Force makeover has O'Connor at ten

[mudskipper]

So Andy your saying he's a skinny school boy?

[AndyS]

I wouldn't go as far as skinny, but then neither am I - doesn't mean I'd last long playing Super rugby. But what he most certainly is is a schoolboy. Pocock, O'Connor, Beale - they all had at least some seasoning, strength work and game time with grown-ups before being thrown into the Super 14. Hunt was playing colts rugby last year and, as impressive as it is for schoolboys to find it "like trying to tackle smoke", I am not so sure the professionals would have as many difficulties. I would also want a little assurance that smoke would be enough to tackle the big boys, in particular. I certainly wouldn't like to see smoke smashed to the s***house and his career put back by a year or two of major surgery, at least not without a balanced assessment and informed judgement that he was ready to take the step up. That said, I am at least confident that if Mitchell picks and plays him, that will have happened - if there is one thing that has been consistently shown here, it is that if a developing player is good enough he will be given the opportunity.

[mudskipper]

I hear you AndyS... It worries me also some of these kids should be playinga few mopre years in colts, shute shield and academy...

I'm no fan of seeing young guys getting smashed...

[Burgs]

Can't believe I found a post of yours worth praising mud