Training Squad named ...

[Raggs]

I still don't get the reasoning in McGuigan. He's a solid option sure, but he's 28, and never been in international consideration until we've got 4+ hookers already in/out of our thoughts for various reasons. Langdon and Capon have both been very impressive, both much younger and likely to improve to a greater degree in the next 2 years in the event that we do need to find another hooker after Dunn, George, LCD and Singleton for the RWC.

I'm just as confused as to why Bassett is in the squad btw. Don't see the point of it.

[FKAS]

Langdon from Sale could come in. Very good young hooker and I'd certainly have him up there with Capon and over Oghre and Blamire based on this season's form.

Forgot all about Langdon! He's a decent option and one I'd be happy with.

Puja

Likes to carry, likes to contest the breakdown and has solid basics. Sounds like an Eddie style option though he might not be quite big enough as Eddie does like bigger hookers.

[Digby]

full squad bar those off with the Lions, and those being rested, which basically says it's not a full squad

..nor players from our top 4 teams plus any spare sarries..

I noted that in response to an idea around other than the A game it was going to be a full squad. Though one would likely think there'll be more withdrawals to come even once the top 4 and Sarries will in theory have players released.

Interesting too there's little to no talk of any of the tours being called off

[Digby]

Langdon from Sale could come in. Very good young hooker and I'd certainly have him up there with Capon and over Oghre and Blamire based on this season's form.

Forgot all about Langdon! He's a decent option and one I'd be happy with.

Puja

Likes to carry, likes to contest the breakdown and has solid basics. Sounds like an Eddie style option though he might not be quite big enough as Eddie does like bigger hookers.

Would he not be bigger than Oghre?

[fivepointer]

I still don't get the reasoning in McGuigan. He's a solid option sure, but he's 28, and never been in international consideration until we've got 4+ hookers already in/out of our thoughts for various reasons. Langdon and Capon have both been very impressive, both much younger and likely to improve to a greater degree in the next 2 years in the event that we do need to find another hooker after Dunn, George, LCD and Singleton for the RWC.

I'm just as confused as to why Bassett is in the squad btw. Don't see the point of it.

I'd justify selecting McGuigan based on him being an inform player in a position we are seriously weakened without our 3 best options.
I dont think 28 is too old for a hooker and i see no harm in having him in the squad alongside a couple of younger players.

[Digby]

I still don't get the reasoning in McGuigan. He's a solid option sure, but he's 28, and never been in international consideration until we've got 4+ hookers already in/out of our thoughts for various reasons. Langdon and Capon have both been very impressive, both much younger and likely to improve to a greater degree in the next 2 years in the event that we do need to find another hooker after Dunn, George, LCD and Singleton for the RWC.

I'm just as confused as to why Bassett is in the squad btw. Don't see the point of it.

I'd justify selecting McGuigan based on him being an inform player in a position we are seriously weakened without our 3 best options.
I dont think 28 is too old for a hooker and i see no harm in having him in the squad alongside a couple of younger players.

As so often I don't think form that important, and whilst I wouldn't have thought it odd were it the other way around this way if anything (and it is in the context of none of this really matters) seems a better bet

[Stom]

I still don't get the reasoning in McGuigan. He's a solid option sure, but he's 28, and never been in international consideration until we've got 4+ hookers already in/out of our thoughts for various reasons. Langdon and Capon have both been very impressive, both much younger and likely to improve to a greater degree in the next 2 years in the event that we do need to find another hooker after Dunn, George, LCD and Singleton for the RWC.

I'm just as confused as to why Bassett is in the squad btw. Don't see the point of it.

I'd justify selecting McGuigan based on him being an inform player in a position we are seriously weakened without our 3 best options.
I dont think 28 is too old for a hooker and i see no harm in having him in the squad alongside a couple of younger players.

As so often I don't think form that important, and whilst I wouldn't have thought it odd were it the other way around this way if anything (and it is in the context of none of this really matters) seems a better bet

On the other side of the coin, this is the perfect opportunity to look at players in form to see if they’re just in form or if they’ve actually simply found another gear.

[Digby]

I'd justify selecting McGuigan based on him being an inform player in a position we are seriously weakened without our 3 best options.
I dont think 28 is too old for a hooker and i see no harm in having him in the squad alongside a couple of younger players.

As so often I don't think form that important, and whilst I wouldn't have thought it odd were it the other way around this way if anything (and it is in the context of none of this really matters) seems a better bet

On the other side of the coin, this is the perfect opportunity to look at players in form to see if they’re just in form or if they’ve actually simply found another gear.

