[2018 Six Nations] England Squad

[curtbob7]

What do you base that on though?
5 seperate sources have him at more-or-less the same size.
Match footage of him standing next to Taulupe Faletau shows him to be more-or-less the same size.

Surely you want something a little more compelling than the available information to come up with a conclusion that all the available information is wrong. This isn't the politics thread where you can just assume evidence you disagree with to be fake.

Naaaaaaaah.

Faletau's arms and upper body a lot musclier than Zach's.

 

[RugbyMarvel]

****, ok so Hartley is a doubt, Underhill and Nowell are out. If they are all out then this is how I expect. Not how I would like us to line up.
1. Mako
2. George
3. Cole
4.Itoje
5. Launch
6. Lawes
7.Robshaw
8.Hughes
9. Wiggs
10. Ford
11. May
12. Faz
13. Teo
14. Watson
15. Brown
16. Cowan Dickie
17. Marler
18. Sinks
19. Kruis
20. Simmonds
21. Care
22. JJ
23. Daly


If Hartley is fine, he starts and George to the bench

Haskell will be in the squad, probably over Kruis. Second row cover probably on the pitch. Simmonds offering further bench cover also as you said.

Against France, I can't see it being an issue.

Against Ireland with Leavy, O'Mahoney, Best, Furlong and Healy, all who are good at the breakdown, I'd then worry.

 

[Fuzzy du Plessis]

Tigs Man will not like this at all

He's not the only one. There aren't enough downvotes on the internet for you both.

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Tigs Man will not like this at all

LOL.

I found it funny.

 

[Pieter Steph du Teague]

What do you base that on though?
5 seperate sources have him at more-or-less the same size.
Match footage of him standing next to Taulupe Faletau shows him to be more-or-less the same size.

Surely you want something a little more compelling than the available information to come up with a conclusion that all the available information is wrong. This isn't the politics thread where you can just assume evidence you disagree with to be fake.

Turns out I can't upload photos when on my phone but no, sorry. Faletau is so much more filled out in his arms, chest and legs. I personally just don't believe that Mercer's 105kg or close to, I reckon 100 at most, because Simmonds is listed as 103 and he doesn't look anywhere near as bulky as Simmonds (Granted Simmonds is a few inches shorter). I do want to clarify though that I have nothing against Mercer, I think he's a fantastic young player as I said a couple of days ago, I just think that to play 8 internationally, especially in a team with very few other carriers, that he needs to put on a few kgs. That, or look at a more permanent switch to the flank. Fortunately, looking at him he should easily be able to fit those kgs on his frame without it compromising the rest of his game. I genuinely do hope that he does well for himself, top player and seems like a top bloke, I just can't see him playing international 8 at his current size.

 

[Scotty]

****, ok so Hartley is a doubt, Underhill and Nowell are out. If they are all out then this is how I expect. Not how I would like us to line up.
1. Mako
2. George
3. Cole
4.Itoje
5. Launch
6. Lawes
7.Robshaw
8.Hughes
9. Wiggs
10. Ford
11. May
12. Faz
13. Teo
14. Watson
15. Brown
16. Cowan Dickie
17. Marler
18. Sinks
19. Kruis
20. Simmonds
21. Care
22. JJ
23. Daly


If Hartley is fine, he starts and George to the bench

I really hope EJ doesnt start lawes(a lock who hasnt performed well at 6 so far) when simmonds is now back fit and wasnt out long enough to not be match fit, also mercer is available as a decent bench option and has been in the camp quite a while.

4 locks in the 23 when our problem has been the rucks...

TEO for JJ i get, big carrier tires out a big pack then jj runs rings around bastraud(or how ever you spell it...)

Hope LCD get a shot and takes it with both hands as well as george proving why hartley should be 3rd choice.

 

[curtbob7]

Turns out I can't upload photos when on my phone but no, sorry. Faletau is so much more filled out in his arms, chest and legs. I personally just don't believe that Mercer's 105kg or close to, I reckon 100 at most, because Simmonds is listed as 103 and he doesn't look anywhere near as bulky as Simmonds (Granted Simmonds is a few inches shorter). I do want to clarify though that I have nothing against Mercer, I think he's a fantastic young player as I said a couple of days ago, I just think that to play 8 internationally, especially in a team with very few other carriers, that he needs to put on a few kgs. That, or look at a more permanent switch to the flank. Fortunately, looking at him he should easily be able to fit those kgs on his frame without it compromising the rest of his game. I genuinely do hope that he does well for himself, top player and seems like a top bloke, I just can't see him playing international 8 at his current size.

I agree, hes a talent. Could be the new Tom Croft TBH, without the injuries.

