6 Nations Squad 2022

[Scrumhead]

Squad announcement due at 11 (or possibly 12 - I’ve seen both mentioned).

Lots of rumours about unexpected names. So far this morning I’ve read some surprising ones like Orlando Bailey, Ruan Ackermann, Kyle Hatherell, Hassell-Collins and Luke Northmore and some less surprising ones like Alfie Barbeary and a recall for Jack Nowell.

There’s a few there I like or at least don’t mind but three real WTF selections … hopefully the truth is less surprising.

[Stom]

The squad is expanded at 36 names, so there's ample space for some WTF names. Plus, he can swap out more freely.

The flip side of this is that England players don't need to be vaccinated, but those players will be ineligible for France and Italy. So if I were the boss, I wouldn't be picking them. But Eddie will, as it's an excuse not to pick someone else.

[ad_tigger]

Having watch Quins quite a lot this season, I'm genuinely not sure how much of a surprise Luke Northmore would be. Also (even as a Tigers fan), I bloody wish that our ageing scrum-half bringing the young talent through was Danny Care rather than Ben Youngs. I'm not remotely a Youngs hater, but Care's form right now is absolutely ridiculous and there's no reason he can't still be playing well in a year or two's time (ain't going to happen though - I know that, but a boy (41) can dream right?)

[fivepointer]

30 of the names we'll probably all agree on. There's always the odd selection that leaves you scratching your head and this squad will be no different.
Bailey would be a good call in my view. I think he's a real talent and someone who could make the step up. Not just now but in a year or two he could be a viable contender. Would be typical of Jones to bring him in as an "apprentice"
Of the other names, I fully expect Nowell to be recalled and wouldnt be at all surprised if Northmore and Barbeary are included.
Inevitably there will be a few guys hard done by, one I think might be Radwan. I dont see Atkinson making the cut either.
Someone who should be there is Collier and its time Ribbans was given an opportunity.

[TheNomad]

Bailey certainly looks talented, and at the very least he's learning how to play on the back foot! He strikes me as someone you'd want to try and get on the pitch once he develops a bit - I wonder if he could play with Smith (who we should be building the backs around) in due course?

I quite like many of the names being mentioned, including Hassell-Collins, who I see as more deserving of a call than Lynagh - he's further ahead at this munite, as you'd expect him to be given experience/age

Some of them I've hardly seen frankly, but the squad should have some interesting options within it.

I'm not 100% sure Barbeary playing in the back row is the right long term call - is he quick enough for test rugby to play there - but it's where he wants to play, and so far his all round game seems to work pretty well there at club level and the guy has unbelievable power in tight spaces. Fingers crossed he can stay fit.

[Banquo]

30 of the names we'll probably all agree on. There's always the odd selection that leaves you scratching your head and this squad will be no different.
Bailey would be a good call in my view. I think he's a real talent and someone who could make the step up. Not just now but in a year or two he could be a viable contender. Would be typical of Jones to bring him in as an "apprentice"
Of the other names, I fully expect Nowell to be recalled and wouldnt be at all surprised if Northmore and Barbeary are included.
Inevitably there will be a few guys hard done by, one I think might be Radwan. I dont see Atkinson making the cut either.
Someone who should be there is Collier and its time Ribbans was given an opportunity.

Ribbans likely would have got one before, but for a red card. Nowell would be a triumph of hope over experience!

[Mikey Brown]

Is there a point when approaching the RWC where Jones drops the apprentice/3rd choice cannon fodder sort of selections or do we think he's set in his ways that having George Ford (for example) stood around watching Farrell and Smith run drills at 10 is completely pointless?

It makes sense to see to leave an opportunity for any late bolters, but with covid and injuries it just seems to leave too much opportunity for having to throw someone like Bailey in to a must-win game if things conspire against you. I don't know how easy call-ups will be this time around though.

[Peej]

It's Eddie, so there's bound to be at least 2 WTF selections.

Hassell-Collins definitely deserves a call. I could see Northmore getting in over Marchant (though with an expanded squad might not be necessary). Think someone like Martin might drop out. Nowell could earn a recall.

[SDHoneymonster]

Forwards

Alfie Barbeary (Wasps, uncapped)
Jamie Blamire (Newcastle Falcons, 5 caps)
Ollie Chessum, Leicester Tigers, uncapped)
Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs, 31 caps)
Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 36 caps)
Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins, 4 caps)
Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby, 26 caps)
Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers, 31 caps)
Jamie George (Saracens, 61 caps)
Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers, 2 caps)
Jonny Hill (Exeter Chiefs, 12 caps)
Maro Itoje (Saracens, 51 caps)
Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints, 90 caps)
Lewis Ludlam (Northampton Saints, 10 caps)
Joe Marler (Harlequins, 74 caps)
Bevan Rodd (Sale Sharks, 2 caps)
Sam Simmonds (Exeter Chiefs, 9 caps)
Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, 47 caps)
Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 15 caps)

Backs

Mark Atkinson (Gloucester Rugby, 1 cap)
Orlando Bailey (Bath Rugby, uncapped)
Owen Farrell (Saracens, 94 caps)
Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, uncapped)
George Furbank (Northampton Saints, 5 caps)
Ollie Hassell-Collins (London Irish, uncapped)
Max Malins (Saracens, 10 caps)
Joe Marchant (Harlequins, 7 caps)
Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby, 69 caps)
Luke Northmore (Harlequins, uncapped)
Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs, 34 caps)
Raffi Quirke (Sale Sharks, 2 caps)
Harry Randall (Bristol Bears, 2 caps)
Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 43 caps)
Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 5 caps)
Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 5 caps)
Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 112 caps)

Faz but no Manu. Underhill dropped!

