Mikey Brown wrote: ↑Mon May 12, 2025 2:14 pm
I mean Radwan’s pace wasn’t ever in question. Seeing him take a high ball on the run was new though. Both him and OHC look more rounded players than on their last England outings.
Murley got a well timed hat-trick to at least get his name back in the mix, but what a slide for him from finally getting a shot as a 6 nations starter to now likely being behind Freeman, IFW, Roebuck, Sleightholme, OHC, Radwan, possibly fighting with Muir. Even if 3 of those are unavailable he might struggle.
I still don’t see why Arundell should jump the queue on any of those, but it makes sense Blackett would be keen to get an early look at him.
What is Illione’s main position? Primarily a 7?
In fairness to him he was injured for most of that time and has impressed as soon as he’s come back in. Borthwick liked him enough to play him vs. Ireland so I’d like to think he’ll make the plane at the very least.
Last I read, Muir was injured too but not how serious that is?
fivepointer wrote: ↑Mon May 12, 2025 2:14 pm
Interesting that Morgan has named Ilione. I've been impressed every time i've seen him play this season. He does have an athleticism that could work very well at the highest level.
Dont think Fisilau will be fit and surely there must be question marks over IFW, Furbank and Ojomoh.
Mikey Brown wrote: ↑Mon May 12, 2025 2:14 pm
I mean Radwan’s pace wasn’t ever in question. Seeing him take a high ball on the run was new though. Both him and OHC look more rounded players than on their last England outings.
Murley got a well timed hat-trick to at least get his name back in the mix, but what a slide for him from finally getting a shot as a 6 nations starter to now likely being behind Freeman, IFW, Roebuck, Sleightholme, OHC, Radwan, possibly fighting with Muir. Even if 3 of those are unavailable he might struggle.
I still don’t see why Arundell should jump the queue on any of those, but it makes sense Blackett would be keen to get an early look at him.
What is Illione’s main position? Primarily a 7?
Mind, Murley's hattrick wasn't in the most competitive of games! I do feel sorry for him, as he's had incredibly shitty luck with injuries and I hope he does get a good chance in the team at some point.
I always used to think of Ilione as an 8, given his height and strength at age groups, but he's been 90% a 7 for Leicester since breaking through into first team rugby, with a smattering of 6 every now and again.
Mikey Brown wrote: ↑Mon May 12, 2025 2:14 pm
What is Illione’s main position? Primarily a 7?
Primarily a 7, he has come on at 8 as well and can do a job on the blindside. He's rounding out his game very nicely, getting to the point where he can do a bit of everything. 9 starts and 23 appearances this season. Including one game at Notts and the PRC. He's found his physicality at this level which helps. Not explosive in the wide channels like Pollock so doesn't have much in the way of highlights on YouTube but is coming off the bench and adding impact (which gives Tigers the one impact sub per game). Turnovers, good defence and carries hard and direct. A lot to like but his progress did stall with some injuries and his studies (studying medicine) taking priority previously, now seems more focused on rugby.
Would be a bit of a punt by Borthwick to take him on tour at this point but he is a leader and an intelligent bloke.
Mikey Brown wrote: ↑Mon May 12, 2025 2:14 pm
I mean Radwan’s pace wasn’t ever in question. Seeing him take a high ball on the run was new though. Both him and OHC look more rounded players than on their last England outings.
Murley got a well timed hat-trick to at least get his name back in the mix, but what a slide for him from finally getting a shot as a 6 nations starter to now likely being behind Freeman, IFW, Roebuck, Sleightholme, OHC, Radwan, possibly fighting with Muir. Even if 3 of those are unavailable he might struggle.
I still don’t see why Arundell should jump the queue on any of those, but it makes sense Blackett would be keen to get an early look at him.
What is Illione’s main position? Primarily a 7?
In fairness to him he was injured for most of that time and has impressed as soon as he’s come back in. Borthwick liked him enough to play him vs. Ireland so I’d like to think he’ll make the plane at the very least.
Last I read, Muir was injured too but not how serious that is?
Will Muir is 29. Shouldn't we be developing younger options that are likely to see us through to the next world cup and possibly beyond? If he was the league's stand out winger I might have a different view, not saying he's not very good but there's options.
I do feel a bit sorry for Murley, he had a complete shocker at the back Vs Ireland. Proper deer in the headlights stuff. He looked decent in attack but his ability under the high ball (jumping to claim it) is a weakness as well and against Argentina I think it likely he'd be targeted. Might play on Borthwick's mind in selection.
fivepointer wrote: ↑Fri May 16, 2025 7:12 am
Training camp next weekend minus players from Bath and Saints. Should give us an indication of who is in the frame for touring.
When is the squad getting announced? Can’t find details of the timing anywhere
fivepointer wrote: ↑Fri May 16, 2025 7:12 am
Training camp next weekend minus players from Bath and Saints. Should give us an indication of who is in the frame for touring.
When is the squad getting announced? Can’t find details of the timing anywhere
They said Tuesday during the Sale game last night.
fivepointer wrote: ↑Fri May 16, 2025 7:12 am
Training camp next weekend minus players from Bath and Saints. Should give us an indication of who is in the frame for touring.
When is the squad getting announced? Can’t find details of the timing anywhere
They said Tuesday during the Sale game last night.
When is the squad getting announced? Can’t find details of the timing anywhere
They said Tuesday during the Sale game last night.
Cool. Thanks a lot!
That is a preliminary training one though, just to take advantage of the fallow week for 8 of the clubs while the Euro finals are going on. Will give us an idea of his mind though (and realistically, I doubt there are going to be too many surprises or bolters coming from Bath or Saints that we won't be able to predict).
Really hoping to see both Sam Underhill and Ted Hill each get a run out at 6. I don’t recall the former playing 6 at test level yet but have no doubt he could make just as big an impact there as his existing caps at openside. Some in the media have tried to characterise Pollock as England’s McCaw, for me a more apposite comparison,given Pollock’s style, would be with Michael Jones ( circa ‘87-91). Pepper looks more of a McCaw esque out and out fetcher and will be good to see the competition between him and Ben Curry for the openside berth.
