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[2023 Six Nations] Wales vs England - 25 February 2023

I think Cole will certainly look to target Carre in the scrum when they both come on but hopefully Mako is getting pinged every scrum so we'll be alright.
 
Get where you're coming from, but you could also say he comes on shores up the setpiece and gives the backs a better platform to work from (though Mako's inclusion counters that)
Exactly that, I can see some logic in saying Cole pretty good in the set piece but not really dynamic, then Mako is almost opposite could compliment that with the opposite but as we both know the reality is it doesn't matter who you pair Mako with the scrum is going to be targeted heavily and rightly or wrongly he is going to get pinged off the park (probably has an unrepairable reputation at this level) added to that if you are trying to up the anti pace wise scrums etc are more likely, I just can't see any amount of compensating for Makos scrummaging short Cummings working so sacrificing Every other area in attempt can't work.
 
I see you're all trying to do the old reverse jinx-eroo on old Mako. Nice try lads. We all know he's going to have an absolute stormer.
 
I dunno why people think Mako is dynamic in the loose sure compared to Cole he's likely better but its not been a string to his bow for LONG time now. Cole I understand Mako just shouldn't be anywhere near the national side and I'd take any young player over him.
 
I dunno why people think Mako is dynamic in the loose sure compared to Cole he's likely better but its not been a string to his bow for LONG time now. Cole I understand Mako just shouldn't be anywhere near the national side and I'd take any young player over him.
Agreed. I'd much prefer VRR, Rodd or Obano if he gets some deserved luck with injury.
 
I have it in my head that Mako always plays well against his beloved Wales. I don't know if he actually does but it feels like that. Anyway, I expect him and Cole to do well in the scrum. Carre and Lewis aren't exactly renowned scrumagers.
 
I dunno why people think Mako is dynamic in the loose sure compared to Cole he's likely better but its not been a string to his bow for LONG time now. Cole I understand Mako just shouldn't be anywhere near the national side and I'd take any young player over him.
I don't disagree in general but this thread is for a specific game and who's been selected from the squad, by people I'm assuming you mean EJ and SB ultimately he's there regardless and his only potential standout attribute has to be in the loose, because we all know it can't be for his scrummaging.
I have it in my head that Mako always plays well against his beloved Wales. I don't know if he actually does but it feels like that. Anyway, I expect him and Cole to do well in the scrum. Carre and Lewis aren't exactly renowned scrumagers.
The issue is rightly or wrongly he has a reputation for being poor in the scrum, it won't take anywhere near a world 15 worthy front row to see him pinged off the park.
 
When Mako comes on he ends up walking after about 2 phases. Really looks unfit and out of place at this level. He should be dropped but then I don't know if Borthwick had another change he could make in the EPS. Might feel the same as us!
 
Said before, Cole literally says to Mako, just stay up long enough for me to win a penalty. Don't do anything else other than not collapse.
 
Isnt Tom West at Tigers now? Is he playing yet...hes a cracking loosehead...
 
When Mako comes on he ends up walking after about 2 phases. Really looks unfit and out of place at this level. He should be dropped but then I don't know if Borthwick had another change he could make in the EPS. Might feel the same as us!
Very possibly, but then why not pick Rodd?
 
Very possibly, but then why not pick Rodd?
Because we've already got too many open sides in the squad? :)

Really don't understand that at all TBH. Perfect opportunity to blood a younger player who's now at least as good as the senior is now (if not in the past).
 
Very possibly, but then why not pick Rodd?
Good point. Maybe mako scrums better in training than Rodd? Or maybe Borthwick thinks he can improve mako.

Or maybe he doesn't care becuase he's calling up Marler for the wc so Mako is seen as a good 3rd choice?
 
Maybe? But given how common injuries are, it would make sense to invest in Rodd's development. We're definitely not learning anything about Mako we don't already know.
 
Actually, I take that back … we are learning something and that is that he's spent force at this level.

Aside from a good cameo vs. NZ in the Autumn, he's been far more of a liability than an asset for a good while now.
 
Had such high hopes for Mako when it came to scrummaging. But still remember him playing for Lions 10 years ago and getting outscrummed by Ben Alexander FFS.
 
Actually, I take that back … we are learning something and that is that he's spent force at this level.

Aside from a good cameo vs. NZ in the Autumn, he's been far more of a liability than an asset for a good while now.
Are we learning something as you say he's been liability for a good while now we should of learnt it and moved on.
 
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