[2015 Six Nations] England

[TommiG88]

Just read an article on the beeb regarding Watson and Joseph. Ford talks Watson up but as a full back, is Watson the future England full back?

 

[ratsapprentice]

He's the leading front runner along with Nowell (if Exeter actually play him at FB ).

Brown and Foden turn 30 this year, so I would think that our three FB's in next year's 6N will be Brown/Nowell/Watson.
With Mike basically ensuring continuity and as cover for form/injury.

 

[j'nuh]

I'mma make a brave prediction and say that Sharples will also be in the mix. It feels like his natural position.

 

[ratsapprentice]

I wouldn't be surprised to see someone completely random be in there.

Sharples did look like a natural fit there the two times I saw him.
He can use his (seriously frightening) acceleration far better there it would seem.

 

[RedruthRFC]

Well said. I watched Jack play at full back as a 17 year old and it certainly looked like his natural position then, I believe the England age group teams played him there too. Exeter seem all the more confused as to his best position (or more to the point, the position he's the most use to them). Same goes for Slade to an extent.

 

[Peat]

I'd add Pennell to the debate, should Wuss get back/he decide to move on. Maybe Miller, but he seems a bit behind at present. But yeah, Watson and Nowell the two obvious young front-runners.

 

[ratsapprentice]

Pennell wouldn't shock me - he's a classy player.
I guess that depends on how young Lancaster is going go... Pennell will be 32 by the next RWC.

I think he'll be very hesitant to bring in anyone who isn't already in the squad and is over the age of 25/26 come Feb next year.

 

[Highland Shaun]

I reckon they may become champions of 6N IF they can beat Ireland.

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Although we prob won't need him but Burns and will be Tigers first choice rest of season, with Owen Williams out for 9 months.

Burns chance to show some form before the WC

 

[yaboyjj]

Although we prob won't need him but Burns and will be Tigers first choice rest of season, with Owen Williams out for 9 months.

Burns chance to show some form before the WC

He played pretty well v Gloucester, but I think he now finds himself behind: Ford, Farrell, Cipriani, Myler, Slade? in the pecking order- it would take some exceptional form (or lots of injuries) for him to force his way back, in such a short space of time.

Watching Exeter this weekend, there were players really pushing for England contention; Slade had a good showing at 10 (Englands answer to Beauden Barritt imo for the 23 shirt), Nowell also showing good versatility playing very well at OC, Ewers doing what Ewers does best and generally being a beast all round the field (not a lineout option though and made a couple of errors, but surely he is a better option the Easter on the bench?).

Wasps v Quins; Care continuing his fine form and had another poor game (outplayed by Simpson- as expected), Cooper-Wooley looks a prospect at TH and is probably at least as good a scrummager as Thomas (albeit a poor Quins front row), Hughes pulling up trees as per usual.

It looks pretty rosy long term for England with young talent in the loose forwards, come 2017-2019 I think players on the fringes now (20/21/22 year olds) will be in their prime: Kvesic, Itoje, Hughes, Vunipola, Morgan, Clifford- should be tasty.
In fact most of the current pack will probably be peaking for the 2019 WC rather than 2015 (Marler, Corbs, Mako, Kruis, Launch, Lawes)- In this respect I can see why Lanky was given the long contract.

 

[ratsapprentice]

Players retained for Wednesday and Thursday
Dave Attwood (Bath Rugby)
Mike Brown (Harlequins)
Luther Burrell (Northampton Saints)
Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers)
George Ford (Bath Rugby)
Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints)
James Haskell (Wasps)
Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby)
George Kruis (Saracens)
Joe Marler (Harlequins)
Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby)
Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs)
Chris Robshaw (Harlequins)
Billy Twelvetrees (Gloucester Rugby)
Billy Vunipola (Saracens)
Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby)
Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers)
Looks likely that Nowell will come in if Brown isn't fit.

 

[ncurd]

Probably Watson to full back then I suspect, no real complaints at that more fair play to Lancaster for not wanting to ring in the changes.

 

[goodNumber10]

Looks likely that Nowell will come in if Brown isn't fit.

 

[TommiG88]

No cipriani?

Ignore, I see it's the starting 15 inc cover.

 

[ratsapprentice]

Yeah, it'll keep him fresh - he hasn't played a whole lot since coming into camp.
Give him a half for Sale.

 

[ncurd]

Why three centers & Nowell then?

If Mike Brown is fit does anyone think there is chance he'll drop May or Watson for Nowell considering what he did for Exeter by all accounts at the weekend?

I personally think there is zero but thought I'd ask the question. Also one of those players is probably not going to be even on the bench who gets dropped entirely?

 

[ratsapprentice]

I think they'll change as few players as possible.

If Brown is injured I think we'll see:

11. May
14. Nowell
15. Watson

...Or even, depending on how much you think they like 36/Burrell:

11. May
14. Joseph
15. Watson

The only way I see an unforced change is if May is somehow unimpressive in defence or under the high ball during training and Brown is fit, in which case I think we could see:

11. Watson
14. Nowell
15. Brown

 

[Every Time Ref]

I think they'll change as few players as possible.

If Brown is injured I think we'll see:

11. May
14. Nowell
15. Watson

...Or even, depending on how much you think they like 36/Burrell:

11. May
14. Joseph
15. Watson

The only way I see an unforced change is if May is somehow unimpressive in defence or under the high ball during training and Brown is fit, in which case I think we could see:

11. Watson
14. Nowell
15. Brown

I seriously hope not. Fair play to him for playing fantastically out of position, but he's earned his shot by playing superbly in his favourite position and there were serious issues with midfield defence without him there.

 

[ratsapprentice]

I agree... it's the least likely scenario, but still firmly within the realms of possibility.

 

[Every Time Ref]

Another one to add to Lancaster's collection, alongside Wood at 8, Brown/Tuilagi on the wing, Farrell at 12 ... I could add Burrell at 13 but in fairness that worked.