And to finish - Ireland

[TheNomad]

I actually think Daly, while a utility back, has shown his best form at 13 when he used to play there for Wasps

That said, seeing as this is a bit of a shot to nothing, I'd have preferred Lawrence there and put Odogwu on the bench - those two are potentially first XV players

[Mikey Brown]

It does rather take the fun out of this message board that the performances we see mean nothing in contrast to getting on board with Eddie’s systems in training. But that’s just professional sport I guess.

He might be great. He certainly was a fantastic runner but I can’t remember when I last saw it. If his defence is up to it then great, but it does seem odd to me if nobody else is deemed capable there. He did look a bit more fired up off the bench, hopefully he brings that again.

He's been running very well all the time he's been at 15. His hands have let him down and he's struggled positionally, but he's still quick and elusive.

On the Eddie systems front, its not getting on board or whatever, its just rationalising his choices. I think if anything its a bit over organised, but good to see a framework that leads to opportunities to make decisions, even if we aren't good at that or passing

I didn't mean you as an observer, I meant the players. Odogwu/Lawrence/Marchant might be playing fantastically, but if Daly is better at running to point A in scenario 1, and point B in scenario 2 etc. etc. then that's what determines the right call for Jones's team.

It does lead to opportunities, my gripe in attack has largely been when it feels like something is on and we still look to be waiting for a magic piece of play from 'the system' rather than anyone attacking it, unless May/Watson happen to get it.

It's doing a pretty good job though and I wouldn't be surprised if Daly has a good game. I assume he's still keen to get his name back in the mix as a centre? Not sure if he's had any change of heart about his best position.

I have no idea how much he's been training there, I suppose he has been covering 13 several times so it must be a bit. But it feels like Lawrence has been leapfrogged by a guy who was only really available because he was dropped for playing poorly in his primary position.

[FKAS]

Actually George Martin would have helped take on the Irish lineout that's looked very good recently. If he'd played 6 England would have had three very good jumpers, loves a tackle as well. Hopefully being in the squad has been a good learning experience for him because he's a player with a lot of potential.

[Stom]

It does rather take the fun out of this message board that the performances we see mean nothing in contrast to getting on board with Eddie’s systems in training. But that’s just professional sport I guess.

He might be great. He certainly was a fantastic runner but I can’t remember when I last saw it. If his defence is up to it then great, but it does seem odd to me if nobody else is deemed capable there. He did look a bit more fired up off the bench, hopefully he brings that again.

He's been running very well all the time he's been at 15. His hands have let him down and he's struggled positionally, but he's still quick and elusive.

On the Eddie systems front, its not getting on board or whatever, its just rationalising his choices. I think if anything its a bit over organised, but good to see a framework that leads to opportunities to make decisions, even if we aren't good at that or passing

I actually think his biggest fault recently (except the defence, of course) has been his decision making. He's been making the wrong decision on who to pass to and when consistently. Then he's screwed the pass up anyway. But he's chosen wrong first. At least that's how it seemed to me.

[Banquo]

On the Eddie systems front, its not getting on board or whatever, its just rationalising his choices. I think if anything its a bit over organised, but good to see a framework that leads to opportunities to make decisions, even if we aren't good at that or passing

I'm glad to see someone is still wanting to push the standards, I've been quite content to see the last four games after the previous (almost) two decades.

Eddie will not be able to simply stick with this system, so maybe there's some thought it'll open up. But I don't see Eddie as much of an Ashton, and I'm okay with drilling something more akin to the Japan setup with all the inherent structure. Though this fast and able to go more on the hoof would be nice, if also vomit inducing to play

I’m ok with the structures, but suspect within that it’s still pre programmed.

[Banquo]

Actually George Martin would have helped take on the Irish lineout that's looked very good recently. If he'd played 6 England would have had three very good jumpers, loves a tackle as well. Hopefully being in the squad has been a good learning experience for him because he's a player with a lot of potential.

Massive gamble imo esp against such a streetwise side.

[Banquo]

It does rather take the fun out of this message board that the performances we see mean nothing in contrast to getting on board with Eddie’s systems in training. But that’s just professional sport I guess.

He might be great. He certainly was a fantastic runner but I can’t remember when I last saw it. If his defence is up to it then great, but it does seem odd to me if nobody else is deemed capable there. He did look a bit more fired up off the bench, hopefully he brings that again.

He's been running very well all the time he's been at 15. His hands have let him down and he's struggled positionally, but he's still quick and elusive.

On the Eddie systems front, its not getting on board or whatever, its just rationalising his choices. I think if anything its a bit over organised, but good to see a framework that leads to opportunities to make decisions, even if we aren't good at that or passing

I actually think his biggest fault recently (except the defence, of course) has been his decision making. He's been making the wrong decision on who to pass to and when consistently. Then he's screwed the pass up anyway. But he's chosen wrong first. At least that's how it seemed to me.

