pick between Brown and Goode, but don't leave it open ended or he'll just pick Tom Homer.
Posted 16:48 05th November 2012
heart_of_oak says...
cuw3100 - fair point. For example, Matt Giteau performing very well indeed for Toulon. Big loss to the Aussies, I think. But this article is about Brown and Connor O'Shea saying he's the best full back in the country, by which, I personally think he means England. I'd still say Kearney - if fit - is better than either Foden or Brown. I also get a sense of frustration from O'Shea that perhaps Brown doesn't get the recognition he deserves. I think that's the sentiment behind his comment about Brown starting a test in the next few weeks. To be selected to start is kind of like saying you're the first choice in that position. To be on the subs bench is the coach's way of saying you're not his first choice.
Posted 12:39 05th November 2012
APV1 says...
Hear! Hear! Better than Goode and Foden.
Foden may be faster and offer the versatility of being a 15-cum-winger, but I still prefer Mr Angry to start.
In fact, Brown to start and Bendy as back-up - that's my preferred option for 15 (Bath-biased? Moi?!).
@ The_Dwarf_Lock - one could argue (and many do) that competition for places makes the players "up their game". As such, this will make Foden, Goode, Bendy, Armitage, etc play better to give SL the selection headache.
Posted 10:33 05th November 2012
cuw3100 says...
@ gingergenius: ur comment has a valid point; not about the name but the comparison between NH & SH players.
There are some really great players out there, like McCaw, Carter, Read, Genia, Habana, et al.
Then there are a lot of good players all over the world. In fact if one takes a look at European Rugby, some of the best performers have retired from Internationals.
Posted 05:45 05th November 2012
The_Dwarf_Lock says...
Unnecessary comment...he's good, thats enough. SL will choose the FB that better suits his gameplan...
These type of comparisons just put unecessary pressure on players...
Posted 01:21 05th November 2012
RugbyNut says...
Brown is clearly the better 15, fearless and tough. Totally agree with @lardon. Lancaster only picks players he is familiar with from his years coaching the lower age groups, not good enough at national level. Where are our emerging 10's - Burns and Ford. 2015 RWC for England looks to be heading the same way as previous RWC's!
Posted 22:12 04th November 2012
lardon says...
I completely agree with this. Brown is the most complete full back that England have. Lancaster needs to stop listening to Andy Farrell and stop picking undeserving and uncreative Saracens players.
Posted 13:17 04th November 2012
NHsaints says...
No, no he hasn't. Since Foden has been injured Brown has been the best Fullback. Least we forget the last time Foden played against Brown a domestic game Foden got a huge one over on him by beating Brown on the outside to score and Saints comfortably claimed the win, only the second defeat quinns had suffered after their loss to Sarries. True Brown scored one over with quinns knocking saints out in the semi's but Foden still performed at least as well as Brown.
Posted 10:30 04th November 2012
gingergenius says...
he's good, but he's no Israel Dagg. And he's not better than Foden either.
Posted 10:11 04th November 2012
ArmchairGeneral says...
Totally agree.
Posted 08:35 04th November 2012