Discussion
Just over a month to go until the 2016 6N. I'd expect a lot of attention to focus on how Eddie Jones does as head coach, and I'm interested to see his 6N squad.
I think it will be a good and in the end close contest, I don't see any team getting a grand slam. England's only have 2 home fixtures but I'd take Ireland and Wales at home.
England
Not sure what to expect, with 4 years until the next WC Jones doesn't necessarily need to make a complete overhaul, I'm thinking more along the lines of not picking those who are likely too old to feature in 2019. Personally I'd like to see as many young, talented players get as many caps as possible come the next WC. It's a shame a few players have gone down with long term injuries in the premiership, namely Henry Slade, and Kieran Brookes.
Farrell seems to be the form fly half in the league, while George Ford has struggled behind a Bath pack that have generally been on back foot. I'd like to see Cipriani involved, I expect with Jones' history with Saracens and their current form quite a few Saracens players will be in the England set up but please no Brad Barritt......
Rumours seem to have Hartley back in and captain, I doubt we'll see Robshaw back at 7 in an England shirt and hopefully not Tom Wood either unless his club form justifies it, England imbalance in the backrow was a big deficiency under Lancaster IMO.
I think England will win 3/4 games and probably finish 2nd. Again.
Ireland
Almost as disappointing in the World Cup as England, and domestically Leinster and Munster haven't been too impressive who supply the bulk of the national side.
I think Ireland are a team in transition needing to rebuild during the next RWC cycle. Still have enough quality to beat anyone, and the opener against Wales at home is a big one to set the tone for the rest of the campaign.
France
New coach in needs to have a long term plan a game plan and then stick to it. The previous two coaches used a ridiculous amount of players. I think the amount of cash in the French top 14 continues to erode the national teams prospects but there is still a huge pool of talent available in France.
Don't see them being able to string 5 winning performances together to win it.
Italy
Italy need to up their game, Sergio Parisse won't be around forever and with Scotland looking to be in the ascendency could be consigned to the wooden spoon for the foreseeable future IMO
Wales
Wales were better than the sum of their parts in the RWC, they've a few injuries still making the cupboard look a bit bare in some positions. Gethin Jenkins turned 35 after the last WC but I expect him to feature in the 6N and beyond while Gatland bloods some youngsters. Like the rest of the contenders I can't see them getting 5 wins and a grand slam and the away fixtures haven't landed too kind this time around getting wins at Twickenham and the Aviva will be a big ask but sadly with the former Wales might have a physiological edge....
Davies being back is a big boost but George North has been poor this season at Northampton. If they can beat Ireland first up they could go on to win it.
Scotland
Scotland probably came away from the RWC with the most credibility, last 6N they were missing that last 10% and could potentially find themselves in a similar boat this time around. Or they could beat England at home and challenge. My memory of them in the WC is they started too slowly and were a bit iffy in defence but played some good attacking rugby. Scotland continue to have the issue of only having 2 top tier teams but Glasgow and Edinburgh are going well domestically.
I think Scotland will win 2/3 games, 3 or more wins will be a big success.
06/02/2016
FRANCE V ITALY
SCOTLAND V ENGLAND
07/02/2016
IRELAND V WALES
13/02/2016
FRANCE V IRELAND
WALES V SCOTLAND
14/02/2016
ITALY V ENGLAND
26/02/2016
WALES V FRANCE
27/02/2016
ITALY V SCOTLAND
ENGLAND V IRELAND
12/03/2016
IRELAND V ITALY
ENGLAND V WALES
13/03/2016
SCOTLAND V FRANCE
19/03/2016
WALES V ITALY
IRELAND V SCOTLAND
FRANCE V ENGLAND
I think it will be a good and in the end close contest, I don't see any team getting a grand slam. England's only have 2 home fixtures but I'd take Ireland and Wales at home.
