Team for Japan

[jngf]

Isn't it time for the RFU to lift the ban on overseas-based players?

I’ll second that - Premiership is not an adequate conveyor of home grown talent and it’s ludicrous imo that we can’t select talent of the calibre of Jack Willis, Sam Simmonds and Lewis Ludlam ( and don’t get me started on Steffon Armitage from days of yore)

[TheNomad]

Isn't it time for the RFU to lift the ban on overseas-based players?

I’ll second that - Premiership is not an adequate conveyor of home grown talent and it’s ludicrous imo that we can’t select talent of the calibre of Jack Willis, Sam Simmonds and Lewis Ludlam ( and don’t get me started on Steffon Armitage from days of yore)

Disagree - it's only Jack Willis, and maybe Marchant that would get in the side

[TheDasher]

Ludlam and Sam Simmonds shouldn't be near the side jngf (in my opinion), I don't think either are good enough. I'd say that Dave Ribbans is better than Isiekwe and is frankly very underrated... He was a real presence at Saints. I also think Henry Arundell should be in an England 23, being able to play at 15 or on the wing. Will Collier should have had a chance in a 23 too.

[Mikey Brown]

Oh god, it’s happening again.

[francoisfou]

Ludlam and Sam Simmonds shouldn't be near the side jngf (in my opinion), I don't think either are good enough. I'd say that Dave Ribbans is better than Isiekwe and is frankly very underrated... He was a real presence at Saints. I also think Henry Arundell should be in an England 23, being able to play at 15 or on the wing. Will Collier should have had a chance in a 23 too.

Jack Willis, Dave Ribbans and Will Collier are top of my list.
I’ve not watched Arundel this season so can only comment on what I’ve read, and don’t think he’s putting his hand up.

[TheDasher]

Ludlam and Sam Simmonds shouldn't be near the side jngf (in my opinion), I don't think either are good enough. I'd say that Dave Ribbans is better than Isiekwe and is frankly very underrated... He was a real presence at Saints. I also think Henry Arundell should be in an England 23, being able to play at 15 or on the wing. Will Collier should have had a chance in a 23 too.

Jack Willis, Dave Ribbans and Will Collier are top of my list.
I’ve not watched Arundel this season so can only comment on what I’ve read, and don’t think he’s putting his hand up.

Same list as me Francoisfou.

I'd like to see Arundell at full back where he played a lot of rugby at age-group level and I think for Irish? He's wasted on the wing sometimes I think, I'd love to see him on the counter in the middle of the field.

[FKAS]

Ludlam and Sam Simmonds shouldn't be near the side jngf (in my opinion), I don't think either are good enough. I'd say that Dave Ribbans is better than Isiekwe and is frankly very underrated... He was a real presence at Saints. I also think Henry Arundell should be in an England 23, being able to play at 15 or on the wing. Will Collier should have had a chance in a 23 too.

Jack Willis, Dave Ribbans and Will Collier are top of my list.
I’ve not watched Arundel this season so can only comment on what I’ve read, and don’t think he’s putting his hand up.

Same list as me Francoisfou.

I'd like to see Arundell at full back where he played a lot of rugby at age-group level and I think for Irish? He's wasted on the wing sometimes I think, I'd love to see him on the counter in the middle of the field.

Will Collier falls under the same why bother category as Trevor Davison for me. He's 33, good club player that when given the opportunity didn't impress internationally. Though I think Collier only got as far as the Baabaas.

Ribbans would be a handy fourth choice lock. There was some rumours he'd made the move to France because of a long term back problem and wanted to cash in whilst he could but seems to be playing plenty of games for Toulon.

Jack Willis would be nice to have but we aren't exactly short on opensides.

If the limitations on foreign based players were raised you'd have the media constantly calling for The Ice Man to get a recall which would be worse then getting access to the couple of players that might be useful.

[TheDasher]

Jack Willis, Dave Ribbans and Will Collier are top of my list.
I’ve not watched Arundel this season so can only comment on what I’ve read, and don’t think he’s putting his hand up.

Same list as me Francoisfou.

