England rugby squad announced 13th Jan - who's in/out?

[LivingTheDream]

23 man squad named

A few surprises in those sent back to club, josh Beaumont, Maro itoji I thought would be in. Although with Eddie Jones wanting an 'edge' I guess Courtney Lawes is up there for second row.

2 scrum halves so their places are confirmed.

Only 2 out and out wingers but plenty of cover for full back and 10

Full squad:

(Forwards) Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers), Jack Clifford (Harlequins), Jamie George (Saracens), Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints), James Haskell (Wasps), Paul Hill (Northampton Saints), George Kruis (Saracens), Joe Launchbury (Wasps), Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints), Joe Marler (Harlequins), Chris Robshaw (Harlequins), Billy Vunipola (Saracens), Mako Vunipola (Saracens), (Backs) Mike Brown (Harlequins), Danny Care (Harlequins), Ollie Devoto (Bath Rugby), Owen Farrell (Saracens), George Ford (Bath Rugby), Alex Goode (Saracens), Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby), Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs), Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby), Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers)

[XCP]

Why is there a 'squad'. Why can't we just pick who we like?

[Kermit power]

I'm confused... Is he saying that's his match day 23 for Scotland? Or is he just training that 23 this week and then potentially swapping some of them around again before naming his match day squad?

[irocfan]

XCP said:

Why is there a 'squad'. Why can't we just pick who we like?

Long story short (IIRC) because the clubs said "no"

[DocJock]

Looking at that 23 I guess that means Farrell will be playing at 12 with JJ at 13.

I find it hard to believe that there isn't a better inside centre in England that OF. As a Scot I'm quite pleased if he does play 12.

[irocfan]

I'll be honest - I'm getting a little concerned. I'll accept that (as much as I dislike his style of play and his petulance on the field) he is the form 10 in England (interestingly enough he had a massive brain fart t'other day and it was all glossed over) and GF seems to have totally lost his mojo, the last ball player, AG, has to play a blinder as IMO he has never impressed at international level.

[Grey Ghost]

Uncanny

[hornetrider]

irocfan said:

I'll be honest - I'm getting a little concerned.

With Aussie Agent Eddie sent to ruin English Rugby?

[Challo]

DocJock said:

Looking at that 23 I guess that means Farrell will be playing at 12 with JJ at 13.

I find it hard to believe that there isn't a better inside centre in England that OF. As a Scot I'm quite pleased if he does play 12.

I dont understand it either. We will look so rigid with OF at 12. Lunacy

[Cheib]

If you listened to the press conference Robshaw is deffo starting at 6 and Farrell at 12. I guess the former is why Itoje is not in the squad....some believe he's not got the bulk yet for an international lock.

The squad really doesn't look that different...rumour has it Haskell is the open side....

[irocfan]

Cheib said:

The squad really doesn't look that different...rumour has it Haskell is the open side....

Which is somewhat puzzling - I thought an open had to be quick as well as quick witted.....

[Cheib]

irocfan said:

Cheib said:

The squad really doesn't look that different...rumour has it Haskell is the open side....

Which is somewhat puzzling - I thought an open had to be quick as well as quick witted.....

Indeed....he wouldn't be at the front of either queue!

[mr pg]

Cheib said:

If you listened to the press conference Robshaw is deffo starting at 6 and Farrell at 12. I guess the former is why Itoje is not in the squad....some believe he's not got the bulk yet for an international lock.

The squad really doesn't look that different...rumour has it Haskell is the open side....

Maro man of the match today against a big Bath pack. No one can understand why he isn't in the squad. He's immense already.

[dom9]

http://www.englandrugby.com/news/rbs-nations-engla...

Farrell at 12, Haskell at 7...

[irocfan]

I has much disappoint

[LivingTheDream]

What's the plan with Goode on the bench? Is he a replacement for Ford? Back up for full back? Surely you could do that with the ford, Farrell, devoto combo?

[DocJock]

Surely if Ford gets injured it's Farrell to 10 and Devoto to 12?

I'm looking forward to this match, particularly if Scotland get parity up front.

[hornetrider]

Farrell at 12 as first choice? Really?

[Challo]

Whats Scotlands pack like these days?

Haskell and Robshaw are very poor international flankers.

[DocJock]

Hardie and Barclay are faster, more natural flankers than Haskell and Robshaw.

Nel has locked up the front row. The Gray lads are playing well.

I'd be disappointed not to edge the forward battle.