England
Not sure what to expect, with 4 years until the next WC Jones doesn't necessarily need to make a complete overhaul, I'm thinking more along the lines of not picking those who are likely too old to feature in 2019. Personally I'd like to see as many young, talented players get as many caps as possible come the next WC. It's a shame a few players have gone down with long term injuries in the premiership, namely Henry Slade, and Kieran Brookes.
Farrell seems to be the form fly half in the league, while George Ford has struggled behind a Bath pack that have generally been on back foot. I'd like to see Cipriani involved, I expect with Jones' history with Saracens and their current form quite a few Saracens players will be in the England set up but please no Brad Barritt......
Rumours seem to have Hartley back in and captain, I doubt we'll see Robshaw back at 7 in an England shirt and hopefully not Tom Wood either unless his club form justifies it, England imbalance in the backrow was a big deficiency under Lancaster IMO.
I think England will win 3/4 games and probably finish 2nd. Again.
Ireland
Almost as disappointing in the World Cup as England, and domestically Leinster and Munster haven't been too impressive who supply the bulk of the national side.
I think Ireland are a team in transition needing to rebuild during the next RWC cycle. Still have enough quality to beat anyone, and the opener against Wales at home is a big one to set the tone for the rest of the campaign.
France
New coach in needs to have a long term plan a game plan and then stick to it. The previous two coaches used a ridiculous amount of players. I think the amount of cash in the French top 14 continues to erode the national teams prospects but there is still a huge pool of talent available in France.
Don't see them being able to string 5 winning performances together to win it.
Italy
Italy need to up their game, Sergio Parisse won't be around forever and with Scotland looking to be in the ascendency could be consigned to the wooden spoon for the foreseeable future IMO
Wales
Wales were better than the sum of their parts in the RWC, they've a few injuries still making the cupboard look a bit bare in some positions. Gethin Jenkins turned 35 after the last WC but I expect him to feature in the 6N and beyond while Gatland bloods some youngsters. Like the rest of the contenders I can't see them getting 5 wins and a grand slam and the away fixtures haven't landed too kind this time around getting wins at Twickenham and the Aviva will be a big ask but sadly with the former Wales might have a physiological edge....
Davies being back is a big boost but George North has been poor this season at Northampton. If they can beat Ireland first up they could go on to win it.
Scotland
Scotland probably came away from the RWC with the most credibility, last 6N they were missing that last 10% and could potentially find themselves in a similar boat this time around. Or they could beat England at home and challenge. My memory of them in the WC is they started too slowly and were a bit iffy in defence but played some good attacking rugby. Scotland continue to have the issue of only having 2 top tier teams but Glasgow and Edinburgh are going well domestically.
I think Scotland will win 2/3 games, 3 or more wins will be a big success.
06/02/2016
FRANCE V ITALY
SCOTLAND V ENGLAND
07/02/2016
IRELAND V WALES
13/02/2016
FRANCE V IRELAND
WALES V SCOTLAND
14/02/2016
ITALY V ENGLAND
26/02/2016
WALES V FRANCE
27/02/2016
ITALY V SCOTLAND
ENGLAND V IRELAND
12/03/2016
IRELAND V ITALY
ENGLAND V WALES
13/03/2016
SCOTLAND V FRANCE
19/03/2016
WALES V ITALY
IRELAND V SCOTLAND
FRANCE V ENGLAND
Edited by a311 on Sunday 3rd January 20:49
Been quiet so far this thread!
I'm a bit underwhelmed with EJ's final 23. Sent home a few young exciting prospects and retained some guff to the extent it's a bit Lancaster light. If the talk proves accurate what does moving Robshaw to #6 and Haskell to #7 achieve over what we've already seen? All this about having a fetcher, Haskell isn't the answer in fact he's failed to make me think he can cut it at international level, spends too much time in the gym.
Is Robshaw really the best blindside in premiership at the moment? He lacks the pace and the raw power to make breaks however I would say he's a consistent performer.
I think Jones is looking to ease himself in rather than do anything too drastic, however he's making a lot of the same mistakes Lancaster made-Farrell at 12 if the rumour prove true? Never been a huge fan but he's been the stand-out 10 in the league IMO all be it in a dominant side.
