6 Nations 2020

[Mellsblue]

I really can’t get behind the idea that we need to start moving players on aged around 29-31 for a tournament that’s happening in 4 years time. Courtney Lawes, for example, is playing the best rugby of his career right now, would be absurd to not pick him imo.

That said, I think a bit of churn is needed. Firstly because we’re not the finished article and need both more quality and depth in several positions, but also because it’s important to have an injection of energy and hunger from a few young tyros.

Just some squad gossip that I’ve read on online, is that both Wasps and Sarries have been told by Eddie that Launchbury and Kruis are unlikely to make the 6N’s squad....off the top of my head that would leave the likes of Stooke, Isiekwe (although playing at 6 mainly), Ewels (currently injured), Ribbands, Jonny Hill or maybe Alex Moon as presumably be most likely to replace them.

I think Dallaglio had a slip of the tongue on the times podcast or, alternatively, people have run with an innocent statement. They were discussing how Jones/Hill will give clubs the early nod as to who is likely to make or miss out on the EPS and he used Launchbury as an example of how the RFU would contact Wasps to say he was missing out.

[Oakboy]

In a perfect world younger players come in on a cyclic basis replacing older ones and are an immediate success. In practice, some fail. Time has to be built in for that obvious possibility and that means proper management of the 4 year RWC cycle. Rushing youngsters into the team in the 6 months leading up to the RWC invites the prospect of the occasion overwhelming inexperienced operators. Proper introductory management has the least experienced on, say, a 15 cap base minimum.

[fivepointer]

What could happen is a squad of 35/36 is announced.
That will allow continuity from the WC, as well as the chance to bring in 8 or 9 new players.
Fact is Jones doesnt have to make many changes now. He does have a bit of scope with those who are injured requiring replacing, plus one or two others who arent showing much so far this season.
Come the crunch in Paris, I'd be very surprised if we see many new faces in the starting XV, or throughout the 6N's for that matter. I suspect the major infusion of new blood will be delayed until Japan in the summer.

[jngf]

I really can’t get behind the idea that we need to start moving players on aged around 29-31 for a tournament that’s happening in 4 years time. Courtney Lawes, for example, is playing the best rugby of his career right now, would be absurd to not pick him imo.

That said, I think a bit of churn is needed. Firstly because we’re not the finished article and need both more quality and depth in several positions, but also because it’s important to have an injection of energy and hunger from a few young tyros.

Just some squad gossip that I’ve read on online, is that both Wasps and Sarries have been told by Eddie that Launchbury and Kruis are unlikely to make the 6N’s squad....off the top of my head that would leave the likes of Stooke, Isiekwe (although playing at 6 mainly), Ewels (currently injured), Ribbands, Jonny Hill or maybe Alex Moon as presumably be most likely to replace them.

I think Dallaglio had a slip of the tongue on the times podcast or, alternatively, people have run with an innocent statement. They were discussing how Jones/Hill will give clubs the early nod as to who is likely to make or miss out on the EPS and he used Launchbury as an example of how the RFU would contact Wasps to say he was missing out.

Will be almost criminal to replace Launchbury (whose been treated shoddily by both England and Lions selectors) with yet another lightweight lock along imo!

[jngf]

I have also as much confidence in Eddie Jones being the right choice to continue managing England to further success as many Labour voters outside London had confidence in Jeremy Corbyn

[Mikey Brown]

If you want heavyweight Stooke probably isn't a bad shout.

[jngf]

If you want heavyweight Stooke probably isn't a bad shout.

I’d have him in over Ewels (whose smaller than Lawes and lacks the scarryness to make up for that)

[jngf]

On another matter Willis deserves to get the 6 shirt ahead of T Curry - Underhill for me is a Lion in waiting so I’d go with 6 Willis 7 Underhill - the limitation being the lack of a linkman - this is where Simmonds or Ludlum come in.

[Danno]

Whut.

[Mikey Brown]

Simmonds is a linkman because he's short and fast. Keep up.

[Oakboy]

I do think that Simmonds might be a good replacement for Wilson as a backrower on the bench able to come on in any position. That is always preferable to a shuffle, IMO.

However, I'd pick Curry ahead of Underhill if ever there had to be a straight choice for either the 6 or 7 shirt.

