Quote ="wertyuio"Simply saying there's nothing wrong with his defence doesn't make it so. The first tackle he made where he pulled makinson into touch...it was touch and go around the head. If he hadn't gone as high as that, he would not have made the tackle. The first Wellens try: with better positioning and more size he should have been able to tackle Wellens and bring him down before the line but his size counts against him...lets not forget that is wellens is slower than your nan and yet Tomkiins still couldn't get close enough for an effective tackle.
Regarding England, Tomkins at fullback will simply be ignored by the australians and Kiwis when they are attacking as they will run over him should he be in the right position...undoubtedly, they will think differently about him when we are in possession. He is a fantastic prospect at half or stand off, so lets play him there.
Also think its unfair to expect him to bail you out each time it gets tough. Thought he tried lots of things on Sunday (kick over for free kick, trying to score himself, running well with the ball) and perhaps others should follow his example. He worked hard despite a knock to his shoulder just before half time that clearly affected him as he was less interested in the second half. In fact, he seems to take on too much: the terrific try saving tackle from Lomax should not have been an option had tomkins not tried to stretch out...if you look where he landed, the ball would have been easily grounded if he had stuck it under his ribs and just dived over.
Back to thread, Lomax was sensational in both attack and defence'"
I've watched almost every game this year and have seen Sam produce some excellent one on one cover tackles, on forwards and backs. Wellens' try was nothing to do with Sam's positioning but a shocking missed tackle from Hansen and Deacon, Tomkins was pushing out wide and had to quickly step off his left foot and Wellens was diving over by the time he reached him. The fullback has to have confidence in the defence, he cant just loiter behind every contact in case there is a bust tackle.
I hope the aussies and kiwis do take that attitude to him tbh!
In the same way saying Sam is a good defender doesnt make it so, neither does making a list of what qualities a fullback should possess and saying Sam doesnt have them! I think this is where a lot of people's criticisms of him come from. Going they should take a high ball, he's not good at that...cover tackling, no...etc.
