Borthwick’s England 2.0

[Banquo]

Ian McGeechan, in the DT mid-week, repeated his contention that the Celtic countries live in fear of England finally getting their act together - they would simply be unable to match English resources.

In other news, pope remains catholic.

[Oakboy]

Ian McGeechan, in the DT mid-week, repeated his contention that the Celtic countries live in fear of England finally getting their act together - they would simply be unable to match English resources.

In other news, pope remains catholic.

As well as shitting in the woods?

[LongForgotten]

This may have been shared on another thread but worth a watch for insight on Borthwicks plan:

Posted on Friday night. There's someone that gets to be smug about calling it. Hope he's right about the long-term.

Puja

I think he's a touch optimistic - not sure we have a pack who can dominate scrums, and unconvinced our wings are particularly suited to the defensive system. Nice explanation of what Borthwick might be aiming for though, and why it's being developed this way round.

I've sent the kick chase segment to several friends after years of trying to explain that there is some merit to box kicks!

[p/d]

BBC reporting that concerns over Furbank’s ball retention might see Strward return are fucking up Puja’s m-b-m

[Banquo]

Ian McGeechan, in the DT mid-week, repeated his contention that the Celtic countries live in fear of England finally getting their act together - they would simply be unable to match English resources.

In other news, pope remains catholic.

As well as shitting in the woods?

aye

on a serious note, getting your act together is way more than just getting the best coach and selecting the best team available...good though that would be

[Banquo]

BBC reporting that concerns over Furbank’s ball retention might see Strward return are fucking up Puja’s m-b-m

that'd would be a pity, but can see it.

[p/d]

BBC reporting that concerns over Furbank’s ball retention might see Strward return are fucking up Puja’s m-b-m

that'd would be a pity, but can see it.

Eh!
Think a France v England thread should be launched so Mells and FKAS can spread the love

[Banquo]

BBC reporting that concerns over Furbank’s ball retention might see Strward return are fucking up Puja’s m-b-m

that'd would be a pity, but can see it.

Eh!
Think a France v England thread should be launched so Mells and FKAS can spread the love

I can see why Borthers might lean that way, not that I would.

[p/d]

that'd would be a pity, but can see it.

Eh!
Think a France v England thread should be launched so Mells and FKAS can spread the love

I can see why Borthers might lean that way, not that I would.

Really? I can’t. The big call was giving the ‘tache a second outing not a third.
I do recall shouting out ‘ffs Furbank that was shit’, but that was more through frustration than anything else.

I know I like Steward and I think I like Furbank. However looking at the team I know I prefer Furbank

[Oakboy]

In other news, pope remains catholic.

As well as shitting in the woods?

aye

on a serious note, getting your act together is way more than just getting the best coach and selecting the best team available...good though that would be

Oh, agreed - the overall picture was what Geech was referring to.

[Banquo]

Eh!
Think a France v England thread should be launched so Mells and FKAS can spread the love

I can see why Borthers might lean that way, not that I would.

Really? I can’t. The big call was giving the ‘tache a second outing not a third.
I do recall shouting out ‘ffs Furbank that was shit’, but that was more through frustration than anything else.

I know I like Steward and I think I like Furbank. However looking at the team I know I prefer Furbank

yeah but you ain't borthers . As I said, i'd stick with the 20 minuter, but he does need to cut his error count.

[FKAS]

Against Ireland there was more logic for recalling Steward, not sure about against France. Particularly with how the French defence fell apart Vs Wales counter attack and that being where Furbank is most valuable to England.

Keep the starting XV and adjust the bench. Has anyone seen it France have made any adjustments to their squad?

[Banquo]

Its a nice problem to have for a change

[Spiffy]

Ian McGeechan, in the DT mid-week, repeated his contention that the Celtic countries live in fear of England finally getting their act together - they would simply be unable to match English resources.

In other news, pope remains catholic.

As well as shitting in the woods?

And calling on the Ukraine to surrender to Russia

[Beasties]

This may have been shared on another thread but worth a watch for insight on Borthwicks plan:

Thanks for posting it again. Managed to get it watched this time. Cracking bit of analysis.

