England A vs. Scotland A

[Which Tyler]

Wasps are interested in what's best for Wasps; not Barbeary and not England. Hell, on a week by week basis, they're barely interested in what's best for Wasps in a year or two's time.

Is it that they don't think his basics are good enough? or that their other hookers are better than their other backrowers, so that's where the space for him is? or that he's a hooker who's been training as a backrow for this year, with his conditioning to match; so that he can be introduced with less pressure on him this year; but that when he moves to hooker he'll have different conditioning requirements, to be worked on during a pre-season?

It may be that his skillset isn't good enough for hooker - in which case, I'd expect some confirmation that they're converting him from hooker to backrower. But it's a stretch to assume that's the case in the face of every comment to come from club or player.

[Raggs]

I don’t disagree that Barbeary needs to focus on moving to hooker sooner rather than later, but if Wasps don’t think his basics are up to it yet, picking him for test rugby as a hooker seems like a strange decision and I wonder if that would send out the wrong message?

Obviously it depends on his mentality, but if his skillset isn’t yet convincing enough for Wasps and he’s still picked for England anyway, where is the incentive for him to work on those skills?

Given that Wasps don’t have a great deal to play for now and with Taylor on the way to Sale, they should just bite the bullet and play him as a hooker. The only thing that worries me is that if Oghre’s basics are considered ‘good enough’ but Barbeary’s aren’t ... there’s a lot of work to be done.

I think they're just not wanting to overwhelm a very young forward. I'm sure he's still training to play hooker. I very much doubt he's just stopped training there whilst playing in the backrow.

[Banquo]

Fro 3 matches against Scotland A, USA and Canada - I'm happy to give Barbeary the 16 shirt. And I say that as someone who hates capping players in their breakthrough season.
Giving him 40 minutes over the 3 matches won't make or break the "tour"; won't make or break his career; but will give him some exposure, and let everyone see what he can or can't do. It's exactly the sort of experimenting we should be doing.

Besides, looking forwards to 2027, I'd rather have an England team with 4 of Barbeary, Curry, Curry, Willis, Willis, Earl, Dombrandt, Mercer, Ludlum, Hill, Reid... etc starting, than 3 of them.

I’d rather see someone who has an intl future at 6 play there and at the same time see what his hooking repertoire is like ...IF that is where he is headed. I think that’s the bit we are all missing, as it were.

[Which Tyler]

IF that is where he is headed. I think that’s the bit we are all missing, as it were.

And yet, everything from club, player and nation all say that that's where he's headed. It's just that some people on an internet forum have decided that because they haven't seen him there, they must all be wrong

[Banquo]

IF that is where he is headed. I think that’s the bit we are all missing, as it were.

And yet, everything from club, player and nation all say that that's where he's headed. It's just that some people on an internet forum have decided that because they haven't seen him there, they must all be wrong

Well I think that’s where he is headed, or should be. And if so, play him there soonish.

[Scrumhead]

IF that is where he is headed. I think that’s the bit we are all missing, as it were.

And yet, everything from club, player and nation all say that that's where he's headed. It's just that some people on an internet forum have decided that because they haven't seen him there, they must all be wrong

I’m not saying they’re wrong. I’m just saying it would be strange to pick him as a hooker when we haven’t seen him play there at club level.

At this point in time, I think it’s a case of pick him as a back row player or don’t pick him yet. I wouldn’t be against picking him as a non-playing apprentice hooker, but with our 1st and 2nd choice hookers with the Lions, I’m not convinced he’d have the right people there to learn from.

[Scrumhead]

Are all players from the four play off finalists unavailable for the A game or just the two in the final?

If it’s the former, what’s the most useful side we can make from the 8 remaining sides?

I’d go with:

1. Obano
2. McGuigan
3. Heyes
4. Isiekwe*
5. Wells
6. Hill
7. Ludlam
8. Willis
9. Robson (c)
10. Umaga
11. Hassell-Collins
12. Kelly
13. Lawrence
14. Radwan
15. Steward

*If he’s not fit, I wouldn’t be against looking at Sean Robinson. He’s been consistently excellent for Falcons. I’ve gone for McGuigan over Dunn for the same reason. 28 would be old-ish to make a debut but he’s the same age as Dunn and no-one has nailed down the 3rd choice hooker spot.

[Puja]

Are all players from the four play off finalists unavailable for the A game or just the two in the final?

If it’s the former, what’s the most useful side we can make from the 8 remaining sides?

