Amongst the many things in Switch Blade’s inbox has what do we do if Maro Itoje becomes unavailable registered?
Just looking at current squad I could see either Cunningham-South or Ted Hill as plausible options for different reasons. The former would add a carrying element to loose head lock play which is not Maro’s strongest suit ( though occasionally he has been able to put on some afterburners! ) The latter looks more of a like for like skillset replacement to Itoje, and may be more effective as a jumper than C-South? This is not to say both players are not best seen primarily 6’s (or maybe 6/8 in case of C-South) at test level.I suppose Sweet Bejesus sees Nick Isiekwe as his back up 4/5 though.
Back up No.4 to Maro?
Moderator: Puja
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Re: Back up No.4 to Maro?
If everyone is fit bar Itoje, Chessum would play 5 with Martin at 4.
I like Batley but he got injured at the wrong moment. Coles seems well liked but I’m not convinced. Ewels is actually having a good season and Jonny Hill is playing well….
Can’t see a world where CCS plays lock. I don’t even think his nuts and bolts stuff is good enough for 6 at the moment. Ted Hill I could see possibly but I’d rather just see him at 6 with chessum at 5 if Maro was out.
I like Batley but he got injured at the wrong moment. Coles seems well liked but I’m not convinced. Ewels is actually having a good season and Jonny Hill is playing well….
Can’t see a world where CCS plays lock. I don’t even think his nuts and bolts stuff is good enough for 6 at the moment. Ted Hill I could see possibly but I’d rather just see him at 6 with chessum at 5 if Maro was out.
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Re: Back up No.4 to Maro?
Chessum is next in line playing either lock role I’d say.
What sort of role does Cole tend to play with Saints? He’s a big unit but not sure he’s considered tight-head lock or not.
CCS or Ted Hill obviously not. I’d really like to move on from Ewels and Isiekwe too. Ideally to this
4. Itoje / Chessum / Coles
5. Martin / Chessum / J Hill rewinding to 2022 or whenever it was he looked good.
Kpoku returning from Racing would potentially change things though.
What sort of role does Cole tend to play with Saints? He’s a big unit but not sure he’s considered tight-head lock or not.
CCS or Ted Hill obviously not. I’d really like to move on from Ewels and Isiekwe too. Ideally to this
4. Itoje / Chessum / Coles
5. Martin / Chessum / J Hill rewinding to 2022 or whenever it was he looked good.
Kpoku returning from Racing would potentially change things though.
- Mellsblue
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Re: Back up No.4 to Maro?
Why does anyone bother answering these?
- jngf
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Re: Back up No.4 to Maro?
You know, you can always choose to ignore any post I make rather than coming on like the perennial curmudgeon and also let others decide for themselves - the beauty of this forum is that’s not an echo chamber and one learns something from having a variety of different perspectives

- Mellsblue
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Re: Back up No.4 to Maro?
I could and I mostly do ignore. You are your own echo chamber.jngf wrote: ↑Sat Jan 04, 2025 11:12 pm
You know, you can always choose to ignore any post I make rather than coming on like the perennial curmudgeon and also let others decide for themselves - the beauty of this forum is that’s not an echo chamber and one learns something from having a variety of different perspectives![]()

- Puja
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Re: Back up No.4 to Maro?
While I do understand your opinion on jngf's hypothetical question threads, I would also say that coming in solely to disparage is more than a touch rude and isn't necessary. Let people who want to argue with the premise argue and those who don't want to can leave them alone.Mellsblue wrote: ↑Sun Jan 05, 2025 11:21 amI could and I mostly do ignore. You are your own echo chamber.jngf wrote: ↑Sat Jan 04, 2025 11:12 pm
You know, you can always choose to ignore any post I make rather than coming on like the perennial curmudgeon and also let others decide for themselves - the beauty of this forum is that’s not an echo chamber and one learns something from having a variety of different perspectives![]()
![]()
This isn't a Mod opinion (as no-one has yet asked for one), but I am very much in favour of being polite and live-and-let-live where we can (at least on this board).
Puja
Backist Monk
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Re: Back up No.4 to Maro?
That’s fascists for you.
- Mellsblue
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Re: Back up No.4 to Maro?
Fair enough. I do take your point but sometimes…Puja wrote: ↑Sun Jan 05, 2025 2:00 pmWhile I do understand your opinion on jngf's hypothetical question threads, I would also say that coming in solely to disparage is more than a touch rude and isn't necessary. Let people who want to argue with the premise argue and those who don't want to can leave them alone.Mellsblue wrote: ↑Sun Jan 05, 2025 11:21 amI could and I mostly do ignore. You are your own echo chamber.jngf wrote: ↑Sat Jan 04, 2025 11:12 pm
You know, you can always choose to ignore any post I make rather than coming on like the perennial curmudgeon and also let others decide for themselves - the beauty of this forum is that’s not an echo chamber and one learns something from having a variety of different perspectives![]()
![]()
This isn't a Mod opinion (as no-one has yet asked for one), but I am very much in favour of being polite and live-and-let-live where we can (at least on this board).
Puja
I shall go back to ignoring.