England alternative back three

[Spiffy]

On current form :

Furbank Thorley O'Flaherty

[Digby]

I'd listen to an argument for Cokanasiga if he were fit, beyond that I've not seen anything that makes we want to drop any of May, Daly and Watson.

[Puja]

I'd listen to an argument for Cokanasiga if he were fit, beyond that I've not seen anything that makes we want to drop any of May, Daly and Watson.

Did you not manage to catch the RWC final?

I've been very impressed by the way Furbank's kicked on this year. Watching him last year, I thought he was going to be another Mike Haley - a good solid Premiership trier who just lacked that extra bit of quality to make the top level - but he really has moved up a gear. I don't know he's ready for England yet, but I can see him being ready pretty soon at this rate.

Puja

[Spiffy]

I'd listen to an argument for Cokanasiga if he were fit, beyond that I've not seen anything that makes we want to drop any of May, Daly and Watson.

Yes. But I'd switch Daly and Watson positionally. Not really suggesting they be dropped - just impressed by the zip of those three young players. Cockanasiga is good too. The coach should always have the makeup of the training squad under consideration, never mind the starters.

[Oakboy]

I'd listen to an argument for Cokanasiga if he were fit, beyond that I've not seen anything that makes we want to drop any of May, Daly and Watson.

Yes. But I'd switch Daly and Watson positionally. Not really suggesting they be dropped - just impressed by the zip of those three young players. Cockanasiga is good too. The coach should always have the makeup of the training squad under consideration, never mind the starters.

Agreed but the wing selection for the RWC in Japan suggests that Jones was somewhat confused.

[Digby]

I'd listen to an argument for Cokanasiga if he were fit, beyond that I've not seen anything that makes we want to drop any of May, Daly and Watson.

Did you not manage to catch the RWC final?

I've been very impressed by the way Furbank's kicked on this year. Watching him last year, I thought he was going to be another Mike Haley - a good solid Premiership trier who just lacked that extra bit of quality to make the top level - but he really has moved up a gear. I don't know he's ready for England yet, but I can see him being ready pretty soon at this rate.

Puja

I did catch the final, and I don't really hold Daly to account for the scrum, or the penalties, or losing contact, or...

[Scrumhead]

I'd listen to an argument for Cokanasiga if he were fit, beyond that I've not seen anything that makes we want to drop any of May, Daly and Watson.

Did you not manage to catch the RWC final?

I've been very impressed by the way Furbank's kicked on this year. Watching him last year, I thought he was going to be another Mike Haley - a good solid Premiership trier who just lacked that extra bit of quality to make the top level - but he really has moved up a gear. I don't know he's ready for England yet, but I can see him being ready pretty soon at this rate.

Puja

Daly at 15 clearly isn’t the way forward and as it stands, I’m not sure I’d have him on the wing either. I wonder whether putting him in the 23 shirt might give him the kick up the ass, his recent performances justify.

Agreed on Furbank. If he continues on his current trajectory, he’s got to be in with a shout.

Going back to the OP, I’m also a big fan of Thorley, but apart from last weekend, he’s not been in sparkling form this season. I think he offers some similarities to Nowell in terms of his physicality and doggedness with added pace so I’d definitely be open to giving him a shot.

O’Flaherty has also impressed me this season. I just think he’s a 5th/6th choice type of player.