Team for Samoa?

[Oakboy]

I'm not a Roko fan but why isn't he starting? Daly is overworked and has been injured.

So, Robshaw is an acceptable 7 for Eddie!! Itoje at 6 without Lawes in the XV to shuffle. If Robshaw or Simmonds get injured a few whingers aren't going to like the subsequent back-row. I wonder if Eddie will take one of them off at some point just to see what happens.

Agreed re Daly.

Why whingers? Would you be happy with Itoje at 7/8 or Robshaw at 8. Remember the last time we had a flanker at 8?!?!?!?

Define happy! To be honest, I have less problems with Itoje or Lawes in the back-row than many. Also, I think 6 and 7 are no longer the distinctly different roles that some make them out to be. It would not even bother me if Launchbury was moved back. Robshaw at 8 is probably the worst scenario but he would not let anybody down.

Mind you, I was not against trying Wood at 8 so what do I know?

[Peej]

Mako and Farrell may be getting a break from England but they'll probably go straight back into the Sarries team for the game against Exeter this weekend.

Still don't understand why we need 5 locks in the team, and aren't giving other back rows a chance, let alone a third choice 9.

[Mellsblue]

Mako and Farrell may be getting a break from England but they'll probably go straight back into the Sarries team for the game against Exeter this weekend.

Still don't understand why we need 5 locks in the team, and aren't giving other back rows a chance, let alone a third choice 9.

Aren’t they still in the England camp?

[Stom]

I'm not a Roko fan but why isn't he starting? Daly is overworked and has been injured.

So, Robshaw is an acceptable 7 for Eddie!! Itoje at 6 without Lawes in the XV to shuffle. If Robshaw or Simmonds get injured a few whingers aren't going to like the subsequent back-row. I wonder if Eddie will take one of them off at some point just to see what happens.

Agreed re Daly.

Why whingers? Would you be happy with Itoje at 7/8 or Robshaw at 8. Remember the last time we had a flanker at 8?!?!?!?

Define happy! To be honest, I have less problems with Itoje or Lawes in the back-row than many. Also, I think 6 and 7 are no longer the distinctly different roles that some make them out to be. It would not even bother me if Launchbury was moved back. Robshaw at 8 is probably the worst scenario but he would not let anybody down.

Mind you, I was not against trying Wood at 8 so what do I know?

It's defending the scrum that's an issue.

Neither Lawes or Itoje have shown the speed off the flank to cut down a rapid pick and go. It'll go fine against Samoa, and the same against a number of opponents, but against France or NZ or Aus or Wales it will be exposed. And Lawes was exposed by McMahon. And Lawes has played plenty of rugby at 6.

Robshaw is consistently off his flank in good time. Perhaps we'll shift Simmonds to the flank on defensive scrums...That may make sense.

[Puja]

Mako and Farrell may be getting a break from England but they'll probably go straight back into the Sarries team for the game against Exeter this weekend.

Still don't understand why we need 5 locks in the team, and aren't giving other back rows a chance, let alone a third choice 9.

Aren’t they still in the England camp?

They are indeed. That's the point of the 25 man squad - they're not released to their clubs but get the weekend off.

If a non-Wigglesworth EQ third 9 starts to play in the AP like he wouldn't utterly embarrass himself at international level, then I'm sure we would. As it is, the complaints on the board are akin to a man in an oasis in the middle the Sahara complaining about why no-one wants to go swim somewhere else in the desert for a change.

Puja

[Banquo]

Incidentally, I have no idea why he's dropped Watson, who we need to give as many shots at 15 as we can. That seems odd to me.

I think I'd start Genge, to put some pressure on Marler. I'd also start Williams and George, Care and Roko.

I don't think dropped is the right word, but agree he should be at 15

[Mikey Brown]

Weird team. Some good. Some bad.

Even if Saturday goes well, do we fill we could learn as much as we should have (over all) from these AIs?

