A Fazless midfield

[Mikey Brown]

Just supposing that Farrell receives a significant ban, what do you guys imagine we'd see? I think the bench is almost the more interesting call here.

10. Ford 12. Tuilagi 13. Slade seems obvious enough a selection, particularly with Tuilagi playing there a bit more regularly for Sale. It feels like Cipriani's time has passed, at least for EJ, so who does he reach for? Umaga was surely still a 'student' or whatever he's calling it. Not sure Smith has progressed in Eddie's eyes since the time he was in that position, and I'm not sure he has shown any interest in Simmonds?

Joseph offers something different, and some real defensive security, but again doesn't seem fully in favour?

This has been my main conundrum over the last couple of years is wanting Ford in the side, but also Tuilagi and Slade, while Farrell is a fixture. I don't think I'm alone there.

I think a real gain-line presence at 12 and a 13 who can either glide outside, split the field or make the right decisions distributing the ball on "THE EDGE™" has seen some success with beating a blitz, particularly with our rapid back three options.

[Mellsblue]

For me, it’s Ford-Tuilagi-Slade with Smith, Simmonds, Joseph and Marchant in the squad. Honestly no idea who the backup 12 would be. I feel like I’ve missed someone obvious plus I’ve also not managed to watch a lot of the Prem since it’s return.
Would Sam Hill bring a similar direct threat as Tuilagi? I’m not sure he’s quite good enough and I haven’t seen him play for Sale. If we want to stick to a 2nd5/8th we could obvs move Slade there and I think Simmonds could do a job (despite me thinking he’s never played there). Take a flyer on Redpath? Sam James, even if he’s more of a 13? From reading dispatches, and limited viewing, there seems to be a strong argument that 12T is the form EQ 12!
Atkinson and Booj obvs not in the convo so as to give the oppo a fighting chance etc etc.....

[Mr Mwenda]

Surely this is an "unFazed" midfield?

[Mellsblue]

Fazter Fazless midfield.

[Mr Mwenda]

It'll be fazinating to see if anything changes.

[Puja]

For me, it’s Ford-Tuilagi-Slade with Smith, Simmonds, Joseph and Marchant in the squad. Honestly no idea who the backup 12 would be. I feel like I’ve missed someone obvious plus I’ve also not managed to watch a lot of the Prem since it’s return.
Would Sam Hill bring a similar direct threat as Tuilagi? I’m not sure he’s quite good enough and I haven’t seen him play for Sale. If we want to stick to a 2nd5/8th we could obvs move Slade there and I think Simmonds could do a job (despite me thinking he’s never played there). Take a flyer on Redpath? Sam James, even if he’s more of a 13? From reading dispatches, and limited viewing, there seems to be a strong argument that 12T is the form EQ 12!
Atkinson and Booj obvs not in the convo so as to give the oppo a fighting chance etc etc.....

If we wanted a similar direct threat to Tuilagi, then Lawrence would be the obvious call, although he can't/hasn't play 12. I do still say that Manu is a better player at 13 than 12, but in the absence of Faz, there's precious few options. If Manu goes down injured (what are the odds?!), we're left with converting a 10 or a 13, taking a flyer on Redpath, or regressing to Francis.

Puja

[FKAS]

Back up 12 is probably Ollie Devoto if he's fit. I'm a big fan of Sam James but Eddie doesn't seem to be. Lawrence at Wuss is a possibility if he can kick on in the next game or to as well.

Back up flyhalf is a bit more difficult Umaga and Smith don't look quite ready yet, Smith looking closer than Umaga. Simmons is probably the more obvious choice but he's not really like for like with Ford so if you were to lose Ford early you wouldn't have the same dynamism in attack.

Left field selection but Slade looked really good at fullback last time out. He was only covering because of injury but could it allow Jones to have two more direct running centres but also two playmakers in the team.

[Puja]

Left field selection but Slade looked really good at fullback last time out. He was only covering because of injury but could it allow Jones to have two more direct running centres but also two playmakers in the team.

You'd say Watson should be the shoo-in at full-back (although I would like to see him play there for Bath at some point*). You could put him on the wing, but May's got one locked down and Nowell and McConnochie are in hot form (with Daly still having some credit in the bank). I don't see why we'd need to move Slade into 15.

