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How 'frustrated, emotional' Quirke is coping with England setback

(Photo by Steve Bardens/The RFU Collection via Getty Images)

Sale boss Alex Sanderson has explained how rookie scrum-half Raffi Quirke has been coping in recent weeks with his rejection by England when it came to matchday selection in the Guinness Six Nations. A try-scorer in the November win over South Africa in what was his second Test match, the 20-year-old was chosen in the England start-of-the-week squads for the recent games against Scotland and Italy. 

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However, Eddie Jones has twice cut him from his plans when it gets to midweek, leaving the young half-back to head back to Sale to try and prepare for weekend Gallagher Premiership matches rather than he involved with England in Edinburgh and Rome. 

Instead, the centurion Ben Youngs and the rookie Harry Randall have been the England matchday scrum-halves, a decision that has left Quirke leaving camp at Pennyhill following two days of training and returning to Sale to play some part in their games versus Harlequins and Worcester. 

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He had 50 minutes as a starter at The Stoop and then 30 minutes as a sub at the AJ Bell and he is now set for a full week of training with Sale ahead of their game at Northampton after he failed to gain selection in the 25-strong England squad Jones has with him in London for their fallow week training camp. 

Asked how the in/out England selection process has affected Quirke in recent weeks, Sale coach Sanderson told RugbyPass: “Initially like anyone would, disappointed, frustrated and emotional but only initially and then we have a chat, we reframe it, we take on board what Eddie wants him to work on and we put a plan in place and the asset test is how that translates at the weekend which is nothing short of exceptional. 

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“He was outstanding at the weekend when he came on (against Worcester), set up two tries and kicked really well and passed well so we have got a decent little routine, not that you want a routine of that nature of don’t get picked, give us a call. 

“We have got a decent enough relationship where I feel like he can say how he feels and that is part of the process. You understand, you get a plan and you go back and you do it better.”

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TI 28 minutes ago
All Blacks player ratings vs Italy | Autumn Nations Series

Rieko took literally years to turn from a defensive liability at 13 into a guy, who’s defensively sound as it befits the position. And it all came at the cost of him being much less of an offensive threat, than what he used to be. Proctor is a natural 13, he handles, passes, and kicks way better than Rieko ever will, he just isn’t as fast.


It’s unfair to judge Tupaea on the handful of games he’s had in 2022 before he got nearly crippled by a Wallaby lock. What could Tupaea/Proctor pairing be, if they got the same amount of chances as Jordie/Rieko?


Because no matter how you spin it, playing a player outside of his natural position is a poor asset management. No matter how talented he is, he still competes against players who had years and years of practice at the position. And if said guy is so talented that he actually CAN compete against specialists, imagine how much better still he could have been, if he had all those years to iron the toothing issues at the position. It just drives me mad.


Two things I hate in rugby union beyond description: aping after league, and playing players outside of their natural position. Especially considering, that they all admit they hate it, when they’re allowed to speak freely. Owen Farrell spent 80% of his international career at 12, saying every time when asked, that he is a 10 and prefers to play at 10. Those players are literally held at a gunpoint: play out of position, or no national jersey for you.

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H
Hellhound 1 hour ago
What has happened to Aphelele Fassi?

Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.


Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.


As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.

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