[2015 Six Nations] England

[Ragey Erasmus]

I've never understood why we combine putting few people into the breakdown with no breakdown specialist, surely it should be one or the other? No point having the forwards ready with "options" when said options are useless because the ball has been slowed down or turned over.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

As long as JJ keeps the 13 shirt then I wouldn't be too upset about that. I think Barritt is criminally underrated.

Would mean we still don't really have a 2nd kicking (from hand) option to take some pressure off of Ford (though unless we brought Slade in then that would have to be 36, and I'd rather Barritt than him), and would take away our only real crash ball player though.

 

[jaffka]

I'm starting to lose faith in Lancaster. Our progress which was there to be seen has petered out and seems to be stalling.

I want him to succeed but we go missing in the important big games.

 

[TheSaffycen]

After the wasps v Sarries game I am sure that Itoje will make this world cup squad. Played incredibly for a youngster at 6. Carried really hard, makes bone shaking hits and is a genuine lineout option.

 

[Peat]

As long as JJ keeps the 13 shirt then I wouldn't be too upset about that. I think Barritt is criminally underrated.

Would mean we still don't really have a 2nd kicking (from hand) option to take some pressure off of Ford (though unless we brought Slade in then that would have to be 36, and I'd rather Barritt than him), and would take away our only real crash ball player though.

So... you're saying Barritt doesn't kick, doesn't offer a second playmaker, and doesn't offer a crash ball option... so what does he offer in attack?

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Well God knows he's literally never made a pass in his life, so who knows, ay?

 

[yaboyjj]

Well after all the furor, it looks like Barritt is out with an ankle injury. Are we assuming that Burrell is also out with a calf strain? I guess that means 36 is the next cab off the rank... I would assume Eastmond is the man behind him- but I doubt he would be played next to Ford.
If ever there was a time to try Slade/Hill, now is that time.

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Croft looks out for the season with dislocated shoulder.

 

[Peat]

****.

 

[Ragey Erasmus]

We are good at injuring our players...

 

[jaffka]

Croft is a perma crock. Need to forget about him and move on.

 

[TheSaffycen]

So does that mean that Wood is being called up, or was he already in the squad ?

 

[ratsapprentice]

Croft's Leicester career surely over now?

France?

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Croft's Leicester career surely over now?

France?

Suspect so unfortunately.

France, Bristol or maybe Japan (he would suit their style of play)

Suspect Leicester will be shopping for a starting 6 now.

 

[ratsapprentice]

Could see him going to Japan - not a bad shout... just as much if not more money to be had too.

 

[j'nuh]

The last club that an injury-prone player like Croft needs to be at is Leicester. They have a habit of racking the injuries up.

Lancaster had better call up either Ewers or Kvesic now...

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Wasn't Croft initially brought in from the Saxons to cover Tom Wood, who is now back fit?

 

[Irishkid]

Well after all the furor, it looks like Barritt is out with an ankle injury. Are we assuming that Burrell is also out with a calf strain? I guess that means 36 is the next cab off the rank... I would assume Eastmond is the man behind him- but I doubt he would be played next to Ford.
If ever there was a time to try Slade/Hill, now is that time.

They have to play together eventually

 

[welshglory]

It seems to me that Lancaster isn't the greatest strategist. He appears to rely more on philosophy, dogma and team culture. Similar to Gatland except that he has a clear gameplan, although it may be only one plan! which when executed well (which is easy to do) is very effective.

 

[yaboyjj]

Wasn't Croft initially brought in from the Saxons to cover Tom Wood, who is now back fit?

Thats what I thought... doubt they'd call up anyone else to train since they have Haskell, Wood and can call on Clarke also (Easter also covers backrow from bench). Still a missed opportunity, Kvesic or Ewers would make a really good impact- tbh Itoje or Clifford offer more than Wood atm.