[2015 Six Nations] England

[TheSaffycen]

I didn't realise that Cole was definitely out for X amount of weeks, for the 6N.
So that's Brookes on the bench for Wales, then?

Wait when ?

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Wait when ?

Saw it on the BBC site earlier today:
"Dan Cole (ankle - could return in next two weeks)"
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/31016895

I suppose "within two weeks" could mean he's back for the Wales game, but I'd be surprised considering it's an ankle injury so he won't have been training, and if it's not 100%, going straight back into scrummaging could proper f*** it.

 

[goodNumber10]

Saw it on the BBC site earlier today:
"Dan Cole (ankle - could return in next two weeks)"
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/31016895

I suppose "within two weeks" could mean he's back for the Wales game, but I'd be surprised considering it's an ankle injury so he won't have been training, and if it's not 100%, going straight back into scrummaging could proper f*** it.

this, if a proper quote, tells me that Eastmond is out regardless - identical rhetoric to the concussion in the AI's, which was injury is making our decision for us:

"Kyle is still being assessed and we're not sure how long he will be, but the clock is definitely ticking for the Wales game."

 

[TheSaffycen]

Him and Tom Woods won't be in the Wales team, Lancaster said that out right in a interview.

 

[Rugga-lad]

Is this a correct assessment of Stuart Lancaster ?

"Decent coach, but cannot take England to that extra level"

Just my assessment.
Thoughts ?

 

[TheSaffycen]

He has this tournament to try and prove himself. He was the bounce of a ball away from winning the grand slam last year.

 

[awardy94]

I'm not sure as to the answer any more.

Lancaster did a great job of rebuilding the post-2011 squad and reputation. England rugby has definitely connected better with fans and I think he/his team run a good media campaign (see Gatland for how not to). I think I will reserve judgement for this Six Nations. We were unlucky not to win last years and after a similarly disappointing AI previous to that as the recent ones in 2014 we looked a strong side in the Six Nations, although were perhaps, albeit marginally, 2nd best to Ireland. Either way, I don't think I'm the only one to feel frustration at Lancaster's favouritism for "safe" players who to me never look like breaking a game. We can talk, and will, for days on the subject of the backrow, but to me it's obvious from the autumn we need better carriers and a decent fetcher.

I think we can all see the need for an attack coach as well, we shouldn't look so disjointed and under pressure against a team like Samoa, which of all the games this autumn left me with the most frustration. It's disappointing that after a Six Nations which saw us develop some real attacking rugby, we had to revert to the forward/set piece dominance and forget about the backs to win against Australia.

Who knows, maybe we'll come out firing with some real attacking flair next Friday, but unfortunately I'm increasingly losing hope that I will see that happen.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

I think Lancaster is the right man for the head role, but I question Farrell Sr. and Catt as part of his team. Especially Farrell Sr. as anything more than a defence coach.

 

[Peat]

On Burgess - maybe I misunderstood the tone, but his name seemed to be coming up with reference to the discussion of which centres to pick for the 6N opener? Regardless, having him in the squad at all seems unproductive anyway to me. I didn't even really agree with the Saxons call up, although I guess I can see the logic. Why have him in the squad at all unless you're considering playing him either on the bench or as a starter? He's not good enough to play international rugby, so that shouldn't be something Lancaster's considering.

I don't think anyone here would pick him but we're not putting it past Lancaster.

Having him in the squad is an entirely different manner and it's not at all unusual to see players put into international squads early to help them get them used to the environment, get familiar with the patterns and so on.

Is this a correct assessment of Stuart Lancaster ?

"Decent coach, but cannot take England to that extra level"

Just my assessment.
Thoughts ?

About the size of it.

 

[TobesHodges]

England (six nations 2015)

If I was Lancaster, this would be my team, I know some of these guys are injured for a game or 2..