 

[RugbyMarvel]

I know the saying is 'lies, damn lies and statistics', however lets take it as read that Mercer is over 100kg as he's shown as between 103-108kg by Bath, England, ESPN etc etc.

He might look scrawny, but in a recent interview with him he said England were happy with his weight and that he's focused on 'lean muscle'.

For me, he will obviously get bigger, but I don't think he looks the build to ever look hugely muscular.

 

[duncanb]

Nowell out Underhill out Hartley Doubtful so some changes for match 23.

 

[Not Mike Brown's Sock]

Youngs to be back for mid-April, so probs back to the care-youngs duo for the summer

 

[Scotty]

As long has he has robson or vellacott in the training camp too. Hell even bring back maunder just have a 3rd

 

[Scotty]

Mercer also out which is annoying i really want to see what he can do for england, this was a really good chance.

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

If Hartley misses out, it feels like a seminal moment. If it goes badly without him, it could cement him in as captain.

But if George & LCD go well and Faz skippers smartly without detriment to his own game, will Eddie start to catch on?

 

[RugbyMarvel]

27 man England squad announced by Jones.

Backs

Mike Brown (Harlequins)

Danny Care (Harlequins)

Elliot Daly (Wasps)

Owen Farrell (Saracens)

George Ford (Leicester Tigers)

Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby)

Jonny May (Leicester Tigers)

Denny Solomona (Sale Sharks)

Ben Te'o (Worcester Warriors)

Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby)

Richard Wigglesworth (Saracens)

Forwards

Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers)

Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs)

Jamie George (Saracens)

Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints)

James Haskell (Wasps)

Nathan Hughes (Wasps)

Maro Itoje (Saracens)

George Kruis (Saracens)

Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints)

Joe Launchbury (Wasps)

Joe Marler (Harlequins)

Chris Robshaw (Harlequins)

Sam Simmonds (Exeter Chiefs)

Kyle Sinckler (Harlequins)

Mako Vunipola (Saracens)

Harry Williams (Exeter Chiefs)


Williams and Dylan being monitored. I'm guessing Dylan will make the squad and Williams won't, Sinckler to come in. Just have a feeling that they'll pluck for Hartley whatever happens whereas Sinckler offers a lot of explosivity from the bench.

Solomona and Kruis to miss out on a spots. Denny is obviously behind May/Watson/Daly/ for those wing berths. Kruis looks pedestrian when compared to the other locks, his lineout calling is no longer a necessity either like in the early days.

 

[Scotty]

Ok so the squad is what i pretty much expected with the injuries, its anglo welsh cup the next 2 weekends right? So whats the issue with bringing in vellacott or robson even if they arnt going to play till the summer.

Not even like wasps or gloucester are playing for 2 weeks, get them in get them run.

 

[FLOBALOB]

27 man England squad announced by Jones.

Backs

Mike Brown (Harlequins)

Danny Care (Harlequins)

Elliot Daly (Wasps)

Owen Farrell (Saracens)

George Ford (Leicester Tigers)

Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby)

Jonny May (Leicester Tigers)

Denny Solomona (Sale Sharks)

Ben Te'o (Worcester Warriors)

Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby)

Richard Wigglesworth (Saracens)

Forwards

Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers)

Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs)

Jamie George (Saracens)

Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints)

James Haskell (Wasps)

Nathan Hughes (Wasps)

Maro Itoje (Saracens)

George Kruis (Saracens)

Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints)

Joe Launchbury (Wasps)

Joe Marler (Harlequins)

Chris Robshaw (Harlequins)

Sam Simmonds (Exeter Chiefs)

Kyle Sinckler (Harlequins)

Mako Vunipola (Saracens)

Harry Williams (Exeter Chiefs)


Williams and Dylan being monitored. I'm guessing Dylan will make the squad and Williams won't, Sinckler to come in. Just have a feeling that they'll pluck for Hartley whatever happens whereas Sinckler offers a lot of explosivity from the bench.

Solomona and Kruis to miss out on a spots. Denny is obviously behind May/Watson/Daly/ for those wing berths. Kruis looks pedestrian when compared to the other locks, his lineout calling is no longer a necessity either like in the early days.

Sincklers only being kept on in case Williams doesnt recover.

 

[Not Mike Brown's Sock]

Sincklers only being kept on in case Williams doesnt recover.

I don't know... Even if Williams was fit, I think Sinks would take the bench

 

[FLOBALOB]

I don't know... Even if Williams was fit, I think Sinks would take the bench

Then whats the point keeping Williams there?

