Rugby videos of tackles, tries, funny incidents and more: James Simpson-Daniel's individual effort against Agen

Wednesday, February 02, 2011

James Simpson-Daniel's individual effort against Agen

Try scoring machine James Simpson-Daniel had a good game for the Saxons this past weekend, and scored this well taken try against Agen a few weeks back. He’s stuck his hand up for England selection, but a regular senior side slot has always eluded him.

The 28 year old has recently signed an extension on his Gloucester contract, which means he’ll be at the club for another three years. His form this season has been great, leading to talk that he’d fit in nicely with the current England mindset.

He’s been prolific of late and perhaps now is the time for Martin Johnson to give him a run, with the World Cup in mind later in the year. It’s a good position to be in for England though, who have a pretty strong back three currently as it is.

With just ten caps to his name and a reputation as being too injury prone for Test rugby, Simpson-Daniel will be hoping that this year brings a change to the perception.

"England have told me that I’m still on their radar," he said.

"If I weren’t in their thoughts I guess I wouldn’t even be here. The big picture for me is the World Cup. This is the last opportunity for me to make it and it’s my main goal."

If a string of injuries hit England, you can be sure Sinbad will be ready. His fine finishing has been there for all to see this season, and while the tackling by Agen was pretty poor for this try, it’s a nice example of what he’s capable of in a little space.

Time: 01:32

That's just dreadful defense! I presume Agen had just given up at that stage.

By AkaRed, at February 02, 2011 12:06 pm
I would have just sacked those two Agen defenders if I was the coach.

By Reality, at February 02, 2011 12:11 pm
credit where it's due, he does have an ability to finish but agree with the above comments - that try is purely down to some shocking defence.

By legs, at February 02, 2011 12:19 pm
In fairness he's really in form at the moment, there were a couple of moments like this in the Saxons vs Italy A match at the weekend and he's been doing this sort of thing vs defenders all season.

I reckon the reason he hasn't had more caps is down to Englands desire to get Lomu like players for the wing (the reason we've had Banahan tried again and again). In reality some of our best wingers haven't been huge but have had pace and decent step.

By Nick, at February 02, 2011 12:57 pm
Thankgod for the previous comments...coz according to the commentators it's only due to his abilities (which he might have regardless of this) ^^
So yeah Agen just came back to top 14 and even though the team has a great spirit their defense and offense is not always there.
Funnily enough, there were comments about the TOP 14 tries saying that is was only poor defense...rather than good plays.
So lightly I'm just wondering if the greatness of a try is based on the nationality of the defenders ? :P

By jay, at February 02, 2011 1:55 pm
I agree with others here. He's scored tries like this all through his career but that right winger just really couldn't be bothered.

Maybe it was the fog!!!

I don't know him that well but what is his kicking and defence like? Maybe that kept him out of England. They're almost more important skills to have as a winger in modern professional test rugby.

By Aloof, at February 02, 2011 2:20 pm
I don't think his defence is really good enough for international rugby and he is rather injury prone.

However, he is certainly a good finisher, notwithstanding the appalling Agen defence in that clip!

By Matt, at February 02, 2011 2:45 pm
wow theres some piss poor defence

By Anonymous, at February 02, 2011 3:05 pm
HEs a great player but this time has to be said poor defence...

By Anonymous, at February 02, 2011 3:22 pm
that weather is why i dont care if we lose against england. thats the least god could do to make up for it

By Anonymous, at February 02, 2011 4:49 pm
It's funny how you NH bunch always moan about our defence in the super 14 and then you think it's amazing when an 'over-the-hill' never quite made it player scores and average try against an awful defence!

He wouldn't last 1 minute in the SH and you all think he's great! It's actually hilarious!

By Jonno, at February 02, 2011 5:50 pm
Simpson Daniel is a gifted winger with a lot of pace.
But here, i just see a poor last tackle and a agen B-squad who had gave up the competition since 3 matchs :)

Fortunately for england, Foden, Ashton or Cueto are quite the same type of players

By Colombes, at February 02, 2011 6:05 pm
Jonno why are you being a little bitch? SH is better at this and that, better weather better people better cars and food. Just shut up. Watch the rugby. Take up netball if you want to be a bitch.

