Number 8

[p/d]

Armand 6
Curry 7
Kvesic 8

Job done

This, but Willis at 6 and Rees at 8.

This, but Robshaw at 6 and Daniela Minogue at 8

[Scrumhead]

Thats’s not my impression ... gloskarlos?

[Puja]

I reserve the right to be wrong at all times as per usual. A quick bit of research shows that, while Ackermann was preferred to Morgan for the ECC final, Morgan was picked for the ECC semi final and 4 out of the last 5 Premiership games, so I stand corrected.

Mind, considering the last 5 Premiership games was the period in which Gloucester managed to turn a promising season into another 7th position, it's possible that they would've been better with Ackermann!

Puja

[p/d]

Don’t thik he has a clue. Can see him m bringing back the dream team of a lock (probably Lawes) and Robshaw with Billy or, god help us, Hughes at 8. That said wouldn’t discount Haskell from being in consideration such is the uncertainty of our so-called head coach.

[Gloskarlos]

Well, it’s never clear cut is it. Morgan played 499 minutes in total last season, Ackerman nearly three times as much. But as I mentioned Morgan was often injured and then when next available for selection considered to be ‘coming back from injury’

I never really remember feeling that there was a pecking order each week when looking at the team sheets, there was always a plausible explanation for Morgan’s absence.

[twitchy]

Hmm - Ross is an interesting one.

I’m not convinced about him as an option at 8 but as a guy who could offer size, aggression and carrying threat he could be worth a shout.

TBH, I don’t really see any more new caps before the World Cup though.

He seems like exactly what england are looking for if the usual suspects could get over him passing the brown paper bag/england test.

He is a tough fucker, made for test rugby imo. If billy's injuries continue I can see jones capping him he is exactly the sort of player he likes.

Well, it’s never clear cut is it. Morgan played 499 minutes in total last season, Ackerman nearly three times as much. But as I mentioned Morgan was often injured and then when next available for selection considered to be ‘coming back from injury’

I never really remember feeling that there was a pecking order each week when looking at the team sheets, there was always a plausible explanation for Morgan’s absence.

For me morgan is a huge waste of potential. Has the attributes but just goes missing for huge periods of games which suggests he just can't be arsed. Not some one you want at test level when the chips are down.

[Stom]

Is Jono Ross really good enough to play test rugby for us? I can't say I've ever thought particularly much of him when I've seen him. Sure. he looks decent, but it's like Rhodes: they look like workmanlike flankers who can fill in at 8. We've picked Shields already, do we need another one?

[twitchy]

Is Jono Ross really good enough to play test rugby for us? I can't say I've ever thought particularly much of him when I've seen him. Sure. he looks decent, but it's like Rhodes: they look like workmanlike flankers who can fill in at 8. We've picked Shields already, do we need another one?

It depends what sort of bar we are setting? As good as an in form billy? Not even close, but as a tough as fuck guy that has top level stats, definitely.

[p/d]

Is Jono Ross really good enough to play test rugby for us? I can't say I've ever thought particularly much of him when I've seen him. Sure. he looks decent, but it's like Rhodes: they look like workmanlike flankers who can fill in at 8. We've picked Shields already, do we need another one?

Do like the idea of a ‘Jono’ joining the cast of what is becoming ‘The Good, Bad and Ugly’

[Timbo]

Both Jono Ross and Mike Rhodes would have had plenty of caps by now were they ‘English’. Both easily good enough to play test rugby, and given time to settle could be genuinely good test players. Both better players than Armand imo.

Rhodes definitely not an 8 though, and Ross better as a 6.

[p/d]

Both Jono Ross and Mike Rhodes would have had plenty of caps by now were they ‘English’. Both easily good enough to play test rugby, and given time to settle could be genuinely good test players. Both better players than Armand imo.

Rhodes definitely not an 8 though, and Ross better as a 6.

Harrison was looked at and dismissed for not being test standard. One could argue Ross and Rhodes would suffer the same fate, as Armand seems to have.

That said we are judging them on Jones’ opinion... the one that views Francis a better option than Lozowski

[twitchy]

Ross was topping the stats at 8 if I'm not mistaken at the end of the season. In a team that isn't top 4. Proper stats guys will set me straight on this though.

Like - I'm an exe fan and sam Simmo can top the stats but we all know he shouldn't play 8 for eng.

[Digby]

Not with the Jones setup at least, though I certainly think you could have Sam Simmonds at 8 for England

[twitchy]

Sam is amazing but he is just finishing team tries from exe. For england the 8 is just given the ball in traffic vs the whole pack in tight spaces.

[Digby]

With the setup as is sure, but with a little imagination, and if you actually wanted Simmonds to start and start at 8 not 7, then there are options beyond shouting POWER in an impression of Jeremy Clarkson

[Scrumhead]

Ross was topping the stats at 8 if I'm not mistaken at the end of the season. In a team that isn't top 4. Proper stats guys will set me straight on this though.

Like - I'm an exe fan and sam Simmo can top the stats but we all know he shouldn't play 8 for eng.

Was he? I thought Ross was at 6 with Strauss at 8?

[Mikey Brown]

That’s what I thought. Though maybe a hefty option at 6 would make Simmonds at 8 easier to bear?

[Scrumhead]

Agreed. I’d be willing to try Ross at 6 if it meant Simmonds at 8 and a goodbye to Hughes.

[morepork]

That’s what I thought. Though maybe a hefty option at 6 would make Simmonds at 8 easier to bear?

Like Jerry Collins and Rodney So'oialo. But not Liam Meesam.

[Raggs]

Agreed. I’d be willing to try Ross at 6 if it meant Simmonds at 8 and a goodbye to Hughes.

Is Ross a lineout option at all? Or are we going to need to bring in Willis/Robshaw/Shields at 7?

[BenHK]

I'm sure I've seen him being used as a lineout operator by Sale, but not sure if it's a regular thing or not

[pandion]

Mercer is a couple of seasons and stone away from 8. I was watching his dad for the kiwis in an old league game and if his sons as tough he'll go well once he matures.

[morepork]

Mercer is a couple of seasons and stone away from 8. I was watching his dad for the kiwis in an old league game and if his sons as tough he'll go well once he matures.

Is he Gary Mercer's son? Man that's a blast from the past.

[pandion]

Mercer is a couple of seasons and stone away from 8. I was watching his dad for the kiwis in an old league game and if his sons as tough he'll go well once he matures.

Is he Gary Mercer's son? Man that's a blast from the past.

Yes mate. I'm hoping his mums not built like a pencil so the lads got a chance to fill out.

[Spiffy]

Sam is amazing but he is just finishing team tries from exe. For england the 8 is just given the ball in traffic vs the whole pack in tight spaces.

A bit unfair to Simmonds. There is more to his game than just finishinf off moves. He's not massive but he's powerful, very fast, has good hands and scores a lot of tries. Given his past form, Jones should be trying to slot him somewhere in the back row, if not as a starter then as one of the match day 23. I'd have him over Hughes in all respects.