The Chiefs Squad 2012/13 – The Back Row
By Big Bob
July 7 2012
Big Bob's analysis of the squad reaches stage three with his thoughts on numbers 6 to 8,
I was relieved when Rob signed some more props to bolster the front row (apologies for missing Tom Cowan-Dickie from my recent review) , I find next season’s second row a mouth watering choice of professionals – who will claim the starting berths? I don’t know. But now when I look at the back row, I really have to smile.
“Johnson, Scaysbrook, Baxter”, that’s worth saying again “Johnson, Scaysbrook, Baxter” – what a line up!
Johnson , you know, him with the three England caps, the guy that is on the wing then in the middle of the park and then on the other wing – all in the space of a minute or so and tackling anything that moves.
Scaysbrook, you know, the scary one, who always tackles anything and everything, the one who sometimes at rucks goes down like a snake in order to hurl himself at the poor sod who is trying to take the ball towards our line.
Baxter, you know, the ex-captain who played in the Championship playoff finals with a damaged chest and is still a dominant force, a try scorer par excellence.
How will we replace them when they hang up their boots?....
“Exeter Chiefs have always had a good back row” – discuss.
OK this is not an exam question but if it was then what would you write? Prior to starting this review I reached into my loft and extracted an oldish programme – Chiefs v London Welsh on Saturday 4th September 2004 to be precise. The starting back three that day were listed in the document as Tony Walker, Gary Willis and Richard Baxter – three very hard men and three very good rugby players in my opinion. When I compare them against last season’s main men for the Chiefs of James Scaysbrook, Tom Johnson and Richard Baxter I think that Tony and Gary compare quite well! It’s always a little pointless comparing sportsmen and women from different eras so I’ll move on but only after saying James, Tom and Richie will be very hard acts to follow but they will be followed by some very able rugby players – don’t ask I just know!
So who will be competing for the back row berths next season?, I’ll take a look starting with the oldest who is of course Richard “Richie” Baxter, the grand old man at 34! The saying for youngsters goes” if your good enough, your old enough”, presumably we have to reverse this for Richie (and Budgie), “if your good enough, your young enough!” Richie will not surrender his No 8 berth lightly.
At the tender age of 31 we have the “talismanic” Kia Horstmann, the Worcester fans seemed sad to see him go, he’s an ex England Saxon and a useful guy to have around I think.
Aged 30 we have TJ and Scays, my views are already known on this illustrious pair!
At one year younger we have Ben White who is “pretty useful” and it shows what quality we have that Ben did not get regular starts last year.
At number 6 in the age parade we have the 25 year old, James Phillips – how I love to see James barging over the line to score, knocking one or two defenders over in the process. I like Richie but I need to see more of James Phillips – what a dilemma!
At number 7 with 22 years of age we have Dave “the future” Ewers, who certainly began his breakthrough into the first team squad last year, let’s hope he continues to impress this year, I think that he will. He may be a “LV Cup” starter but with a few knocks to his elders and TJ away with England.. who knows.
And finally at number 8 in the age chart and also on the field we have Joel Conlon who will be dual registered with his home town club of Taunton. At 18 (or 19, I can’t find his birthday) and with his orange beard and hair this bloke is noticeable, when you add into the mix he is pretty fast and scored a hat trick for England under 18’s this year ... I’m still smiling! I need to factor in another trip to Hyde Park next season to see Joel in action, or else wait to see him with a Braves shirt on.
With the exception of Richie who is listed as a No 8, the offy calls the rest “Back row”, and with Tom playing at both blind and open side for England I am guessing that most of the above will be flexible if needed.
It may be the worst summer in ages but I have just given you eight reasons to be cheerful – enjoy!