1: Dave Wilson - (Great Scrummager, Does a Job carrying the ball and around the fringes)

2: Tom Youngs - (Getting in only Slightly ahead of Hartley, got his Line Outs back on track)

3: Joe Marler - (Adds Aggression to the pack, a balance that is needed in any team, Good on and off the ball work rate)

4: George Kruis - (Been influential for Sarries, with Borthwick going, has definitely earned his place in the team right now, Form Pick)

5: Courtney Lawes - (Injured for 1 game Hopefully, in the Top 5 second rower's in the world at the moment)

6: James Haskell - (50/50 between him and Callum Clark with amount of injuries, but experience of test rugby gets it for me)

7: Chris Robshaw - (Massive influence, a no brainier in anyone's eyes i think)

8: Billy Vunipola - (To be honest i want to be saying Steffon Armitage, but with policy and Morgan out, Billy is still a massive presence in that pack)

9: Ben Youngs - (Has played his way in over Care and Dickson in the last 4-5 Months, Form Pick)

10: George Ford - (A 50/50 with Farrell, as they both have great aspects to there games, injury means Ford for me)

11: Jack Nowell - (I want to be saying Chris Ashton, has been in superb form and getting some good try's, but not selected, Jack Nowell the Little Aggressive Powerhouse Would be my pick)

12: Kyle Eastmond - (Really good all round player, doesn't look bad at all in defense, but will be facing very tasty opposition, Form Pick)

13: Jonathon Joseph - (Well if you want the best England midfield at the moment you go with this lad alongside Eastmond, Though i think every team needs a Barritt in midfield, a real dog, tough between the
two)

14: Johnny May: - (Looks really good everytime he plays for club and country, cemented his spot on the wing at the moment)

15: Mike Brown - (Another that has cemented a place in the team, with constant good performances, sadly Foden injured, who looked really good this season, but still would have picked Brown)

Thats My team and Reasons

Hope i didn't waste to much of your time.

And will be expecting Stuart's call to discuss

 

[yaboyjj]

I knew that Cole was out for a couple of weeks, but why is Brookes still in the Saxons squad?- that's just asking for trouble if he plays and gets injured in the game this weekend. I guess Henry Thomas is next in line- better news than it would have been last year as his scrummaging seems to have improved. England seem to have far less depth at tight head than loosehead right now.

In other news, apparently Steffon Armitage has been arrested for assualt (if true that could well be bye bye to his world cup spot)

 

[goodNumber10]

Held but not charged.

 

[Willodell100]

I'm not sure as to the answer any more.

Lancaster did a great job of rebuilding the post-2011 squad and reputation. England rugby has definitely connected better with fans and I think he/his team run a good media campaign (see Gatland for how not to). I think I will reserve judgement for this Six Nations. We were unlucky not to win last years and after a similarly disappointing AI previous to that as the recent ones in 2014 we looked a strong side in the Six Nations, although were perhaps, albeit marginally, 2nd best to Ireland. Either way, I don't think I'm the only one to feel frustration at Lancaster's favouritism for "safe" players who to me never look like breaking a game. We can talk, and will, for days on the subject of the backrow, but to me it's obvious from the autumn we need better carriers and a decent fetcher.

I think we can all see the need for an attack coach as well, we shouldn't look so disjointed and under pressure against a team like Samoa, which of all the games this autumn left me with the most frustration. It's disappointing that after a Six Nations which saw us develop some real attacking rugby, we had to revert to the forward/set piece dominance and forget about the backs to win against Australia.

Who knows, maybe we'll come out firing with some real attacking flair next Friday, but unfortunately I'm increasingly losing hope that I will see that happen.

Although I still keep faith with SL you put across my frustrations (and probably a few others on here) about his 'safe' selection policy very well.

This was summed up for me when we played Samoa where he picked Ford for the first time (which was great) but he played very safe by picking Farrell outside him at 12 who as clearly out of form and should have been dropped. And then the very unimaginative yet reliable (aka safe) Barritt at 13. A position he hadn't ever played until the autumn!

This was the one game in the autumn everyone could have given SL a bit of licence to try a few exciting options but no he played it safe and, well the performance told it all.

I think Farrell Snr's defence holds too much sway too when it comes to selection. His Saracens blitz defence has bought us reward in the last bit I think too much emphasis has been out on this when it comes to selection.

I agree we need a specialist attack coach. We currently have Mike Catt as skills coach and I'm not really sure what he actually adds to the coaching staff. These boys shouldn't need a skills coach at this level. The reason why they got to this level in the first place should be because they have the skills set required to play international rugby. This again cobwebs me that they are picking specimens first and foremost. The emphasis on power is too high for me.

I'm gutted Kyle Eastmond isn't fit as I think he might have got the of ahead of Twelvetrees. I just hope Joseph rightly gets picked at 13. If not I am really worried about our ability to break down opposition defences.

