England v Fiji - 8/11/2025

[Scotty]

Well he smashed everything that moved for starters. It was reminiscent of Lawes back in the day. For me he just seemed to be everywhere. His carries were strong and impactful, his D great, and he just has presence. I haven't seen actual stats but you gotta feel like he's played himself into a starting spot this week.

Like the sound of 6 Curry 7 Underhill 8 CCS, just smash them backwards

 

[Geordie]

He took quite a lot of lineout ball from memory and looked sharpe. He needs to keep his starting spot to let him bed in but then we have so many good back rows but none that offer the CCS threat in my opinion.

Yeah i agree, we have alot of explosive and powerful 6'1 size players. CCS brings that bit extra bulk that i do think this pack is missing. Thats why the Tom Willis news was so disappointing as he was the same.
Hopefully CCS continues next week v the AB's and that will tell us where he is after two tough games.

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

CCS is a naturally powerful guy but he seems to be developing other aspects of his game without losing what sets him apart.

Absolutely looks like a long term 8. Will be disappointed if he doesn’t get to start this week.

 

[spartan32]

He took quite a lot of lineout ball from memory and looked sharpe. He needs to keep his starting spot to let him bed in but then we have so many good back rows but none that offer the CCS threat in my opinion.

I forgot about the line out. He did really well there as well and gives a clear 3rd option which is great. On a couple of occasions he swapped with Earl at 8 in scrums. I think because Earl is faster from the base and presents an alternative attacking threat. Nice option to have.

Also shout out to IFW who’s just looking stonking. Best moment for me was him being smashed in the air, hitting the ground and then just bouncing to his feet to attack 2 Fijians head on with ball still in hand. (Also if that’s not a red card I can’t understand how Tagdhs was but that’s another story). He’s got to be nailed on to start. Arundells cameo at the end may well have secured him a bench spot as well. The gas the lad has is freakish!! Set him lose against tired legs with some little deft dinks through and it’s try time! Reminds of May I. His heyday.

 

[Geordie]

I forgot about the line out. He did really well there as well and gives a clear 3rd option which is great. On a couple of occasions he swapped with Earl at 8 in scrums. I think because Earl is faster from the base and presents an alternative attacking threat. Nice option to have.

Also shout out to IFW who's just looking stonking. Best moment for me was him being smashed in the air, hitting the ground and then just bouncing to his feet to attack 2 Fijians head on with ball still in hand. (Also if that's not a red card I can't understand how Tagdhs was but that's another story). He's got to be nailed on to start. Arundells cameo at the end may well have secured him a bench spot as well. The gas the lad has is freakish!! Set him lose against tired legs with some little deft dinks through and it's try time! Reminds of May I. His heyday.

4th if you include Pepper who took a load of ball v Australia.

 

[Geordie]

I forgot about the line out. He did really well there as well and gives a clear 3rd option which is great. On a couple of occasions he swapped with Earl at 8 in scrums. I think because Earl is faster from the base and presents an alternative attacking threat. Nice option to have.

Also shout out to IFW who's just looking stonking. Best moment for me was him being smashed in the air, hitting the ground and then just bouncing to his feet to attack 2 Fijians head on with ball still in hand. (Also if that's not a red card I can't understand how Tagdhs was but that's another story). He's got to be nailed on to start. Arundells cameo at the end may well have secured him a bench spot as well. The gas the lad has is freakish!! Set him lose against tired legs with some little deft dinks through and it's try time! Reminds of May I. His heyday.

Thats a great thing to have.
Explosive pace for certain scenarios and bulk power for heavy traffic.

 

[Saintjay]

Earl and Pollock seem to be the go to 8's on attacking scrums. Earls been very good the last two matches.


Tbh I think the backs stay the same other than a more kicking to compete match vs AB's. So I'm guessing Ford in at 10. Steward if fit at 15.

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

Arundells cameo at the end may well have secured him a bench spot as well. The gas the lad has is freakish!! Set him lose against tired legs with some little deft dinks through and it's try time! Reminds of May I. His heyday.

Last thing we need is yet another flanker.

 

[spartan32]

Last thing we need is yet another flanker.

What a great moment that was. Must have been an international first. To be fair he did get stuck in

 

[Ddanno]

Mako didn't seem keen though

 

[Geordie]

Mako didn't seem keen though

He had his flankers head between his legs....im sure he wasnt

 

[Scotty]

Arundell absolute wheels for the try BUT if the Fiji player catches this he could be away.

Arundell nowhere near in a position to compete for that. Not sure if positioning issue or just good attack from Fiji.

EDIT: Didn't realise it was Smith who wasn't in a position to compete and Arundell chased. Same issue.