I wouldn't be surprised if Hartley turns out to be an interim captain for the 6N, Jamie George is head and shoulders above him on recent form although I struggle to see any other candidates for the captaincy.
I would say Wales are the most settled side but 2 difficult away fixtures in Ireland and England, beat Ireland and I reckon they'll go on to win it if not the slam.
I'm a bit underwhelmed with EJ's final 23. Sent home a few young exciting prospects and retained some guff to the extent it's a bit Lancaster light. If the talk proves accurate what does moving Robshaw to #6 and Haskell to #7 achieve over what we've already seen? All this about having a fetcher, Haskell isn't the answer in fact he's failed to make me think he can cut it at international level, spends too much time in the gym.
Is Robshaw really the best blindside in premiership at the moment? He lacks the pace and the raw power to make breaks however I would say he's a consistent performer.
I think Jones is looking to ease himself in rather than do anything too drastic, however he's making a lot of the same mistakes Lancaster made-Farrell at 12 if the rumour prove true? Never been a huge fan but he's been the stand-out 10 in the league IMO all be it in a dominant side.
I wouldn't be surprised if Hartley turns out to be an interim captain for the 6N, Jamie George is head and shoulders above him on recent form although I struggle to see any other candidates for the captaincy.
I would say Wales are the most settled side but 2 difficult away fixtures in Ireland and England, beat Ireland and I reckon they'll go on to win it if not the slam.
England's problems continue to be the 10/12 axis-George Ford is very off at the moment and the backrow. Haskell and Robshaw are fooking slow getting to the breakdown, I saw Haskell go into clear more than a few rucks with a totally wrong position and fail (to be fair he's a tall bloke too). He's affirming my fear that he's just a gym bunny who skips 'leg day' he's huge up top but seems to lack power in his legs IMO. BV was awesome today but would have more energy if the carrying duties were shared.
If I'm EJ I appreciate his position doing nothing too radical, eventually I hope to see quite a different side.
Plenty of positives and wins a win.
If I'm EJ I appreciate his position doing nothing too radical, eventually I hope to see quite a different side.
Plenty of positives and wins a win.
Pinky and Perky said:
Actually RBS 6 nations stats show that Dylan Hartley didn't give away any penalties, but Dan Cole did give away 3. Considering the way the scrum gets policed today, and that Dan Cole is in the front row and loose head, and played all 80 minutes that's not bad, not saying its acceptable but it could have been worse. However there were still to many penalties conceded by England (12 versus Scotlands 9), it is a perennial failing that hopefully EJ will get on top of.
Dan Cole is a tight head.England should beat Italy today, the defence was probably the best thing about last weeks performance so I don't see Italy scoring too many tries. I expect the fist 60 mins to be reasonably tight with Italy still lacking a place kicker with a high enough percentage to give them an edge or indeed keep them in a tight game.
I think England will pull away in the final quarter, Clifford, Itoje, and hopefully Jamie George all getting at least 20 mins running at a tired Italian pack.
Looking forward to it.
I think England will pull away in the final quarter, Clifford, Itoje, and hopefully Jamie George all getting at least 20 mins running at a tired Italian pack.
Looking forward to it.
Trust me to jinx it saying they lack a place kicker to keep themselves in it.......
England being embarrassed at the breakdown and in the discipline department.
Looked OK when the phases have been built, backs a bit bunched together in attack, Ben Youngs is s
te, I worry about Ford against stronger oppo, hopefully the try will help with his confidence but remain to be convinced he shouldn't return to Bath and find some form.
England being embarrassed at the breakdown and in the discipline department.
Looked OK when the phases have been built, backs a bit bunched together in attack, Ben Youngs is s
te, I worry about Ford against stronger oppo, hopefully the try will help with his confidence but remain to be convinced he shouldn't return to Bath and find some form.How the holy fk did Youngs get MOTM? He wasn't even England's best scrum half...........
