Tonga

[richy678]

I'm scared of injuries really badly now.

[Banquo]

Its a very sensible selection given our schedule.
Several first choice players can be stood down for the USA game and have a decent rest leading into Argentina. Provides an extra few days for those with injuries and does allow the Curry/Underhill flanker combo another run, plus Slade comes into the 23.

Slade really needs a run, but if Ford and Faz are 10/12 with Manu at 13 as first choice, can't quite see where he fits, save Ford goes off and everyone moves in one.

[Stom]

Its a very sensible selection given our schedule.
Several first choice players can be stood down for the USA game and have a decent rest leading into Argentina. Provides an extra few days for those with injuries and does allow the Curry/Underhill flanker combo another run, plus Slade comes into the 23.

Slade really needs a run, but if Ford and Faz are 10/12 with Manu at 13 as first choice, can't quite see where he fits, save Ford goes off and everyone moves in one.

Or Farrell goes off.

I don't like Ford at 10 for this game.

Tonga will send runners at him all day long, if he gets hurt, we're fooked.

Plus, Woodentop and all the useless pundits will talk about how he gave up sooo many metres and should be replaced by the iceman...who probably missed 3 tackles on his own.

BTW, just to highlight the fact that WC Final winning teams only play 1 game together...

I don't believe this team has ever played together. As a XV.

[Banquo]

Its a very sensible selection given our schedule.
Several first choice players can be stood down for the USA game and have a decent rest leading into Argentina. Provides an extra few days for those with injuries and does allow the Curry/Underhill flanker combo another run, plus Slade comes into the 23.

Slade really needs a run, but if Ford and Faz are 10/12 with Manu at 13 as first choice, can't quite see where he fits, save Ford goes off and everyone moves in one.

Or Farrell goes off.

I don't like Ford at 10 for this game.

Tonga will send runners at him all day long, if he gets hurt, we're fooked.

Plus, Woodentop and all the useless pundits will talk about how he gave up sooo many metres and should be replaced by the iceman...who probably missed 3 tackles on his own.

BTW, just to highlight the fact that WC Final winning teams only play 1 game together...

I don't believe this team has ever played together. As a XV.

True, it may happen in this game; but can't see EJ doing that in the major games, no matter what I think of Faz.

[Stom]

Slade really needs a run, but if Ford and Faz are 10/12 with Manu at 13 as first choice, can't quite see where he fits, save Ford goes off and everyone moves in one.

Or Farrell goes off.

I don't like Ford at 10 for this game.

Tonga will send runners at him all day long, if he gets hurt, we're fooked.

Plus, Woodentop and all the useless pundits will talk about how he gave up sooo many metres and should be replaced by the iceman...who probably missed 3 tackles on his own.

BTW, just to highlight the fact that WC Final winning teams only play 1 game together...

I don't believe this team has ever played together. As a XV.

True, it may happen in this game; but can't see EJ doing that in the major games, no matter what I think of Faz.

I'd rather Ford came off in this one, he needs to be wrapped in cotton wool if we want to win this thing.

[Banquo]

Or Farrell goes off.

I don't like Ford at 10 for this game.

Tonga will send runners at him all day long, if he gets hurt, we're fooked.

Plus, Woodentop and all the useless pundits will talk about how he gave up sooo many metres and should be replaced by the iceman...who probably missed 3 tackles on his own.

BTW, just to highlight the fact that WC Final winning teams only play 1 game together...

I don't believe this team has ever played together. As a XV.

True, it may happen in this game; but can't see EJ doing that in the major games, no matter what I think of Faz.

I'd rather Ford came off in this one, he needs to be wrapped in cotton wool if we want to win this thing.

I guess it doesn't really matter too much in this game that, that would mean a bit of a shuffle. Unless you lob Slade into what should be his best position of 12

[fivepointer]

Understand why you might want to keep players out of the firing line but injuries can occur at any time, in any game.
In a 31 man squad (or 26/27 with those unavailable) you have little option but to put players out on the field. If they cop an unfortunate injury, we just have to deal with it.

[Scrumhead]

Yeah. I fear injuries, but we can’t base our decision making on that possibility.

I think Eddie’s going for a statement victory and then looking to make a lot of changes for the USA game.

[Banquo]

Understand why you might want to keep players out of the firing line but injuries can occur at any time, in any game.
In a 31 man squad (or 26/27 with those unavailable) you have little option but to put players out on the field. If they cop an unfortunate injury, we just have to deal with it.

This.

My only worry is consigning Billy to another likely 80 minutes, he is so pivotal and it feels unnecessary. I don't like the squad make up as before, we are carrying too many back three passengers.

[Banquo]

Yeah. I fear injuries, but we can’t base our decision making on that possibility.

I think Eddie’s going for a statement victory and then looking to make a lot of changes for the USA game.

Think he's giving his first team a run out, still a lot of relatively new combos.

[Stom]

Understand why you might want to keep players out of the firing line but injuries can occur at any time, in any game.
In a 31 man squad (or 26/27 with those unavailable) you have little option but to put players out on the field. If they cop an unfortunate injury, we just have to deal with it.

Yeah, but it's risk mitigation.

The drop off between Ford and Farrell at 10 is so huge and Tonga will run big men down the 10 channel all day long.

Against a normal team, there's no problem. But the risk of injury for a slight 10 is greater against Tonga than against any other team (except SA, but the risk of injury is greater for the entire XV against them!)