I'd like to see Arundell at full back where he played a lot of rugby at age-group level and I think for Irish? He's wasted on the wing sometimes I think, I'd love to see him on the counter in the middle of the field.

Will Collier falls under the same why bother category as Trevor Davison for me. He's 33, good club player that when given the opportunity didn't impress internationally. Though I think Collier only got as far as the Baabaas.

Ribbans would be a handy fourth choice lock. There was some rumours he'd made the move to France because of a long term back problem and wanted to cash in whilst he could but seems to be playing plenty of games for Toulon.

Jack Willis would be nice to have but we aren't exactly short on opensides.

If the limitations on foreign based players were raised you'd have the media constantly calling for The Ice Man to get a recall which would be worse then getting access to the couple of players that might be useful.

Just to be clear, I'm not that bothered about not picking players in France and I don't think it'd make a huge difference at this point. It is certainly not THE reason why we're struggling, nowhere near.

I was joining in the convo by discussing players who could/should've been useful.

As you say, Collier only got as far as the BaaBaas. My point with him is that it's typical of England that the man who was universally spoken of as being the best English scrummager was never picked for England. We favoured others and frankly our scrum hasn't been in the top tier for years. He should've been capped a few times at least, we should've had a look... He's also four years younger than Dan Cole who should be retiring and he's really just a scrummager too...

Ribbans would be handy, especially if Chessum is viewed as a 6. I think he was underrated personally and I'd say a lot better than Isiekwe from what I've seen anyway.

Agreed on Willis and opensides.

[Banquo]

Same list as me Francoisfou.

I'd like to see Arundell at full back where he played a lot of rugby at age-group level and I think for Irish? He's wasted on the wing sometimes I think, I'd love to see him on the counter in the middle of the field.

Will Collier falls under the same why bother category as Trevor Davison for me. He's 33, good club player that when given the opportunity didn't impress internationally. Though I think Collier only got as far as the Baabaas.

Ribbans would be a handy fourth choice lock. There was some rumours he'd made the move to France because of a long term back problem and wanted to cash in whilst he could but seems to be playing plenty of games for Toulon.

Jack Willis would be nice to have but we aren't exactly short on opensides.

If the limitations on foreign based players were raised you'd have the media constantly calling for The Ice Man to get a recall which would be worse then getting access to the couple of players that might be useful.

Just to be clear, I'm not that bothered about not picking players in France and I don't think it'd make a huge difference at this point. It is certainly not THE reason why we're struggling, nowhere near.

I was joining in the convo by discussing players who could/should've been useful.

As you say, Collier only got as far as the BaaBaas. My point with him is that it's typical of England that the man who was universally spoken of as being the best English scrummager was never picked for England. We favoured others and frankly our scrum hasn't been in the top tier for years. He should've been capped a few times at least, we should've had a look... He's also four years younger than Dan Cole who should be retiring and he's really just a scrummager too...

Ribbans would be handy, especially if Chessum is viewed as a 6. I think he was underrated personally and I'd say a lot better than Isiekwe from what I've seen anyway.

Agreed on Willis and opensides.

Ribbans is/was a very good option for England, but he managed to both get himself sent off and develop a chronic back condition when in contention; the latter is why he dashed to France, knowing his career might not go on much longer....cash in when you can....plus allegedly slightly brassicsoon told him he er....wasn't 'physical enough'. I kid you not

[TheDasher]

Will Collier falls under the same why bother category as Trevor Davison for me. He's 33, good club player that when given the opportunity didn't impress internationally. Though I think Collier only got as far as the Baabaas.

Ribbans would be a handy fourth choice lock. There was some rumours he'd made the move to France because of a long term back problem and wanted to cash in whilst he could but seems to be playing plenty of games for Toulon.

Jack Willis would be nice to have but we aren't exactly short on opensides.

If the limitations on foreign based players were raised you'd have the media constantly calling for The Ice Man to get a recall which would be worse then getting access to the couple of players that might be useful.

Just to be clear, I'm not that bothered about not picking players in France and I don't think it'd make a huge difference at this point. It is certainly not THE reason why we're struggling, nowhere near.

I was joining in the convo by discussing players who could/should've been useful.