[twitchy]

In the transfer thread they are saying that kruis is straight off to japan.

[Timbo]

In the transfer thread they are saying that kruis is straight off to japan.

End of season is the rumour.

If you go to page 1 of this thread you’ll see that I posted a rumour I’d read that Kruis and Launchbury have been told by Eddie they’re not going to be in the next EPS. EJ moving on without them it seems.

[Timbo]

If you want heavyweight Stooke probably isn't a bad shout.

I’d have him in over Ewels (whose smaller than Lawes and lacks the scarryness to make up for that)

Ewels is heavier than Lawes- and that’s directly from interviews where they have discussed their weights.

[francoisfou]

Fabien Galthié has just announced his squad of 42 players for the forthcoming 6N, which will be whittled down to 28 for selection against England on Sunday 2nd Feb:

LHP : BAILLE Cyril (Stade Toulousain), GROS Jean-Baptiste (RC Toulon), POIROT Jefferson (Union Bordeaux-Bègles)

Hooker : CHAT Camille (Racing 92), ETRILLARD Anthony (RC Toulon), MARCHAND Julien (Stade Toulousain)

THP : ALDEGHRI Dorian (Stade Toulousain), BAMBA Demba (LOU Rugby), HAOUAS Mohamed (Montpellier)

2nd row : CAZEAUX Cyril (Union Bordeaux Bègles), GERACI Kelian (LOU Rugby), LE ROUX Bernard (Racing 92), PALU Boris (Racing 92), TAOFIFENUA Romain (RC Toulon), WILLEMSE Paul (Montpellier)

Wing forward : CRETIN Dylan (LOU Rugby), CROS François (Stade Toulousain), FISCHER Alexandre (ASM Clermont), MACALOU Sekou (Stade Français Paris), OLLIVON Charles (RC Toulon), WOKI Cameron (Union Bordeaux-Bègles)

No 8 : ALDRITT Grégory (La Rochelle), TOLOFUA Selevasio (Stade Toulousain),

Scrum half : DUPONT Antoine (Stade Toulousain), LUCU Maxime (Union Bordeaux Bègles), SERIN Baptiste (RC Toulon)

Fly half : CARBONEL Louis (RC Toulon), JALIBERT Matthieu (Union Bordeaux-Bègles) , NTAMACK Romain (Stade Toulousain),

Centre : FICKOU Gaël (Stade Français Paris), HERITEAU Julien (RC Toulon), VAKATAWA Virimi (Racing 92), VINCENT Arthur (Montpellier),

Wingers : CORDIN Gervais (RC Toulon), ETIEN Lester (Stade Français Paris), NGANDEBE Gabriel ( Montpellier Rugby), PENAUD Damian (ASM Clermont), RATTEZ Vincent (La Rochelle), THOMAS Teddy (Racing 92),

Full back : BOUTHIER Anthony (Montpellier), HAMDAOUI Kylan (Stade Français Paris), RAMOS Thomas (Stade Toulousain)

Back row forward Charles Ollivon has been named as captain. I would have thought that hooker Julian Marchand was in with a good chance but at least he's in the squad.
The over 30s dependables seem to have been axed - Huget, Médard and Lopez, and chances have been given to younger players who shone at U20 level winning the World Cup, namely the outstanding young Toulon fly half Louis Carbonel, explosive prop Demba Bamba, wing forward Cameron Woki and centre Arthur Vincent. With an average age of 24, it's certainly a brave selection and I wouldn't be at all surprised if they were to be serious challengers for the 6N title. One name catches the eye, that of Dylan Cretin!! Let's hope he doesn't live up to his unfortunate name!

[jngf]

One name catches the eye, that of Dylan Cretin!! Let's hope he doesn't live up to his unfortunate name!

Possibly most interesting French squad member name since Patrice Tobacco, Elvis Vermeillon or going back a little earlier Jean Condom

[francoisfou]

One name catches the eye, that of Dylan Cretin!! Let's hope he doesn't live up to his unfortunate name!

Possibly most interesting French squad member name since Patrice Tobacco, Elvis Vermeillon or going back a little earlier Jean Condom

Ah yes, Jean Condom, aka rubber Johnnie!

[twitchy]

In the transfer thread they are saying that kruis is straight off to japan.

