Re: Eng - Wal...Match Thread
Posted: Sun Mar 13, 2016 9:44 pm
I'd have Launchbury ahead of Youngs at 9.
I'd have him covering 9 and 12...............from the startWaspInWales wrote:I'd have Launchbury ahead of Youngs at 9.
..or he will fight his way back in, or Itoje may be tried at 6. Either way, all three are good to go in many 23's going forward. He's a talented athletic lock who will get better!...he is also younger than Kruis.Galfon wrote:Whither Launch now ?
He was seen as Eng. great white hope after the WC but EJ has found himself 2 talented athketic locks who will only get better.
He is not dynamic enough for a modern 8 i.m.o., and too big for a 7.
He's too good a player to be a long-term 16-23 crew-member.
Maybe he can get properly fit for the summer tour and really hold his hand up.
Read an article last week (poss in the Telegraph?) which said that the Eng plan during the WC revolved around the players being much fitter than their opposition and being able to pull away in games in the last 20. It even went so far as saying most of the Eng players came off the pitch most times mystified how their superior fitness hadn't prevailed and many weren't even out of breath. There were some other odd things in that article but it was supposed to be based on secret findings within the camp. Mostly what I read in the article had me absolutely baffled as what happened in front of our eyes contradicted what the findings were behind closed doors.WaspInWales wrote:Anyone concerned about fitness levels?
Seemed to be an issue in the world cup. Has EJ had enough time with the squad to make a noticeable difference in this area?
I read the same. I think alot of the benchmarking for the pre-world cup camp was a bit arbitrary. B Rolipola's weight for example was, based on performances, too low. He's now put a bit back on and is carrying unbelievably well. Similarly, all the players fitness was at a peak yet the last 15mins against both Wales and Aus tell a different story.Beasties wrote:Read an article last week (poss in the Telegraph?) which said that the Eng plan during the WC revolved around the players being much fitter than their opposition and being able to pull away in games in the last 20. It even went so far as saying most of the Eng players came off the pitch most times mystified how their superior fitness hadn't prevailed and many weren't even out of breath. There were some other odd things in that article but it was supposed to be based on secret findings within the camp. Mostly what I read in the article had me absolutely baffled as what happened in front of our eyes contradicted what the findings were behind closed doors.WaspInWales wrote:Anyone concerned about fitness levels?
Seemed to be an issue in the world cup. Has EJ had enough time with the squad to make a noticeable difference in this area?
? I actually thought he played well, think he was injured before he got injured as it were.twitchy wrote:Billy just looked miserable during the world cup.
It is strange that a huge physical lump like him should be a confidence player but he is. I'm not a fan overall but I think he is an asset when praised and encouraged to be his natural self. Jones appears to have recognised that immediately, empathy with players being his biggest attribute.twitchy wrote:Billy just looked miserable during the world cup.
Hmm....I think that's part of it...but I'd say his biggest attribute to date has been the eye for detail around tactics and game planning. First half v Wales was a revelation compared to most England sides for over 10 years; they had purpose ball in hand.Oakboy wrote:It is strange that a huge physical lump like him should be a confidence player but he is. I'm not a fan overall but I think he is an asset when praised and encouraged to be his natural self. Jones appears to have recognised that immediately, empathy with players being his biggest attribute.twitchy wrote:Billy just looked miserable during the world cup.
I certainly won't argue with that. I should have said, "One of his biggest. . ."Banquo wrote:Hmm....I think that's part of it...but I'd say his biggest attribute to date has been the eye for detail around tactics and game planning. First half v Wales was a revelation compared to most England sides for over 10 years; they had purpose ball in hand.Oakboy wrote:It is strange that a huge physical lump like him should be a confidence player but he is. I'm not a fan overall but I think he is an asset when praised and encouraged to be his natural self. Jones appears to have recognised that immediately, empathy with players being his biggest attribute.twitchy wrote:Billy just looked miserable during the world cup.
So far, he seems to be doing what I've been droning on about in a head coach for ages; looking at technical improvements, and game strategies, and looking how to win the next game, whilst fixing bits and pieces incrementally.Oakboy wrote:I certainly won't argue with that. I should have said, "One of his biggest. . ."Banquo wrote:Hmm....I think that's part of it...but I'd say his biggest attribute to date has been the eye for detail around tactics and game planning. First half v Wales was a revelation compared to most England sides for over 10 years; they had purpose ball in hand.Oakboy wrote:
It is strange that a huge physical lump like him should be a confidence player but he is. I'm not a fan overall but I think he is an asset when praised and encouraged to be his natural self. Jones appears to have recognised that immediately, empathy with players being his biggest attribute.
I would guess that the experienced players never doubt him. I imagine that several doubted Burt. The result is plain to see.
didn't he want one, but accepted he couldn't get the right one- post borthwick-gate- in time for the 6N.Oakboy wrote:I wonder what EJ's thinking is now on the need for an attack coach.
Yes, and he said he'd do it himself, meantime. That's what made me ask the question (one that I thought a decent journalist or two would have asked by now). For example, some of the problems you highlighted (scrum, perhaps?) might benefit from EJ's direct attention if an attack coach took over whatever he is doing now.Banquo wrote:didn't he want one, but accepted he couldn't get the right one- post borthwick-gate- in time for the 6N.Oakboy wrote:I wonder what EJ's thinking is now on the need for an attack coach.
Wonder if we can prise Mapletoft away from Quins now that O'Shea's going? I rate him very highly as a coach, but I'd be happy with him, Hepher or Lee Blackett. This is, of course, assuming that Wayne Smith is still not available to England.Oakboy wrote:Yes, and he said he'd do it himself, meantime. That's what made me ask the question (one that I thought a decent journalist or two would have asked by now). For example, some of the problems you highlighted (scrum, perhaps?) might benefit from EJ's direct attention if an attack coach took over whatever he is doing now.Banquo wrote:didn't he want one, but accepted he couldn't get the right one- post borthwick-gate- in time for the 6N.Oakboy wrote:I wonder what EJ's thinking is now on the need for an attack coach.
Yep- suspect he will review the coaching set up in the round post 6N.Oakboy wrote:Yes, and he said he'd do it himself, meantime. That's what made me ask the question (one that I thought a decent journalist or two would have asked by now). For example, some of the problems you highlighted (scrum, perhaps?) might benefit from EJ's direct attention if an attack coach took over whatever he is doing now.Banquo wrote:didn't he want one, but accepted he couldn't get the right one- post borthwick-gate- in time for the 6N.Oakboy wrote:I wonder what EJ's thinking is now on the need for an attack coach.
add? Its been in lots of posts since the start of the 6NPeat wrote:I'd like to add discipline to the list of work ons - we've now conceded more penalties than we did in the entirety of the last 6N, plus three yellow cards and a citing compared to one and none - but I wonder whether Jones will agree.
Also, kudos to Cole for not overreacting or even reacting at all.Galfon wrote:re: Francis ban..
Seems right...very silly knowing that these games are micro-analysed by video & the officials want to be seen upholding standards.
A sudden movement by Cole & it could have been nasty.
Well I couldn't see it in your list up there - disgraceful oversight - clearly going senile*Banquo wrote:add? Its been in lots of posts since the start of the 6NPeat wrote:I'd like to add discipline to the list of work ons - we've now conceded more penalties than we did in the entirety of the last 6N, plus three yellow cards and a citing compared to one and none - but I wonder whether Jones will agree.