Think it’s that too. So apart from that, what has Daly ever done for us

[FKAS]

Actually George Martin would have helped take on the Irish lineout that's looked very good recently. If he'd played 6 England would have had three very good jumpers, loves a tackle as well. Hopefully being in the squad has been a good learning experience for him because he's a player with a lot of potential.

Massive gamble imo esp against such a streetwise side.

Unless he'd played against Italy any game this 6N would have sen him up against a street wise side. At some point you have to put the player in though off the bench would probably be best to ease him in.

[Banquo]

Actually George Martin would have helped take on the Irish lineout that's looked very good recently. If he'd played 6 England would have had three very good jumpers, loves a tackle as well. Hopefully being in the squad has been a good learning experience for him because he's a player with a lot of potential.

Massive gamble imo esp against such a streetwise side.

Unless he'd played against Italy any game this 6N would have sen him up against a street wise side. At some point you have to put the player in though off the bench would probably be best to ease him in.

Probably better to get some more league rugby under his belt, especially at 6. How many senior games does he have there?

The Irish have made being street wise an art form imo.

[Digby]

On the Eddie systems front, its not getting on board or whatever, its just rationalising his choices. I think if anything its a bit over organised, but good to see a framework that leads to opportunities to make decisions, even if we aren't good at that or passing

I'm glad to see someone is still wanting to push the standards, I've been quite content to see the last four games after the previous (almost) two decades.

Eddie will not be able to simply stick with this system, so maybe there's some thought it'll open up. But I don't see Eddie as much of an Ashton, and I'm okay with drilling something more akin to the Japan setup with all the inherent structure. Though this fast and able to go more on the hoof would be nice, if also vomit inducing to play

I’m ok with the structures, but suspect within that it’s still pre programmed.

I like the ambition, and they should be pushing the side. I do wonder how much rope you can be granted to play what you see, probably not a lot unless you can keep a defence scrambling. But it would nee nice

[twitchy]

Good stuff!
(do you get a cut from Charlie or the DT )

I do link him a lot don't I. I just think he is a very good journo and think others will enjoy reading it.

[Banquo]

Good stuff!
(do you get a cut from Charlie or the DT )

I do link him a lot don't I. I just think he is a very good journo and think others will enjoy reading it.

very good of you, and I agree and thanks!

[FKAS]

Massive gamble imo esp against such a streetwise side.

Unless he'd played against Italy any game this 6N would have sen him up against a street wise side. At some point you have to put the player in though off the bench would probably be best to ease him in.

Probably better to get some more league rugby under his belt, especially at 6. How many senior games does he have there?

The Irish have made being street wise an art form imo.

He's played 6 almost entirely for Tigers. There's been more injuries and space for game time there than at lock. Think he's only had one maybe two games at lock 5 or 6 at blindside. I'm sure off the bench he could do a job.

[Banquo]

Unless he'd played against Italy any game this 6N would have sen him up against a street wise side. At some point you have to put the player in though off the bench would probably be best to ease him in.

Probably better to get some more league rugby under his belt, especially at 6. How many senior games does he have there?

The Irish have made being street wise an art form imo.

He's played 6 almost entirely for Tigers. There's been more injuries and space for game time there than at lock. Think he's only had one maybe two games at lock 5 or 6 at blindside. I'm sure off the bench he could do a job.

so...5 games for Tigers first team at 6? I admire your optimism for a 19 year old - its a pretty big leap. He's talented, but has a ton of time.

[FKAS]

Probably better to get some more league rugby under his belt, especially at 6. How many senior games does he have there?

The Irish have made being street wise an art form imo.

He's played 6 almost entirely for Tigers. There's been more injuries and space for game time there than at lock. Think he's only had one maybe two games at lock 5 or 6 at blindside. I'm sure off the bench he could do a job.

so...5 games for Tigers first team at 6? I admire your optimism for a 19 year old - its a pretty big leap. He's talented, but has a ton of time.

I don't expect him to pull up trees but as a workhorse and a lineout jumper he can do a job if that is the game plan. 25 tackles on his Tigers debut Vs Bath for a lock playing 6 and he's improved since then. Doesn't really matter because he isn't going to get a chance now, in the summer he might get a go Vs Canada and USA. We could certainly do with him back at Tigers, been unfortunate that we've had suspensions whilst he was away because he could have had more starts if he'd been here.

I don't often have massive confidence in kids but some you just have to drop feed game time because they look like they could be special.

[Banquo]

He's played 6 almost entirely for Tigers. There's been more injuries and space for game time there than at lock. Think he's only had one maybe two games at lock 5 or 6 at blindside. I'm sure off the bench he could do a job.

so...5 games for Tigers first team at 6? I admire your optimism for a 19 year old - its a pretty big leap. He's talented, but has a ton of time.

