Clean(ish) slate

[TheDasher]

Honestly, I just think EJ should get rid of Robshaw, Cole, Hartley and Wiggler. I'm not one of these people who thinks any of these players are shit, they're not, they're all fine players in their own right.

But EJ's mission statement has always been that he wants to build the best side in the world and beat the ABs. He won't do that by playing these guys, I'm quite sure of it.

It's just crazy that George doesn't have more starting caps tbh. We're told Hartley's in for leadership, but now says we have leadership issues. On top of that, all the players will know George is better and I'd imagine that doesn't help Hartley's position in camp.

We all know Robshaw is a top player in so many ways, but he isn't enough to help Eddie get us where we want to be. Cole's been wonderful throughout most of his career but fresh legs are needed, clearly. I'm not a Care fan but he stays for now, picking Wiggler is just boring.

We HAVE to beat France and Ireland. From those available, I think I may go 6 Haskell, 7 Underhill 8 Hughes. If Simmonds was fit, I'd play him at 7 and Underhill at 6, with Hughes at 8 making way for Billy when fit. This'd provide mobility and dynamism on the flanks.

I can't criticise Launchbury, he's world class, even with a poor game every 30 caps... I'd start him and Maro in the 2nd row.

I'm desperate to see Genge, George, Sinckler at some point, but from what's available, Marler, George and Williams will do.

In the backs... just pick Robson you stubborn bastard. I'd have Youngs and Robson as our two main picks personally. Daly has to start, he's our best player. I'm not sure I have the energy to look at the midfield but if pushed, I'd quite like to see Farrell at 10 with Lozowski at 12...

[Banquo]

Honestly, I just think EJ should get rid of Robshaw, Cole, Hartley and Wiggler. I'm not one of these people who thinks any of these players are shit, they're not, they're all fine players in their own right.

But EJ's mission statement has always been that he wants to build the best side in the world and beat the ABs. He won't do that by playing these guys, I'm quite sure of it.

It's just crazy that George doesn't have more starting caps tbh. We're told Hartley's in for leadership, but now says we have leadership issues. On top of that, all the players will know George is better and I'd imagine that doesn't help Hartley's position in camp.

We all know Robshaw is a top player in so many ways, but he isn't enough to help Eddie get us where we want to be. Cole's been wonderful throughout most of his career but fresh legs are needed, clearly. I'm not a Care fan but he stays for now, picking Wiggler is just boring.

We HAVE to beat France and Ireland. From those available, I think I may go 6 Haskell, 7 Underhill 8 Hughes. If Simmonds was fit, I'd play him at 7 and Underhill at 6, with Hughes at 8 making way for Billy when fit. This'd provide mobility and dynamism on the flanks.

I can't criticise Launchbury, he's world class, even with a poor game every 30 caps... I'd start him and Maro in the 2nd row.

I'm desperate to see Genge, George, Sinckler at some point, but from what's available, Marler, George and Williams will do.

In the backs... just pick Robson you stubborn bastard. I'd have Youngs and Robson as our two main picks personally. Daly has to start, he's our best player. I'm not sure I have the energy to look at the midfield but if pushed, I'd quite like to see Farrell at 10 with Lozowski at 12...

I agree with 99% of what you say about the pack; the problem with that back row is I think they'd get eaten alive by the Irish.....on the other hand, anything including Lawes in the back row is a non-starter, and I can't honestly say Robshaw, Underhill/Simmonds, Hughes wouldn't get humped as well. Its a big chicken coming home to roost- Eddie's take is that he's just making the best of the cards he's been dealt, I'm not so sure.

I've no energy for the backs either.

[TheDasher]

Honestly, I just think EJ should get rid of Robshaw, Cole, Hartley and Wiggler. I'm not one of these people who thinks any of these players are shit, they're not, they're all fine players in their own right.

But EJ's mission statement has always been that he wants to build the best side in the world and beat the ABs. He won't do that by playing these guys, I'm quite sure of it.

It's just crazy that George doesn't have more starting caps tbh. We're told Hartley's in for leadership, but now says we have leadership issues. On top of that, all the players will know George is better and I'd imagine that doesn't help Hartley's position in camp.

We all know Robshaw is a top player in so many ways, but he isn't enough to help Eddie get us where we want to be. Cole's been wonderful throughout most of his career but fresh legs are needed, clearly. I'm not a Care fan but he stays for now, picking Wiggler is just boring.

We HAVE to beat France and Ireland. From those available, I think I may go 6 Haskell, 7 Underhill 8 Hughes. If Simmonds was fit, I'd play him at 7 and Underhill at 6, with Hughes at 8 making way for Billy when fit. This'd provide mobility and dynamism on the flanks.

I can't criticise Launchbury, he's world class, even with a poor game every 30 caps... I'd start him and Maro in the 2nd row.

I'm desperate to see Genge, George, Sinckler at some point, but from what's available, Marler, George and Williams will do.

