[2018 November Tests] England v South Africa (3/10/18)

[stus768]

Found it odd no one had Wilson in at 8 prior to announcement. Hasn't he played there quite a bit for Flacons?

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Found it odd no one had Wilson in at 8 prior to announcement. Hasn't he played there quite a bit for Flacons?

It's his first choice position, but he's not exactly an EJ 8, and Mercer has been around the eps for a while

 

[Mr Ruggleby]

10, 12, 13 is a mess but other than that it's about as good as we can get from Eddie's faves


South Africa by 10

"a mess" seems strong. It's our best 10 starting, Te'o is the only available player whose primary position is 12 and with him starting you can understand why Jones has gone for Slade over Tuilagi.

The alternative is playing Slade out of position at 12 where he has personally stated he hates playing or going back to the Ford-Farrell axis which is just a target for the giant bok runners and is a combination that's had plenty of playing time.

 

[MarkyH]

Te'o may have got a good score on his GPS unit but that's not the same as being game ready. He can't be match fit. He shouldn't be starting..

Ford and Farrell axis has worked quite well to be fair, but I do think we need a change of direction at times. However, if he picked Ford - Farrell - Tuilagi that would ask more questions of the SA defence and give us more time in midfield.

Anyway, if Te'o somehow is fit and on form then Slade outside him could shine. Big IF tho..

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Tuilagi is comfortably our best 13,
Having him on the bench to accommodate sicknote Teo is ridiculous.

 

[MarkyH]

Can see Ford and Tuilagi coming on around 50 as the MASSIVE SCARY South African pack tire themselves out tho. Should give the midfield a bit more creativity too. And carrying ability.

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

That team's frightening no-one (except English fans). But a good opportunity for some to really front up and put their case.

Should think the Saffer front row is looking forward to a fun afternoon's work.

About the only thing to say on Te'o is that at least he'll be fresh.

If May or Daly get hurt that's a pretty pedestrian backline.

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

It's like people forget how **** Farrell 10 Te'o 12 was v Ireland.

Slade despite his always good club form has so far failed to show it at test level in all his chances.

 

[ncurd]

Te'o has no possible way he is international match fit......hell he'd stuggle to be match fit with match time under his belt....

 

[George Ford]

I don't know why my previous post got a dislike, but okay.

I hear you, I'm just thinking that if we have 2 locks on the bench, we basically force our starting loose trio to go the full 80, or PSDT. I see the move of Duane at 7 in that we will use him more as a fetcher type player that can do some running more so than the normal 8th man stuff. And with Whiteley being there, he'll do the linking with the backline and be our defensive buffer around the scrums.

On Mostert not being in the team. I still am of the opinion that RG, Lood and PSDT are the better players ahead of him.

My exact thinking of Duane's role; with him and Whiteley there, it could only serve to free up some pressure from Kolisi and allow him to play his natural game.

With regards to Mostert's standing in the lock pecking order, apart from PSdT, can we really say that RG & Lood's work-rate is as impressive as his? With him out you will need another guy who's work-rate is up there and for someone like Lood to just be expected to turn-up and play at that intensity, would be asking too much.

Anyhow, I doubt Rassie will have both RG & Lood on the bench. The lock-stock selection is a result of the versatility of PSdT and serves no purpose if he is switched back into the tight-five. Ideally RG covers lock on the bench along with 1 of Louw or Notshe covering loosie, preferably Flo, to be introduced late to make an impactuous steal.

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

TBF T'eo in the lions was class but he had Sexton inside him pulling the strings for him.

Really hope we are not trying to outmuscle SA with that pack.

 

[TRF_heineken]

My exact thinking of Duane's role; with him and Whiteley there, it could only serve to free up some pressure from Kolisi and allow him to play his natural game.

With regards to Mostert's standing in the lock pecking order, apart from PSdT, can we really say that RG & Lood's work-rate is as impressive as his? With him out you will need another guy who's work-rate is up there and for someone like Lood to just be expected to turn-up and play at that intensity, would be asking too much.

Anyhow, I doubt Rassie will have both RG & Lood on the bench. The lock-stock selection is a result of the versatility of PSdT and serves no purpose if he is switched back into the tight-five. Ideally RG covers lock on the bench along with 1 of Louw or Notshe covering loosie, preferably Flo, to be introduced late to make an impactuous steal.

Mostert is a one trick pony. Tackle and clear rucks. That's about it. I think if the others are tasked to do that they'll match him, and then add their x-factor in other areas too. RG is by far the best in skills, while Lood is a great ball runner.

Let's see...

 

[NDC89]

TBF T'eo in the lions was class but he had Sexton inside him pulling the strings for him.

Really hope we are not trying to outmuscle SA with that pack.

Nope, he played 12 in the first test and Farrell was the 10 in that game.

 

[Scotty]

Teo situation is annoying but he is the only out and out 12 we have, and slade doesnt excell there. Slade at 13 i like but he needs to step up to the occasion as even though he could be international class. he chokes it seems and tries to force it but he is on real form in the prem at the moment so who knows. One thing he can do is bring the wingers into the game.

Rest of the team is what i expected, except sinkler performs well off the bench but not as much starting. Prefer williams start but its the only change id made to the pack. Wilson at 8 is fine as he plays week in week out ther but prefer him at 6.

 

[curtbob7]

wish we had Marler for this*

Teo starting = don't really mind if SA win just to stick it to EJ. He's really getting on my t*ts now.

*and Cole

 

[Mr Ruggleby]

Mostert is a one trick pony. Tackle and clear rucks. That's about it.

Two trick pony then...

 

[Bada-Bing!]

Mostert is a one trick pony. Tackle and clear rucks. That's about it. I think if the others are tasked to do that they'll match him, and then add their x-factor in other areas too. RG is by far the best in skills, while Lood is a great ball runner.

Let's see...

I thought Mostert was one of the top line out stealers in SR last season?

 

[Ragey Erasmus]

So with Tuilagi on the bench what midfield will we be looking at late game?
Farrell - Tuilagi - Slade
Farrell - Teo - Tuilagi
Farrell - Slade - Tuilagi

 

[MarkyH]

Ford, Farrell, Tuilagi

 

[Ragey Erasmus]

Ford, Farrell, Tuilagi

Forgot Ford was on the bench