Felt a bit sorry for Italy they were as good as England were bad for patches in that game, maybe 7 or 8 times out of 10 Haskell gets binned for his late challenge in the air.
Haskell was better than Robshaw today, Robshaw I think has been poor in both games now. Itoje and Clifford making the back line far more balanced brought speed and power to the breakdown, you do have keep it in context that it was up against some tired legs, but are far more dynamic forwards than the ones they replaced.
I hope by the end of this 6N going into the tour of Australia these young lads are starters, I thought Hartley could be a short term appointment for the captaincy, Jamie George seems a much better hooker at the moment, however I don't see an obvious choice outside him other than Kruis....
Kruis was very good today, Marler did what Mako Vunipola did last week making an impact from the bench.
Sort of went as expected today, Italy didn't look like scoring but better opposition may have hurt us more in that first half. I think the Ford Farrell combo could be exposed against better sides but would expect them to start together in the Ireland game and baring injury see out the 6N.
k did Youngs get MOTM? He wasn't even England's best scrum half...........Felt a bit sorry for Italy they were as good as England were bad for patches in that game, maybe 7 or 8 times out of 10 Haskell gets binned for his late challenge in the air.
Haskell was better than Robshaw today, Robshaw I think has been poor in both games now. Itoje and Clifford making the back line far more balanced brought speed and power to the breakdown, you do have keep it in context that it was up against some tired legs, but are far more dynamic forwards than the ones they replaced.
I hope by the end of this 6N going into the tour of Australia these young lads are starters, I thought Hartley could be a short term appointment for the captaincy, Jamie George seems a much better hooker at the moment, however I don't see an obvious choice outside him other than Kruis....
Kruis was very good today, Marler did what Mako Vunipola did last week making an impact from the bench.
Sort of went as expected today, Italy didn't look like scoring but better opposition may have hurt us more in that first half. I think the Ford Farrell combo could be exposed against better sides but would expect them to start together in the Ireland game and baring injury see out the 6N.
Cheib said:
Victor Matfield was on Rugby Special (or whatever thay call it now) with Jonathan Davies and Lewis Moody...he made the point that England's lineout really lacks options, they have two jumpers with none of the starting back row being a realistic option. Makes you wonder if Itoje might get the start in the next match.
I recall Haskell taking one yesterday, he's probably as heavy as a lock so while lift-able you'd expect he lacks the athleticism and experience to be a viable option. When you've only really got 2 options and George Kruis calling for a lot of ball to himself it's pretty easy for the defensive line to get a man up.I think at least one of Haskell or Robshaw need to go sharpish. I can understand Jone's reasoning with limited time to asses what he had went with more experienced options. You'd have to look at the stats but Haskell seems to have popped up more making tackles in the two games so far.
Cheib said:
If Haskell and Robshaw are the two flankers by the time of the summer tour I'll be stunned. Australia on hard grounds with those two?! As someone said on this thread before Haskell looks like he has no drive in his legs/pace.
Twas me! Love checking out blokes legs......... 
I've seen him have a decent turn of pace when he's got open space but that was a bit back. He's a very destructive tackler, doesn't give a millimetre in the tackle usually.
Agreed over the Australia comment, there have been a few that have been unlucky with injuries I've been saying for ages I'd like to see Dave Ewers get his shot, but anyone who can share the load with Billy Vunipola in the carrying department will be a big help. Josh Beaumont is another I'd like to see but is ore of and 8 come lock.
I see Danny Cipriani is going (back) to Wasps at the end of the season? Good on him for staying in England hopefully he shines even more in what looks like a very handy side.
Kermit power said:
It certainly won't do Cipriani any harm to be playing behind quite possibly England's starting No 8 every week next year...
Shame Hughes won't be eligible until after the Australia tour-don't think he has his 3 years until the end of June. He's an impressive player, only came to rugby in his later teens. Very versatile too can cover lock, 8, or 6, Billy Vunipola could shift to 6.Looking forward to the Australia tour, 3 tests must be a while since England have had a 3 test series in Australia.
