Team for Italy

[Scrumhead]

Italy have picked a second string side (11 changes from last week).

No disrespect to them, but we should win fairly easily, so the most important thing is really coming through unscathed.

Hopefully McConnochie and Marchant have good games and we see a bit of Kvesic off the bench.

[Banquo]

Italy have picked a second string side (11 changes from last week).

No disrespect to them, but we should win fairly easily, so the most important thing is really coming through unscathed.

Hopefully McConnochie and Marchant have good games and we see a bit of Kvesic off the bench.

what a pointless match this is.

[Mikey Brown]

Italy have picked a second string side (11 changes from last week).

No disrespect to them, but we should win fairly easily, so the most important thing is really coming through unscathed.

Hopefully McConnochie and Marchant have good games and we see a bit of Kvesic off the bench.

what a pointless match this is.

Yup. If checking that McConnochie is a worthy 5th choice winger and letting Curry "practice" wearing a different shirt is all anybody can come up with it doesn't seem worth the injury risk.

[Mellsblue]

Money in the coffers and spreading the game to the dispossessed. Accept it for what it is. I’m just happy to watching England without an eight hour round trip.

[Banquo]

Italy have picked a second string side (11 changes from last week).

No disrespect to them, but we should win fairly easily, so the most important thing is really coming through unscathed.

Hopefully McConnochie and Marchant have good games and we see a bit of Kvesic off the bench.

what a pointless match this is.

Yup. If checking that McConnochie is a worthy 5th choice winger and letting Curry "practice" wearing a different shirt is all anybody can come up with it doesn't seem worth the injury risk.

its slightly worse as playing Italy's second team doesn't really 'check' anything!

[Renniks]

I guess it might show are we likely to fluff the first two games of the RWC or are we going to be okay there…

[Epaminondas Pules]

what a pointless match this is.

Yup. If checking that McConnochie is a worthy 5th choice winger and letting Curry "practice" wearing a different shirt is all anybody can come up with it doesn't seem worth the injury risk.

its slightly worse as playing Italy's second team doesn't really 'check' anything!

I suppose in a sense how well does a predominant second XV work against lesser opposition as we’re facing first two games of the comp.

[Banquo]

Yup. If checking that McConnochie is a worthy 5th choice winger and letting Curry "practice" wearing a different shirt is all anybody can come up with it doesn't seem worth the injury risk.

its slightly worse as playing Italy's second team doesn't really 'check' anything!

I suppose in a sense how well does a predominant second XV work against lesser opposition as we’re facing first two games of the comp.

Wholly different context. Other than maybe the Italian second XV trying to prove a few points at the same time as not wanting to get injured; I reckon we have 8 1st XV starting and a few of the bench too- Vunipola is the big risk, and wouldn't it make more sense to have Wilson starting at 8.

[jngf]

Feeling for Wilson - he played an absolutely storming season coming in at 6 - now the dream ticket wunderkinders of Underhill and Curry have managed to throw their hats in the ring (successfully and correctly) look the way forward, weve got to understand who is second choice 8 to understand all this.

Playing a ‘Lewis Moodyesque’ style blindside such as Ludlum or Curry is exciting and has its merits in warm weather open rugby conditions however when it comes to the winter months of the 6 Nations I expect we may well see a return to a more traditional workhorse 6 like Wilson or even a comeback from Robshaw. For teams like the boks who often play a fastish lock in their 7 (blindside in SA) shirt - it will be tempting for Eddie to start Lawes at 6 imo.

[Banquo]

Feeling for Wilson - he played an absolutely storming season coming in at 6 - now the dream ticket wunderkinders of Underhill and Curry have managed to throw their hats in the ring (successfully and correctly) look the way forward, weve got to understand who is second choice 8 to understand all this.

Playing a ‘Lewis Moodyesque’ style blindside such as Ludlum or Curry is exciting and has its merits in warm weather open rugby conditions however when it comes to the winter months of the 6 Nations I expect we may well see a return to a more traditional workhorse 6 like Wilson or even a comeback from Robshaw. For teams like the boks who often play a fastish lock in their 7 (blindside in SA) shirt - it will be tempting for Eddie to start Lawes at 6 imo.

Eh?

[Epaminondas Pules]

Feeling for Wilson - he played an absolutely storming season coming in at 6 - now the dream ticket wunderkinders of Underhill and Curry have managed to throw their hats in the ring (successfully and correctly) look the way forward, weve got to understand who is second choice 8 to understand all this.

Playing a ‘Lewis Moodyesque’ style blindside such as Ludlum or Curry is exciting and has its merits in warm weather open rugby conditions however when it comes to the winter months of the 6 Nations I expect we may well see a return to a more traditional workhorse 6 like Wilson or even a comeback from Robshaw. For teams like the boks who often play a fastish lock in their 7 (blindside in SA) shirt - it will be tempting for Eddie to start Lawes at 6 imo.

Eh?

Had the exact same thought

Mind I thought ‘eh’ at the rest of it too.

[Epaminondas Pules]

its slightly worse as playing Italy's second team doesn't really 'check' anything!

I suppose in a sense how well does a predominant second XV work against lesser opposition as we’re facing first two games of the comp.

Wholly different context. Other than maybe the Italian second XV trying to prove a few points at the same time as not wanting to get injured; I reckon we have 8 1st XV starting and a few of the bench too- Vunipola is the big risk, and wouldn't it make more sense to have Wilson starting at 8.

He is a risk, though seems maybe is better with game time. Would’ve maybe been marginally worthwhile to see the alternative 8 play some time there just in case like. Though caveat that Wilson has had a knock.

