Melbourne is reportedly interested in signing Mitch Inman for 2012

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Originally Posted by James

I don't think he'll be a future Wallaby. No offense to Mitch but he just isn't fast enough and can't match a guy like Adam Ashley-Cooper or Digby Ioane in tackle busts or linebreaks. He might make it if he moves in one to 12, but even then he is a bit too one-dimensional.

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I disagree, he's got youth on his side, and plays a very similar game to AAC and stirlo. Physically he's better suited to that game, being taller. He's still a little lighter than his height requires IMHO, but that can be sorted out in the gym. Australia needs a big, straight-running 13 like Mitch, and I don't see any others in the young crop.

"Gigs Johnson is right!"

Blazing Saddles misquote...

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Originally Posted by GIGS20

I disagree, he's got youth on his side, and plays a very similar game to AAC and stirlo. Physically he's better suited to that game, being taller. He's still a little lighter than his height requires IMHO, but that can be sorted out in the gym. Australia needs a big, straight-running 13 like Mitch, and I don't see any others in the young crop.

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He isn't going to get any faster with age. Youth being on his side gives him a chance to learn the skill set to make it as a big straight-running 12. I think that that is where Australia should head. We are currently playing JO'C and Kurtley Beale as second playmaking options. Take a big 12 and set in a zippy and deceptive style of player in 13 like Brackin KH from the Tahs or Kimami Situati from the Reds.

depending on injuries etc etc... i think its only inevitable before Mitch features in a Wallaby jersey, outside centre is rather niche position in Australian Rugby, we have always struggled to find depth there and usually resort to converting outside backs.

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Originally Posted by James

He isn't going to get any faster with age. Youth being on his side gives him a chance to learn the skill set to make it as a big straight-running 12. I think that that is where Australia should head. We are currently playing JO'C and Kurtley Beale as second playmaking options. Take a big 12 and set in a zippy and deceptive style of player in 13 like Brackin KH from the Tahs or Kimami Situati from the Reds.

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That would work as well, probably even better with Quade distributing, but for the medium term, Mitch Inman is still that player isn't he?

Interesting story on increasing speed on Total Rugby.
I forget the ladies name, but they are going to follow the progress of two amateur players training with her for the next few months, one back, one forward.
May put paid to the oft quoted "you can't coach speed"...