Predictions for the weekend?
Wales Vs France
France are very lucky to be 2 from 2. Wales should show France up and like the look of their stating XV almost looking full strength. Always a chance of France pulling of a blinder of a performance but I don't see it.
Italy Vs Scotland
Despite the scoreline against England Italy looked a good side for periods of the game, brain fart moment let them down so will need an 'accurate' 80 minutes. It's likely to be the wooden-spoon decider it will be Scotland's 10th defeat on the bounce should they be beaten. I'm going with home advantage in a tight game but will be cheering the jocks on as I'm up visiting family this weekend north of the border.
England Vs Ireland
Lots of people writing Ireland off and will like the under dog label. They've enough experience still to win it but I don't think they have the personnel to choke the life out of England like they did in Ireland. I think a lot of Irish fans would have liked to have seen some experimentation with some young inform players getting their chance now that the Championship has pretty much gone for them.
England's success will be dependant on dealing with Ireland's aerial game and getting the better of Ireland at the breakdown. Eliot Daly is on the 23 with Lawes dropping out, I hope he gets some game time he's a very versatile player-can pretty much cover 11-15 although I don't expect Jones is considering him to start at 12. Moving forward I think he's a much better bench option than Goode, He's played a lot at Full Back and if Joseph continues his form and fitness would be a good way of keeping him involved.
I don't expect we'll see any huge changes in the starting XV over the Italy game. Expectation is a 5:3 bench split with Lawes out of the 23. Marler and Care could start over Vunipola and Youngs, Launchbury I expect to replace Lawes starting with Itoje on the bench. I'd like to have seen Clifford and Itoje start on the flanks the pair of them look a far more dynamic paring than Haskell and Robshaw but guess they were up against a tiring Italian side.
I think England will edge it by a score.
Wales Vs France
France are very lucky to be 2 from 2. Wales should show France up and like the look of their stating XV almost looking full strength. Always a chance of France pulling of a blinder of a performance but I don't see it.
Italy Vs Scotland
Despite the scoreline against England Italy looked a good side for periods of the game, brain fart moment let them down so will need an 'accurate' 80 minutes. It's likely to be the wooden-spoon decider it will be Scotland's 10th defeat on the bounce should they be beaten. I'm going with home advantage in a tight game but will be cheering the jocks on as I'm up visiting family this weekend north of the border.
England Vs Ireland
Lots of people writing Ireland off and will like the under dog label. They've enough experience still to win it but I don't think they have the personnel to choke the life out of England like they did in Ireland. I think a lot of Irish fans would have liked to have seen some experimentation with some young inform players getting their chance now that the Championship has pretty much gone for them.
England's success will be dependant on dealing with Ireland's aerial game and getting the better of Ireland at the breakdown. Eliot Daly is on the 23 with Lawes dropping out, I hope he gets some game time he's a very versatile player-can pretty much cover 11-15 although I don't expect Jones is considering him to start at 12. Moving forward I think he's a much better bench option than Goode, He's played a lot at Full Back and if Joseph continues his form and fitness would be a good way of keeping him involved.
I don't expect we'll see any huge changes in the starting XV over the Italy game. Expectation is a 5:3 bench split with Lawes out of the 23. Marler and Care could start over Vunipola and Youngs, Launchbury I expect to replace Lawes starting with Itoje on the bench. I'd like to have seen Clifford and Itoje start on the flanks the pair of them look a far more dynamic paring than Haskell and Robshaw but guess they were up against a tiring Italian side.
I think England will edge it by a score.
hornetrider said:
Wales by 3 - if we're lucky. We've not been convincing... yet. Good to have 6,7,8 restored to normal which hopefully will give us back our edge at the breakdown. Although... I can't believe we've recalled ol' wooden hands out wide. Sigh.
I'm hoping that we'll see some better games this weekend, starting Friday. The tournament has been pretty low quality so far.