Back up flyhalf is a bit more difficult Umaga and Smith don't look quite ready yet, Smith looking closer than Umaga. Simmons is probably the more obvious choice but he's not really like for like with Ford so if you were to lose Ford early you wouldn't have the same dynamism in attack.

I could actually see Eddie plumping for Umaga. He's stepped up to everything asked of him so far and he looks very composed. Plus, as you said, the closest like-for-like with Ford. One of those players I'm happy to say I was wrong about.

Puja

*Running joke, for the newbie

[Stom]

Left field selection but Slade looked really good at fullback last time out. He was only covering because of injury but could it allow Jones to have two more direct running centres but also two playmakers in the team.

You'd say Watson should be the shoo-in at full-back (although I would like to see him play there for Bath at some point*). You could put him on the wing, but May's got one locked down and Nowell and McConnochie are in hot form (with Daly still having some credit in the bank). I don't see why we'd need to move Slade into 15.

Back up flyhalf is a bit more difficult Umaga and Smith don't look quite ready yet, Smith looking closer than Umaga. Simmons is probably the more obvious choice but he's not really like for like with Ford so if you were to lose Ford early you wouldn't have the same dynamism in attack.

I could actually see Eddie plumping for Umaga. He's stepped up to everything asked of him so far and he looks very composed. Plus, as you said, the closest like-for-like with Ford. One of those players I'm happy to say I was wrong about.

Puja

*Running joke, for the newbie

Considering we’re talking about a fazless midfield, Umaga’s kicking is not up to international rugby (yet).

[fivepointer]

Based on most recent squads the 3rd choice FH is probably Smith. Next in line in the centre would likely be Francis (inside) and Joseph (outside).
Devoto would come into the conversation if he could stay fit and string some games together. I'm sure Redpath is being seriously looked at, and Lawrence, along with Marchant, has got to be in the 13 pecking order. Maybe Dingwall too, though he's been very quiet of late.
I like Sam James too but i think there might be concerns about his defending.
Other than Smith, you could include Umaga, Simmonds and Grayson as FH possibles. It doesnt look that Cips will get a recall.

[jngf]

If only

I’d still like to see a 12 Slade 13 Joseph/Tuillagi approach on a horses for courses basis or 12 Slade/Tuillagi and 13 Joseph.

Neither Burt nor Eddy have managed to cobble together a consistent center partnership - feel England under Eddy is now going to be a case of the law of diminishing returns until RFU smell the coffee and buy his contract out....

[Oakboy]

Any more news on Coka's fitness? If Tuilagi was injured, we'd need some bludgeoning presence even if it was from the wing. Might Nowell get a shout at 13 (Banquo might have kittens thinking about him defending there, I know)?

I'd still cheerfully move Slade to 12.

[Mikey Brown]

I've long thought Slade could do what a better job of what Farrell is doing at 12, but both he and EJ view him as a 13.

I quite enjoy watching him play fullback but I see no reason all to look at that as anything other than cover. I think EJ was just grooming him as a spare Daly (big left boot, good hands coming into the line in that 13 channel, doesn't play there for his club etc.) so he doesn't have to pick Watson there. I really like Devoto and Joseph but no idea what their form is like, has Devoto even been playing?

Yes all of Manu's best games seem to come at 13, but unless there's a better option at 12 I don't see the alternative. He doesn't seem to struggle particularly switching from one to the other.

[Which Tyler]

Any more news on Coka's fitness? If Tuilagi was injured, we'd need some bludgeoning presence even if it was from the wing. Might Nowell get a shout at 13 (Banquo might have kittens thinking about him defending there, I know)?

I'd still cheerfully move Slade to 12.

Was targetting this week, so I'd hoped to see him on the bench Wednesday - sadly not to be.

I think I've mentioned before that I see Slade as a natural 12, and would play there for any team that isn't Exeter.

[francoisfou]

Can you all really see Eddie dropping his « talisman ». I can’t, although I’d be delighted to see Ford, Slade and Tuilagi have a run of games together.

[Mikey Brown]

Can you all really see Eddie dropping his « talisman ». I can’t, although I’d be delighted to see Ford, Slade and Tuilagi have a run of games together.