How, by having them play Millfield 3rds?

This sort of tour is what generates claims a Jordan Crane can play for England

[Scrumhead]

I still don't get the reasoning in McGuigan. He's a solid option sure, but he's 28, and never been in international consideration until we've got 4+ hookers already in/out of our thoughts for various reasons. Langdon and Capon have both been very impressive, both much younger and likely to improve to a greater degree in the next 2 years in the event that we do need to find another hooker after Dunn, George, LCD and Singleton for the RWC.

I'm just as confused as to why Bassett is in the squad btw. Don't see the point of it.

At the moment it’s just a training squad.

The difference with Bassett is that I’d expect him to drop out when other back three players from the play off sides are available.

Whereas with only 2 hookers, it looks like Blamire and Oghre are playing in the tests.

[FKAS]

As so often I don't think form that important, and whilst I wouldn't have thought it odd were it the other way around this way if anything (and it is in the context of none of this really matters) seems a better bet

On the other side of the coin, this is the perfect opportunity to look at players in form to see if they’re just in form or if they’ve actually simply found another gear.

How, by having them play Millfield 3rds?

This sort of tour is what generates claims a Jordan Crane can play for England

Well to be fair before he had his first knee issues and lost what little pace he had...

[Puja]

Sean Robinson out injured - Josh McNally in: https://www.rugbypass.com/news/injury-r ... -robinson/

Puja

[Banquo]

BTW did anyone remark on Mark Wilson's absence?

[Puja]

BTW did anyone remark on Mark Wilson's absence?

Poor sod. So forgotten that he doesn't even merit a mention till page 4.

He doesn't exactly need the rest off the back of this season, so I'd assume he's not in Eddie's future plans. Can't say I hugely disagree - good player, but with the cavalcade of young back row talent coming through, you'd think his time has passed barring an extraordinary resurgence.

Puja

[Scrumhead]

Agreed (with some reluctance). I still really rate Wilson but given who we have knocking on the door, I’m not overly surprised if he’s making way.

If I had to pick a World Cup squad tomorrow I’d pick him though.

[Banquo]

....I'd also think he'd be a handy voice in the camp to help the young lads learn a bit of back row tradecraft. That's his big USP- someone like ludlam could learn from him....puppy dog enthusiasm only takes you so far.

[fivepointer]

Pity about Robinson.

Understand why Wilson isnt involved. He may not have many opportunities in the future with England due to his age and the quality of player coming through.

[Raggs]

Maybe it's felt that Underhill is a senior enough figure in the backrow?

[Banquo]

Maybe it's felt that Underhill is a senior enough figure in the backrow?

I thought that on reflection, but my point isn’t about seniority, it’s about tradecraft. To my mind Wilson is a very smart player, Underhill more about physicality- he could benefit too. Anyway, utterly moot.

[Mr Mwenda]

Wilson has to stop eventually. A shame though, I like these robshaw style players.

[FKAS]

Forgot all about Langdon! He's a decent option and one I'd be happy with.

Puja

Likes to carry, likes to contest the breakdown and has solid basics. Sounds like an Eddie style option though he might not be quite big enough as Eddie does like bigger hookers.

Would he not be bigger than Oghre?

I had it in my mind that Oghre is shorter and stockier. Wasn't sure so a quick Google and the Wasps website has him at 5'10 and 16st1. Sale website has Langdon at 6ft and 16st3 so not really much in it though who knows with Eddie. I'd have Langdon in there to have a look at him.

[Digby]

God bless the ongoing nonsense spat out as supposed player height and weight stats

[Banquo]

Wilson has to stop eventually. A shame though, I like these robshaw style players.

Never thought of him as being like Robshaw tbh,but take your point. Agreed he's approaching his sell by date, plus injury is always just around the corner.

[FKAS]

God bless the ongoing nonsense spat out as supposed player height and weight stats

You asked the question...

[Digby]

God bless the ongoing nonsense spat out as supposed player height and weight stats

You asked the question...

I thought I was politely trying to say that sounds like bollocks. If not as much bollocks as the clearly fantasy based approached to rugby sites when it comes to heights and weights, do they even realise many people have met these people and stood next to them, and there's just no way they're even close to true in many instances

[jngf]

....I'd also think he'd be a handy voice in the camp to help the young lads learn a bit of back row tradecraft. That's his big USP- someone like ludlam could learn from him....puppy dog enthusiasm only takes you so far.

Why does that apply to Ludlum and not Tom Curry ? (Not sure how objective that is)