I’d go with:

1. Obano
2. McGuigan
3. Heyes
4. Isiekwe*
5. Wells
6. Hill
7. Ludlam
8. Willis
9. Robson (c)
10. Umaga
11. Hassell-Collins
12. Kelly
13. Lawrence
14. Radwan
15. Steward

*If he’s not fit, I wouldn’t be against looking at Sean Robinson. He’s been consistently excellent for Falcons. I’ve gone for McGuigan over Dunn for the same reason. 28 would be old-ish to make a debut but he’s the same age as Dunn and no-one has nailed down the 3rd choice hooker spot.

Sorry to ruin a good theoretical selection exercise, but I believe it's same rules as the usual Barbarians game in that slot - just the players from the final are unavailable.

However, going from your suggestion, I'd say Sleightholme or Loader have a better claim to a wing slot than Radwan on this season and have just as much promise. I'd also bypass Robson at 9 as I don't ever see him ever being top international quality. We've got Randall, Uren, Mitchell, Quirke, JVP all up and coming to leave him by the wayside, so captaincy to Ludlam and pick Mitchell here with JVP on the bench. Like the idea of tying down Kelly - he's got a lot of developing to do before he'll trouble the main squad, but we're not flush with 12s and he does have promise so let's call baggsie before the Irish get any ideas.

Puja

[Scrumhead]

I don’t know why I keep forgetting Sleightholme. I genuinely seem to have a mental block on him.

I prefer Loader at 15, so personally I’d see him as competition for Steward rather than on the wing.

[TheNomad]

How often has Loader played 15? Looks an excellent winger though.

The lack of 12s remain an issue. I’m starting to look at some of the other backs we have (literally every position apart from 9) and wondering who can give it a go?

J Simmonds, Lawrence, Umaga, Marchant…then I start getting desperate and considering Hassall-Collins, Freeman, Steward etc- powerful runners with good feet. But it’s quite hard to justify and they all look good in their respective positions.

It’s a bit odd that we’re so light there

[Timbo]

Tom De Glanville in at 15 for me. I think he’s a fantastic prospect and is very much in the Daly and Malins mould. England could keep the same patterns and systems with him at fullback. He’s properly quick, skilful and intelligent. He’s also rock solid under the high ball. Lots of talk about Steward in the air, but De Glanville has the highest % of high ball takes of any back 3 player in the league this season. Hes up around 93% I believe.

[Timbo]

How often has Loader played 15? Looks an excellent winger though.

The lack of 12s remain an issue. I’m starting to look at some of the other backs we have (literally every position apart from 9) and wondering who can give it a go?

J Simmonds, Lawrence, Umaga, Marchant…then I start getting desperate and considering Hassall-Collins, Freeman, Steward etc- powerful runners with good feet. But it’s quite hard to justify and they all look good in their respective positions.

It’s a bit odd that we’re so light there

Ojomoh looked bloody good last week, but is obviously still very raw.

Devoto is probably the answer though. Best 12 in the league this season and ticks a lot of boxes in terms of skill set, size and athleticism.

[Puja]

How often has Loader played 15? Looks an excellent winger though.

The lack of 12s remain an issue. I’m starting to look at some of the other backs we have (literally every position apart from 9) and wondering who can give it a go?

J Simmonds, Lawrence, Umaga, Marchant…then I start getting desperate and considering Hassall-Collins, Freeman, Steward etc- powerful runners with good feet. But it’s quite hard to justify and they all look good in their respective positions.

It’s a bit odd that we’re so light there

Ojomoh looked bloody good last week, but is obviously still very raw.

Devoto is probably the answer though. Best 12 in the league this season and ticks a lot of boxes in terms of skill set, size and athleticism.

20 games for Exeter this season as well, with 7 starts in the last 9 rounds. That's always been the concern with him, but he appears to have shrugged off the injuries and become first choice for Exeter this year.

Puja

[FKAS]

Tom De Glanville in at 15 for me. I think he’s a fantastic prospect and is very much in the Daly and Malins mould. England could keep the same patterns and systems with him at fullback. He’s properly quick, skilful and intelligent. He’s also rock solid under the high ball. Lots of talk about Steward in the air, but De Glanville has the highest % of high ball takes of any back 3 player in the league this season. Hes up around 93% I believe.

Due to injury he has only played fourteen games though and missed some of the months of poorer weather so as a percentage that would look higher. Compare that to Steward who's played 22 and all through the season. TDG was also one of the Baabaas given a ban for breaking bubble rules which annoyed Eddie at the time and the RFU even more so I doubt forgiveness will be quick. I can see him missing out but probably getting a go in the future (then again it's Eddie so leave common sense at the door).

