Team for Argentina

[Stom]

Whilst I think Slade's future at intl level is 12, esp as he is now a threatening runner , seems a bit odd that he has had no game time there this season to my knowledge...and that you haven't got Watson at 15.

That said, decent side and bench; it would have been much more interesting if May were fit. Glad Roko is on the bench. I wonder what it is about Launch that Eddie doesnt fancy, or whether he wants Kruis to run the l/o and thinks a Kruis/Launch lock pairing as a bit wimpy.

Glad Itoje is getting a rest.

It's interesting that while we all see Launch as an incredible lock, and perhaps even the best of ours, he's 4th for England and missed out on the Lions...

There must be something we don't know.

[Oakboy]

Whilst I think Slade's future at intl level is 12, esp as he is now a threatening runner , seems a bit odd that he has had no game time there this season to my knowledge...and that you haven't got Watson at 15.

That said, decent side and bench; it would have been much more interesting if May were fit. Glad Roko is on the bench. I wonder what it is about Launch that Eddie doesnt fancy, or whether he wants Kruis to run the l/o and thinks a Kruis/Launch lock pairing as a bit wimpy.

Glad Itoje is getting a rest.

Maybe, he or Borthwick can't accept a lineout without Kruis to run it, especially without Itoje or Lawes at 6.

[Mikey Brown]

Looks brilliant. Really excited by that bench. I’d argue a couple of things, Launch, where you play Watson maybe, but I’m very pleased with that.

Curry on the bench is bold.

That bench is mad.

It May is 1% off being able to run properly he is basically pointless, so a good call to rest him further.

Maybe will see Lozowski come on at 15 if all goes well?

[Banquo]

The midfield selection is one that pleases me. Would have liked to see Watson at FB and the bench props start, but overall thats looks a good selection. Tough that May misses out, can only assume hes not quite fit enough.
Faz and Itoje rested is very sound.

Yep, May's hammy not right.

I'd like to have seen something more direct as an option for Ford, but that isn't available, saving playing Roko and using him off his wing.

[Banquo]

Whilst I think Slade's future at intl level is 12, esp as he is now a threatening runner , seems a bit odd that he has had no game time there this season to my knowledge...and that you haven't got Watson at 15.

That said, decent side and bench; it would have been much more interesting if May were fit. Glad Roko is on the bench. I wonder what it is about Launch that Eddie doesnt fancy, or whether he wants Kruis to run the l/o and thinks a Kruis/Launch lock pairing as a bit wimpy.

Glad Itoje is getting a rest.

It's interesting that while we all see Launch as an incredible lock, and perhaps even the best of ours, he's 4th for England and missed out on the Lions...

There must be something we don't know.

I reckon he's not in Eddie's hard man mould.

[bitts]

Looks brilliant. Really excited by that bench. I’d argue a couple of things, Launch, where you play Watson maybe, but I’m very pleased with that.

Curry on the bench is bold.

That bench is mad.

It May is 1% off being able to run properly he is basically pointless, so a good call to rest him further.

Maybe will see Lozowski come on at 15 if all goes well?

So you're excited by the bench then?

I just hope Ford Slade works. Would love for it to be the future.

Starting to look like we're not far off a really special side.

[Mellsblue]

I like it. Watson at 15 and Roko at 14 and I’d probably be slightly aroused. Looking forward to it.

[Stom]

Looks brilliant. Really excited by that bench. I’d argue a couple of things, Launch, where you play Watson maybe, but I’m very pleased with that.

Curry on the bench is bold.

That bench is mad.

It May is 1% off being able to run properly he is basically pointless, so a good call to rest him further.

Maybe will see Lozowski come on at 15 if all goes well?

When the complaints boil down to mere quibbles, you know you're heading in the right direction

I'd still like to see an 8 on the bench, though...

[Mikey Brown]

Mad in a good way, yes. I meant bold in that there’s no specialist 8 cover. Robshaw can handle the core bits (control at the base, fielding kicks) but he’s obviously not a threat like Hughes with the ball.

On the other hand I think Curry could be devestating when everybody is looking out for Genge/George/Launch carrying the ball.

[fivepointer]

Lock selection was always going to be a very close run thing, even with Itoje taking a break. Without a recognised back row jumper, the l/o would have been a concern, hence Kruis come in. Hard on Launchbury but i think his l/o work is generally a little below where the others are.
The bench does have an impactful look about it for sure.

[Puja]

You're always going to have to compromise in some position on the bench. I'd rather have Curry than have someone whobcan cover 8, but isn't as good/exciting.

