Next up, Ireland

[Mikey Brown]

I think that definitely was true of Underhill but he’s improved in every area in my opinion. I’d still have him ahead of Ludlum as a 7 for sure, though can see the appeal of Ludlum as more versatile and a good jumper maybe.

[Timbo]

I think that definitely was true of Underhill but he’s improved in every area in my opinion. I’d still have him ahead of Ludlum as a 7 for sure, though can see the appeal of Ludlum as more versatile and a good jumper maybe.

Yes, was just going to post the same. Underhill’s carrying and breakdown work came on loads last season. Took Leinster apart at The Rec with 3 or 4 jackal turnovers, for example.

[Mikey Brown]

And don’t forget how he turned Beaudie Barrett inside out to score the winning try when we beat New Zealand.

[Digby]

Assuming that side will play conventional openside and blindside flanker roles not left and right, why have Jones and Mitchell plumped for Curry at 6 not 7 ? - I read that they think Curry has a bigger carrying game yet Curry has increasingly shown some nice link play with the backs and Underhill back in 2018 had started to develop a strong carrying game

Maybe as much about who's quicker off the side of the scrum. It's largely irrelevant who wears which shirt beyond that, as they'll play how they'll play in the loose.

Puja

And who has the better left shoulder tackle, which arguably comes under quicker off the scrum as a large part will be about getting the footwork correct, and then quickly being able to drive through contact. Just saying merely pace off the scrum isn't the be all and end all

[Puja]

Ireland side named. Looks pretty strong, although a few obvious absentees. What their fly-half like? I don't know much of him.



Puja

[Mikey Brown]

He’s new messiah isn’t he?

[paddy no 11]

He's a decent player but not going to light it up

Ye should be winning this on match fitness alone

[Renniks]

How good is Kleyn to be dropped straight in when available?

[paddy no 11]

How good is Kleyn to be dropped straight in when available?

pretty average imo, wouldnt have him over ryan henderson

[jngf]

Ireland side named. Looks pretty strong, although a few obvious absentees. What their fly-half like? I don't know much of him.



Puja

Expect Eddie might now be tempted to start Lawes at 6 to counteract lineout threat from O’Mahony.

[Renniks]

Ireland side named. Looks pretty strong, although a few obvious absentees. What their fly-half like? I don't know much of him.



Puja

Expect Eddie might now be tempted to start Lawes at 6 to counteract lineout threat from O’Mahony.

Or, he could just concede that one area of the game as being slightly 2nd best and have a more balanaced backrow for the majority of the ball in play moments… Sigh

[fivepointer]

England: Daly; Cokanasiga, Tuilagi, Farrell, May; Ford, Youngs; Marler, George, Sinckler, Itoje, Kruis, Curry, Underhill, B Vunipola.

Replacements: Cowan-Dickie, M Vunipola, Cole, Lawes, Wilson, Heinz, Francis, Joseph.

[Scrumhead]

I like that side. Really interested to see how we play now.

[Renniks]

Well…

There's nothing that can be said about the side that hasn't been said ad nauseum before…

Injuries still potentially affecting starting XV
(Slade and Nowell — and returning from injury Mako and Wilson)

Not quite what I'd pick (both for RWC starting, and for this warm-up) but I think that if we play to our potential, then we have every chance of winning this

[Danno]

Likewise
Can Francis play FB? I don't think I would like to see May covering if Daly tweaks something and goes off early. Can't see anyone else that's played there.
Apart from that I hope Billy is hooked at half time

[Which Tyler]

Something's wrong.
It may not be the team I'd pick, but... I like it (barring 2 centres on the bench)

[jngf]

Apart from that I hope Billy is hooked at half time

Worried in case a word rhyming with hooked comes to pass!

[Digby]

Ireland side named. Looks pretty strong, although a few obvious absentees. What their fly-half like? I don't know much of him.



Puja

Expect Eddie might now be tempted to start Lawes at 6 to counteract lineout threat from O’Mahony.

Or, he could just concede that one area of the game as being slightly 2nd best and have a more balanaced backrow for the majority of the ball in play moments… Sigh

Also Henderson is an excellent lineout player for a flanker

[Digby]

Farrell at 12 is annoying, but it did look like the next car crash waiting to happen

[fivepointer]

Several boxes ticked.
Starting XV contains a large percentage of those regarded as first choice.
Starts for those who have been on the bench.
Curry and Underhill to combine in the back row (something that may be required during the WC)
Involvement for Mako and Wilson.
Lawes covering lock and a proper BR replacement.
Disappointing there is no Watson. Daly is inked in to play at FB.

[Puja]

This is like Christmas. Over the past 10 months, I had resigned myself to Fazlet - the man, the legend - leading our toothless attack into the RWC, probably with Te'o and Tuilagi in the centres to ensure maximum bosh and minimum penetration, with Ford being given a maximum of 3 minutes after the game was lost. Now, we not only have confirmation that Te'o's England career is over, but that Jones is willing to look at a game plan with slightly more excitement than watching paint dry!

Puja

[Renniks]

This is like Christmas. Over the past 10 months, I had resigned myself to Fazlet - the man, the legend - leading our toothless attack into the RWC, probably with Te'o and Tuilagi in the centres to ensure maximum bosh and minimum penetration, with Ford being given a maximum of 3 minutes after the game was lost. Now, we not only have confirmation that Te'o's England career is over, but that Jones is willing to look at a game plan with slightly more excitement than watching paint dry!

Puja

Whilst I agree to some extent - I do find that Ford / Farrell is hardly a shining fecking beacon of awesomeness

[Scrumhead]

I’m not sure on the timing, but did we have an attack coach last time Ford and Farrell were playing together? I seem to remember we didn’t?

[Timbo]

I’m not sure on the timing, but did we have an attack coach last time Ford and Farrell were playing together? I seem to remember we didn’t?

Not a full time one, no.

[Digby]

Farrell was definitely there when he played with Ford, and you're not going to shut Farrell up on how and when they should play