By i'm chilled, at February 02, 2011 6:40 pm
Simpson-Daniels is an over looked player yes there was poor tackling but just look for the videos of the other tries he has made, as a Gloucester supporter I am a bit bias but the fact comes down to he is one of the best wingers we have I'm not saying that he should be in England's first 15 (but he should) im just saying he should be in the 30 man team easily. o and i also think Gloucester Charlie Sharples is a great one to watch he shares similar running techniques as sin bad would make a great add to the England team also.

By anttrib, at February 02, 2011 6:41 pm
My, England has some beautiful weather, doesn't it?

It would be great if players were selected for national squads based on the fact that they'd earned it during the season; unfortunately, it doesn't seem to work like that. Players often stay in the squad seemingly undeserving of their spot, while players who have been great all season get looked over.

Fionn Carr and Jonny Wilkinson come to mind as of last year, but it happens year in and year out.

I don't know what it takes to get a coach's attention...a good manager/agent maybe?

By greg, at February 02, 2011 10:19 pm
As a guy who's only seen him play a few games, my impression is that Simpson-Daniel is a superb attacker but his defence is not up to the same standard. Would any England or Gloucester fans have a view on that?

By Mike, at February 02, 2011 11:20 pm
@ Nick, I have always wondered, what are the Saxons? Awesome try, terrible defense.

By Gman, at February 03, 2011 1:48 am
For some reason the home nations are giving all there 'A' teams really stupid names, so the English have gone with Saxons and the Irish have gone with something like Timberwolves (I can't quite remember exactly what it is). Basically read England 'A' team.

On his defence, he's really improved his game, initially it was a bit loose but he's done well recently, he's never going to be a Jerry Collins on the wing, but i'd rather have him in the back line than someone like Geraghty. He's also out looking for work now, where as 5 years ago he'd just sit on the wing. On the over the hill comment the guy's not in his 30's yet. It just seems gloucester have a team of guys that look ancient before their time (SImpson Daniel, Tindall...)

By Nick, at February 03, 2011 11:20 am
Lol, I am speaking the truth, you are looking at this guy as of he is something special, he is nothing compared to Habana or any other winger.

By Jonno, at February 03, 2011 3:28 pm
Jonno, But nobody has. Have you read any of the comments? I think you'll find the majority of posters have agreed it's rubbish defence. Then gone on to say he has scored some very good tries in his career, which he has, and then discussed why he never made it at international level.

Sensible discussions, with the odd silly comment from you basically.

By i'm chilled, at February 03, 2011 6:07 pm
But you all say 'why hasn't he been picked for england' which actually is a good question...,he is rubbish and you NH teams are rubbish.... So surely it goes hand in hand... NH rugby is not as good as SH rugby, firstly you cannot play running rugby and when you try it's hilarious!!! Secondly you try to bully with your pack and you get destroyed. The saffa pack showed you NH boys how to play. Also refer to the lions tour!! Hahaha!!

By Jonno, at February 03, 2011 7:40 pm
But you all say 'why hasn't he been picked for england' which actually is a good question...,he is rubbish and you NH teams are rubbish.... So surely it goes hand in hand... NH rugby is not as good as SH rugby, firstly you cannot play running rugby and when you try it's hilarious!!! Secondly you try to bully with your pack and you get destroyed. The saffa pack showed you NH boys how to play. Also refer to the lions tour!! Hahaha!!

By Jonno, at February 03, 2011 7:41 pm
Jonno, are you actually serious? South Africa are good, but extremely beatable. I mean it's happened several times in the recent past, that a 'terrible' NH team has beaten them. Like the november tests, they beat Ireland by 2 points, and Ireland were absolutely crap. If SA were really that good they should have put them away after 20 mins.

Actually just piss off. I mean some people think he's good enough to play for England, so they express that opinion here. And then you just start an argument over nothing. Just F-off.

By 'South African' & 'nice' are not compatible, at February 04, 2011 1:32 am
Jonno, ha! That's a a convincing argument.

and change your name, there's only one Jonno.

By Rogerthecabinboy, at February 04, 2011 9:06 am
Jonno, your ignorance is embarrassing yourself, as well as every other South African.

Whether he should or shouldnt play for England is a valid discussion, and those who have actually seen him play over the years know that he has the talent. You've probably seen a few clips online and then decide to mouth off. Extremely lame. Go comment on something you actually do know about please.

By FrankyH, at February 04, 2011 11:16 am
Jonno, you should be aware that some asshole is making joke posts and signing your name to them mate.

By Anonymous, at February 04, 2011 7:16 pm