Big questions remain over the back-row (though it will be great to see Simmonds get a start), scrum-half and the balance of the back 3 (particularly Watson at 15).

We may at least learn something about the options in the front row, Lozowski and Slade.

Hopefully Itoje (and presumably Lawes again) at 6 here is to give that idea one last chance before dismissing entirely.

[Banquo]

I've already voiced my concerns over the back row bodge. Its foolish in my view but we're stuck with it.
the prop selection provokes 3 cheers (Genge starting) and a loud boo (Williams still on the bench). At hooker, George starting is long overdue.
Loz starting is good news and getting Francis involved makes sense, as does giving Ewels a chance.
There's a lot to like and to look forward to in this selection. Shame that there's still a couple of areas that are not quite satisfactory.

Indeed, and unnecessary. I get Raggs point about 'stretching the squad', but imo better to use as an opportunity to see the best fits for the squad in the first place.

As Mikey says, some good, some a little odd.

[Oakboy]

Weird team. Some good. Some bad.

Even if Saturday goes well, do we fill we could learn as much as we should have (over all) from these AIs?

Big questions remain over the back-row (though it will be great to see Simmonds get a start), scrum-half and the balance of the back 3 (particularly Watson at 15).

We may at least learn something about the options in the front row, Lozowski and Slade.

Hopefully Itoje (and presumably Lawes again) at 6 here is to give that idea one last chance before dismissing entirely.

I thought Watson showed sufficient to be the natural successor to Brown at 15. A back three of May, Daly and Watson looks set to be the 1st choice line-up.

Overall, Eddie is part-tinkering, part-marking time. He's had to allow for the red-shirt disruption, the full effects of which probably only show themselves at close-quarters in the training camp.

'Unbeaten, some progress', was always going to be the best he could hope for. Only Kruis has really gone backwards. That's pretty good, post-jamboree.

Also, I'd guess that he'd settle for the relatively minor injury count at this stage. Unless there are lots of unlucky incidents in club matches, things don't look too bad for the 6N. (Not 'famous last words', I hope!)

[Banquo]

He also looks like he is being kind to the somewhat decimated Bath backline, maybe

[Peej]

Mako and Farrell may be getting a break from England but they'll probably go straight back into the Sarries team for the game against Exeter this weekend.

Still don't understand why we need 5 locks in the team, and aren't giving other back rows a chance, let alone a third choice 9.

Aren’t they still in the England camp?

They are indeed. That's the point of the 25 man squad - they're not released to their clubs but get the weekend off.

If a non-Wigglesworth EQ third 9 starts to play in the AP like he wouldn't utterly embarrass himself at international level, then I'm sure we would. As it is, the complaints on the board are akin to a man in an oasis in the middle the Sahara complaining about why no-one wants to go swim somewhere else in the desert for a change.

Puja

Oops, apologies chaps, I thought the second round guys were released too. Cheerfully withdrawn!

Am now very pleased to learn that a guy I played senior rugby with is starting at 9 for Samoa on Saturday. What great news for him.

[Scrumhead]

Weird team. Some good. Some bad.

Even if Saturday goes well, do we fill we could learn as much as we should have (over all) from these AIs?

Big questions remain over the back-row (though it will be great to see Simmonds get a start), scrum-half and the balance of the back 3 (particularly Watson at 15).

We may at least learn something about the options in the front row, Lozowski and Slade.

Hopefully Itoje (and presumably Lawes again) at 6 here is to give that idea one last chance before dismissing entirely.

I thought Watson showed sufficient to be the natural successor to Brown at 15. A back three of May, Daly and Watson looks set to be the 1st choice line-up.

Overall, Eddie is part-tinkering, part-marking time. He's had to allow for the red-shirt disruption, the full effects of which probably only show themselves at close-quarters in the training camp.

'Unbeaten, some progress', was always going to be the best he could hope for. Only Kruis has really gone backwards. That's pretty good, post-jamboree.

