[2015 RWC] Pool A: England vs. Wales (26/09/2015)

[TRF_Olyy]

Nowell at 13?
Played most of the season there - obviously not a massive amount, but he's one of our best defenders, pretty quick, good in the air and very hard to put down.

I imagine we'll see Burgess/Barritt (or Barritt/Burgess) though.

 

[brokenoses]

It really wouldn't surprise me if that happened *Edit - referring to Farrell/Barritt*. There seems to be lots of talk from England about matching Wales' power and to Lancaster's mind Farrell and Barritt keep the defence water tight, with Burgess coming on for Ford later and Fazlet moving to 10, and Nowell bringing a bit more solidarity and power on the fringes at 23. (Burgess 22.) There have been worse game plans but personally id like to see Burgess and Slade start again with Farrell at 10. Not to take anything from Ford, I just think Farrell/Slade compliment each other better than Ford/Slade. I can see that backline working better than Barritt/Slade in the centres. This is all assuming JJ is out, of course!

 

[MidlandsMan]

Who is most likely to start at scrim half for Wales?

 

[valley commando]

Who is most likely to start at scrim half for Wales?

Davies probably with Spike on the bench, I would favour Lloyd Williams with either or on the bench.

 

[MojoPin]

Davies probably with Spike on the bench, I would favour Lloyd Williams with either or on the bench.

Interesting, personally I don't think I've seen enough of Lloyd yet to justify a starting or bench position. I'd love to see more of him but wouldn't throw him in against England just yet IMO. Mike on the other hand will be a solid choice of the bench and Davies has shown enough to start I think.

 

[Irish boy]

My England back line
9.Youngs
10.Ford
11.Watson
12.Burgess
13.Nowell
14. May
15. Brown

Bench Slade and Farrell

Oh what for Elliot daly

 

[TobesHodges]

If Joseph is out I expect Slade to go 13.. I say that because Nowell has never played it in he England set up, also Slade looked good in the position, but to contradict this, he was able to switch to 12 freely with Burgess, may not be the same with Barritt, but still I could expect Slade to play if Joseph isn't fit..

 

[The Jones Boy]

Wales must front up in the forwards or they will have a long hard day at the office.

 

[RedCard]

Davies probably with Spike on the bench, I would favour Lloyd Williams with either or on the bench.

Lloyd Williams has not improved his game since last world cup. Had the chance to step up but unable to. Shouldn't have made the cut in front of Phillips in the first place. Davies to start with Phillips bench. If Davies finds his pre-injury form he is very dangerous.

Interesting to hear the news on JJ. Whilst I would like to wish the best of luck to England supporters that he is fit in really wouldn't mean it sorry. We could do with a less creative backline to contend with. Farrel and Barrit would be a dream pairing with Ben Morgan in current form at 8 please. Any signs of injuries to the likes of Brown by any chance? Just diarrhoea would do.

 

[Chistera]

Wales must front up in the forwards or they will have a long hard day at the office.

They will because they have no other choice, and if they do, then England will a long hard day at the office. I suspect that the Welsh will be exceptionally motivated, both to proudly represent their multiple 'fallen' players and prove wrong the press - which has been quick to condemn them to direct elimination following their string of injuries.

 

[chippieolamus]

I was confident before JJ's injury, but that could be a huge blow. I dread Farrell/Barritt in the centres, but tbh there aren't that many other options. Slade has a mere 1 cap, and Nowell won't have trained there at all over the last 3 months. I'm seriously worried now.

 

[Patchey]

I was confident before JJ's injury, but that could be a huge blow. I dread Farrell/Barritt in the centres, but tbh there aren't that many other options. Slade has a mere 1 cap, and Nowell won't have trained there at all over the last 3 months. I'm seriously worried now.

It is at this point that picking Burgess over Burrell looks a bit iffy...

 

[kesh]

Barritt / Slamming Sam. With Farrell / Slade coming on at 55 min to change the dimension of attack. Hopefully they practise bringing Brown in as the second ball reciever to face-pass BB/SB as much as possible or May / Watson aren't going to see the ball.


EDIT. The telegraph are reporting that a combination of Farrell, Burgess and Barritt was used in training today.

 

[optimuswolf]

JJ would be a huge loss as he would be a huge threat against Wales' fairly sluggish backs. I'd probably go burgess slade now, as the running threat of burgess is needed and i don't want to see him ir barritt at 13

It also makes the Farrell/Ford choice a bit more balanced. I know it was only a warm up but the 10/12/13 that beat France played seriously well and Farell looks in good form. I also back his place kicking over Ford, whatever the stats suggest.

 

[optimuswolf]

I think if Wales can get parity up front it will be v v close. We need the front row, launch and Robshaw to have huge games.

 

[TobesHodges]

Doesn't worry me JJ getting injured, straight swap for Slade, who is probably England's most naturally talented player and is very composed, I never really feel anxious when he's on the field.

I think if Wales can get parity up front it will be v v close. We need the front row, launch and Robshaw to have huge games.

I find when Wood plays well England win..

 

[kesh]

Farrell Snr saying it isn't a serious injury to JJ so his likely to be ready in time.

 

[Willodell100]

Barritt / Slamming Sam. With Farrell / Slade coming on at 55 min to change the dimension of attack. Hopefully they practise bringing Brown in as the second ball reciever to face-pass BB/SB as much as possible or May / Watson aren't going to see the ball.


EDIT. The telegraph are reporting that a combination of Farrell, Burgess and Barritt was used in training today.

Farrell, Burgess & Barritt! It's feels like we are going back to the Stone Age!

I hope SL doesn't take this extremely conservative route. It would work if we had a dominant pack but we don't at the moment.

 

[AzaMatt]

Farrell Snr saying it isn't a serious injury to JJ so his likely to be ready in time.

i just transfered joseph out of my fantasy team because of the injury -_- dammit lol

 

[The Jones Boy]

What is with Lancaster, it's obvious the starting centres have to be the form players, Burgess and Joseph. These two blokes are on fire. Every other centre is looking luke warm.