End of season is the rumour.

If you go to page 1 of this thread you’ll see that I posted a rumour I’d read that Kruis and Launchbury have been told by Eddie they’re not going to be in the next EPS. EJ moving on without them it seems.

Ah I see. it will be sad to see him go. Top scrummaging lock.

[Spiffy]

One name catches the eye, that of Dylan Cretin!! Let's hope he doesn't live up to his unfortunate name!

Possibly most interesting French squad member name since Patrice Tobacco, Elvis Vermeillon or going back a little earlier Jean Condom

You forgot Remy Martin.

[Scrumhead]

Fabien Galthié has just announced his squad of 42 players for the forthcoming 6N, which will be whittled down to 28 for selection against England on Sunday 2nd Feb:

LHP : BAILLE Cyril (Stade Toulousain), GROS Jean-Baptiste (RC Toulon), POIROT Jefferson (Union Bordeaux-Bègles)

Hooker : CHAT Camille (Racing 92), ETRILLARD Anthony (RC Toulon), MARCHAND Julien (Stade Toulousain)

THP : ALDEGHRI Dorian (Stade Toulousain), BAMBA Demba (LOU Rugby), HAOUAS Mohamed (Montpellier)

2nd row : CAZEAUX Cyril (Union Bordeaux Bègles), GERACI Kelian (LOU Rugby), LE ROUX Bernard (Racing 92), PALU Boris (Racing 92), TAOFIFENUA Romain (RC Toulon), WILLEMSE Paul (Montpellier)

Wing forward : CRETIN Dylan (LOU Rugby), CROS François (Stade Toulousain), FISCHER Alexandre (ASM Clermont), MACALOU Sekou (Stade Français Paris), OLLIVON Charles (RC Toulon), WOKI Cameron (Union Bordeaux-Bègles)

No 8 : ALDRITT Grégory (La Rochelle), TOLOFUA Selevasio (Stade Toulousain),

Scrum half : DUPONT Antoine (Stade Toulousain), LUCU Maxime (Union Bordeaux Bègles), SERIN Baptiste (RC Toulon)

Fly half : CARBONEL Louis (RC Toulon), JALIBERT Matthieu (Union Bordeaux-Bègles) , NTAMACK Romain (Stade Toulousain),

Centre : FICKOU Gaël (Stade Français Paris), HERITEAU Julien (RC Toulon), VAKATAWA Virimi (Racing 92), VINCENT Arthur (Montpellier),

Wingers : CORDIN Gervais (RC Toulon), ETIEN Lester (Stade Français Paris), NGANDEBE Gabriel ( Montpellier Rugby), PENAUD Damian (ASM Clermont), RATTEZ Vincent (La Rochelle), THOMAS Teddy (Racing 92),

Full back : BOUTHIER Anthony (Montpellier), HAMDAOUI Kylan (Stade Français Paris), RAMOS Thomas (Stade Toulousain)

Back row forward Charles Ollivon has been named as captain. I would have thought that hooker Julian Marchand was in with a good chance but at least he's in the squad.
The over 30s dependables seem to have been axed - Huget, Médard and Lopez, and chances have been given to younger players who shone at U20 level winning the World Cup, namely the outstanding young Toulon fly half Louis Carbonel, explosive prop Demba Bamba, wing forward Cameron Woki and centre Arthur Vincent. With an average age of 24, it's certainly a brave selection and I wouldn't be at all surprised if they were to be serious challengers for the 6N title. One name catches the eye, that of Dylan Cretin!! Let's hope he doesn't live up to his unfortunate name!

It’s an exciting squad for sure, but almost half (19/42) are uncapped so I think it’s more likely this group will develop over the next few years. I’m surprised Lopez has missed out as he’s one of the form 10s in Europe.

Is Raka injured? I’d have thought he was a shoo-in?

[Banquo]

One name catches the eye, that of Dylan Cretin!! Let's hope he doesn't live up to his unfortunate name!

Possibly most interesting French squad member name since Patrice Tobacco, Elvis Vermeillon or going back a little earlier Jean Condom

also a Poirot still in the squad.

