6 Nations 2020

[Oakboy]

I do think that Simmonds might be a good replacement for Wilson as a backrower on the bench able to come on in any position. That is always preferable to a shuffle, IMO.

However, I'd pick Curry ahead of Underhill if ever there had to be a straight choice for either the 6 or 7 shirt.

I think Curry has the more specialist openside skillset in terms of playing like a the linkman in support (and have a concern that playing him as a makeshift blindside risks gradually de-skilling that side of his play) - balanced against that is the shear physical presence in defence and the makings of a great explosive ball carrying game from Underhill and just feel out of all our backrow forwards he’s the one with X factor that a Lions side would pick at 7 and the more Curry plays out of position the wider what I perceive what is currently a slight gap between him and Underhill will become.

I said ages ago that if I was going to pick both in the same back row I'd have Underhill at 6 and Curry at 7. I can't stand the Lions but I suspect that Underhill's style of play will always make him injury prone and unlikely to suit a high pressure tour. He'd not be my choice to play against SA. Although he is equally injury prone, Willis is a better player, IMO.

[Banquo]

I do think that Simmonds might be a good replacement for Wilson as a backrower on the bench able to come on in any position. That is always preferable to a shuffle, IMO.

However, I'd pick Curry ahead of Underhill if ever there had to be a straight choice for either the 6 or 7 shirt.

I think Curry has the more specialist openside skillset in terms of playing like a the linkman in support (and have a concern that playing him as a makeshift blindside risks gradually de-skilling that side of his play) - balanced against that is the shear physical presence in defence and the makings of a great explosive ball carrying game from Underhill and just feel out of all our backrow forwards he’s the one with X factor that a Lions side would pick at 7 and the more Curry plays out of position the wider what I perceive what is currently a slight gap between him and Underhill will become.

I said ages ago that if I was going to pick both in the same back row I'd have Underhill at 6 and Curry at 7. I can't stand the Lions but I suspect that Underhill's style of play will always make him injury prone and unlikely to suit a high pressure tour. He'd not be my choice to play against SA. Although he is equally injury prone, Willis is a better player, IMO.

Their roles haven't changed much if at all outside the setpiece through 'swapping numbers'.

[Scrumhead]

Agreed. From an attacking POV, Underhill seems to be doing more heavy carrying and Curry more link play.

Wilson’s injury opens a door for Willis or Earl and I’d back both to come in and make their mark if given the opportunity. Both cover all three back row positions too which make them good bench options. Earl is more of a Hooper/Savea style of flanker and might have the edge as an impact sub as he offers a more dynamic running game whereas Willis is similar to what we already have with Curry and Underhill. That’s not a bad thing and I’d base my selection on what I wanted from the bench so it’s a nice problem to have.

Ludlam has credit in the bank, but on form, he’ll be lucky if he’s not leapfrogged.

[Banquo]

Agreed. From an attacking POV, Underhill seems to be doing more heavy carrying and Curry more link play.

Wilson’s injury opens a door for Willis or Earl and I’d back both to come in and make their mark if given the opportunity. Both cover all three back row positions too which make them good bench options. Earl is more of a Hooper/Savea style of flanker and might have the edge as an impact sub as he offers a more dynamic running game whereas Willis is similar to what we already have with Curry and Underhill. That’s not a bad thing and I’d base my selection on what I wanted from the bench so it’s a nice problem to have.

Ludlam has credit in the bank, but on form, he’ll be lucky if he’s not leapfrogged.

I'm thinking the number switch is purely because Eddie wanted to stick Underhill at openside at scrum time to use his destructive tackling there. I would say though that our blindside defence of scrums has looked a little iffy.

[francoisfou]

Possibly most interesting French squad member name since Patrice Tobacco, Elvis Vermeillon or going back a little earlier Jean Condom

also a Poirot still in the squad.

As French as French Fries

Indeed, Jefferson Poirot is 100% French - born in L'Isle-Adam (Val d'Oise département NW of Paris).
His dad, Hercule, would've been proud.

[Spiffy]

also a Poirot still in the squad.

As French as French Fries

Indeed, Jefferson Poirot is 100% French - born in L'Isle-Adam (Val d'Oise département NW of Paris).
His dad, Hercule, would've been proud.

But Hercule was Belgian.

[Digby]

As French as French Fries

Indeed, Jefferson Poirot is 100% French - born in L'Isle-Adam (Val d'Oise département NW of Paris).
His dad, Hercule, would've been proud.

But Hercule was Belgian.

So are French Fries

[Freddo]

Anyone know when the squad is announced?

[Mikey Brown]

Had no idea where to put this. Just wanted to comment on the insane pass Irribaren (sp) just did. Can't remember if he's in the squad but that's exactly the sort of absurd nonsense that I want to see French backs doing. Was it Yachvilli who used to love those 30 metre reverse passes?

