England 2021/22

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Looking at the training pics it looks like Malins is in for Radwan and Farrell for Slade although might be reading to much into it…

What you judging that on?

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Can't really predict from training pics, the teams train in every combination possible

 

[Teddington Logic]

I wouldn't be surprised at Malins for Radwan, just on a rotational basis

I have this nagging feeling with Malins that he is such a good all round ball player and runner that he will come to be seen as a specialist No23 who can cover 10,11,14,15 and thus never quite make the international career that he might do if he was just viewed as a wing. Obviously from an England perspective having him on the bench with that coverage would be fantastic

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Definitely possible - but then we all thought that with Daly and he's got a ton of starts, just spread between wing and fullback (and a smidgen of centre)

I think Malins will end up on the wing internationally - maybe not this series, but I could see him replacing May in the not too distant future, EH loves a fullback on the wing and who knows if/when Watson will be back

Malins/Radwan/Steward is this generations May/Watson/Brown

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

What about
11. May
14. Malins
15. Furbank

….

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Bevan Ross called up

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Bevan Ross called up

The disrespect on his name

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

The disrespect on his name

All Sale players merge into one for me

 

[TRF_Olyy]

All Sale players merge into one for me

Same with your talent scouts

All they see is walking dollar signs

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

DANNY CIPRIANI: Eddie's fears over Smith sum up an outdated mindset

DANNY CIPRIANI: Other sports have created superstars but rugby has never done that. The game is almost failing in that way, because of outdated attitudes towards anyone who receives attention.

www.dailymail.co.uk

 

[Ragey Erasmus]

DANNY CIPRIANI: Eddie's fears over Smith sum up an outdated mindset

DANNY CIPRIANI: Other sports have created superstars but rugby has never done that. The game is almost failing in that way, because of outdated attitudes towards anyone who receives attention.

www.dailymail.co.uk

On the one hand he has a point regarding rugby failing at promoting and commercialising the sport. On the other hand, Cipriani doesn't have much of a leg to stand on regarding the superstar side of thing considering it did go to his head and he was a right *** off the field.

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

In a couple of days we're likely to be bemoaning our lack of depth in the front 5, particularly the front row.

COVID and injuries haven't helped this time, but nonetheless it's been a while since we had a front 5 that others would really worry about.

We agonise about the balance of the midfield and the back row, but Jones has a lot of thinking to do in the front 5. I don't particularly enjoy watching the Boks play, but I think they're bang on the money with their front 5 philosophy.

Jones' sole aim is the RWC. Chances are that the Boks will be in the mix with their Bomb Squad, Ire are developing a pretty tasty front row and Fra who have always loved a scrum will be going flat out to come up with something big and horrible on home turf.

It's not just scrums but that's a big part of it - pens, sin bins, pushovers etc. And as John Barclay said in the Times this morning don't underestimate the psychological effects of a stuffed front 5.

It's easy to see Marler, George, Kruis and Launchbury all playing a part in Fra, but where are the successors? Are we just not breeding the big horrible blokes any more or, more likely, are we over emphasising athleticism and skills?

Smith and Dombrandt have got the headlines with Quins but is it chance that has coincided with the signing of a big Bok TH and Marler in some of the best form of his life? Not to mention a big, direct 12. A good team needs both brutes and artists - with Jones it too often seems to be one or the other.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

 

[ncurd]

Right lad, whatever Eddie has told you do the opposite the only kicking you need to do often is the one between the posts. Now this is a drop goal....

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Right lad, whatever Eddie has told you do the opposite the only kicking you need to do often is the one between the posts. Now this is a drop goal....

"How are your shoulders? Good? Right, well we'll soon fix that. I'll get in my car and you line up in defence"

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

Right lad, whatever Eddie has told you do the opposite the only kicking you need to do often is the one between the posts. Now this is a drop goal....

He knows perfectly well what a drop goal is…..currently averages one every 43 games for Quins.

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

AI's been a massive success tbh.
Blamire
Rodd
Quirke
Smith
Marchant
Malins
Steward

Great experience, and imo played great rugby

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Steward the find and the player of the AIs and it's not even close

Well on his way to being the best 15 in the game

 

[ncurd]

My only gripe and it is minor I just wish injuries hadn't forced EJ into this.