by doedin on Mon Feb 12, 2018 10:29 pm
No great surprise that Cockerill has decided to free a few of the more established guys, as predicted, and I suspect this will not be the end of the cull either. He has taken his time to assess the squad, identified who he values, brought in some good signings, brought in some youngsters and identified who are surplus to requirements. He has needed to rebalance the squad he inherited and with the likes of Crosbie, Carmichael, McCallum and the other youngsters showing up well this season then it is no surprise that he has decided to free up some dosh from some of the bigger wage earners.
CdP is too inconsistent, at times he looks brilliant but too often fades from a game, as in the Wales game last week. Mata is by far the superior 8 who worked his socks off against Leinster and got a battering in the process. I thought CdP was going to be a real player but the injury has taken its toll. I suspect Cockerill is looking for a bit more dynamism and presence and Mata and Barclay are both better players.
SHC is another inconsistent performer and a SH with an unreliable distribution is not going to make it at SH. If he sorted out his passing and his decision making then he will fulfil his potential. Somewhere there is a really good SH in him. A change of scene is probably needed and could be the making of him but it leaves us short at 9.
Weir I like as a player and he hasn't really had a chance to establish himself with us. Injury hasn't helped but perhaps he doesn't meet Cockerill's spec for a 10? Tovey is what he is, a solid but unspectacular 10 who is limited and doesn't set the backs running. Not surprised he is being released as he doesn't really add anything to the squad.
On balance I like the way Cockerill is reshaping the squad. He has really focused on quality in getting a better set of backs in place, without lessening the strength of the pack and with the likes of Scott, Bennet, Burleigh et al at centre and Graham, Fife, VdM and Hoyland in the back 3 they are looking more exciting exciting. He will need to bring in another 9, maybe a couple, and we will need to wait and see how both VdW and Hickey shape up next season. Cockerill obviously placing trust in both!