In the backs... just pick Robson you stubborn bastard. I'd have Youngs and Robson as our two main picks personally. Daly has to start, he's our best player. I'm not sure I have the energy to look at the midfield but if pushed, I'd quite like to see Farrell at 10 with Lozowski at 12...

I agree with 99% of what you say about the pack; the problem with that back row is I think they'd get eaten alive by the Irish.....on the other hand, anything including Lawes in the back row is a non-starter, and I can't honestly say Robshaw, Underhill/Simmonds, Hughes wouldn't get humped as well. Its a big chicken coming home to roost- Eddie's take is that he's just making the best of the cards he's been dealt, I'm not so sure.

I've no energy for the backs either.

Yes I agree with you. They may get eaten alive by the Irish. What do we pick to negate that? It's work-rate, huge physicality and some pace right? So Armand 6 Haskell 7? I don't know to be honest. Underhill can get pretty physical I think though no?

[Mikey Brown]

Personally I’m starting to get excited about watching England play again now I see we’ve got 3 number 8s in the backrow and a Farrell/Teo/Manu midfield on the horizon. We’ll be fucking massive.

[fivepointer]

Honestly, I just think EJ should get rid of Robshaw, Cole, Hartley and Wiggler. I'm not one of these people who thinks any of these players are shit, they're not, they're all fine players in their own right.

But EJ's mission statement has always been that he wants to build the best side in the world and beat the ABs. He won't do that by playing these guys, I'm quite sure of it.

It's just crazy that George doesn't have more starting caps tbh. We're told Hartley's in for leadership, but now says we have leadership issues. On top of that, all the players will know George is better and I'd imagine that doesn't help Hartley's position in camp.

We all know Robshaw is a top player in so many ways, but he isn't enough to help Eddie get us where we want to be. Cole's been wonderful throughout most of his career but fresh legs are needed, clearly. I'm not a Care fan but he stays for now, picking Wiggler is just boring.

We HAVE to beat France and Ireland. From those available, I think I may go 6 Haskell, 7 Underhill 8 Hughes. If Simmonds was fit, I'd play him at 7 and Underhill at 6, with Hughes at 8 making way for Billy when fit. This'd provide mobility and dynamism on the flanks.

I can't criticise Launchbury, he's world class, even with a poor game every 30 caps... I'd start him and Maro in the 2nd row.

I'm desperate to see Genge, George, Sinckler at some point, but from what's available, Marler, George and Williams will do.

In the backs... just pick Robson you stubborn bastard. I'd have Youngs and Robson as our two main picks personally. Daly has to start, he's our best player. I'm not sure I have the energy to look at the midfield but if pushed, I'd quite like to see Farrell at 10 with Lozowski at 12...

It would be nice but at least going some way to get selection right would be a start. Fixing whats wrong up front needs to happen now. If we suffer some short term reverse, i can live with that.
A couple more wins, eked out with faltering and erratic performances are not going to help long term.

[Digby]

Another defeat and certainly two would see Ben Youngs stock go up massively.

[Banquo]

Personally I’m starting to get excited about watching England play again now I see we’ve got 3 number 8s in the backrow and a Farrell/Teo/Manu midfield on the horizon. We’ll be fucking massive.

we are the new Saffers.

SMASH

[p/d]

Another defeat and certainly two would see Ben Youngs stock go up massively.

and Lancaster's

[Mellsblue]

Another defeat and certainly two would see Ben Youngs stock go up massively.

WHERE IS THAT F***ING PROZAC.

[Mellsblue]

Another defeat and certainly two would see Ben Youngs stock go up massively.

and Lancaster's

Bloody hell. It’s not that bad.

[Digby]

Mells going from where's the f-ing prozac to it's not that bad in 60 seconds shows the internet at its best

[p/d]

Another defeat and certainly two would see Ben Youngs stock go up massively.

and Lancaster's

Bloody hell. It’s not that bad.

remember this line up?

Mike Brown
Anthony Watson
Brad Barritt
Sam Burges
Jonny May
Owen Farrell
Ben Youngs
Joe Marler
Tom Youngs
Dan Cole
Geoff Parling
Courtney Lawes
Tom Wood
Chris Robshaw
Billy Vunipola

................... what a centre pairing Rich's dream team!!

[Scrumhead]

Honestly, I just think EJ should get rid of Robshaw, Cole, Hartley and Wiggler. I'm not one of these people who thinks any of these players are shit, they're not, they're all fine players in their own right.

But EJ's mission statement has always been that he wants to build the best side in the world and beat the ABs. He won't do that by playing these guys, I'm quite sure of it.

It's just crazy that George doesn't have more starting caps tbh. We're told Hartley's in for leadership, but now says we have leadership issues. On top of that, all the players will know George is better and I'd imagine that doesn't help Hartley's position in camp.

We all know Robshaw is a top player in so many ways, but he isn't enough to help Eddie get us where we want to be. Cole's been wonderful throughout most of his career but fresh legs are needed, clearly. I'm not a Care fan but he stays for now, picking Wiggler is just boring.