As you say, Collier only got as far as the BaaBaas. My point with him is that it's typical of England that the man who was universally spoken of as being the best English scrummager was never picked for England. We favoured others and frankly our scrum hasn't been in the top tier for years. He should've been capped a few times at least, we should've had a look... He's also four years younger than Dan Cole who should be retiring and he's really just a scrummager too...

Ribbans would be handy, especially if Chessum is viewed as a 6. I think he was underrated personally and I'd say a lot better than Isiekwe from what I've seen anyway.

Agreed on Willis and opensides.

Ribbans is/was a very good option for England, but he managed to both get himself sent off and develop a chronic back condition when in contention; the latter is why he dashed to France, knowing his career might not go on much longer....cash in when you can....plus allegedly slightly brassicsoon told him he er....wasn't 'physical enough'. I kid you not

So odd, how was he not physical enough. Steve you silly man.

[FKAS]

Just to be clear, I'm not that bothered about not picking players in France and I don't think it'd make a huge difference at this point. It is certainly not THE reason why we're struggling, nowhere near.

I was joining in the convo by discussing players who could/should've been useful.

As you say, Collier only got as far as the BaaBaas. My point with him is that it's typical of England that the man who was universally spoken of as being the best English scrummager was never picked for England. We favoured others and frankly our scrum hasn't been in the top tier for years. He should've been capped a few times at least, we should've had a look... He's also four years younger than Dan Cole who should be retiring and he's really just a scrummager too...

Ribbans would be handy, especially if Chessum is viewed as a 6. I think he was underrated personally and I'd say a lot better than Isiekwe from what I've seen anyway.

Agreed on Willis and opensides.

Ribbans is/was a very good option for England, but he managed to both get himself sent off and develop a chronic back condition when in contention; the latter is why he dashed to France, knowing his career might not go on much longer....cash in when you can....plus allegedly slightly brassicsoon told him he er....wasn't 'physical enough'. I kid you not

So odd, how was he not physical enough. Steve you silly man.

If I remember at the time Simply Bosh'em was rumoured to want Ribbans to throw his weight around more. More dominant tackles and to carry more.

Similar to Murley, go and do more of the things you're good at.

[Banquo]

Ribbans is/was a very good option for England, but he managed to both get himself sent off and develop a chronic back condition when in contention; the latter is why he dashed to France, knowing his career might not go on much longer....cash in when you can....plus allegedly slightly brassicsoon told him he er....wasn't 'physical enough'. I kid you not

So odd, how was he not physical enough. Steve you silly man.

If I remember at the time Simply Bosh'em was rumoured to want Ribbans to throw his weight around more. More dominant tackles and to carry more.

Similar to Murley, go and do more of the things you're good at.

Not sure how could do more, that was his USP frankly- it was nonsense at the time I thought.

[FKAS]

So odd, how was he not physical enough. Steve you silly man.

If I remember at the time Simply Bosh'em was rumoured to want Ribbans to throw his weight around more. More dominant tackles and to carry more.

Similar to Murley, go and do more of the things you're good at.

Not sure how could do more, that was his USP frankly- it was nonsense at the time I thought.

I dunno, Murley went on record as saying that Borthwick told him he was doing the right things but was only getting so many touches a game and Borthwick wanted him to get more touches and carry more. I'd imagine it was similar for Ribbans. Unless Ribbans goes on record hard to know. Murley did go and record and seemed to like the feedback.

[Banquo]

If I remember at the time Simply Bosh'em was rumoured to want Ribbans to throw his weight around more. More dominant tackles and to carry more.

Similar to Murley, go and do more of the things you're good at.

Not sure how could do more, that was his USP frankly- it was nonsense at the time I thought.

I dunno, Murley went on record as saying that Borthwick told him he was doing the right things but was only getting so many touches a game and Borthwick wanted him to get more touches and carry more. I'd imagine it was similar for Ribbans. Unless Ribbans goes on record hard to know. Murley did go and record and seemed to like the feedback.

Think its true what SB said to Ribbans, I'm saying it was a very odd bit of feedback.

