TRU's Rugby Stock Watch - Week 2

Another bumper weekend of domestic rugby has given us plenty to consider for this week’s edition of TRU’s Stock Watch, not least a tight Welsh derby between the Newport Gwent Dragons and Ospreys, or Saracens’ obliteration of a directionless-looking Quins side at The Stoop.

Wasps’ duo of James Haskell and Elliot Daly, as well as Leinster’s Zane Kirchner and Auckland’s Lolagi Visinia, all had good games but didn’t quite make the cut, whilst tough outings for Alex Corbisiero and Danny Care almost earned them ignominious mentions amongst our stock fallers.

STOCK RISING

Eli Walker, Ospreys and Wales

Even before his superb performance against the Newport Gwent Dragons on Friday night, it seemed a case of when, not if Walker gets his first cap for Wales. In addition to scoring the opening try for the Ospreys, Walker made a habit of beating defenders and finding space, running for over 120 metres with ball in hand.

George North and Alex Cuthbert are fairly well-entrenched as Wales’ starting wings, but with Jordan Williams struggling for the Scarlets against Leinster, Walker may be making up some ground on the competition for a backup role.

Will Fraser, Saracens and England

Arguably the most talented breakdown specialist in England, Fraser was in destructive form against Harlequins on Friday night. The openside flanker was constantly involved whenever the ball went to ground, securing not only quick ball for his side, but also spoiling any hopes Quins had of unleashing their back line before Saracens had a chance to organise themselves defensively.

Injuries have so far prevented Fraser from reaching his potential and starring at international level, but if he can stay healthy this season, he could play his way into England’s World Cup plans.

Sam Hill, Exeter Chiefs and England

Before the season began, it seemed there was universal agreement that Billy Twelvetrees, Luther Burrell, Kyle Eastmond or Brad Barritt would win the battle for England’s 12 jersey.

Enter, Sam Hill.

An IRB Junior World Champion in 2013, Hill’s start to the season with Exeter has been exemplary, with the inside centre racking up 148 metres run and seven defenders beaten in his first two games.

His blend of power and intelligent running lines was too much for London Welsh, whilst the usually reliable Anthony Allen missed multiple tackles on Hill during Leicester’s tight win over Exeter on Saturday. At this point, Hill would be a wildcard for Stuart Lancaster, but don’t rule it out.

Freddie Burns, Leicester Tigers and England, George Ford, Bath and England

Both fly-halves are making the most of Owen Farrell’s place on the bench for Saracens, and have hit the ground running for their respective teams. The tactical kicking of Burns was a delight to watch for Leicester, whilst Ford continues to erase doubts over his goal-kicking with an 18 point haul for Bath against London Welsh.

Ian Madigan and Dominic Ryan, Leinster and Ireland

Usually a fly-half, Madigan looked like a seasoned midfield maestro as he helped orchestrate an impressive Leinster performance from inside centre on Saturday, whilst Ryan was a force at the breakdown for 80 minutes against an overpowered Scarlets side. The versatile flanker also contributed significantly elsewhere, completing 100% of his tackles and popping up with a try.

Madigan accounted for 20 points, including two tries, and could offer an intriguing alternative to the ageing Gordon D’Arcy for Joe Schmidt, and though Ireland are fairly well-stocked with established quality and exciting potential at flanker, Ryan can certainly throw his hat into the ring if he can continue to produce performances of the calibre he showed on Saturday.

STOCK FALLING

Chris Robshaw, Harlequins and England

This comes with a big caveat and that is that Robshaw’s place in the England squad is safe for the foreseeable future. As England’s captain and with a World Cup looming on the horizon, Robshaw is not going anywhere. After the World Cup however, it’s likely Lancaster will reassess his squad.

Robshaw actually acquitted himself relatively well in Harlequins’ humiliating 39-0 loss at home to Saracens, but that said, he was thoroughly outplayed by the impressive Fraser. You cannot question Robshaw’s leadership, work ethic or endeavour, but his technique at the breakdown certainly can be critiqued, something which was magnified by the textbook performance put in by Fraser.

Jordan Williams, Scarlets and Wales

Plenty of defences will struggle to live with Leinster’s expansive style when the Irish side hits top gear and that’s just what happened to Williams on Saturday. The young winger was pulled out of position on multiple occasions and missed five tackles, whilst only making a paltry three.

Williams offers a lot of potential, not to mention his versatility to play anywhere in the back three, but a number of his weaknesses were exposed by Leinster on the same weekend that Walker decided to remind everyone just what a talent he is.