Team for Wales

[Mikey Brown]

Yeah I'm still really hoping we see some of Devoto. If he got some time off the bench vs Italy for example you'd think he'd be pretty comfortable between Ford and Slade.

[Stom]

Halfpenny back is a blow for England. We've faced 2 FBs who aren't really FBs so far. Halfpenny actually understands back field positioning and will leave far fewer spaces.

I wouldn't call Williams a non-FB - wouldn't say his presence weakens Wales in defence.

In attack, I'm more comfortable facing Halfpenny at 15 than him, although his kicking is a weapon.

Puja

Well yes, we haven't played Wales yet...

And 1/2p is much better positionally than Williams. I'd say he's even one of the best. And with Williams alongside him, they'll be well placed to cover any kicks behind.

[Timbo]

Halfpenny seems a naturally fit and well conditioned player, but even so it would be asking a lot for him to start this one after 3 months of no rugby.

England’s kicking game is a threat, as we’ve seen, but think we’re in danger of overblowing it a bit. Wales have a strong back 3 without HP, so I doubt they’ll be rushing him back so recklessly.

[Timbo]

Mako out for the rest of the 6N’s, and the bulk of the rest of the season...10 weeks off.

[Banquo]

Mako out for the rest of the 6N’s, and the bulk of the rest of the season...10 weeks off.

Assuming the injury fully heals, and he can get fit, that's not a totally bad thing; he has carried a huge burden for a couple of years and should be tip top for RWC.

[Mellsblue]

Halfpenny seems a naturally fit and well conditioned player, but even so it would be asking a lot for him to start this one after 3 months of no rugby.

England’s kicking game is a threat, as we’ve seen, but think we’re in danger of overblowing it a bit. Wales have a strong back 3 without HP, so I doubt they’ll be rushing him back so recklessly.

Yep. Assuming North comes back in, it’s a quality and experienced back three and with an actual fb at fb. I’d rather face HP at 15 than Williams.

[Banquo]

Not sure Josh Adams is that strong a defensive player tbh (anyone see that cross kick out of defence, horror show) , and Holmes is a newby at intl level. Mind North was exposed by France in defence too.

[Stom]

Mako out for the rest of the 6N’s, and the bulk of the rest of the season...10 weeks off.

That's a giant loss... At least it means Genge and Moon can squabble over the 17 shirt now.

[Puja]

Mako out for the rest of the 6N’s, and the bulk of the rest of the season...10 weeks off.

Assuming the injury fully heals, and he can get fit, that's not a totally bad thing; he has carried a huge burden for a couple of years and should be tip top for RWC.

With you on that. I'd prefer him not injured, but a "rest" is better than him being flogged to the end of the season and then getting injured.

Puja

[Oakboy]

Mako out for the rest of the 6N’s, and the bulk of the rest of the season...10 weeks off.

Assuming the injury fully heals, and he can get fit, that's not a totally bad thing; he has carried a huge burden for a couple of years and should be tip top for RWC.

With you on that. I'd prefer him not injured, but a "rest" is better than him being flogged to the end of the season and then getting injured.

Puja

I wonder what his attitude/fitness regime is in these circumstances. With a stone or two less, might he be even more dangerous on the hoof? I hope I'm wrong but he strikes me as not exactly a disciplined dieter.

[Digby]

My concern was the front row, I guess we'll see what the other options bring. For my money we should back the more talented player to start in Genge

[Digby]

Halfpenny seems a naturally fit and well conditioned player, but even so it would be asking a lot for him to start this one after 3 months of no rugby.

England’s kicking game is a threat, as we’ve seen, but think we’re in danger of overblowing it a bit. Wales have a strong back 3 without HP, so I doubt they’ll be rushing him back so recklessly.

Yep. Assuming North comes back in, it’s a quality and experienced back three and with an actual fb at fb. I’d rather face HP at 15 than Williams.

Halfpenny is outstanding at covering the backfield, but it's as much by dint of a huge work ethic as reading the game. If he's fit enough I'd pick Halfpenny, but it's a big if

[Digby]

Not sure Josh Adams is that strong a defensive player tbh (anyone see that cross kick out of defence, horror show) , and Holmes is a newby at intl level. Mind North was exposed by France in defence too.

Adams' kick was pure Hammer horror, it certainly made me laugh

[p/d]

Moon in for Mako, Genge to bench.


Bench:
LCD
Genge
Cole
Launchbury
Kvesic (Clifford)
Robson
Goode
Nowell

[Puja]

Moon in for Mako, Genge to bench.


Bench:
LCD
Genge
Cole
Launchbury
Kvesic (Clifford)
Robson
Goode
Nowell

Okay, I'll bite. Goode?

Puja

[p/d]

Moon in for Mako, Genge to bench.


Bench:
LCD
Genge
Cole
Launchbury
Kvesic (Clifford)
Robson
Goode
Nowell

Okay, I'll bite. Goode?

Puja

bloody good cover for 15 and knows his way around the 10 berth, should it be required.

[Puja]

Moon in for Mako, Genge to bench.


Bench:
LCD
Genge
Cole
Launchbury
Kvesic (Clifford)
Robson
Goode
Nowell

Okay, I'll bite. Goode?

Puja

bloody good cover for 15 and knows his way around the 10 berth, should it be required.

I wouldn't be thrilled with him playing 10 for England, even in extremis. He looks functional there for Saracens, but hardly screaming out for international selection. How would he be a better ersatz 10 than Slade?

