2014 QBE Internationals [EOYT] England

[Every Time Ref]

I'd be more concerned with getting a scrum-half who could kick, personally. And pass.

My instinct says Wigglesworth; he kicks well and has a nice, quick, no nonsense straight-from-the-base pass. He may not snipe like Care/Youngs but I'm a big believer in picking your players on their first job, and worrying about the rest later. So however good a prop is in the loose, he must be an international-class scrummager to be considered for selection; and however good at sniping a SH is, he must be able to pass at international standard, period.

Burgess possibly making his debut on the bench vs Quins on Friday, too.

Salivating. Where did you hear this?

 

[ratsapprentice]

My instinct says Wigglesworth; he kicks well and has a nice, quick, no nonsense straight-from-the-base pass. He may not snipe like Care/Youngs but I'm a big believer in picking your players on their first job, and worrying about the rest later. So however good a prop is in the loose, he must be an international-class scrummager to be considered for selection; and however good at sniping a SH is, he must be able to pass at international standard, period.

Here, here. Youngs' passing is dreadful.

Ford told the mejuh.

 

[Every Time Ref]

I assume you're not suggesting the bit about international-class scrummaging applies to Youngs...

Has he played for Bath United at all do you know? Seems like that would be the logical first step

 

[ratsapprentice]

He only started training last monday!*


*training with the squad/contact training that is - he's been doing other stuff since he got here.

 

[Every Time Ref]

Seems early though, doesn't it? I wonder if Ford is thinking about just keeping him on the bench and waiting for a chance to give him 10-15 minutes in a match that's already won?

 

[goodNumber10]

I bet he scores.

Also agree about primary skills first, extras second.

 

[Patchey]

Unimaginative as he is, if we're going to start ignoring Care again then Wigglesworth has to start. Youngs is just awful.

Burgess possibly making his debut on the bench vs Quins on Friday, too.

F**K!

 

[ratsapprentice]

Seems likely:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/danroan">@danroan</a> was with him last night. Not long at all. Boys say he is rather impressive (and pretty keen to collide!).</p>&mdash; David Flatman (@davidflatman) <a href="https://twitter.com/davidflatman/status/537156992570503169">November 25, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Aristodemus]

Holy smokes batman! That is at least a month before I expected to see Sam.

 

[Ragey Erasmus]

I really wish he wasn't hyped up so much, there's probably going to be the ususal knee-jerk reactions if he isn't some sort of centre Jonah Lomu from some elements in the media. I am excited about the prospect but would prefer to wait until we have seen him performing in Union for a bit.

 

[goodNumber10]

the hype was inevitable, arguably the best player in league jumps codes - he was already well enough known outside of his own code so this is pretty massive.

i'm sure he'll have a solid debut - doubt ford would pick him if he wasn't show excellent comprehension of the game, seems like those videos mike and co were sending him got him up to speed.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Holy smokes batman! That is at least a month before I expected to see Sam.

Isn't this about right on track?
He was expected to play in early November, got delayed by a month due to his injury, so is playing early December?

 

[Aristodemus]

Playing yes, but playing in Baths first team no. Well I didn't expect it anyway, happy to see it though, will have to watch the game if I can.

 

[j'nuh]

Seen that some people (not on here, just in general) are ignoring the massive increase in effectiveness of our set-piece since Attwood came in and want to see Launch/Lawes again.
Nuts IMO.

tbf, Launchbury is the first name in the second row for me and I wouldn't be sure why anyone would leave him out. I'd go with Attwood as his partner, but I can see why people might consider Lawes. They both have some tremendous qualities.

Said it before, but I think Lancaster really should look at: 4. Lawes 5. Attwood 6. Launchbury.

 

[Maverick1987]

tbf, Launchbury is the first name in the second row for me and I wouldn't be sure why anyone would leave him out. I'd go with Attwood as his partner, but I can see why people might consider Lawes. They both have some tremendous qualities.

Said it before, but I think Lancaster really should look at: 4. Lawes 5. Attwood 6. Launchbury.

Got to agree . I'd most definitely put Launchberry and Attwood in .... Cue the berry head pictures

Btw when will the bath team be announced ? They are playing Friday night . Want to know if big sam is in

 

[ratsapprentice]

Team gets announced on Thursday.

 

[Maverick1987]

Team gets announced on Thursday.

Burgess named in Bath team to play Harlequins Friday . He's in the 22 shirt .

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Burgess the 10 replacement shock move by Ford there, eyeing him as a 10.

Maybe dropping your kids to the bench will be a trend among English coaches now.

 

[ratsapprentice]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/30205542

"We've put him at 12 at training and he's got a bit bored out there. He finds himself going towards the ruck, wanting to get involved.
"We've also seen him at six, seven and eight and he seems more comfortable there. Clearly there's a lot more technical stuff he has to learn there so we might put him on at centre and let him look from afar.

"Maybe in his third or fourth game we'll put him in the back row and see how he goes with that."

 

[Maverick1987]

Burgess the 10 replacement shock move by Ford there, eyeing him as a 10.

Maybe dropping your kids to the bench will be a trend among English coaches now.

Haha ! Love this !! Can't wait to see him play . Gonna record it cos I'm at work but I'll watch him smash everyone when I get home score 3 tries then be in to play wales in the first game of the 6N at 12