One of the sub-plots of yesterday’s clash between London Irish and Leicester was the battle of the open sides. The old nutter Lewis Moody versus the young wrecking ball Steffon Armitage. One of them is almost certain to line up for England against Australia in two weeks time, so who is the best bet to fill the troublesome 7 jersey? This is a position that England have not really filled since Neil Back retired. Partly it has to be said, because Moody himself has been second only to Jonny Wilkinson in the “always injured” stakes. Moody in his prime was as good a backrow player as England has seen. Let’s not forget that he split up the holy trinity of Dallaglio/Hill/Back at the start of the Autumn Internationals in 2002, was almost superhuman against New Zealand that year and it was only injury (surprise surprise) that let Back regain his place in the side. It was Moody’s line out take in the 2003 World Cup final that led to that drop goal. Since that great day, Moody has been seen only sporadically.
Last season Moody regained his place in the England squad and then promptly broke an ankle. Upon his return he looked washed up, at one point Martin Corry outpaced him during the Barbarians match. Happily this season he has returned from yet more injury in fine form for Leicester and is looking something like his old self. His intensity and disregard for his own safety (that borders on the insane and accounts for his high injury rate) gives real drive to any side he plays for. At one point yesterday he hammered young Armitage so hard in a tackle that he forced a knock on, a telling moment in their personal dual.
The London Irish flanker is a different type of player. Short, squat, but deceptively powerful, his low centre of gravity makes him almost impossible to shift when he is over the ball. In this respect he reminds me of George Smith. He carries better than Moody, indeed he carries better than Steve Borthwick. His ability to punch holes in opposition fringe defences could in fact be his biggest value to England.
With England’s current injury situation, it might be Moody’s experience and dynamism that win him the day. Moody to start then with the pocket battleship to come off the bench. Or even how about this, Moody at 6, Armitage at 7? Who knows, If England get any more injuries, it just might happen.
How they stack up
Experience
Moody – 10
Been there, done it. Two World Cup finals says it all.
Armitage – 7
Still early days in professional terms. Test in Argentina will have served him well.
Tackling
Moody – 9
Not subtle, not a wrecking ball like Worsley, but would tackle a rhino.
Armitage – 8
Does everything asked off him, rarely gets bounced.
Carrying
Moody – 8
Not the best part of his game, more of a linkman.
Armitage – 9
Like a mini bulldozer with ball in hand.
Line out
Moody – 8
An extra option at the tail.
Armitage – 6
What do you expect from someone 5’9”?
Pace
Moody – 7
Not what it was. Used to be a real flyer.
Armitage – 8
Fairly rapid for a short bloke.
Breakdown
Moody – 8
Brilliant at diving on loose ball but lacks subtlety at breakdown, perhaps because he is really a better 6.
Armitage – 8
Barrel-like body and immense upper body strength make him a real nuisance. Still learning.
Bravery and Commitment
Moody – 10
This guy is borderline insane. Sometimes you have to wince when watching him.
Armitage – 9
Never seen him take a backward step yet.
Penalty machine?
Moody – 6
Still gives away too many penalties.
Armitage – 8
Not bad for an openside. Maybe needs to cheat more.
Rugby Brain
Moody – 7
Not perhaps the greatest reader of a game there has ever been. Relies more on being a perpetual motion machine but capable of the deftest of offloads.
Armitage – 7
Always seems to be involved so must be fairly shrewd.
Moody – 73/90
Armitage – 70/90
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