[2023 Six Nations] England Squad

[Don't Skip Leg Day]

With the way Dombrant has struggled at this level, I personally think you either need to cut him loose now (not what I'd do) or continue with him at 8 to try and get him up to speed at this level.

I feel we need to make a division due to how many caps we have left of we either want to get someone else firmed up at 8 or stick with him.

None of the other choices sound great though Simmonds, curry, Ludlam or Earl.

I'd stick with him hoping he settles at this level but I could get that massively wrong.

 

[Which Tyler]

I think Dombrandt needs to be given the 6N.
If he doesn't stake his claim, then Mercer comes in for the warm-ups; if he does stake his claim, then Mercer comes onto the bench for the warm-ups.

 

[Saintjay]

Manu Tuilagi and Ben Youngs left out of the England training squad (of 26) for this fallow week. They can now play for Sale & Leicester.

Also released are Heyes, Hill, Rodd, Simmonds, Freeman, Fin Smith, Ribbans, Dunn.

Lawes & Sinckler rehab. Stuart back

 

[TRF_Olyy]

I'm happy Ben gets some more time in camp but it's frustrating as a Sale fan as he's likely gonna be replaced by Tom on Sunday, and won't feature vs Wales even if he doesn't get switched out

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Also some surprise retainments - I would've thought Mitchell and Arundell would benefit more from a proper run out for their clubs this weekend, considering how little they've played recently, than the three days in camp

 

[Which Tyler]

Also some surprise retainments - I would've thought Mitchell and Arundell would benefit more from a proper run out for their clubs this weekend, considering how little they've played recently, than the three days in camp

Didn't expect him to retain 26 either.
Thought Walker would benefit more from game time; and Marchant wouldn't make a 23-man cut

And if Stuart is fit - surely he'd be best suited to getting 20 off the bench for Bath; so presumably not quite fit yet, and being brought in for the England medics to have a word, and sit in on tactics / analysis meetings. For which, surely he wouldn't need to be in a named squad.

 

[Geordie]

I see George Kruis is spending one day a week in camp working with the locks....

 

[TRF_Olyy]

He still got his boots or.....?

 

[TobesHodges]

Wouldn't it be great if SB just said sod it and done a back line of

Mitchell
Smith
Arundell
Lawrence
Slade
Malins
Watson

 

[Jimbo]

I really like Malins but with the others in that back line it just doesn't feel like you need a play maker and maybe a little light weight, to compliment something like that I want either genuine pace or a bit of size and bulk.

 

[Duck a l'Orange]

I really like Malins but with the others in that back line it just doesn't feel like you need a play maker and maybe a little light weight, to compliment something like that I want either genuine pace or a bit of size and bulk.

Freeman is unlucky to be out of the team in my opinion, thought he looked really good in the autumn.

 

[Noonz]

Wouldn't it be great if SB just said sod it and done a back line of

Mitchell
Smith
Arundell
Lawrence
Slade
Malins
Watson

I like that backline a lot, but I would probably have Steward in for his ability to defuse bombs. I know his attack and defense have been criticized lately but I think Malins has an equal amount of drawbacks

 

[Becca]

Wales are threatening to strike over pay so the match being played is uncertain at the moment.

 

[Jimbo]

Wales are threatening to strike over pay so the match being played is uncertain at the moment.

Better start planning some alternative fixtures, think we have two WC warmup games against them, currently there not going to tell us too much about ourselves for one, add to that playing one of the weakest T1 nations 3 times in a calendar year is just not great preparation and if striking and fannying about is an added factor, what's the point.

 

[Lé Ddanno]

Strike as in not play the 6n? I didn't realise we were that threatening to them.

 

[Don't Skip Leg Day]

I would love an open door england 1st vs Saxons (or 2nd team) game. I'd go and watch that! Or England vs sarries or something like that. Would be a great one off spectacle.

 

[Geordie]

Whats going on in the wales camp...potential strike and might even affect the game...due to contract disputes....??

 

[higgik]

I really like Malins but with the others in that back line it just doesn't feel like you need a play maker and maybe a little light weight, to compliment something like that I want either genuine pace or a bit of size and bulk.

Yes, for me Slade or Malins is the choice.
So
Mitchell
Smith
Arundell
Lawrence
Marchant
Watson
Malins

Or
Arundell
Lawrence
Slade
Freeman
Watson

 

[higgik]

I think Dombrandt needs to be given the 6N.
If he doesn't stake his claim, then Mercer comes in for the warm-ups; if he does stake his claim, then Mercer comes onto the bench for the warm-ups.

Think Mercer is the one we need back.
His time in France has added some more agression to his game to add to his speed and handling.
Reminds me of Read or Dayglo in his skillset, combine him with Tom Curry and Ted Hill would be an interesting combination.

 

[Ragey Erasmus]

Welsh rugby better get their act together.

Think Mercer is the one we need back.
His time in France has added some more agression to his game to add to his speed and handling.
Reminds me of Read or Dayglo in his skillset, combine him with Tom Curry and Ted Hill would be an interesting combination.

Gabriel Oghre has said that apparently the life for rugby players in France is so much better than here. Paid for accommodation, pay is tax free and the forwards game is more brutal than the prem. With all the financial issues that have faced clubs at home and what French teams could offer, coupled with Japan, we would be looking at an exodus of players in the not too distant future.