[Veyqun]

Re the Wibble rugby video, I was interested in what the defensive system requires of wingers in terms of real pace and agility, which is maybe why SA have smaller, more agile wingers (but they may just do that because they are both excellent).

It feels like IFW fits the mould perfectly. I guess it's a reason why Coka's a no. I wonder what it means for the pecking order after that (I appreciate it looks like Muir and Roebuck at the moment, but somehow that feels like a stopgap). Hopefully it suits Murley.

Any thoughts on perfect wingers for the defensive system??

[Puja]

Re the Wibble rugby video, I was interested in what the defensive system requires of wingers in terms of real pace and agility, which is maybe why SA have smaller, more agile wingers (but they may just do that because they are both excellent).

It feels like IFW fits the mould perfectly. I guess it's a reason why Coka's a no. I wonder what it means for the pecking order after that (I appreciate it looks like Muir and Roebuck at the moment, but somehow that feels like a stopgap). Hopefully it suits Murley.

Any thoughts on perfect wingers for the defensive system??

Probably also explains why no love for Radwan right now - might not be physical enough in defence for the system? Murley you'd've said would be ideal - fast and nimble on his feet, with decent strength in attack and defence.

It's a shame that it's not 7 years ago, cause you feel someone like 2017 edition Christian Wade would've been ideal for this kind of role.

Puja

[Scrumhead]

I had the same thoughts on Murley. IFW has earned his spot, but Murley would be a good alternative with similar-ish qualities.

[Puja]

Another name that I think would really suit the system is Will Muir. With his 7s background, he's used to a very flexible and fast-moving defensive system, as well as needing to make one-on-one tackles in space.

Puja

[Timbo]

I reckon Marchant would have been well suited to playing both 13 & wing in this defensive system. I’m sure Borthwick would love to have him back.

Highly likely he’s perfectly happy playing in Paris, Top14, nice wage etc, but can’t help but feel a player of his quality & age should be playing test rugby in front of huge crowds & possibly for the Lions. Bit of a waste.

[Mikey Brown]

Yeah. Fast, skilful, good defender, incredible kick chase/retrieval. No idea how much of it was the Eddie influence but the timing still seems weird.

[Mellsblue]

I reckon Marchant would have been well suited to playing both 13 & wing in this defensive system. I’m sure Borthwick would love to have him back.

Highly likely he’s perfectly happy playing in Paris, Top14, nice wage etc, but can’t help but feel a player of his quality & age should be playing test rugby in front of huge crowds & possibly for the Lions. Bit of a waste.

Eddie legacy.

[SixAndAHalf]

Where do we stand after the 6N then?

I see the basis of the team as George, Itoje, Martin, Chessum, CCS, Earl, Mitchell, Ford, Lawrence, IFW and Freeman (Watson also has a central contract).

Nobody really played themselves out of contention but I dont think Roots is international standard and Steward clearly has some work ons.

I’d like to see Hodge, Murley, Barbeary in the next squad plus we could always do with bigger props / locks (a few candidates in the u20s).

Of the players in France I agree with the above that Marchant would be a great fit for this team and obviously JWillis is a top operator.

Will TCurry or Quirke ever be fit as they would raise the squad’s ceiling.

[Banquo]

I reckon Marchant would have been well suited to playing both 13 & wing in this defensive system. I’m sure Borthwick would love to have him back.

Highly likely he’s perfectly happy playing in Paris, Top14, nice wage etc, but can’t help but feel a player of his quality & age should be playing test rugby in front of huge crowds & possibly for the Lions. Bit of a waste.

Eddie legacy.

....in fairness he went off grid before, to enzid

[Banquo]

Where do we stand after the 6N then?

I see the basis of the team as George, Itoje, Martin, Chessum, CCS, Earl, Mitchell, Ford, Lawrence, IFW and Freeman (Watson also has a central contract).

Nobody really played themselves out of contention but I dont think Roots is international standard and Steward clearly has some work ons.

I’d like to see Hodge, Murley, Barbeary in the next squad plus we could always do with bigger props / locks (a few candidates in the u20s).

Of the players in France I agree with the above that Marchant would be a great fit for this team and obviously JWillis is a top operator.

Will TCurry or Quirke ever be fit as they would raise the squad’s ceiling.

I'd see Furbank being there too