As good as Tipuric is I don't think Warburton has ever looked particularly comfortable at 6, so agree with Lydiate in the backrow is better balanced. Got to admit I'm not a huge fan of Lydiate or that style of 6, always reminded me of Joe Worsley. But against a big physical side like France it's the smart move IMO.I'm hoping that we'll see some better games this weekend, starting Friday. The tournament has been pretty low quality so far.
I think Wales are 3 points better. I think the 'it depends if France turn up' is 5-10 years out of date, they're just average at best these days and don't see it improving. The amount of cash and poor relationship between the clubs and French union has been slowly eroding their chances of success for a number of years and Noves certainly wasn't the man to select to bring in a 'new dawn' for French rugby. (Now I've said that they'll probably go one to win the slam!)
It's not been the greatest, perhaps the 6N that follows a World Cup is never going to be the best? New coaches, retirements etc.
Greg66 said:
This is England's best chance at a Grand Slam for a while (and no, saying it won't jinx it).
Well they can still win the slam it's true and are hopefully show further progress this weekend. For me it's going as expected, ugly unconvincing win in the first game, flattering score line in the last. They could go on to win the title but can see them getting beat at least once.A convincing win over Ireland and you'll maybe find me a little more bullish. As others have said Wales usually get more cohesive as the tournament progresses and are the team to beat.
Smollet said:
I'm surprised that neither Kvesic or Wallace haven't been included in the squad so far. Hopefully that will change
The rumours are that Kvesic didn't show enough in camp to impress Jones, sighting his apparent lack of carrying. I wish they'd just try him or A.N. Other at open side who's a specialist to see what it brings to the side. I don't think either Haskell or Robshaw bring much dynamism to the backrow, both do a lot of unglamorous carrying (into heavy traffic not making much ground) which you need but seldom make line breaks, they're also both st slow at getting to the breakdown.Apparently Sam Underhill at Ospreys is one to watch, played for England at U18 level but is only 19. As I've said before I'm hoping quite a few in this side are a stop gap until a) people come back from injury and b) EJ can introduce some younger players in a staggered/controlled way. If he think Haskell and Robshaw are his his first choice flankers by time the next world cup comes around we're f
ked.On Itoje, he captained the U20 to a World Cup victor,y I followed that tournament and he's bulked up a lot since then makes him look shorter..... He's a form lock in the GP and his performances and injuries/form of others has probably forced EJ's hand earlier than he might have wanted to. A lot of pundits and arm chair coaches alike are suggesting he's too small to be an international lock and #6 will be a better position for him long term. I don't really buy this, with lifting in the lineout you don't need to be 6'9" and there's not much in it dimensions wise between him and Kruis.
Completely agree over comments about Lawes who's turning out to be a bit of a flat track bully. I think Itoje will do well and hope once in the side stays there for the long term.
Glad to see Daly in there, He can cover a lot of positions but if Joseph's form remains and stay injury free I'd like to see him get some time at FB, drop Goode out completely.
Edited by a311 on Friday 26th February 11:22
Was away for a long weekend but caught the game.
Lots of positives, and plenty to work on. I agree with Joey's comments re: being brain dead, EJ wanted to bring an edge back to the England side, their getting that but it's a fine line.
Wales will be tough, their defence has been their strongest attribute during the first 3 games whilst England's has looked to be benefiting from Gustard's short time in the new set up whilst we seem to be getting their in attack.
Billy Vunipola has been outstanding but I'm concerned as our main ball carrier and point of attack from the majority of phases he'll be targeted and potentially subdued by Lydiate and Falateu. Dave Ewers is back in the squad following injury, I've been crying out for his inclusion for a while but doubt we'll see him feature much if at all given we're 3 games in.
Minus Haskell's discipline I've been more impressed by him more so that Robshaw who other than a decent pass on Saturday hasn't impressed me too much. I'd put Clifford in at 7 and move Haskell to 6 for Wales but I think baring injury we'll see the same starting XV.