Also, I'd guess that he'd settle for the relatively minor injury count at this stage. Unless there are lots of unlucky incidents in club matches, things don't look too bad for the 6N. (Not 'famous last words', I hope!)

I’m going to reserve judgement until after the Samoa game, but I was hoping for a little better than ‘unbeaten, some progress’. It feels like a long time since I’ve seen us put in a complete performance and I feel as though the last two results have flattered us somewhat.

[Spiffy]

Looking forward to a footballing midfield of Ford/Loz/Slade, outside Care (provided they don't get flattened by some giant Samoans).
England will rack up a large score in the last 20 mins and all will appear rosy.
Did not realize the England players were on 23,000 pounds a game! Not a bad wedge and quite an incentive to get picked, never mind the luxury free board and lodging. It's a far cry from the days when you had to provide your own shorts and find your own way to the match.

[Banquo]

Looking forward to a footballing midfield of Ford/Loz/Slade, outside Care (provided they don't get flattened by some giant Samoans).
England will rack up a large score in the last 20 mins and all will appear rosy.
Did not realize the England players were on 23,000 pounds a game! Not a bad wedge and quite an incentive to get picked, never mind the luxury free board and lodging. It's a far cry from the days when you had to provide your own shorts and find your own way to the match.

If you play that midfield, wouldn't it make sense to play a pack that has a chance of supporting a wide game? Unless they have three fly halves in there to just kick it?

[Spiffy]

Looking forward to a footballing midfield of Ford/Loz/Slade, outside Care (provided they don't get flattened by some giant Samoans).
England will rack up a large score in the last 20 mins and all will appear rosy.
Did not realize the England players were on 23,000 pounds a game! Not a bad wedge and quite an incentive to get picked, never mind the luxury free board and lodging. It's a far cry from the days when you had to provide your own shorts and find your own way to the match.

If you play that midfield, wouldn't it make sense to play a pack that has a chance of supporting a wide game? Unless they have three fly halves in there to just kick it?

Yes - you are right. But I don't get Eddie's logic on pack selection, especially backrow. I do hope we will not be treated to a boring kickfest. We won't from Samoa, anyway.

[Banquo]

Looking forward to a footballing midfield of Ford/Loz/Slade, outside Care (provided they don't get flattened by some giant Samoans).
England will rack up a large score in the last 20 mins and all will appear rosy.
Did not realize the England players were on 23,000 pounds a game! Not a bad wedge and quite an incentive to get picked, never mind the luxury free board and lodging. It's a far cry from the days when you had to provide your own shorts and find your own way to the match.

If you play that midfield, wouldn't it make sense to play a pack that has a chance of supporting a wide game? Unless they have three fly halves in there to just kick it?

Yes - you are right. But I don't get Eddie's logic on pack selection, especially backrow. I do hope we will not be treated to a boring kickfest. We won't from Samoa, anyway.

I don't think we will. I just hope that if there is a misfire, it's recognised it may not be a surprise! Not that I think there is much chance at all of losing, but if the performance doesn't reach the expectations some have....

[Oakboy]

The trouble is that is it is a hiding-to-nothing. Picking more than one young pretender in the backrow might go either way and prove little. Itoje there at least gives a risk-free experiment in that if he can support out wide etc. it would be a bonus. If he can't he's going to be back to the day job. It's not what I'd have done but I can accept Eddie's logic.

[Scrumhead]

Looking forward to a footballing midfield of Ford/Loz/Slade, outside Care (provided they don't get flattened by some giant Samoans).
England will rack up a large score in the last 20 mins and all will appear rosy.
Did not realize the England players were on 23,000 pounds a game! Not a bad wedge and quite an incentive to get picked, never mind the luxury free board and lodging. It's a far cry from the days when you had to provide your own shorts and find your own way to the match.

If you play that midfield, wouldn't it make sense to play a pack that has a chance of supporting a wide game? Unless they have three fly halves in there to just kick it?

