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The Rugby Thread

Japhet

Well-Known Member
Aug 30, 2010
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Maybe I should dust off my boots.

It's the front row that looks really weak. Don't see much problem in the back row with players like Ewers, Rhodes. Shields, Curry, Kvesic, Underhill, Harrison, Wray all deserving a chance. In other words, get your boots cleaned up if you're a prop.
 

E17yid

Well-Known Member
Jan 21, 2013
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Also, as I’m telling myself with Faletau, picking up an injury now is not necessarily the worst thing in terms of being available for the WC.
 

mpickard2087

Patient Zero
Jun 13, 2008
21,886
32,513
As it stands I'd go something like (with some bold picks that have no chance of selection):

1.Hepburn* 2. Hartley 3. Williams 4. Itoje 5. Lawes 6. Wilson 7. Curry 8. Kvesic 9. Youngs 10. Ford 11. May 12. Farrell 13. T'eo** 14. Cokanasiga*** 15. Brown

16. LCD 17. Ruskin 18. Sinckler 19. Attwood 20. Morgan**** 21. Care 22. Cipriani 23. Daly

*Assume he is default next in line. Hopefully Mako is fit. I'd have Ruskin on the bench regardless.
** Forwards lack some clout, so has to play really (or, whisper it, Tuilagi.....)
*** A risk and he is very raw still, but I like this kid. Huge, quick, good hands, good feet, and scores tries. Provides more power as well.
**** Should probably start, but gone for a more mobile backrow that can compete hard at the breakdown and then bring heavy artillery (along with pace and spark) off the bench.
 

E17yid

Well-Known Member
Jan 21, 2013
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He's a good player. Very quick. He's had some really good games this season and people were just starting to notice him.

Looks like we got in there pretty quick or England weren't bothered.

We're kind of well stocked in the wings with Josh Adams and Steff Evans coming through, though. But always good to have another option or 2.

Like you, we have our own mini injury crisis in the back row but thankfully it's the one area where we can afford to get injuries. We've been playing a back row of Shingler, Navidi and Faletau but they are all out of the internationals and we also have no James Davies out too but I'm looking forward to seeing if Lydiate can get back to where he was and Moriarty getting a run at 8
 

teok

Well-Known Member
Aug 11, 2011
10,837
33,609
Scotland have just called up sam skinner. That is more of a loss than holmes I think.
 

Thewobbler

Well-Known Member
Oct 29, 2016
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surprised Cipriani hasn't made England squad

Not surprised at all. Jones dislikes him.

Alex goode can't get a call up even though his form is excellent. He must have been really bad the last times jones called him up because he cant get back in.
 

E17yid

Well-Known Member
Jan 21, 2013
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I remember asking on here why Wade never got a fair crack with England given his impressive scoring record but, IIRC, the general consensus seemed to be his defence which is something I guess he doesn’t have to worry about in the NFL as he’ll be a running back or some other offensive position.
 

mpickard2087

Patient Zero
Jun 13, 2008
21,886
32,513
Cipriani - Should be in the squad, I'd personally have him in the 22 shirt coming off the bench when necessary with licence to loosen the game up (similar to how NZ use DMac), but as I said a few weeks back, the fawning over his every kick and pass has been proper cringe and he has numerous faults still and cant stay out of trouble and show he desperately wants to be a Test player.

Goode - Is the definition of good club player, not quite got it at international level. Even with scarce resources at 15, I wouldn't pick him.

Wade - Should have at least had the chance at international level, to see whether he could cut it. Clearly not in the thoughts though, he hasn't quite been as electric for Wasps in the last 12 months or so, and if he can get another gig (and more money) then good luck to him - gonna be a tough ask though.

As for the England squad overall, some good picks, some I'd disagree with, getting a bit concerned with the amount of 'poaches' we're starting to see in the squads. It's like Jones doesn't rate much of the Premiership and what's being brought through.
 
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'O Zio

Well-Known Member
Dec 27, 2014
7,405
13,785
Don't know any RFU players whove switched codes.

Sorry to drag up an old post but just catching up on the thread and couldn't help myself but point out that Jonathan Davies switched from union to leagee.
 

Japhet

Well-Known Member
Aug 30, 2010
19,232
57,392
I remember asking on here why Wade never got a fair crack with England given his impressive scoring record but, IIRC, the general consensus seemed to be his defence which is something I guess he doesn’t have to worry about in the NFL as he’ll be a running back or some other offensive position.

I don't think it's just defensive duties. His main rivals are probably Nowell, Rokodiguni, Daley, Yarde etc and all of them are better than Wade at the offensive ruck where your own player goes to ground and the opposition need to be cleared out. International rugby is also a big step up in this area.
 

E17yid

Well-Known Member
Jan 21, 2013
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Scarlets v Leicester tonight.

Steff Evans up agsinst this Jonah Holmes will be interesting. Though this Holmes guy plays FB for them too.
 
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