I certainly wouldn't compare TDG with Daly, I think the young Bath man is far more creative than that. I'd agree he falls more into the Malins category of genuine playmaker who can't quite make it at 10 but has pace.

[FKAS]

How often has Loader played 15? Looks an excellent winger though.

The lack of 12s remain an issue. I’m starting to look at some of the other backs we have (literally every position apart from 9) and wondering who can give it a go?

J Simmonds, Lawrence, Umaga, Marchant…then I start getting desperate and considering Hassall-Collins, Freeman, Steward etc- powerful runners with good feet. But it’s quite hard to justify and they all look good in their respective positions.

It’s a bit odd that we’re so light there

Ojomoh looked bloody good last week, but is obviously still very raw.

Devoto is probably the answer though. Best 12 in the league this season and ticks a lot of boxes in terms of skill set, size and athleticism.

20 games for Exeter this season as well, with 7 starts in the last 9 rounds. That's always been the concern with him, but he appears to have shrugged off the injuries and become first choice for Exeter this year.

Puja

Devoto is quality but is he going to fit the right age and skill profile for what Eddie is looking for? Eddie has his favourites at centre and they already include two playmaking options in Slade and Farrell. I get the impression Eddie's looking for strike running options that are a bit younger and more durable than Manu. Lawrence and Marchant to be included but Piers O'Connor and maybe from way out in left field Dan Kelly (which would also piss Ireland off and amuse Eddie).

If you were just looking to win those three games you'd go Devoto but at 27 might he be somewhat overlooked as being a known quantity (having been in squads before) and not a long term solution.

[Timbo]

Tom De Glanville in at 15 for me. I think he’s a fantastic prospect and is very much in the Daly and Malins mould. England could keep the same patterns and systems with him at fullback. He’s properly quick, skilful and intelligent. He’s also rock solid under the high ball. Lots of talk about Steward in the air, but De Glanville has the highest % of high ball takes of any back 3 player in the league this season. Hes up around 93% I believe.

TDG was also one of the Baabaas given a ban for breaking bubble rules which annoyed Eddie at the time and the RFU even more so I doubt forgiveness will be quick. I can see him missing out but probably getting a go in the future (then again it's Eddie so leave common sense at the door).

Equally, of all the uncapped back 3 players being mentioned here he’s the only one who has actually been picked by Eddie before. So we know for a fact that he has something that the coach likes. Can’t say that for sure about the others.

Another one worth mentioning is Ali Crossdale. Was picked in the Autumn and in the shadow squad for the 6 nations. Has been injured but back playing recently for Sarries.

On Devoto, I don’t see age as an issue personally. I can’t think why Eddie would look past the next World Cup, at which point Devoto will still be bang in his prime. You’re right of course that Eddie has almost always preferred different types of players to Devoto at 12. Happened to catch an interview Devoto did with Will Greenwood a while back and Devoto said that Eddie’s big work on for him was to become a better heavy traffic ball carrier. Make of that what you will.

[FKAS]

Tom De Glanville in at 15 for me. I think he’s a fantastic prospect and is very much in the Daly and Malins mould. England could keep the same patterns and systems with him at fullback. He’s properly quick, skilful and intelligent. He’s also rock solid under the high ball. Lots of talk about Steward in the air, but De Glanville has the highest % of high ball takes of any back 3 player in the league this season. Hes up around 93% I believe.

TDG was also one of the Baabaas given a ban for breaking bubble rules which annoyed Eddie at the time and the RFU even more so I doubt forgiveness will be quick. I can see him missing out but probably getting a go in the future (then again it's Eddie so leave common sense at the door).

Equally, of all the uncapped back 3 players being mentioned here he’s the only one who has actually been picked by Eddie before. So we know for a fact that he has something that the coach likes. Can’t say that for sure about the others.

Another one worth mentioning is Ali Crossdale. Was picked in the Autumn and in the shadow squad for the 6 nations. Has been injured but back playing recently for Sarries.

On Devoto, I don’t see age as an issue personally. I can’t think why Eddie would look past the next World Cup, at which point Devoto will still be bang in his prime. You’re right of course that Eddie has almost always preferred different types of players to Devoto at 12. Happened to catch an interview Devoto did with Will Greenwood a while back and Devoto said that Eddie’s big work on for him was to become a better heavy traffic ball carrier. Make of that what you will.