 

[goodNumber10]

Eastmond out - telegraph reporting it's a re-occurance of a stinger he suffered against Tolouse - off to see a specialist.

- - - Updated - - -

Although I still keep faith with SL you put across my frustrations (and probably a few others on here) about his 'safe' selection policy very well.

This was summed up for me when we played Samoa where he picked Ford for the first time (which was great) but he played very safe by picking Farrell outside him at 12 who as clearly out of form and should have been dropped. And then the very unimaginative yet reliable (aka safe) Barritt at 13. A position he hadn't ever played until the autumn!

He played first two games of the 2012 6 nations at 13, with Farrell at 12 - he only moved to 12 when Manu came back. He played 13 for the Lions against the Brumbies in 2013, he played the Scotland and Wales 2013 games at 13 with 36 at 12, and again only moved back to 12 when Manu reappeared.

does that make him an international 13? nope, but he's got experience there.

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

So which AP teams will be most affected by this:

Bath will be a interesting team
Bath could be without James, Wilson, Attwood, Ford, Eastmond, Joesph, Watson

 

[j'nuh]

I was putting out their view, not mine - if you're Lancaster and think you wanted to look at lots of inside-centres now, why change your mind just because a bunch of them got injured? I think it's been pretty clear from day one they wanted to get Burgess into the World Cup squad as well. You might think they're making a mistake, but it is consistent.

From my view - Personally I think we do have a problem with the 3rd fly-half slot and an absolute 250% aborterrific horrorshow of a problem at 12. They can look at all the 12s they want if you ask me, it is the single biggest problem in the squad.

That said, I've been griping about their tendency to pick less than 3 front rows for a while, and I'll continue doing so now - they clearly believe they don't have to, but it always makes me feel nervous - and neither Webber nor Brookes are that internationally experienced. Webber arguably should be in the 23. I can definitely see your argument. Just I can see theirs as well and don't think it's the mistake you think it is.

Ah, fair enough.

I wouldn't say 12 is the biggest problem. I'd probably go with pack balance. That is, individually I think we have fantastic players in every position across the pack, and there isn't one glaring position where you could say we don't have decent options (maybe hooker). But for me, the whole is less than the sum of its parts. We are light on carriers and breakdown specialists in particular. I guess this is my biggest problem with Haskell and Clark, they are just more players that are of the type that we already have a ton of.

But in terms of one standout position being problematic... I still probably wouldn't go with 12. I think it's because I still feel a little hope about something clicking at 12. We could get an attack going with Hape-Tindall, so if we can't do it with who we currently have in the squad, then I'm not too certain we should be looking at the players. My main issue is 9, where I have just given up on hoping for a good player. One minute Care is that player, but you can never depend on his form. The rest are uninspiring. I would snap any of the other Home Nations 9s off their hands in an instant.

 

[Maverick1987]

What's the general feeling on all these injuries/drop in form ? Are we in turmoil ?

Imo the press have blown it up more than it should be . Slater hasn't played in an important game and Foden hasn't played for a couple of years now ? That's 2 out of 8 they are quoting . Joe and Lawes are out big losses but Attwood has been immense and Kruis hasn't let anyone down to be fair . Tuilagi well we are getting used to playing without him anyway as he's always injured . Who else am I missing ?

 

[Ragey Erasmus]

What's the general feeling on all these injuries/drop in form ? Are we in turmoil ?

Imo the press have blown it up more than it should be . Slater hasn't played in an important game and Foden hasn't played for a couple of years now ? That's 2 out of 8 they are quoting . Joe and Lawes are out big losses but Attwood has been immense and Kruis hasn't let anyone down to be fair . Tuilagi well we are getting used to playing without him anyway as he's always injured . Who else am I missing ?

Stuart Lancaster will probably trip over a rug or something at this rate.

 

[j'nuh]

What's the general feeling on all these injuries/drop in form ? Are we in turmoil ?

Yeah we are. After injuries to guys like Tuilagi, Barritt and Eastmond, England are scraping the bottom of the Burrell.

 

[Peat]

The press are blowing it up, but equally losing that many locks and centres is a genuine crimp.

Re 12s - Obviously we can cobble together something out of what we've got but that's hardly the mark of a top international side. We want a top class international player there; we've got a bunch of fairly raw players with big limitations. Lets be honest, its why they went on and started sounding out Burgess to begin with; the current crop simply seem short of the requisite ingredients.

9's also pretty problematic though...