[Scrumhead]

Tonga’s side is out now. Some mean looking dudes in there but few I’m familiar with.

Ironically for all of their power, the one player I would have been most wary of is Telusa Veainu and he’s not playing.

Cooper Vuna is playing 12 with Siale Piuatau at 13. They’re both big, tough blokes, but I don’t think we should be unduly worried about the 10/12 channel. In any case, they need the ball to run those moves so the easiest way for us to defend that is to deny them that opportunity.

Foot on the throat from minute 1 please boys.

[Peej]

Some big guys who will hit people hard if they come too close undoubtedly, but if we move the ball and play with tempo then they will struggle and tire.

[TheDasher]

If we're tonking them then we need to get Billy, Manu, Itoje, George and Ford of the pitch immediately...

This is why I asked about Ludlam at 8 the other day... If we're more than 20 up, just throw him on there to get Billy off.

Would be a travesty if any of those chaps I mentioned get injured.

[Mikey Brown]

True, it may happen in this game; but can't see EJ doing that in the major games, no matter what I think of Faz.

I'd rather Ford came off in this one, he needs to be wrapped in cotton wool if we want to win this thing.

I guess it doesn't really matter too much in this game that, that would mean a bit of a shuffle. Unless you lob Slade into what should be his best position of 12

I’d be curious to know how many variations they’re running in training. I’m guessing Farrell is at 12 for a lot of them. Assuming Slade is even fit enough to participate you’d think you’d have him at least practice in the Farrell role, rather than have to shift Tuilagi were Farrell to get injured.

Slade and EJ both see Slade as a 13 so it’s probably moot, but it seems odd now EJ has accepted Tuilagi is best at 13 to not consider it.

This is all assuming Slade is pencilled in for the 22 shirt, which may not be correct at all.

[Epaminondas Pules]

Its a very sensible selection given our schedule.
Several first choice players can be stood down for the USA game and have a decent rest leading into Argentina. Provides an extra few days for those with injuries and does allow the Curry/Underhill flanker combo another run, plus Slade comes into the 23.

Slade really needs a run, but if Ford and Faz are 10/12 with Manu at 13 as first choice, can't quite see where he fits, save Ford goes off and everyone moves in one.

Or take two off and play Slade at 12 and JJ at 13, or Slade (10), Manu (12), JJ (13). Though I’d be surprised if Manu played 80.

[Epaminondas Pules]

Understand why you might want to keep players out of the firing line but injuries can occur at any time, in any game.
In a 31 man squad (or 26/27 with those unavailable) you have little option but to put players out on the field. If they cop an unfortunate injury, we just have to deal with it.

Yeah, but it's risk mitigation.

The drop off between Ford and Farrell at 10 is so huge and Tonga will run big men down the 10 channel all day long.

Against a normal team, there's no problem. But the risk of injury for a slight 10 is greater against Tonga than against any other team (except SA, but the risk of injury is greater for the entire XV against them!)

Everyone runs big men down the 10 channel. Why would Tonga’s be any more risky than any other team?

[Banquo]

I'd rather Ford came off in this one, he needs to be wrapped in cotton wool if we want to win this thing.

I guess it doesn't really matter too much in this game that, that would mean a bit of a shuffle. Unless you lob Slade into what should be his best position of 12

I’d be curious to know how many variations they’re running in training. I’m guessing Farrell is at 12 for a lot of them. Assuming Slade is even fit enough to participate you’d think you’d have him at least practice in the Farrell role, rather than have to shift Tuilagi were Farrell to get injured.

Slade and EJ both see Slade as a 13 so it’s probably moot, but it seems odd now EJ has accepted Tuilagi is best at 13 to not consider it.

This is all assuming Slade is pencilled in for the 22 shirt, which may not be correct at all.

yep, all a bit lastminute.com

[Banquo]

Its a very sensible selection given our schedule.
Several first choice players can be stood down for the USA game and have a decent rest leading into Argentina. Provides an extra few days for those with injuries and does allow the Curry/Underhill flanker combo another run, plus Slade comes into the 23.

Slade really needs a run, but if Ford and Faz are 10/12 with Manu at 13 as first choice, can't quite see where he fits, save Ford goes off and everyone moves in one.

Or take two off and play Slade at 12 and JJ at 13, or Slade (10), Manu (12), JJ (13). Though I’d be surprised if Manu played 80.

well it would have been nice to see Slade at 10 or 12 before in an international, rather than waiting til the World Cup . I really want JJ to play 13 in the big games, but its not looking likely. I'd love to see Ford, Manu, JJ.

[p/d]

Understand why you might want to keep players out of the firing line but injuries can occur at any time, in any game.
In a 31 man squad (or 26/27 with those unavailable) you have little option but to put players out on the field. If they cop an unfortunate injury, we just have to deal with it.

Yeah, but it's risk mitigation.

The drop off between Ford and Farrell at 10 is so huge and Tonga will run big men down the 10 channel all day long.

Against a normal team, there's no problem. But the risk of injury for a slight 10 is greater against Tonga than against any other team (except SA, but the risk of injury is greater for the entire XV against them!)

Everyone runs big men down the 10 channel. Why would Tonga’s be any more risky than any other team?

Exactly. Such over reaction. Ford faces big men charging down his channel every game he plays. More likely to be injured by a stray boot from a fellow teammate