We HAVE to beat France and Ireland. From those available, I think I may go 6 Haskell, 7 Underhill 8 Hughes. If Simmonds was fit, I'd play him at 7 and Underhill at 6, with Hughes at 8 making way for Billy when fit. This'd provide mobility and dynamism on the flanks.

I can't criticise Launchbury, he's world class, even with a poor game every 30 caps... I'd start him and Maro in the 2nd row.

I'm desperate to see Genge, George, Sinckler at some point, but from what's available, Marler, George and Williams will do.

In the backs... just pick Robson you stubborn bastard. I'd have Youngs and Robson as our two main picks personally. Daly has to start, he's our best player. I'm not sure I have the energy to look at the midfield but if pushed, I'd quite like to see Farrell at 10 with Lozowski at 12...

I agree with 99% of what you say about the pack; the problem with that back row is I think they'd get eaten alive by the Irish.....on the other hand, anything including Lawes in the back row is a non-starter, and I can't honestly say Robshaw, Underhill/Simmonds, Hughes wouldn't get humped as well. Its a big chicken coming home to roost- Eddie's take is that he's just making the best of the cards he's been dealt, I'm not so sure.

I've no energy for the backs either.

Both the back row and scrum half problems are chickens that have been milling around for a while waiting to roost.

Both are also issues of Eddie’s own making too. He’s had over two years to develop a third scrum half and the best he’s done is to give Maunder 4mins. There’s been plenty of evidence that Itoje or Lawes at 6 was never going to work yet he’s hung on to it for a while rather than actually picking a balanced back row.

I can accept his hand was forced at 8 with the injuries to Billy and Hughes but that doesn’t explain why we didn’t pick Robshaw at 6 and a 7 at 7 - even if that was Haskell. With Wilson, Armand, Ben Curry, Ludlow etc. all in good form, there isn’t really a good justification for it.

[Banquo]

Mells going from where's the f-ing prozac to it's not that bad in 60 seconds shows the internet at its best

He'll quote you on that.

[Mellsblue]

Mells going from where's the f-ing prozac to it's not that bad in 60 seconds shows the internet at its best

He'll quote you on that.

I was going to say that the plea for Prozac was in refence to the thought of Diggers’ play by play breakdown after the France match but that would be overly cruel, if based in truth, yet it would also be true to say that during the last 12 months of Lancaster’s reign Prozac would not have been strong enough.

[Digby]

Mells going from where's the f-ing prozac to it's not that bad in 60 seconds shows the internet at its best

He'll quote you on that.

I was going to say that the plea for Prozac was in refence to the thought of Diggers’ play by play breakdown after the France match but that would be overly cruel, if based in truth, yet it would also be true to say that during the last 12 months of Lancaster’s reign Prozac would not have been strong enough.

When you say France do you mean Italy?

[Mellsblue]

He'll quote you on that.

I was going to say that the plea for Prozac was in refence to the thought of Diggers’ play by play breakdown after the France match but that would be overly cruel, if based in truth, yet it would also be true to say that during the last 12 months of Lancaster’s reign Prozac would not have been strong enough.

When you say France do you mean Italy?

Nope. It was a horrible thought of what the future may hold.

[francoisfou]

We HAVE to beat France and Ireland. From those available, I think I may go 6 Haskell, 7 Underhill 8 Hughes. If Simmonds was fit, I'd play him at 7 and Underhill at 6, with Hughes at 8 making way for Billy when fit. This'd provide mobility and dynamism on the flanks. ...

Ye-es..
I don't want to see Haskell on the train to Pareee. No, sireee!
Robshaw ain't going to be dropped, so I'd be reasonably happy with him at 6 ( although I'd rather see Underhill there) and Simmonds at 7. I'm far from convinced that Hughes is the man for 8, so is this the moment to give Mercer the chance to show what he can do?

[Digby]

I like the idea of change, but Underill, Simmonds and Mercer is going a little far maybe. Robshaw looks fairly locked in now, partly he's really pretty good (at 6) and partly you can't ignore those caps

[Rich]

remember this line up?

Mike Brown
Anthony Watson
Brad Barritt
Sam Burges
Jonny May
Owen Farrell
Ben Youngs
Joe Marler
Tom Youngs
Dan Cole
Geoff Parling
Courtney Lawes
Tom Wood
Chris Robshaw
Billy Vunipola

................... what a centre pairing Rich's dream team!!

Weren't they winning against Wales, until Lancaster too Burgess off ?

[Rich]

Personally I’m starting to get excited about watching England play again now I see we’ve got 3 number 8s in the backrow and a Farrell/Teo/Manu midfield on the horizon. We’ll be fucking massive.

I agree with you

It'd be like the old back row of:

Clarke (7) - Deano (8) - Rodber (6)


Or more recently

Worsley (7) - Easter (8) - Corry (6)

That crushed the Aussies in Marseilles.