[2022 Six Nations] Scotland vs England (05/02/22)

[MarkyH]

Can't complain. So glad to see Isiekwe starting alongside Itoje. Would've loved to have Dombrandt at 6 but Ludlam is solid and tenascious which is what we'll need in the awful conditions expected. A nice mix of power and skill in the pack. Simmonds at the back of a scrum on a wet day could be a masterstroke, I've seen him play in some awful conditions in Devon so while he might not showcase his pace, his control and short bursts of power could be vital

Backs I think we look solid. Daly is a class centre, always has been, and can see him and Marchant flipping if we're attacking L-R to R-L. Malins is class everywhere and can step in to FB and FH to cover but still top on the wing.

 

[Pieter Steph du Teague]

With the players available I quite like that. Really happy to see Isiekwe over Ewels. Would've liked to see Atkinson in somewhere as there's no 12 cover at the moment which could be an issue.

 

[LIONSxv]

Apart from picking Simmonds at 8 instead of dombrandt, I'm happy with that. We are missing some weight in the back row but all 3 are strong lads.
Isiekwe must of really impressed in training

 

[Wasps92]

Daly starts at 13.

 

[will311293]

I can't acutally believe Elliott Daly is going to play the position he actually plays, the whole reason he was chosen for England when at Wasps.... FINALLY EDDIE!

 

[Juggler]

With the players available I quite like that. Really happy to see Isiekwe over Ewels. Would've liked to see Atkinson in somewhere as there's no 12 cover at the moment which could be an issue.

Simmonds!

 

[will311293]

Daly starts at 13.

I mean.... it's nice that Eddie realises Daly can play 13

 

[Scotty]

Ok so im not unhappy with that, actually quite surprised EJ didnt put Furbank on the bench instead of Ford.

Back row as many will have said Simmonds over Dombrandt i dont agree with(even if i do rate Simmonds v highly) + Smith's familiarity with Dombrandt counds for something.

But it will definitely do, and Ludlam isnt a bad player at all. I cant wait now!

 

[MikeTheNative]

That's an interesting selection........ very un eddie Jones you could say.

 

[EdBirch]

A good squad but I don't understand the obsession with 3 centres on the pitch. Maybe I'm not forward thinking enough but i would rather specialists in positions.

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Brian Moore last game for the mens six nations as a commentator

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Backrow balance is off, as mentioned above, but relatively happy with the rest, considering who is available/been retained
Would've preferred Marchant in the centre and a proper winger out wide, but Marchant's done well enough on the wing the last season or so, so it's not the end of the world

Great to see Isiekwe back in the mix

 

[Scotty]

A good squad but I don't understand the obsession with 3 centres on the pitch. Maybe I'm not forward thinking enough but i would rather specialists in positions.

Tbf Marchant has played alot of wing for Quins and is defensively pretty solid so id rather him there and daly at 13 than vice vera

 

[Reiser99]

Starting XV: F Steward (Leicester); M Malins (Saracens), E Daly (Saracens), H Slade (Exeter), J Marchant (Harlequins); M Smith (Harlequins), B Youngs (Leicester); E Genge (Leicester), L Cowan-Dickie (Exeter), K Sinckler (Bristol); M Itoje (Saracens), N Isiekwe (Saracens); L Ludlam (Northampton), T Curry (Sale, captain), S Simmonds (Exeter).
Finishers: J George (Saracens), J Marler (Harlequins), W Stuart (Bath), C Ewels (Bath), A Dombrandt (Harlequins), H Randall (Bristol), G Ford (Leicester), J Nowell (Exeter).

Like everyone else, overall quite happy considering the options.

Personally I'd have Dombrandt starting with Simmonds coming on against tired legs.
Daly in the centres annoys me, but mainly because it still feels like EJ is hoping Tuilagi and Farrell are perfectly fit for the WC and this is just another stop gap.
Tbh the backline is pretty much covered in the event of injury as most plays can shift about.

 

[EdBirch]

Tbf Marchant has played alot of wing for Quins and is defensively pretty solid so id rather him there and daly at 13 than vice vera

Fair enough that makes sense

 

[Jakedood]

Bar a few selections many would have done differently, some big big calls that are positive from Jones

Namely, Isiekwe over Ewels
Two opensides (Ludlam looked decent if unspectacular v Ulster this year, though cant say much about rest of the season)
Three really dynamic ball carriers in a front row
A big fan of that back 3 as well, should be some real Joueeee even in the rain

Questios I'd ask

Can Sinckler maintain his long legged technique in the scrum
Can Simmonds be effective, he is a hard player and I wouldnt be surprised, but he's yet to make an effective step up to international rugby
How does the lineout function, Isiekwe is a tall athletic man, but Curry hasnt jumped as much since 2019 so hopefully he fills in well here
Can Smith shut up all the "rugby gurus" saying that he's too inexperienced, so start Ford (as if one can buy experience)
And finally, this will be a rugged affair, and with a young team around, it's a real test of leadership to get everyone firing intensity wise from the get go. Big eyes on Curry, I have a feeling his leadership style is less chat, more leading by example

 

[MikeTheNative]

A good squad but I don't understand the obsession with 3 centres on the pitch. Maybe I'm not forward thinking enough but i would rather specialists in positions.

Jones hasn't picked 3 locks so he needed 3 of something on the field.

 

[Crash Hamster]

Would've liked to see Atkinson in somewhere as there's no 12.

Look at all the 12s we do not have! we are completely bereft of 12s.

Otherwise, it's not too bad at all. Glad to see Isiekwe is in. Hoping Simmonds turns out to be a masterstroke...

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Average age of that starting 15 is 26.4

 

[Geordie]

Its an "Aussie" backline in fairness.
Numbers are meaningless....they will float around and be in different roles on different plays

You'll see Daly on the wing, Marchant at 12, Malins at 10, Slade where ever.....

Most are playmakers however and very pacy!