Haven't really read the rest of the thread so apols if repeating anyone.
Happy with the props, at hooker I might take Blake over George.
Can't get onboard with CCS as a lock... might take Bamber as 4th choice if we're taking 4.
Back row, if he's fit, I'd take Pearson over Kenningham.
Side note, I think T Willis should be a lion, presumably he's not because he's new to intl rugby, but so's Pollock and T Willis has been phenomenal this year. Other than Conan, Farrell hasn't taken a big ball carrying No8. T Willis would hurt some Aussies and I think should've gone.
SHs look good, Ford and Donoghue for me with the Quins lad 3rd choice.
Radwan has to be in there, I'd say over Murley and maybe over OHC to be honest. I like OHC but I think Roebuck and Muir are both better and between those two and Freeman we have some big, strong wing options who are good in the air. Good to find another fire-cracker to back up IFW and Radwan is the man me thinks...
Steward has to be in - has had a tough run for England, he's so much better than he's shown at times, as we see for Tigers.
Hi Dasher, really interested to get your perspective as to why you think that’s the case? - I think if CCS’ paired with an expert lineout jumper/tactician in the other lock berth he would add real value - certainly see him as a step up from Martin who for me is really rather limited at test level and CCS offers much, much better carrying without much loss in physical presence.
I've said before that Martin hasn't proved himself yet, I'm with you on that - apart from occasionally melting someone he's doesn't do quite enough for me. With you on that one.
I want big, rangy locks that work bloody hard, dominate mauls in attack and defence, have great engines, can either soar high in the lineout or lift bloody high. CCS for me is a ball-carrier, he doesn't have a great engine, he doesn't seem to me to have a dominant tight game and I'm not sure he's a great ball player either. Chessum is a better player than CCS by a country mile in my view but he doesn't carry hard and looks lanky and ginger... I also think baring in mind Itoje will always play/start, having a 6'5 lock (Itoje) and a 6'4 lock (CCS) just ultimately seems a bit piddly too... Against the Boks or France in a WC Semi, I think you'd feel a little underpowered ultimately, there's a reason that no top tier nations field lock pairings of that size.
Personally I prefer Ted Hill to CCS at 6 too, I think CCS is an 8 ultimately.
Fair enough, I definately agree an Itoje, CCS pairing is too short, especially against the Boks and French. Agrer too that no.8 is probably the closest specialist positional fit for him though realistically I think that going forwards England will continue to use him as a utility player if I’m honest, if nothing else because he is both powerfull and versitile ( Farrell Snr dropped the ball in not selecting him for Lions imo). Agree too that Ted Hill looks a more comfortable fit at 6 ( though I’d want CCS there if a player like Earl or Pollock was starting at 8 )
Late to the thread and agree with a good chunk of what’s been covered.
Just wanted to step in with an important observation on Isiekwe.
I was always a vocal critic of his as I felt he lacked impact and was a bit anonymous for a massive bloke, but then it was revealed he’d been playing with a heart condition. Given he’d was playing with a significant handicap for years, he’s done amazingly well to make it to this level and (from what I’ve seen recently), is playing some of the best rugby of his career. I wouldn’t have thought that’s a coincidence.
This was only a year or so ago so not exactly ancient history but it seems to have been entirely forgotten.
Scrumhead wrote: ↑Fri May 09, 2025 7:13 pm
Late to the thread and agree with a good chunk of what’s been covered.
Just wanted to step in with an important observation on Isiekwe.
I was always a vocal critic of his as I felt he lacked impact and was a bit anonymous for a massive bloke, but then it was revealed he’d been playing with a heart condition. Given he’d was playing with a significant handicap for years, he’s done amazingly well to make it to this level and (from what I’ve seen recently), is playing some of the best rugby of his career. I wouldn’t have thought that’s a coincidence.
This was only a year or so ago so not exactly ancient history but it seems to have been entirely forgotten.
)