 

[RugbyMarvel]

[

I don't know... Even if Williams was fit, I think Sinks would take the bench

Probably because there are 3 days until the game, Sincks is only just coming back from a hammy injury so keeping them both in camp on top of Cole is the safest bet. Nothing to lose having both ready

 

[Pieter Steph du Teague]

Ok, it's time for wholesale changes. Entire pack lacks physicality; no one has any desire to make any impact in defence or at the breakdown. TBH I think Jones should be pretty humiliated that after Scotland's demolition job on our breakdown he made no effort to correct the mistakes. Pretty dire if we're being honest.
Anyway, this is what I think should be done:
1. Vunipola - I know that there are a lot of calls for Marler to come in; if it's just for Ireland to give Mako a rest then sure but as a permanent change, no. Mako was one of our only players really attacking the breakdown and is one of our only real ball carriers. For a massive guy his work rate both in attack and defence is phenomenal. Best loosehead in the world IMO.
2. Cowan-Dickie - Ok he messed up a lineout. But as I've said before, I don't think his dodgy international lineouts are for lack of skill but for nerves. Give him game time and he'll come good. I'm willing to sacrifice some lineouts in the next few games for the huge increase in physicality that LCD brings and will bring come World Cup time.
3. Williams - Cole is such a passenger. Sinckler was great today; 9 carries in 23 minutes is some effort, but I still think he works better coming off of the bench. Williams loves hitting rucks, it's his USP. Exactly what this England side needs ATM. Also no slouch ball in hand.
4. Launchbury - Needs no explaining, best English lock. The decision to bring him off today was mental.
5. Itoje - I had my doubts about a Launch-Itoje pairing as I didn't think either of them called lineouts; turns out Itoje did it for all of last year's 6 Nations and for the Lions tests. I feel bad for Lawes as he's done well, just not been a good 6. Regardless, Itoje just edges it for me.
6. Underhill - So physical. Massive in defence, both in terms of tackles made and the impact of those tackles. Also more effective at the breakdown than Robshaw due to being part 7. Doesn't offer a huge amount going forward but I think the introduction of LCD and Williams will make up for that.
7. Curry - Don't mind too much which. I'd go for Ben as he seems to have shown better form and despite being the same weight as Tom he just seems bigger; more physical and great at the breakdown. Good pace and hands as well to act as a link man.
8. Vunipola - Yep.
9. Youngs - So crucial to this England side. His absence has shown how much we need him to control the game and for his kicking game. Behind a dominant pack (which the new one should be) is also a nightmare for defences around the rucks.
10. Ford - I've been a big defender of the Ford-Farrell axis for a while. I'm starting to think that maybe Faz 10 - Te'o 12 would be the better option but I'd still persist with Ford-Faz. As others have said, Ford goes missing a bit behind a weak pack but that shouldn't mean removing Ford, it should mean sorting out the pack. Faz at 10 internationally just doesn't work, doesn't have the creativity. A world class 12, an average 10.
11. May - His pace is such a weapon. Don't really understand calls to drop him; he seems to be improving his game in many areas. I remember after the 2015 RWC training camp Lancaster said that May had been the hardest worker in the squad. I think it shows. He's clearly bulked up a fair bit and can now make metres going into contact and has also made huge leaps defensively and in the air, plus runs some great support lines. With the effort he puts in in training as well as his natural pace, come 2019 I think he could really be putting his hand up for the world class label.
12. Farrell - Mostly explained earlier but it has to be said how much Farrell brings to this team. Yes his boot's a serious weapon, yes he's started to run some great lines but the main thing he brings is his never say die attitude. Should 100% be captain; has the full respect of the players around him and of Jones.
13. Te'o - Thought he had a great game today; carries with aggression every time he gets the ball and loves a big hit. Let him break down the defence then bring on Joseph once it's opened up.
14. Watson - Better winger than FB IMO. Defence and decision making was suspect today, getting hooked off instead of a probably-not-entirely-fit Daly. Also offers very little in terms of being able to use his wingers, just runs himself.
15. Daly - To play like that after months out is a serious testament to the man. His setup for May's try was superb. Needs to get more time on the ball; a very Hogg-esque runner and will also be much better than Watson at using his wingers due to his time at 13. Plus, although at Wasps he doesn't wear the 15 shirt, a lot of the time when they're expecting kicks he stands at fullback with 8 and 9 while Le Roux joins the line, so he's no stranger to the position.

16. George - Better coming off the bench to up the tempo.
17. Genge - Huge impact off the bench in terms of ball carrying.
18. Sinckler - Same as Genge.
19. Lawes - Given the 'Finisher' label I think he'll be tempted to make much more impact in defence once he comes on.
20. Simmonds - His fresh pace will cause havoc against legs that have been battered by the likes of LCD, the Vunipolas and Teo for 50 minutes.
21. Care - Very good finisher, not a good starter.
22. Joseph - Similar to Simmonds, bring him on to find holes against tired legs.
23. Nowell - Brings great impact going forward and serious work rate.