[Mikey Brown]

Playing a ‘Lewis Moodyesque’ style blindside such as Ludlum or Curry is exciting and has its merits in warm weather open rugby conditions however when it comes to the winter months of the 6 Nations I expect we may well see a return to a more traditional workhorse 6 like Wilson or even a comeback from Robshaw. For teams like the boks who often play a fastish lock in their 7 (blindside in SA) shirt - it will be tempting for Eddie to start Lawes at 6 imo.

Eh?

Had the exact same thought

There are 3 kinds of blindside; ones who run around a lot, ones who stand by the ruck and tackle people, then there's blindsides who are actually just locks. There are no grey areas. How is that so confusing?

[Banquo]

Playing a ‘Lewis Moodyesque’ style blindside such as Ludlum or Curry is exciting and has its merits in warm weather open rugby conditions however when it comes to the winter months of the 6 Nations I expect we may well see a return to a more traditional workhorse 6 like Wilson or even a comeback from Robshaw. For teams like the boks who often play a fastish lock in their 7 (blindside in SA) shirt - it will be tempting for Eddie to start Lawes at 6 imo.

Eh?

Had the exact same thought

Mind I thought ‘eh’ at the rest of it too.

I didn't get any further.

[Scrumhead]

Just no ...

[Banquo]

I suppose in a sense how well does a predominant second XV work against lesser opposition as we’re facing first two games of the comp.

Wholly different context. Other than maybe the Italian second XV trying to prove a few points at the same time as not wanting to get injured; I reckon we have 8 1st XV starting and a few of the bench too- Vunipola is the big risk, and wouldn't it make more sense to have Wilson starting at 8.

He is a risk, though seems maybe is better with game time. Would’ve maybe been marginally worthwhile to see the alternative 8 play some time there just in case like. Though caveat that Wilson has had a knock.

Doesn't seem to preclude him playing 7 v Italy though

[Oakboy]

Is Singleton injured?

[Which Tyler]

what a pointless match this is.

Yup. If checking that McConnochie is a worthy 5th choice winger and letting Curry "practice" wearing a different shirt is all anybody can come up with it doesn't seem worth the injury risk.

its slightly worse as playing Italy's second team doesn't really 'check' anything!

I disagree; you can still check units, communication, whether someone cracks under pressure, try specific plays. etc etc
Otherwise we might as well say that pre-season friendlies, and training is useless as the opponents are typically not particularly challenging.

[Banquo]

Yup. If checking that McConnochie is a worthy 5th choice winger and letting Curry "practice" wearing a different shirt is all anybody can come up with it doesn't seem worth the injury risk.

its slightly worse as playing Italy's second team doesn't really 'check' anything!

I disagree; you can still check units, communication, whether someone cracks under pressure, try specific plays. etc etc
Otherwise we might as well say that pre-season friendlies, and training is useless as the opponents are typically not particularly challenging.

Pressure being the operative word. Think you are slightly over-reaching with the last part. One is prep for a world cup, the other, isn't; in any case, training especially, should be challenging. I was never much of a fan of pre-season friendlies as player or coach tbh, but that's a personal thing.

[Stom]

Yup. If checking that McConnochie is a worthy 5th choice winger and letting Curry "practice" wearing a different shirt is all anybody can come up with it doesn't seem worth the injury risk.

its slightly worse as playing Italy's second team doesn't really 'check' anything!

I disagree; you can still check units, communication, whether someone cracks under pressure, try specific plays. etc etc
Otherwise we might as well say that pre-season friendlies, and training is useless as the opponents are typically not particularly challenging.

But inviting Jersey Reds to give a run out would probably be more challenging than Italy's 2nd XV...

[fivepointer]

Braley and Sisi starting for Italy.
Their side doesnt look that strong and England should win easily.
I suppose there is value in certain players getting a run and a a few combinations being given game time.
Looking back, it might have made more sense to start with Italy and end with Ireland or Wales.

[Puja]

Braley and Sisi starting for Italy.
Their side doesnt look that strong and England should win easily.
I suppose there is value in certain players getting a run and a a few combinations being given game time.
Looking back, it might have made more sense to start with Italy and end with Ireland or Wales.

No fear. I'd much rather have a loosener as the last game than an actual challenge. The actual warmups took place where there was still time for niggles to heal and now this is just an exercise in keeping those who need it warm. We don't want more than an opposed training run.

Puja

[morepork]

Braley and Sisi starting for Italy.
Their side doesnt look that strong and England should win easily.
I suppose there is value in certain players getting a run and a a few combinations being given game time.
Looking back, it might have made more sense to start with Italy and end with Ireland or Wales.

No fear. I'd much rather have a loosener as the last game than an actual challenge. The actual warmups took place where there was still time for niggles to heal and now this is just an exercise in keeping those who need it warm. We don't want more than an opposed training run.

Puja

Italian fans everywhere will be thrilled with the respect paid.

[Puja]

Braley and Sisi starting for Italy.
Their side doesnt look that strong and England should win easily.
I suppose there is value in certain players getting a run and a a few combinations being given game time.
Looking back, it might have made more sense to start with Italy and end with Ireland or Wales.

No fear. I'd much rather have a loosener as the last game than an actual challenge. The actual warmups took place where there was still time for niggles to heal and now this is just an exercise in keeping those who need it warm. We don't want more than an opposed training run.

Puja

Italian fans everywhere will be thrilled with the respect paid.

To be fair, they're putting out their reserves, so they started the not-respecting.

Puja

[morepork]

You have to respect their right to do that.