[2025 Six Nations] England vs Scotland - 22/02/25

[Vieux Talonneur]

Harsh putting Finn on comms duty this week of all weeks.

Weather's forecast to have warmed up a bit by Saturday so his Dad should be OK in his kilt.

 

[Ragey Erasmus]

New Zealand have managed pretty well over the last 2/3 years with Mo'unga/Barret/McKenzie/Perofeta playing 10 & 15 even with all playing 10 for their team. No reason it can't work for smith and smith

New Zealand had a Smith, we should pinch him.

 

[NotTooAmused]

New Zealand had a Smith, we should pinch him.

South Africa have one, chuck an offer across

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

You know where all this is leading….

Off the top of my head:

1. Tom
2. Jon Smit is near enough
3.
4.
5.
6. Juan
7. George
8. Kwagga
9. Aaron
10. Fin
11.
12.
13. Conrad
14.
15. Ben


Bench: Nicky, Dan Ward-, Steve, Marcus, Ollie,

Someone must be able to do better than that….

 

[AlRums]

Pretty much what I would expect, Rowe coming in for Graham.

I think they'll do the job.

 

[NotTooAmused]

Can somebody explain to me why Jamie Ritchie gets picked? Absolute penalty machine. God I miss Andy Christie.

 

[mikebrownsauce1512]

View attachment 22890

Pretty much what I would expect, Rowe coming in for Graham.

I think they'll do the job.

Looks w@nk

 

[Pieter Steph du Teague]

Ted Hill has replaced George Martin on the bench.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

That's a surprise, you'd have thought Coles would come straight in - I know Hill has played a bit of lock but only has 3 starts there, and international rugby is a big step up in an unfamiliar position

That said: Great to see him finally get a shot, hopefully he does get a chunk of game time

 

[Which Tyler]

I can't remember, is there another actual lock in the wider squad?
I mean, I'm delighted that he's going to get a chance, and hopefully it'll be at BSF rather than lock, but... I'd rather have an actual lock on the bench

 

[Lé Ddanno]

I can't remember, is there another actual lock in the wider squad?
I mean, I'm delighted that he's going to get a chance, and hopefully it'll be at BSF rather than lock, but... I'd rather have an actual lock on the bench

Arthur Clarke iirc, but I think he got broken

 

[BPM]

Alex Coles?

Pretty bold picking Hill but Itoje and Chessum might end up playing 80mins.

 

[BPM]

View attachment 22890

Pretty much what I would expect, Rowe coming in for Graham.

I think they'll do the job.

Has Jordan played much at 12? I thought he was a 10/15?

Seems like a bit of a snub for McDowall.

 

[Geordie]

Well you would think the coaching team would have been prepping for this with George clearly an injury doubt. So they must be happy with what they've seen with Ted covering lock. Hes a powerful big guy, but lock at this level...its a step up.

At least we should get to see Ted finally run out and see how he does.

 

[BPM]

Jordan picked at 12 over McDowall suggests to me that Scotland want to go wide to try and exploit our defensive system. However, it's a big trade off as it also creates a possible weakness for them in the 10/12 channel defensively.

Not saying Jordan can't tackle perfectly well but AFAIK, he doesn't play 13 regularly and doesn't have masses of stopping power.

 

[Duct Tape]

Jordan picked at 12 over McDowall suggests to me that Scotland want to go wide to try and exploit our defensive system.

Why ever would they want that?

 

[General Melchett]

Can't wait for the Jamie Ritchie love in on Saturday. I think he's as loved by the English as POM is by the Scots.

Line-up pretty much as expected. Was just a question of how Rowe/Kinghorn would be used at 14/15. Had a hunch Ritchie would be picked for this one. Assume Townsend is hoping that Scotland can get the similar joy at the breakdown that was had against the Aussies in November. Most of that bench just fills me with dread.

 

[g6mcg]

Has Jordan played much at 12? I thought he was a 10/15?

Seems like a bit of a snub for McDowall.

More a 10/12 who can cover 15. Was picked at 12 against Ireland too although moved to 10 pretty early due to injuries. I'm still not convinced McDowall offers much internationally beyond being a competent gainline threat, and having a less skilled player at 12 is a pretty big hindrance for our constant wide attacks.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

Scotland by 8

 

[General Melchett]

Scotland by 8

Stop hyping us up. It's just red meat for OTB and Virgin Media in Ireland.