I can certainly see EJ caving and not selecting Farrell if he has been banned, otherwise yes. I know Eddie is stubborn but give him some credit.

It's a bit like the prospect of Trump not voluntarily leaving the White House if he isn't get re-elected. He's not going to like it, but it's not really a feasible thing to ignore.

[Mr Mwenda]

If Hartley's claims about how he was told he was dropped are true I suspect there are no true undroppables in EJ's squad.

[jngf]

Can you all really see Eddie dropping his « talisman ». I can’t, although I’d be delighted to see Ford, Slade and Tuilagi have a run of games together.

I can certainly see EJ caving and not selecting Farrell if he has been banned, otherwise yes. I know Eddie is stubborn but give him some credit.

It's a bit like the prospect of Trump not voluntarily leaving the White House if he isn't get re-elected. He's not going to like it, but it's not really a feasible thing to ignore.

Or a certain blond clown in breaking International Law - which may actually turn out to be a master stroke if it makes the pompous Barnier and his Presidential bosses finally wake up and smell the coffee over giving us a decent trade deal. Politics now switched off

[FKAS]

Left field selection but Slade looked really good at fullback last time out. He was only covering because of injury but could it allow Jones to have two more direct running centres but also two playmakers in the team.

You'd say Watson should be the shoo-in at full-back (although I would like to see him play there for Bath at some point*). You could put him on the wing, but May's got one locked down and Nowell and McConnochie are in hot form (with Daly still having some credit in the bank). I don't see why we'd need to move Slade into 15.

Back up flyhalf is a bit more difficult Umaga and Smith don't look quite ready yet, Smith looking closer than Umaga. Simmons is probably the more obvious choice but he's not really like for like with Ford so if you were to lose Ford early you wouldn't have the same dynamism in attack.

I could actually see Eddie plumping for Umaga. He's stepped up to everything asked of him so far and he looks very composed. Plus, as you said, the closest like-for-like with Ford. One of those players I'm happy to say I was wrong about.

Puja

*Running joke, for the newbie

Watson is a brilliant counter attacking fullback buy his kicking game and work under high ball aren't a strong point. Less said about his defending the better. Similar issues with Daly though his kicking is exceptional. Slade was surprisingly assured at 15 and as I said it would allow a secondary playmaker without limiting the midfield options. Could go for something like Manu/Marchant or Manu/Lawrence but still have another passing/kicking option for Ford. As I said would be a left field selection.

Obviously Umaga is a fantastic player, I'm not risking jinxing it before tomorrow with Wasps already naming a much stronger side. I would think that any experienced backrow would be backing themselves to get stuck into him because he's shown a little inexperience under pressure. His kicking game needs some refinement as well. All things that can be ironed out fairly easily but not sure this autumn is the right time for him.

Next in line in the centre would likely be Francis (inside) and Joseph (outside).
Devoto would come into the conversation if he could stay fit and string some games together.

Devoto made the 6N squad and Francis did not. Devoto actually came off the bench Vs France. I would hope Francis time has been and gone we have better options.

[morepork]

Surely you can find someone else to fling the ball at a supporting runners face, kick out on the full and charge up out of line and miss tackles?

[Mr Mwenda]

Footloose and Farrell free?

[FKAS]

Surely you can find someone else to fling the ball at a supporting runners face, kick out on the full and charge up out of line and miss tackles?

Well they did ask but I'm retired these days.

[Puja]

Francis looked handy tonight. Highlight was Nathan Hughes trying to run through him with a 10m runup and getting sat down on his arse.

Puja

[Danno]

Surely you can find someone else to fling the ball at a supporting runners face, kick out on the full and charge up out of line and miss tackles?

Aaaaanyone on this board? Assuming we're all EQP

[Digby]

Surely you can find someone else to fling the ball at a supporting runners face, kick out on the full and charge up out of line and miss tackles?

Aaaaanyone on this board? Assuming we're all EQP

Not me, my fitness levels wouldn't get me back onto the line in time to be charging out up and early. Actually this is a real area of strength for Farrell who works really hard off the ball, I don't love the mindset is locked on go forwards rather than scanning what's going on, but if you had to pick a default setting then go forwards is the best one to have.