Puja

[p/d]

Okay, I'll bite. Goode?

Puja

bloody good cover for 15 and knows his way around the 10 berth, should it be required.

I wouldn't be thrilled with him playing 10 for England, even in extremis. He looks functional there for Saracens, but hardly screaming out for international selection. How would he be a better ersatz 10 than Slade?

Puja

I want Slade at the WC, so not keen to expose him to the 10 or 15 shirt at this stage now he is making a bloody good case to be our starting 13.

The fb berth is my biggest concern for Wales game and want to have the best cover possible, but with a player who can step in elsewhere (10) if required.

That said could just swap Ashton out of the 23 and bring Brown onto the bench.

[TheDasher]

I'd go for it and start Genge, not Moon.

We're in such a good place right now because he's picked arguably the most physical, carrying-focused England team in years.

There was some nitpicking on here over certain bits of the game, but let's be honest, we absolutely destroyed France and we literally battered Ireland. Can't underestimate that. Ireland, arguably the most physical team in the world last year, in Dublin, fully pumped as they were facing England, and we were too physical for them.

To pick Moon would be just losing another carrier. I'd pick Genge and I'd be desperate to get Cokanasiga on the wing the second he's fit.

Haven't posted for a while so old ground but just how good have Wilson, Curry, Slade and Kruis been?? All players I wasn't 100% convinced by now just looking really special. Delighted!

[Puja]

I'd go for it and start Genge, not Moon.

We're in such a good place right now because he's picked arguably the most physical, carrying-focused England team in years.

There was some nitpicking on here over certain bits of the game, but let's be honest, we absolutely destroyed France and we literally battered Ireland. Can't underestimate that. Ireland, arguably the most physical team in the world last year, in Dublin, fully pumped as they were facing England, and we were too physical for them.

To pick Moon would be just losing another carrier. I'd pick Genge and I'd be desperate to get Cokanasiga on the wing the second he's fit.

Haven't posted for a while so old ground but just how good have Wilson, Curry, Slade and Kruis been?? All players I wasn't 100% convinced by now just looking really special. Delighted!

I know I said I'd pick Moon in my original post, but your argument is very compelling. Genge is the closest like-for-like for Mako and it would be the least disruption. Plus I don't agree with the theory that Moon is more solid in the scrum - Genge is stronger there.

What advantage Moon does have is stability. He's a calmer character and a safer bet in the early minutes of a fractious match away in Wales. Do we trust Genge in a cauldron?

Puja

[Epaminondas Pules]

I'd go for it and start Genge, not Moon.

We're in such a good place right now because he's picked arguably the most physical, carrying-focused England team in years.

There was some nitpicking on here over certain bits of the game, but let's be honest, we absolutely destroyed France and we literally battered Ireland. Can't underestimate that. Ireland, arguably the most physical team in the world last year, in Dublin, fully pumped as they were facing England, and we were too physical for them.

To pick Moon would be just losing another carrier. I'd pick Genge and I'd be desperate to get Cokanasiga on the wing the second he's fit.

Haven't posted for a while so old ground but just how good have Wilson, Curry, Slade and Kruis been?? All players I wasn't 100% convinced by now just looking really special. Delighted!

I know I said I'd pick Moon in my original post, but your argument is very compelling. Genge is the closest like-for-like for Mako and it would be the least disruption. Plus I don't agree with the theory that Moon is more solid in the scrum - Genge is stronger there.

What advantage Moon does have is stability. He's a calmer character and a safer bet in the early minutes of a fractious match away in Wales. Do we trust Genge in a cauldron?

Puja

Why wouldn’t you trust Genge? Because he’s spikey? His disciplinary record is excellent.

[Stom]

I'd go for it and start Genge, not Moon.

We're in such a good place right now because he's picked arguably the most physical, carrying-focused England team in years.

There was some nitpicking on here over certain bits of the game, but let's be honest, we absolutely destroyed France and we literally battered Ireland. Can't underestimate that. Ireland, arguably the most physical team in the world last year, in Dublin, fully pumped as they were facing England, and we were too physical for them.

To pick Moon would be just losing another carrier. I'd pick Genge and I'd be desperate to get Cokanasiga on the wing the second he's fit.

Haven't posted for a while so old ground but just how good have Wilson, Curry, Slade and Kruis been?? All players I wasn't 100% convinced by now just looking really special. Delighted!

I know I said I'd pick Moon in my original post, but your argument is very compelling. Genge is the closest like-for-like for Mako and it would be the least disruption. Plus I don't agree with the theory that Moon is more solid in the scrum - Genge is stronger there.

What advantage Moon does have is stability. He's a calmer character and a safer bet in the early minutes of a fractious match away in Wales. Do we trust Genge in a cauldron?

Puja

I Think I too would prefer Genge, plus I'd rather start him than have him come on after 65 minutes to a finely poised game...

Plus think how much fun Genge and Sinckler will have winding Wales up together

[Digby]

When was the last time Moon and Genge played 50+ minutes in a game?

[Stom]

When was the last time Moon and Genge played 50+ minutes in a game?

Any game?

Tigers last Prem game for Genge.
Exeter's last game of last year for Moon.

[fivepointer]

I'd start Moon on the basis he's a more reliable scrummager. There's not much in it and plainly Genge is a force with the ball. But set piece solidity will be key in Cardiff against a very good Welsh scrum.