Ashton and Hape get England 6-Nations call up

[kinboshi]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/english/8455347.stm

Two very talented rugby league players who have moved over to union.  I know Ashton has been scoring tries a plenty for Northampton, and seems to be fulfilling his potential, and Hape was a fantastic league player who I'd imagine will be a success as a centre in union.

Any ra-ra fans have opinions about them?

[TightEnd]

The recent history of League converts to the great game has been very mixed, notably Farrell and Vainokolo though it could be argued Farrell converted too late

Whereas in the past the moves the other way seemed easier to do, albeit these are a long way ago with the balance of money power so much in favour of RU these days

This would suggest that the more one dimensional nature of RL is easy to adapt to...stick it up your jumper five times, make ground then kick for position, with the occasional line break if you are lucky

Where the RL players do score highly in RU though is in defence, which the modern RU game has a premium on, it is with ball in hand that the case is unproven

That said, RU is currently being ruined by the current rule book. Even I, who played and could watch RU for ever, is rather put off by 15 phases of possession going nowhere and aimless up and unders, an up and under back and so on

[Acidmouse]

I think its hard to judge Farrell as he was always injured.

Hape I have seen a few times and is and excellent player he will adapt to any form of the game. Although he is not English

Rhino's Full back Smith went to Union and I fully expect him to rise to the top over the next 18months.

I don't believe its a bad thing that League players are less complicated, I think it is what Union lacks at the mo, players that can break and have pace. Most games I have watched in Union this year are decided by penalties.

[Girgy85]

The recent history of League converts to the great game has been very mixed, notably Farrell and Vainokolo though it could be argued Farrell converted too late

Whereas in the past the moves the other way seemed easier to do, albeit these are a long way ago with the balance of money power so much in favour of RU these days

This would suggest that the more one dimensional nature of RL is easy to adapt to...stick it up your jumper five times, make ground then kick for position, with the occasional line break if you are lucky

Where the RL players do score highly in RU though is in defence, which the modern RU game has a premium on, it is with ball in hand that the case is unproven

That said, RU is currently being ruined by the current rule book. Even I, who played and could watch RU for ever, is rather put off by 15 phases of possession going nowhere and aimless up and unders, an up and under back and so on

[  ] union is a  great game!

[  ] you watch a lot of league

[thediceman]

Bang-bang-bang-bang-bang-kick & repeat sequence.

[Acidmouse]

ohh so kick-kick-kick-kick-pen is much better

[TightEnd]

The recent history of League converts to the great game has been very mixed, notably Farrell and Vainokolo though it could be argued Farrell converted too late

Whereas in the past the moves the other way seemed easier to do, albeit these are a long way ago with the balance of money power so much in favour of RU these days

This would suggest that the more one dimensional nature of RL is easy to adapt to...stick it up your jumper five times, make ground then kick for position, with the occasional line break if you are lucky

Where the RL players do score highly in RU though is in defence, which the modern RU game has a premium on, it is with ball in hand that the case is unproven

That said, RU is currently being ruined by the current rule book. Even I, who played and could watch RU for ever, is rather put off by 15 phases of possession going nowhere and aimless up and unders, an up and under back and so on

[  ] union is a  great game!

[  ] you watch a lot of league

I watch plenty of both

Its not a debate that RL devotees and RU followers are ever going to agree on, so lets leave it at that

[dousche]

jason robinson was quite good with ball in hand.

[TightEnd]

jason robinson was quite good with ball in hand.

Wing must be the easiest position to convert to, either way. Robinson, Offiah of course. Doubly disappointing that Vainokolo has been so clueless in Union

[Acidmouse]

jason robinson was quite good with ball in hand.

Wing must be the easiest position to convert to, either way. Robinson, Offiah of course. Doubly disappointing that Vainokolo has been so clueless in Union

He like a few others was rushed into the England team way to fast before they actually learnt the game properly. At least Hape was given a good year to settle in.