[SDHoneymonster]

Suspect that means he's going to bite the bullet and start one of Dombrandt, Simmonds or Barbeary at 8 with Curry moving back to 7?

[Mikey Brown]

Seems pretty decent?

Chessum is an interesting one.

No Vunipolas, Underhill or Ford… I just don’t know what to say, but fine. Is Underhill injured again? Is Mako just done at the top level? I’m not convinced he’s been the same player for quite a while now.

Guys like Furbank and Atkinson I quite like, but just not sure how they fit in. Similarly Ludlum. Is he a genuine contender for the 23 or just a good squad guy? He’s certainly been playing well, but yes I’d like to see Curry just play 7 again.

[Tom Moore]

No Tuilagi is concerning.

[SDHoneymonster]

No Tuilagi is concerning.

Suspect he comes in later in the tournament if he doesn't suffer any ill effects upon return. Jones is less hamstrung by bubble restrictions this year.

[Raggs]

I really hope we don't see more of Atkinson, or if we do, he's stepped up a lot. He strikes me as a Le Bourgeois at this level, he can fill a hole when surrounded by quality, but not capable of impressing/holding it together himself.

[Oakboy]

I suppose one could argue that Jones can listen/change his mind with George's inclusion. Whether that gives the Vs, Ford or Underhill cause for hope is another matter.

In a year's time it will be interesting to see how many of today's squad on 5 caps or less remain. It may depend on how many get any game time. Presumably, Jones wants them in the camp to judge in that environment. How many are realistic (i.e. in the 23) selections? There is just insufficient time to try and discard. I have reservations about where we are at.

[Scrumhead]

Suspect that means he's going to bite the bullet and start one of Dombrandt, Simmonds or Barbeary at 8 with Curry moving back to 7?

Yep. That’s my assumption too.

Underhill may also be medical given his recent head injury/concussion history.

[Puja]

Seems pretty decent?

Chessum is an interesting one.

No Vunipolas, Underhill or Ford… I just don’t know what to say, but fine. Is Underhill injured again? Is Mako just done at the top level? I’m not convinced he’s been the same player for quite a while now.

Guys like Furbank and Atkinson I quite like, but just not sure how they fit in. Similarly Ludlum. Is he a genuine contender for the 23 or just a good squad guy? He’s certainly been playing well, but yes I’d like to see Curry just play 7 again.

I think Chessum's a decent pick. Young player who's really kicked on for Leicester this season, comfortable as a lock or a 6, very mobile around the park and has an excellent workrate. If we're picking a lock at 6, he's probably the form pick in the Prem and a very good Lawes understudy.

Not sure about Heyes at 3 - promising player, but deservedly behind Cole this season. Mind, Blamire's not exactly first choice either - I guess it does make sense to have third choice be players who can learn from the experience, but it does put us in a parlous position if there are a couple of injuries.

Here's a better format:

Genge
Marler
Rodd

George
LCD
Blamire

Sinckler
Stuart
Heyes

Itoje
Hill
Ewels

Lawes
Chessum
Curry
Ludlam
Simmonds
Dombrandt
Barbeary

Youngs
Randall
Quirke

Smith
Fazlet
Bailey

Slade
Marchant
Atkinson
Northmore

May
Nowell
Steward
Malins
Hassell-Collins
Furbank
Freeman


Puja

[Puja]

Underhill may also be medical given his recent head injury/concussion history.

I would assume that too.

Puja

[Banquo]

Good to see Freeman in.

I would bet Dingwall will be opting for Scotland soon as an aside.

[Puja]

Having watch Quins quite a lot this season, I'm genuinely not sure how much of a surprise Luke Northmore would be. Also (even as a Tigers fan), I bloody wish that our ageing scrum-half bringing the young talent through was Danny Care rather than Ben Youngs. I'm not remotely a Youngs hater, but Care's form right now is absolutely ridiculous and there's no reason he can't still be playing well in a year or two's time (ain't going to happen though - I know that, but a boy (41) can dream right?)

Not sure about the Care love. His passing's been highly erratic when I've seen him for Quins - he seems to send out two or three to Smith's feet every single game, whereas Youngs has been pretty solid for Leicester this season.

Good to see Freeman in.

I would bet Dingwall will be opting for Scotland soon as an aside.

Yeah, I'd've had Dingwall ahead of both Atkinson and Northmore (who made an utter howler of a mistake on Friday and seemed not to be able to recover, making three more in quick succession).

Puja

[Oakboy]

How good is Ludlam as a genuine international open-side? The only cover for Curry otherwise is some combination of Barbeary and Simmonds, both more natural 8s. Might t'other Curry not have found a spot if Underhill is medically unavailable?

[SDHoneymonster]

Personally think Ludlam's a bit unlucky not to have some more caps, although I think he's benefited in this particular squad selection from Kenningham picking up a fairly serious injury.

[SDHoneymonster]

Also: only really just clocked it but no Radwan or Daly.

[Scrumhead]

How good is Ludlam as a genuine international open-side? The only cover for Curry otherwise is some combination of Barbeary and Simmonds, both more natural 8s. Might t'other Curry not have found a spot if Underhill is medically unavailable?

Simmonds isn’t a ‘natural 8’ though. He might wear that number, but that’s about it. I’m pretty sure Eddie sees him as a flanker.

Ludlam can cut it at test level. He’s just not as good as Curry or Underhill. He’s been a lot more influential than Ben Curry this season IMO.

[Peej]

Ludlam is a bit of a Barritt type pick. Would do a job, but would always be a bit of a limiter. In my view, at least.

Northmore didn't have a great game on Friday, and I wonder if that is due to playing more at 12?

When do the clubs lose these players? Is it the next Prem round that they now aren't available?