Will Evans, Jordan Owolfela, Marcus Smith and Jacob Umaga have all been included in England squads previously and so far have a sum total of zero caps. Eddie does like to get players into camp to have a look at them but changes his mind quite quickly. The Baabaas debacle cost the RFU a £1m the top brass won't have forgotten that and I don't know how much influence they have on Eddie though he was annoyed at the time.

Two things with selection 1) I suspect Eddie wants the job past the next world cup because the RFU pay well and he must be eying up retirement and an extended contract would set him up nicely. 2) I'd be surprised if the RFU weren't telling Eddie after the 6N debacle that they want to see talent developed and integrated into the squad, they may have made that known after the ANC. Particularly after the France game. Just because the obvious thing is for Eddie to target 2023 doesn't mean there aren't other political considerations at play.

I'd pick Devoto and O'Connor in the squad personally but I'm not Eddie and something makes me think Eddie will do an Eddie and go left field.

[I R Geech]

Fro 3 matches against Scotland A, USA and Canada - I'm happy to give Barbeary the 16 shirt. And I say that as someone who hates capping players in their breakthrough season.
Giving him 40 minutes over the 3 matches won't make or break the "tour"; won't make or break his career; but will give him some exposure, and let everyone see what he can or can't do. It's exactly the sort of experimenting we should be doing.

Besides, looking forwards to 2027, I'd rather have an England team with 4 of Barbeary, Curry, Curry, Willis, Willis, Earl, Dombrandt, Mercer, Ludlum, Hill, Reid... etc starting, than 3 of them.

I’d rather see someone who has an intl future at 6 play there and at the same time see what his hooking repertoire is like ...IF that is where he is headed. I think that’s the bit we are all missing, as it were.

Pfft, put him back in the centres and anoint him as the new Manu.

[FKAS]

Fro 3 matches against Scotland A, USA and Canada - I'm happy to give Barbeary the 16 shirt. And I say that as someone who hates capping players in their breakthrough season.
Giving him 40 minutes over the 3 matches won't make or break the "tour"; won't make or break his career; but will give him some exposure, and let everyone see what he can or can't do. It's exactly the sort of experimenting we should be doing.

Besides, looking forwards to 2027, I'd rather have an England team with 4 of Barbeary, Curry, Curry, Willis, Willis, Earl, Dombrandt, Mercer, Ludlum, Hill, Reid... etc starting, than 3 of them.

I’d rather see someone who has an intl future at 6 play there and at the same time see what his hooking repertoire is like ...IF that is where he is headed. I think that’s the bit we are all missing, as it were.

Pfft, put him back in the centres and anoint him as the new Manu.

I wouldn't put it past Eddie. I notice Gatland has hinted at a position change for Sam Simmonds as well. All the fun and games.

[Raggs]

9. B Curry. 12. A Barbeary 13. S Simmonds

Future England lineup.

[Mikey Brown]

I’d rather see someone who has an intl future at 6 play there and at the same time see what his hooking repertoire is like ...IF that is where he is headed. I think that’s the bit we are all missing, as it were.

Pfft, put him back in the centres and anoint him as the new Manu.

I wouldn't put it past Eddie. I notice Gatland has hinted at a position change for Sam Simmonds as well. All the fun and games.

Has he?

[FKAS]

Pfft, put him back in the centres and anoint him as the new Manu.

I wouldn't put it past Eddie. I notice Gatland has hinted at a position change for Sam Simmonds as well. All the fun and games.

Has he?

Fairly vaguely. A couple of more click baity articles have taken it as a hint that he might play at 12 but I think it sounds more like Gatland wants to trial a hybrid type role like Bath used with Burgess and that England failed spectacularly to replicate. Basically remove him from the tight game and get him leading the line speed outside and carrying away from the heavy impacts up front.

[fivepointer]

Time for the Ben Earl at centre experiment to be properly tried out...

[I R Geech]

9. B Curry. 12. A Barbeary 13. S Simmonds

Future England lineup.

Not sure about 9, but as a centre pairing that could be terrifying (in a good way). If Jonah Lomu Rugby on the PLayStation 1 taught me anything it’s that if you put a big fast bloke in every position then you’re sorted.

[Banquo]

I wouldn't put it past Eddie. I notice Gatland has hinted at a position change for Sam Simmonds as well. All the fun and games.

Has he?

Fairly vaguely. A couple of more click baity articles have taken it as a hint that he might play at 12 but I think it sounds more like Gatland wants to trial a hybrid type role like Bath used with Burgess and that England failed spectacularly to replicate. Basically remove him from the tight game and get him leading the line speed outside and carrying away from the heavy impacts up front.

pretty much as at Exeter.