Uncapped players

[Mellsblue]

I'm sure it will be a bigger squad as the Prem final will mean we will be without players for the Barbarians game. If, say, Exeter and Bath contest the final we could be without a dozen or more squad members.
I think the workload over 7/8 weeks means a squad of around 40 is odds on.

I’m sure Eddie said that BaaBaas aside, as is usual, he has no intention of doing any different when selecting squad size and members. That said, what Eddie says and what Eddie does.....

[fivepointer]

Personally I feel Joe Heyes needs to be capped this year.
Even if he isn't starting for Tigers.
The welsh are chasing after him hard currently, and with at his age it would be more longer term investment since realistically he should be coming into his "prime age" in 3 more years, and promising tightheads are far harder to get than Centres that we have already lost.
I mean a bench spot v Georgia or Italy would be it.

Might be worth a punt.
Once you get past Sinckler, Stuart and Williams you are looking at either a youngster like Heyes, or bringing in an experienced Prem player like Brooks, Hill or Cooper-Woolley.
Sinckler and Stuart should have years in them, but creating a larger pool of available TH's is a good idea.

[fivepointer]

Luke James very good last night i thought. Looks to be a very solid all rounder with good skills and decision making.

Is he Matt Perry pace wise or quicker?

i'd say a touch quicker.
He just has the look of quiet efficiency about his game. No frills, but he knows where and when to join the attack, stays composed and doesn't make dull errors.
He's worth a look at in a position we dont have much depth in.

[Scrumhead]

With Lawes likely out, I wonder if it opens the door for Ribbans? He’s been one of the better players in a poor Saints side and has a lot of qualities Eddie would like.

I wouldn’t rule out Stooke either given he’s been in previous extended squads.

[Peej]

Are we talking Ted or Jonny?

I was talking Jonny. There's a hole left alongside Itoje and (to my mind) he's the form candidate to fill it.

Puja

As was I

[Scrumhead]

Personally I feel Joe Heyes needs to be capped this year.
Even if he isn't starting for Tigers.
The welsh are chasing after him hard currently, and with at his age it would be more longer term investment since realistically he should be coming into his "prime age" in 3 more years, and promising tightheads are far harder to get than Centres that we have already lost.
I mean a bench spot v Georgia or Italy would be it.

Might be worth a punt.
Once you get past Sinckler, Stuart and Williams you are looking at either a youngster like Heyes, or bringing in an experienced Prem player like Brooks, Hill or Cooper-Woolley.
Sinckler and Stuart should have years in them, but creating a larger pool of available TH's is a good idea.

Agreed. Heyes is looking pretty good and is getting regular game time.

Street and Petch at Exeter are highly rated but haven’t yet seen enough game time to warrant a closer look yet.

I quite like the look of Jack Stanley from what I’ve seen so far in his short time at Gloucester. He’s a big lad who looks solid at scrum time and a decent carrier. He didn’t make it at Exeter and Edinburgh but perhaps he’s a slightly later bloomer (he’s 24).