Thank you. For the first time in ages, I can point out I'm too young to remember those 2, before my time.

Well unfortunately you missed the best winger combination at the time,although if my fading memory is correct,Smithy was injury prone.

I think Ryan Hall still looks very raw. Technically he has a lot of improving to do, but he has a lot going for him and if he continues to improve and iron out the flaws in his game then he'll go on to great things I think. As I think has been well covered above, he can be error-prone at times, which is a common problem with young winners, but when he has those spells he never hides and always seems to pick himself up and bounce back that bit better for the experience. That as much as his obvious natural talent gives me reason to hope for him becoming a very good player. I certainly hope so, it isn't a poisition in which England are overly blessed at present.

Out of Interest when you say get bigger? I take it you are not talking about natural growth?



Also what do you define as young? The lad is 21, 22 this year. He might be inexperienced, but he isn't young in todays game. Watkins is young, but he is nearly 3 and a half years younger than Hall.

I think Tone was pretty bang on in his assement.



While aged 21 Hall you're right he is not likely to grow any taller but there's some Darwin natural survival phenomena the body goes through that helps provide a rapid response in a change to environment. There is a term for it but not sure of it.



Still relatively little experience in the top flight and he's not been playing week in week out so lasts season inital exposure followed by an extended run this season should see him become physically more addapted as well as mentally.



Juniors need time to find their feet and readjust when stepping up.

I'd second that and I'm old enough to be his mum!!!!

Nailed on to be an England winger at some point. Does'nt seem to make stupid mistakes like too many in the competition and has speed and strength. Very promising player.

also seems very modest and doesn't seem to show off (unlike some 'wingers' in other teams) when he scores a try- he does still make mistakes but I really think he's learnt a hell of alot this past year & IMO can only get better - glad we've signed him on a long term deal

If you think he's fit...wait till you meat a real man!!!

reckon i already know one!!

OK, Hall's inconsistent. Which inexperienced players aren't? At one point or another McGuire, Burrow, Smith et al have all faced similar criticism as they became established first team players. Our coaches seem to have grasped the knack of ensuring that most faults are ironed out - and if they aren't, the player is weeded out.



To emphasise this point, I'd add that our young & occasionally inconsistent players are as responsible as our established stars for our recent successes IMO of course).

People are highlighting Hall's lack of pace - I'm not sure if that's entirely fair. Not so much his speed than his acceleration which is the weakness IMO.



Surely this can be worked on though. Vainikolo was often sluggish at turning around etc but he was still able to accelerate when in the mood.