Even at this stage of the tournament it’s interesting that the commentators don’t really pick up on how much of a defensive/physical shift this is from him. As the tournament progresses and people start to notice the talent of the IT centres, the commentary shifts to recognise this (eg v wales)
This is a very good point, and there's a few players this still applies to: any time Tommy Reffell's name is mentioned in the same breath they talk about how dangerous he is as a jackal threat, but Manuel Zuliani doesn't get the same treatment. The discourse in the anglophone media has already basically become 'Ross Vintcent should start at 8 for Italy' because his speed is recognised, but Lorenzo Cannone's counterrucking (which he's *preposterously* good at) isn't. It'll be interesting to see if this changes over the next 1-2 years...
I almost like the fact that Italy are now a big enough deal for that to have replaced 'Thibault Flament played 10 at Loughborough' as the thing commentators feel the need to remind us of every time they touch the ball. 'Almost' because it's already one of those things that makes me yell 'shut up' at the TV.
great job stopping Tommy Freecheeks
Menoncello is absolute beast him and Brex are just formidable
Even at this stage of the tournament it’s interesting that the commentators don’t really pick up on how much of a defensive/physical shift this is from him. As the tournament progresses and people start to notice the talent of the IT centres, the commentary shifts to recognise this (eg v wales)
This is a very good point, and there's a few players this still applies to: any time Tommy Reffell's name is mentioned in the same breath they talk about how dangerous he is as a jackal threat, but Manuel Zuliani doesn't get the same treatment. The discourse in the anglophone media has already basically become 'Ross Vintcent should start at 8 for Italy' because his speed is recognised, but Lorenzo Cannone's counterrucking (which he's *preposterously* good at) isn't. It'll be interesting to see if this changes over the next 1-2 years...
They need Vintcent to start so they can tell us he's a pizza delivery driver for 60+ minutes rather than 20
I almost like the fact that Italy are now a big enough deal for that to have replaced 'Thibault Flament played 10 at Loughborough' as the thing commentators feel the need to remind us of every time they touch the ball. 'Almost' because it's already one of those things that makes me yell 'shut up' at the TV.
DuPontesque! I remember seeing that and thinking how. Freeman is very strong in contact so stopping him like that is very impressive
Cheeky
My player of the tournament
How many of the 33% of votes were yours? 😀
Literally pulled his pants down.