Yes - you are right. But I don't get Eddie's logic on pack selection, especially backrow. I do hope we will not be treated to a boring kickfest. We won't from Samoa, anyway.

I don’t think we will. We kicked a lot less on the Argentina tour and apart from Daly (instead of Yarde), it’s the same midfield from the first test.

I preferred the way we were playing then to how we have over the AIs so far, so fingers crossed we’ll see some attacking verve.

[bitts]

Co captains is weird. But again it's interesting how Eddie is putting Ford in leadership positions. Hope he has a big game so perhaps he can get some recognition.

Really think he is hard done by in the press.

[Mikey Brown]

Looking forward to a footballing midfield of Ford/Loz/Slade, outside Care (provided they don't get flattened by some giant Samoans).
England will rack up a large score in the last 20 mins and all will appear rosy.
Did not realize the England players were on 23,000 pounds a game! Not a bad wedge and quite an incentive to get picked, never mind the luxury free board and lodging. It's a far cry from the days when you had to provide your own shorts and find your own way to the match.

If you play that midfield, wouldn't it make sense to play a pack that has a chance of supporting a wide game? Unless they have three fly halves in there to just kick it?

Did you not see the much anticipated backs move off the scrum (I mean when has that ever disappointed after being hyped up by the commentators?) where we whipped it out to Slade and he just hoofed it straight to their fullback?

[Banquo]

If you play that midfield, wouldn't it make sense to play a pack that has a chance of supporting a wide game? Unless they have three fly halves in there to just kick it?

Yes - you are right. But I don't get Eddie's logic on pack selection, especially backrow. I do hope we will not be treated to a boring kickfest. We won't from Samoa, anyway.

I don’t think we will. We kicked a lot less on the Argentina tour and apart from Daly (instead of Yarde), it’s the same midfield from the first test.

I preferred the way we were playing then to how we have over the AIs so far, so fingers crossed we’ll see some attacking verve.

different pack though, esp back row

[kk67]

They look fairly mobile to me.

[Scrumhead]

Yes - you are right. But I don't get Eddie's logic on pack selection, especially backrow. I do hope we will not be treated to a boring kickfest. We won't from Samoa, anyway.

I don’t think we will. We kicked a lot less on the Argentina tour and apart from Daly (instead of Yarde), it’s the same midfield from the first test.

I preferred the way we were playing then to how we have over the AIs so far, so fingers crossed we’ll see some attacking verve.

different pack though, esp back row

Yeah. Wilson, Curry and Hughes was a nicely balanced back row. However, I’m not sure the rest of the pack is a downgrade. Genge, Launchbury and Ewels playing in Argentina and I think it’s fair to say George is an upgrade on Hartley in most people’s opinion (including mine).

I’m not convinced by Itoje as a 6, but I’m fine with Robshaw switching to 7 and I’m genuinely looking forward to seeing Simmonds getting a proper opportunity.

Genge and George will help with the carrying too.

[Banquo]

I don’t think we will. We kicked a lot less on the Argentina tour and apart from Daly (instead of Yarde), it’s the same midfield from the first test.

I preferred the way we were playing then to how we have over the AIs so far, so fingers crossed we’ll see some attacking verve.

different pack though, esp back row

Yeah. Wilson, Curry and Hughes was a nicely balanced back row. However, I’m not sure the rest of the pack is a downgrade. Genge, Launchbury and Ewels playing in Argentina and I think it’s fair to say George is an upgrade on Hartley in most people’s opinion (including mine).

I’m not convinced by Itoje as a 6, but I’m fine with Robshaw switching to 7 and I’m genuinely looking forward to seeing Simmonds getting a proper opportunity.

Genge and George will help with the carrying too.

Its backrow supporting width, which would appear to be the rationale for picking 3 distributors

[kk67]

Co captains is weird. But again it's interesting how Eddie is putting Ford in leadership positions. Hope he has a big game so perhaps he can get some recognition.

Really think he is hard done by in the press.

Who's been having a dig at Ford..?