Ask Jeremy Guscott 2012 special

By Jeremy GuscottFormer England and Lions centre

Last updated on .From the section Rugby Unioncomments68

Wales won a third grand slam in eight years

Among the topics that made the headlines this year were:

- Wales winning their third Grand Slam in eight years

- England ending on a high by thrashing world champions New Zealand

- Leinster winning a third Heineken Cup in four years

- Andy Robinson quitting as Scotland coach

- Harlequins winning their maiden English title

- Shane Williams signing off in style as Ospreys won the Pro12 title

- Ulster's superb start to the 2012-13 season

If you have a question for Jerry, on any rugby-related topic from the past 12 months, post it in the comments section at the bottom of the page. He will answer as many as possible but not every question submitted can be used. His answers will appear later this week.

You can also follow Jerry on Twitter.external-link

Comments

Join the conversation

These comments are now closed.

68 comments

  • Hi Jeremy,

    Do you think Sam Warburton's status as a world-class 7 is justified? After a good RWC - where his profile was arguably raised after his red card - his performances this year have been generally underwhelming.

    Is this down to injuries or was he simply built up to be something he is not? How do you rate his chances of not only making the Lions, but also retaining the Welsh jersey?

  • Hi Jeremy,
    Robshaw has done a good job for England as Captain this year, but as a fundamental player to the squad at the breakdown (even taking on the role of a flanker at times) and a sterling example to any aspiring forwards, what are your opinions on Dan Cole taking on the captain role? Especially considering the scrum is such a vital part of England's game and his ability to dominate it.
    Jim.

  • Jeremy, who are your finds of the year? To me, Launchbury looks like a 100+ cap player for England, but who else new to the international arena had stood out for you?

  • Stevep are you a Gloucester supporter by any chance? Why on earth would you change the current players when burns has played only 20 minutes of international rugby and flood, Farrell and particularly Barritt have been playing so well in those positions...

  • @63 Warburton is awful and should be dropped. He is the tip of an massively over rated iceberg.

  • Do you accept that the Welsh team is a slack, poor and hugely over hyped team with minimal ability or do you still think they are "that sort of talent"?

  • How does someone like Danny Cipriani, who cant even attempt to tackle, make it as a pro? And who is your tip to fail to live up to media hype next year?

  • @6Anglophone I couldn't agree more with your comment. Totally disproportionate amount of coverage given to Welsh rugby at the expense of the other Home Nations and indeed other countries. However JG did say that Wales "should beat NZ/SA/Aus on a regular basis. They are that sort of talent"!! Maybe they just love the Welsh at the BBC.

  • Hi JG, what do you make of the overlooking of Tom Varndell, who is consistently one of the top try scorers in the premiership year after year? Do his defensive frailties make the team too vulnerable at international level or would he be a useful addition to the squad? Could a winger like him have helped give England a cutting-edge in previous games in the past year?

  • Hi Jeremy
    On current form of both club and country which of the home nations do you think have the best shot for a grandslam in the 6N?

  • @God, seriously, shush! Its not even certain you even exist. Anyway, as Wales is God's country, your constant abuse of the Welsh is making it clear you are an imposter!

  • Cont. Then you've got the likes of Morgan, Lee, Beck, Walker, Robinson, Robling and Tuperic to name a few who are all exciting players with oodles of talent. The talent is definitely there, perhaps its just gone stale and a different direction is required?

  • Jerry,
    How long do you think Harlequins will continue to dominate the Premiership and who do you think will challenge for the title ?

  • @57 I'd agree with Adam Jones being in most World XV's but George North?? Sorry there are a dozen other wingers over him at the moment. The potential might be there but so far he has failed to develop and deliver, personally I'd have Alex Cuthbert over him at the moment.

  • 60 - this forum isnt about petty tribal rivalries. Grow up

  • @59 so you're sticking with the "that sort of talent" mantra. Deluded.

  • To my previous comment also add 56 who never has anything constructive to add and is basically your archetypical pub bore

  • Hi Jeremy,

    As the upcoming Lions Tour is one of the biggest talks of late, I fear that selection of certain players could mean the difference of life and death, I truly believe that some selections people are making are coming from past achievements then current form, such as many of the Welsh and Irish players selected, but if anyone could make the right choices it would be Gatland, thoughts?

  • Do you think that Wales's current obssesion with huge backs (Halfpenny aside) is starting to make our game predictable, therefore spoiling our development as a nation. Is it time to give the likes of North, Roberts and the likes a rest and to start giving players such as Harry Robinson, Eli Walker and Ashley Beck a real opportunity at international level?

  • What do you think can be done to level the playing field for clubs who have to select non first choice teams during the AI's and 6N? With English HC qualification based on league position, a run of bad results during these periods could mean no HC the following season, with the financial losses that would result

Top Stories