Puja

[Banquo]

You're always going to have to compromise in some position on the bench. I'd rather have Curry than have someone whobcan cover 8, but isn't as good/exciting.

Puja

Aye, calculated risk, as I have in my mind Hughes does retire hurt quite often. Though likely an ill founded perception!

[Puja]

Lock selection was always going to be a very close run thing, even with Itoje taking a break. Without a recognised back row jumper, the l/o would have been a concern, hence Kruis come in. Hard on Launchbury but i think his l/o work is generally a little below where the others are.
The bench does have an impactful look about it for sure.

I was actually thinking recently that Launchbury's lineout work and leadership for Wasps has been top notch, especially with the hookers he's having to work around. Plus with Lawes there, you'd've thought it'd be okay.

Kruis is lucky to my mind, but then he is Borther's favourite, so he was always likely to get the nod. And, frankly, when we're complaining about selecting Kruis, we're not in too bad a position.

Puja

[Puja]

You're always going to have to compromise in some position on the bench. I'd rather have Curry than have someone whobcan cover 8, but isn't as good/exciting.

Puja

Aye, calculated risk, as I have in my mind Hughes does retire hurt quite often. Though likely an ill founded perception!

He used to retire lazy, if that's what you're thinking of?

Played 160 minutes on the summer tour IIRC, so I wouldn't've thought it'd be a huge issue. Having said that, I do expect Eddie to bring him off for Curry about 65 minutes - I think he'll want to see how Robshaw at 8 holds up in a real game, just in case he needs to pick a bench like this again in a more competitive fixture.

Puja

[Raggs]

Eddie states that they plan on Hughes to be playing the 80.

[Peej]

Daly has made a bit of a miracle recovery

[jngf]

You're always going to have to compromise in some position on the bench. I'd rather have Curry than have someone whobcan cover 8, but isn't as good/exciting.

Puja

Will be interesting to see which of Robshaw and Underhill Eddie brings on T Curry for ( and very interesting were the substitution for Hughes )
Quite keen to see how Underhill goes if switched to BSF with Curry at OSF

[Mikey Brown]

Of course you are.

[Banquo]

Eddie states that they plan on Hughes to be playing the 80.

You've commented before on Eddie's statements

[Digby]

So we need to move the ball away from contact then, or we need Mako, Lawes and Hughes to be making big dents on the carry. It's a decent enough squad given what's gone before and players missing

[Banquo]

So we need to move the ball away from contact then, or we need Mako, Lawes and Hughes to be making big dents on the carry. It's a decent enough squad given what's gone before and players missing

Yep, George starting would give better balance in the loose, and I think Launchbury a better carrier than Kruis. Wish BV was fit.

[Raggs]

Eddie states that they plan on Hughes to be playing the 80.

You've commented before on Eddie's statements

True, but seeing as Eddie stuck with Hughes for 80 in Arg, I don't see why I'd assume he's lying now. Of course, if we're winning well, it might be more important to take Hughes off that someone else, in terms of keeping an 8 fit.

[Banquo]

You're always going to have to compromise in some position on the bench. I'd rather have Curry than have someone whobcan cover 8, but isn't as good/exciting.

Puja

Aye, calculated risk, as I have in my mind Hughes does retire hurt quite often. Though likely an ill founded perception!

He used to retire lazy, if that's what you're thinking of?

Played 160 minutes on the summer tour IIRC, so I wouldn't've thought it'd be a huge issue. Having said that, I do expect Eddie to bring him off for Curry about 65 minutes - I think he'll want to see how Robshaw at 8 holds up in a real game, just in case he needs to pick a bench like this again in a more competitive fixture.

Puja

..and having checked, he's generally gone the whole 80 when starting for England, so as you were.

[Banquo]

Eddie states that they plan on Hughes to be playing the 80.

You've commented before on Eddie's statements

True, but seeing as Eddie stuck with Hughes for 80 in Arg, I don't see why I'd assume he's lying now. Of course, if we're winning well, it might be more important to take Hughes off that someone else, in terms of keeping an 8 fit.

yep, and most of the other games he's started, I now know!

[Puja]

You're always going to have to compromise in some position on the bench. I'd rather have Curry than have someone whobcan cover 8, but isn't as good/exciting.

Puja

Will be interesting to see which of Robshaw and Underhill Eddie brings on T Curry for ( and very interesting were the substitution for Hughes )
Quite keen to see how Underhill goes if switched to BSF with Curry at OSF

If not Hughes, then I would expect Underhill to make way. I think Eddie would want to have his young 7s supported by the elder statesman.

Puja