I don't expect him to pull up trees but as a workhorse and a lineout jumper he can do a job if that is the game plan. 25 tackles on his Tigers debut Vs Bath for a lock playing 6 and he's improved since then. Doesn't really matter because he isn't going to get a chance now, in the summer he might get a go Vs Canada and USA. We could certainly do with him back at Tigers, been unfortunate that we've had suspensions whilst he was away because he could have had more starts if he'd been here.

I don't often have massive confidence in kids but some you just have to drop feed game time because they look like they could be special.

Just think its an odd thought that you'd even consider sticking such an inexperienced senior player into this particular game.

[Digby]

so...5 games for Tigers first team at 6? I admire your optimism for a 19 year old - its a pretty big leap. He's talented, but has a ton of time.

I don't expect him to pull up trees but as a workhorse and a lineout jumper he can do a job if that is the game plan. 25 tackles on his Tigers debut Vs Bath for a lock playing 6 and he's improved since then. Doesn't really matter because he isn't going to get a chance now, in the summer he might get a go Vs Canada and USA. We could certainly do with him back at Tigers, been unfortunate that we've had suspensions whilst he was away because he could have had more starts if he'd been here.

I don't often have massive confidence in kids but some you just have to drop feed game time because they look like they could be special.

Just think its an odd thought that you'd even consider sticking such an inexperienced senior player into this particular game.

Pretty much, maybe you decide you skip Wilson ignoring issues in dropping players who've played well, but to skip Wilson and Underhill for someone so unproven even at club level would be a big call. Even if you think of it just as a development game the players are going to take it seriously and you'd cheapen that somewhat with picking Martin

[FKAS]

I don't expect him to pull up trees but as a workhorse and a lineout jumper he can do a job if that is the game plan. 25 tackles on his Tigers debut Vs Bath for a lock playing 6 and he's improved since then. Doesn't really matter because he isn't going to get a chance now, in the summer he might get a go Vs Canada and USA. We could certainly do with him back at Tigers, been unfortunate that we've had suspensions whilst he was away because he could have had more starts if he'd been here.

I don't often have massive confidence in kids but some you just have to drop feed game time because they look like they could be special.

Just think its an odd thought that you'd even consider sticking such an inexperienced senior player into this particular game.

Pretty much, maybe you decide you skip Wilson ignoring issues in dropping players who've played well, but to skip Wilson and Underhill for someone so unproven even at club level would be a big call. Even if you think of it just as a development game the players are going to take it seriously and you'd cheapen that somewhat with picking Martin

I was thinking more of him being used as impact off the bench as opposed to Hill. Underhill can't be called up because he's not taken part in the additional testing required.

[Digby]

Just think its an odd thought that you'd even consider sticking such an inexperienced senior player into this particular game.

Pretty much, maybe you decide you skip Wilson ignoring issues in dropping players who've played well, but to skip Wilson and Underhill for someone so unproven even at club level would be a big call. Even if you think of it just as a development game the players are going to take it seriously and you'd cheapen that somewhat with picking Martin

I was thinking more of him being used as impact off the bench as opposed to Hill. Underhill can't be called up because he's not taken part in the additional testing required.

Point would hold, why include someone with but a matter of minutes in pro rugby over Hill? Certainly Hill hasn't fully found his feet in test rugby yet, but he's done lots of good things at the highest level, and he's got an actual career behind that at club level too

[Banquo]

Just think its an odd thought that you'd even consider sticking such an inexperienced senior player into this particular game.

Pretty much, maybe you decide you skip Wilson ignoring issues in dropping players who've played well, but to skip Wilson and Underhill for someone so unproven even at club level would be a big call. Even if you think of it just as a development game the players are going to take it seriously and you'd cheapen that somewhat with picking Martin

I was thinking more of him being used as impact off the bench as opposed to Hill. Underhill can't be called up because he's not taken part in the additional testing required.

on the bench instead of Jonny Hill?

[twitchy]

More to that rumour on thursday than we perhaps thought?

[Which Tyler]

Malins out, leg injury

Daly to FB, Lawrence to OC.

George Martin to the bench, for a 6:2 split

[Mikey Brown]

Fullback injured, bring in an uncapped lock. Of course.

[Which Tyler]

And now, Odogwu can feel hard done by

[Banquo]

Probably better to get some more league rugby under his belt, especially at 6. How many senior games does he have there?

The Irish have made being street wise an art form imo.

He's played 6 almost entirely for Tigers. There's been more injuries and space for game time there than at lock. Think he's only had one maybe two games at lock 5 or 6 at blindside. I'm sure off the bench he could do a job.

so...5 games for Tigers first team at 6? I admire your optimism for a 19 year old - its a pretty big leap. He's talented, but has a ton of time.

You are Eddie Jones very prescient!!

Think the change weakens us tho