I would love to know what EJ's take on the midfield is long term. Ford is the incumbent 10 but Farrell has been doing all the kicking, Tuilangi is back in the side who Jones sees as a 12 but hasn't played much since coming back from injury so I can't see him starting and while he might offer some impact off the bench I'd rather see more of Daly TBH. I'd drop Goode to keep Daly involved. I thought JJ put in a very impressive defensive performance on Saturday.
Lots of positives, and plenty to work on. I agree with Joey's comments re: being brain dead, EJ wanted to bring an edge back to the England side, their getting that but it's a fine line.
Wales will be tough, their defence has been their strongest attribute during the first 3 games whilst England's has looked to be benefiting from Gustard's short time in the new set up whilst we seem to be getting their in attack.
Billy Vunipola has been outstanding but I'm concerned as our main ball carrier and point of attack from the majority of phases he'll be targeted and potentially subdued by Lydiate and Falateu. Dave Ewers is back in the squad following injury, I've been crying out for his inclusion for a while but doubt we'll see him feature much if at all given we're 3 games in.
Minus Haskell's discipline I've been more impressed by him more so that Robshaw who other than a decent pass on Saturday hasn't impressed me too much. I'd put Clifford in at 7 and move Haskell to 6 for Wales but I think baring injury we'll see the same starting XV.
I would love to know what EJ's take on the midfield is long term. Ford is the incumbent 10 but Farrell has been doing all the kicking, Tuilangi is back in the side who Jones sees as a 12 but hasn't played much since coming back from injury so I can't see him starting and while he might offer some impact off the bench I'd rather see more of Daly TBH. I'd drop Goode to keep Daly involved. I thought JJ put in a very impressive defensive performance on Saturday.
irocfan said:
let's be honest here though - it matters not if the place kicker is the 10 (traditional), 15 (Hare, Stimpson), 9 (the French), 4 (Eales) or indeed anyone else as long as the bloody thing goes over 80% + of the time 
I'm with you on dropping Izno but I'd also go for losing Haskell (IMO he always flatters to decieve, he should be a a world beater and yet....)
I'm with ya, one of the biggest disappointments of the EJ era was seeing Haskell and Robshaw in the squad. But it's a result business to the whole evolution rather than revolutions or whatever the press were calling it king of makes sense. I feel there's a very good backrow out there available, Billy V is getting on for world class but realistically how many of the top 10 ranked sides would have Haskell and Robshaw? Robshaw at 7 was often our most consistent performer but I he's almost 30 so don't expect him to be around by time the next World Cup comes.I'm with you on dropping Izno but I'd also go for losing Haskell (IMO he always flatters to decieve, he should be a a world beater and yet....)
I just wonder whether he sees Farrell at 10 once the 6N is over, Ford or even see what Slade has got at 10?
Greg66 said:
His plans for the midfield are puzzling. I've read that he is a big fan of Manu at 12. I find Manu a pretty one dimensional player: ball, charge, suck in defenders, breakdown. Not the hardest thing to defend against. Maybe there is more to him, but I don't see it personally. You want your 12 to be close to a second 10; Farrell can at least play 10 but I'd be alarmed to see Manu in a 10 shirt.
Manu is still young so should be able to add to his skill set. Nonu was very much a bosh type centre but added distribution and even the ability to kick to his repertoire. When you think about it there aren't too many top international sides operating with a play maker at 12 (see the other thread running on how the fact that players have got bigger and bigger). Not sure about Tuilangi long term, been a while since I've watched him play, blows hot and cold to the point he's a bit of a flat track bully IMO.I would say that the top teams at the moment have been operating with a play maker at 12 or at least with a 12 with a decent all round skill set, NZ, Australia and Argentina.
Derek Chevalier said:
Greg66 said:
I find Manu a pretty one dimensional player: ball, charge, suck in defenders, breakdown. Not the hardest thing to defend against.
NZ found him quite tricky in 2012
Even Brad Barritt looked a world beater in that game........
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