[francoisfou]

Fabien Galthié has just announced his squad of 42 players for the forthcoming 6N, which will be whittled down to 28 for selection against England on Sunday 2nd Feb:

LHP : BAILLE Cyril (Stade Toulousain), GROS Jean-Baptiste (RC Toulon), POIROT Jefferson (Union Bordeaux-Bègles)

Hooker : CHAT Camille (Racing 92), ETRILLARD Anthony (RC Toulon), MARCHAND Julien (Stade Toulousain)

THP : ALDEGHRI Dorian (Stade Toulousain), BAMBA Demba (LOU Rugby), HAOUAS Mohamed (Montpellier)

2nd row : CAZEAUX Cyril (Union Bordeaux Bègles), GERACI Kelian (LOU Rugby), LE ROUX Bernard (Racing 92), PALU Boris (Racing 92), TAOFIFENUA Romain (RC Toulon), WILLEMSE Paul (Montpellier)

Wing forward : CRETIN Dylan (LOU Rugby), CROS François (Stade Toulousain), FISCHER Alexandre (ASM Clermont), MACALOU Sekou (Stade Français Paris), OLLIVON Charles (RC Toulon), WOKI Cameron (Union Bordeaux-Bègles)

No 8 : ALDRITT Grégory (La Rochelle), TOLOFUA Selevasio (Stade Toulousain),

Scrum half : DUPONT Antoine (Stade Toulousain), LUCU Maxime (Union Bordeaux Bègles), SERIN Baptiste (RC Toulon)

Fly half : CARBONEL Louis (RC Toulon), JALIBERT Matthieu (Union Bordeaux-Bègles) , NTAMACK Romain (Stade Toulousain),

Centre : FICKOU Gaël (Stade Français Paris), HERITEAU Julien (RC Toulon), VAKATAWA Virimi (Racing 92), VINCENT Arthur (Montpellier),

Wingers : CORDIN Gervais (RC Toulon), ETIEN Lester (Stade Français Paris), NGANDEBE Gabriel ( Montpellier Rugby), PENAUD Damian (ASM Clermont), RATTEZ Vincent (La Rochelle), THOMAS Teddy (Racing 92),

Full back : BOUTHIER Anthony (Montpellier), HAMDAOUI Kylan (Stade Français Paris), RAMOS Thomas (Stade Toulousain)

Back row forward Charles Ollivon has been named as captain. I would have thought that hooker Julian Marchand was in with a good chance but at least he's in the squad.
The over 30s dependables seem to have been axed - Huget, Médard and Lopez, and chances have been given to younger players who shone at U20 level winning the World Cup, namely the outstanding young Toulon fly half Louis Carbonel, explosive prop Demba Bamba, wing forward Cameron Woki and centre Arthur Vincent. With an average age of 24, it's certainly a brave selection and I wouldn't be at all surprised if they were to be serious challengers for the 6N title. One name catches the eye, that of Dylan Cretin!! Let's hope he doesn't live up to his unfortunate name!

It’s an exciting squad for sure, but almost half (19/42) are uncapped so I think it’s more likely this group will develop over the next few years. I’m surprised Lopez has missed out as he’s one of the form 10s in Europe.

Is Raka injured? I’d have thought he was a shoo-in?

Seems as though Raka's been dropped.

[Digby]

One name catches the eye, that of Dylan Cretin!! Let's hope he doesn't live up to his unfortunate name!

Possibly most interesting French squad member name since Patrice Tobacco, Elvis Vermeillon or going back a little earlier Jean Condom

also a Poirot still in the squad.

As French as French Fries

[twitchy]

Ok timbo. Also that french team looks quality.

[jngf]

I do think that Simmonds might be a good replacement for Wilson as a backrower on the bench able to come on in any position. That is always preferable to a shuffle, IMO.

However, I'd pick Curry ahead of Underhill if ever there had to be a straight choice for either the 6 or 7 shirt.

I think Curry has the more specialist openside skillset in terms of playing like a the linkman in support (and have a concern that playing him as a makeshift blindside risks gradually de-skilling that side of his play) - balanced against that is the shear physical presence in defence and the makings of a great explosive ball carrying game from Underhill and just feel out of all our backrow forwards he’s the one with X factor that a Lions side would pick at 7 and the more Curry plays out of position the wider what I perceive what is currently a slight gap between him and Underhill will become.