[Mellsblue]

I’m starting to think that all we have to do make a success of the Staffing Blunders regime is to install a selection panel, get a new attack coach, allow all of 2025 to allow the new defensive system to bed in, get a new head of s&c, get a new coach solely to talk to the media, get a new coach solely to manage replacements and allow him until the current cohort of u20s players reach 28yo. Simples.

[FKAS]

Not sure how could do more, that was his USP frankly- it was nonsense at the time I thought.

I dunno, Murley went on record as saying that Borthwick told him he was doing the right things but was only getting so many touches a game and Borthwick wanted him to get more touches and carry more. I'd imagine it was similar for Ribbans. Unless Ribbans goes on record hard to know. Murley did go and record and seemed to like the feedback.

Think its true what SB said to Ribbans, I'm saying it was a very odd bit of feedback.

You make x number of dominant tackles and y number of metres post contact on average which is good but I need you to up those numbers. Not really surprising thing to say to a physical player you want to kick on. Saints having a porous defence at that stage as well probably didn't help.

[TheDasher]

I’m starting to think that all we have to do make a success of the Staffing Blunders regime is to install a selection panel, get a new attack coach, allow all of 2025 to allow the new defensive system to bed in, get a new head of s&c, get a new coach solely to talk to the media, get a new coach solely to manage replacements and allow him until the current cohort of u20s players reach 28yo. Simples.

'Staffing Blunders' - hat tip to you.

[SixAndAHalf]

An underrated aspect of the playing in France discussion is that the quality of the league will improve our players and prepare them better for test rugby. For example, Itoje in the prem is a physical standout whereas in France he would come up against Skelton, Meafou, etc requiring him to adjust his game.

[Epaminondas Pules]

Ludlam and Sam Simmonds shouldn't be near the side jngf (in my opinion), I don't think either are good enough. I'd say that Dave Ribbans is better than Isiekwe and is frankly very underrated... He was a real presence at Saints. I also think Henry Arundell should be in an England 23, being able to play at 15 or on the wing. Will Collier should have had a chance in a 23 too.

Jack Willis, Dave Ribbans and Will Collier are top of my list.
I’ve not watched Arundel this season so can only comment on what I’ve read, and don’t think he’s putting his hand up.

He’d made the most metres in the league after the first few rounds

[Danno]

Pause for thought https://www.world.rugby/rankings

They have left out Wales?

Bwahahahah

[francoisfou]

Ludlam and Sam Simmonds shouldn't be near the side jngf (in my opinion), I don't think either are good enough. I'd say that Dave Ribbans is better than Isiekwe and is frankly very underrated... He was a real presence at Saints. I also think Henry Arundell should be in an England 23, being able to play at 15 or on the wing. Will Collier should have had a chance in a 23 too.

Jack Willis, Dave Ribbans and Will Collier are top of my list.
I’ve not watched Arundel this season so can only comment on what I’ve read, and don’t think he’s putting his hand up.

He’d made the most metres in the league after the first few rounds

[Danno]

Isn't it time for the RFU to lift the ban on overseas-based players?

I’ll second that - Premiership is not an adequate conveyor of home grown talent and it’s ludicrous imo that we can’t select talent of the calibre of Jack Willis, Sam Simmonds and Lewis Ludlam ( and don’t get me started on Steffon Armitage from days of yore)

You're an odd fish sometimes

[Mellsblue]

Baxter
LCD
Cole
Coles
Martin
Hill
B Cuzza
CCS
JVP
F Smith
Sleightholme
Dingwall
Lawrence
Freeman
Carpenter

Dan
Genge
Heyes
Tizard
Pollock
Porter
M Smith
Roebuck

[TheDasher]

Baxter
LCD
Cole
Coles
Martin
Hill
B Cuzza
CCS
JVP
F Smith
Sleightholme
Dingwall
Lawrence
Freeman
Carpenter

Dan
Genge
Heyes
Tizard
Pollock
Porter
M Smith
Roebuck

I've lost the plot on the rules - can he call up anyone from the England A squad?

[Oakboy]

Why does Lozowski get so few advocates? I think he should get a start. What is he in the squad for otherwise? I'd play him at 12 with Freeman at 13.

For the medium/longer term, I'd definitely recall Furbank at 15. His influence is too important to discard.