Italy v England, Saturday 3 Feb 2024, 2.15pm (ITV)

[Banquo]

The Read comparison seems quite apt, and clearly not meant to be a measure of proven quality or impact at the top level. It's the pondering that worries me though. He actually had quite a few good individual moments but he just looked so unsure of himself in the 6 nations last year.

Earl is a funny one. I'm curious if Borthwick actually views him as an 8 long term or is waiting for someone specific to grow in to the role. I understand Cunningham-South was primarily an 8, and would probably be at Quins too if Dombrandt weren't there, but the way the backrow was set up when he came on would suggest Boerthwick doesn't think so.

I don't actually think he is that much like Kieran Read tbh. Read was equally happy tight or wide, was a lean athlete, and was also great in the lineout, as well as being great generally. Easter is a pretty good fit.

a James Forrester

now there was an athlete. Cursed by a- being put in midfield twice for some bizarre reason, b- playing for glaws, or JSD syndrome. Dombrandt isn't quite the same.

[Stom]

I'd say Aldritt's workrate is partly why the team functions.

Round and round we go I guess.

I guess the question is what would it take to change people's minds either way? I personally wouldn't mind Dombrandt getting another crack but his performances for England mean I am not bothered at his omission.

Honestly...

If Dombrandt were back with Quins and Mercer was in the squad, I'd be banging the Mercer drum.

If Barbeary was in the squad, I'd be banging the Barbeary drum.

If TWillis was in the squad, I'd be banging the Twilly drum.

We need an 8.

[Mr Mwenda]

"Banging the twilly drum" has a nice ring to it.

[FKAS]

Is Aldritt’s work rate up, or is France just a functioning team?

In the France Vs Ireland game no player from either side carried or tackled more. Sixteen tackles made and none missed. 34 metres made and 3 defenders beaten.

[Banquo]

Is Aldritt’s work rate up, or is France just a functioning team?

In the France Vs Ireland game no player from either side carried or tackled more. Sixteen tackles made and none missed. 34 metres made and 3 defenders beaten.

aldritt is absolutely world class

[Mellsblue]

Yep, and if we had an Aldritt I’m sure even Selectoral Bumnotes would pick him but we don’t so it’s an argument over who is our best no8. For the way England seem to be set up to play it’s a carrier in traffic albeit Earl has earnt a prolonged run.

[Oakboy]

Is Aldritt’s work rate up, or is France just a functioning team?

In the France Vs Ireland game no player from either side carried or tackled more. Sixteen tackles made and none missed. 34 metres made and 3 defenders beaten.

aldritt is absolutely world class

Yes, a classy player who stands out no matter how well or badly France play.

I think No 8 is a problem - of SB's making, to some extent. His selection for the RWC was wrong. BV's red card and Earl playing above himself clouded the issue. Bad luck brought injuries and suspension to important candidates. Offering opinion at this point suffers from the usual 'I wouldn't start from here' catch.

From here, I'd suggest that the first step is to accept that Earl is not the answer. The next game will answer the question about Dombrandt no matter what we think. If he's not in the XV against Wales I can't understand what he was picked in the squad for.

From the squad, I'd risk C-S but if any of Filitau, Barbeary or T Willis are fit and available, I'd leapfrog them in.