[francoisfou]

Had no idea where to put this. Just wanted to comment on the insane pass Irribaren (sp) just did. Can't remember if he's in the squad but that's exactly the sort of absurd nonsense that I want to see French backs doing. Was it Yachvilli who used to love those 30 metre reverse passes?

No, he’s not in the 6N squad, but that was an amazing pass. Surely he can’t be far down the pecking order of French 9s.

[Mikey Brown]

Had no idea where to put this. Just wanted to comment on the insane pass Irribaren (sp) just did. Can't remember if he's in the squad but that's exactly the sort of absurd nonsense that I want to see French backs doing. Was it Yachvilli who used to love those 30 metre reverse passes?

No, he’s not in the 6N squad, but that was an amazing pass. Surely he can’t be far down the pecking order of French 9s.

Yep. Dupont seems to be the obvious future at the moment. But who knows, you’ll probably try him at tight-head and mess with his confidence.



I just can’t get over it. Imagine having the balls to try that.

[jngf]

Had no idea where to put this. Just wanted to comment on the insane pass Irribaren (sp) just did. Can't remember if he's in the squad but that's exactly the sort of absurd nonsense that I want to see French backs doing. Was it Yachvilli who used to love those 30 metre reverse passes?

No, he’s not in the 6N squad, but that was an amazing pass. Surely he can’t be far down the pecking order of French 9s.

Yep. Dupont seems to be the obvious future at the moment. But who knows, you’ll probably try him at tight-head and mess with his confidence.



I just can’t get over it. Imagine having the balls to try that.

I’m not going to hold my breath in anticipation of Youngs trying something like that ...

[Mikey Brown]

I really don't think I would want him to try.

[Mellsblue]

No, he’s not in the 6N squad, but that was an amazing pass. Surely he can’t be far down the pecking order of French 9s.

Yep. Dupont seems to be the obvious future at the moment. But who knows, you’ll probably try him at tight-head and mess with his confidence.



I just can’t get over it. Imagine having the balls to try that.

I’m not going to hold my breath in anticipation of Youngs trying something like that ...

If he does try it I’ll be holding my breath whilst hiding behind the sofa. In part because I don’t want to see the outcome and in part because, given his accuracy with standard passes, I may be in danger of being hit on the head even in N Yorkshire.

[Beasties]

Yep. Dupont seems to be the obvious future at the moment. But who knows, you’ll probably try him at tight-head and mess with his confidence.



I just can’t get over it. Imagine having the balls to try that.

I’m not going to hold my breath in anticipation of Youngs trying something like that ...

If he does try it I’ll be holding my breath whilst hiding behind the sofa. In part because I don’t want to see the outcome and in part because, given his accuracy with standard passes, I may be in danger of being hit on the head even in N Yorkshire.

Very good work sir.

[Puja]

Had no idea where to put this. Just wanted to comment on the insane pass Irribaren (sp) just did. Can't remember if he's in the squad but that's exactly the sort of absurd nonsense that I want to see French backs doing. Was it Yachvilli who used to love those 30 metre reverse passes?

No, he’s not in the 6N squad, but that was an amazing pass. Surely he can’t be far down the pecking order of French 9s.

Yep. Dupont seems to be the obvious future at the moment. But who knows, you’ll probably try him at tight-head and mess with his confidence.



I just can’t get over it. Imagine having the balls to try that.

That is utterly, utterly ridiculous. What a piece of skill.

Puja

[Croft_No.5]

You can see that from where the GIF starts he is looking along the line to see what options are outside and must make up his mind right on the spot. It is class

[Timbo]

Could have just thrown a normal pass off his left hand, but whatever...

[Digby]

You think then Owen Farrell is revising his left to right passing? Though it does look like his actions help narrow the defence before throwing the reverse pass, and red 11 drops his arms once the ball is being held to move off the left

[Mikey Brown]

Could have just thrown a normal pass off his left hand, but whatever...

The GIF makes it look like he just did it for a laugh.

The move broke down and he’d turned back towards the ruck when all the outside defence suddenly rushed it. It was fantastic.

And yes, better than Farrell can pass normally in that direction.

[Digby]

What I can't judge is whether he's remotely placed the ball into the path of Thomas, or whether he's just wanged it to the outside and it happens to have worked out well. But I like seeing people try things so fair play to him whatever

[Mikey Brown]

You can see it better on here. It’s not like Thomas doesn’t change his line, but he clears the defensive line and the guy trying to block the initial pass so any decent winger should be getting on the end of that.

http://sport.bt.com/outrageous-back-of- ... 4424506687

Thomas’s second finish however was insane.

[Digby]

It's not the line he puts on it it's the depth I wonder about. It worked so fair play, but could he rinse and repeat?

[Digby]

Anyone know when the squad is announced?

Next Monday

[morepork]

He saw, like any conscious sentient being, that there was a mah-hassive overlap outside. The reverse fling is a nice touch for those that have not the space to set up one of those kick pass things that are all the rage.