England 2021/22

[Vieux Talonneur]

Our 8 shirt is far from settled yet. Dombrandt should probably have first claim, Simmonds is there or thereabouts, I doubt we've seen the last of Binny, Curry's had a crack, Barbeary's a work in progress but would bring the carrying we need. T Willis unlucky not to have had a look in.

We don't need more options yet I can't help wondering about Mercer if he came back from France. There was chat that he'd spoken to Jones a couple of months ago although he quickly scotched rumours of an immediate Prem return. Haven't followed his progress closely but looks like Montpellier are top of the table and he's had a good amount of game time.

Was always a bit worried about his physicality but he's been playing long enough in 2 major leagues now to have put that to bed. He's not the biggest but he's in that 1.90m, 105 - 110kg bracket that seems fairly common for back rowers now. Wouldn't use him to smash through brick walls (I'm a dinosaur that wants to see the front 5 doing that), but he's quick with good footwork and a rounded skill set.

Jones likes people who experience different things. Can anyone say how he's been doing in France. and what would we reckon on his Eng chances if he did come back?

 

[Ragey Erasmus]

Our 8 shirt is far from settled yet. Dombrandt should probably have first claim, Simmonds is there or thereabouts, I doubt we've seen the last of Binny, Curry's had a crack, Barbeary's a work in progress but would bring the carrying we need. T Willis unlucky not to have had a look in.

We don't need more options yet I can't help wondering about Mercer if he came back from France. There was chat that he'd spoken to Jones a couple of months ago although he quickly scotched rumours of an immediate Prem return. Haven't followed his progress closely but looks like Montpellier are top of the table and he's had a good amount of game time.

Was always a bit worried about his physicality but he's been playing long enough in 2 major leagues now to have put that to bed. He's not the biggest but he's in that 1.90m, 105 - 110kg bracket that seems fairly common for back rowers now. Wouldn't use him to smash through brick walls (I'm a dinosaur that wants to see the front 5 doing that), but he's quick with good footwork and a rounded skill set.

Jones likes people who experience different things. Can anyone say how he's been doing in France. and what would we reckon on his Eng chances if he did come back?

Before he went to France he was one of the Bath players you could reliably count on to give it his all every game, even as the team was being badly beaten. TBH he has the sort of attitude Jones likes and I'm surprised he gave him the cold shoulder (then again he did that to all 8's when Billy was still the favourite). Not sure about his time at Montpellier but I thought he should have been getting a look in whilst he was at Bath.

 

[Geordie]

I think Dombrandt has done well in his games...what's impressed me is his graft and dirty work. He's won turnovers etc.

We haven't seen much of his attacking rugby yet but the England attack has been woeful...

I'd work with him....he'll get better.

But I am a big fan of Tom Willis...he looks a cracking 8.

When is Mercer back from France?

 

[Not Mike Brown's Sock]

When is Mercer back from France?

When someone signs him ig?

Imagine he won't be back till Eddie is gone

 

[Geordie]

When someone signs him ig?

Imagine he won't be back till Eddie is gone

I meant how long is his contract...is it another year?

 

[Which Tyler]

I meant how long is his contract...is it another year?

Yes.
Or at least, we think so

 

[Lé Ddanno]

I meant how long is his contract...is it another year?

Yeah he signed to 2023. There's a story from Jan where he's adamant that he's seeing it out and with the Prem a bit strapped for cash I don't think many clubs would start waving the chequebook at him until then

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Dimes saying that Hill will focus on number 8

 

[BPM]

Could be interesting. Even more so considering he hasn't actually picked him there yet. I'm assuming that it's linked to Vailanu going.

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

Sounds interesting but with apologies to @EdBirch and others I seldom bother watching Warriors games.
He's obviously a big unit and I'll take it as read that his defensive game is in decent order but what's his footballing ability like? What's the driver behind this, does Dimes think he's better suited there, quicker path to international honours, replacing Vailanu as @BPM says or a combination of things?

Whatever you think about his concussion position, given that he's back playing it's good to see Underhill going so well. Fra may have been a little early, but when he's fit he's the one non negotiable in our back row for me.

If Coka wants a proper pre season I suggest that he stops scoring tries forthwith, otherwise he's heading to Aus.

Watching OHC yesterday it became clear to me why Jones didn't think he was ready.

 

[Not Mike Brown's Sock]

Fra may have been a little early, but when he's fit he's the one non negotiable in our back row for me.

Is curry a negotiable for you?

 

[EdBirch]

Sounds interesting but with apologies to @EdBirch and others I seldom bother watching Warriors games.
He's obviously a big unit and I'll take it as read that his defensive game is in decent order but what's his footballing ability like? What's the driver behind this, does Dimes think he's better suited there, quicker path to international honours, replacing Vailanu as @BPM says or a combination of things?

Whatever you think about his concussion position, given that he's back playing it's good to see Underhill going so well. Fra may have been a little early, but when he's fit he's the one non negotiable in our back row for me.

If Coka wants a proper pre season I suggest that he stops scoring tries forthwith, otherwise he's heading to Aus.

Watching OHC yesterday it became clear to me why Jones didn't think he was ready.

He has the attributes to play 8, pace, power, defence, ball carrying, but we've not seen him there. It wasn't long ago he was being touted as a lock so we'll see I guess. If he can make the transition, he'll be a force

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

Is curry a negotiable for you?

He's an excellent player, but yes.

And I say that in full recognition that I have just committed one of the forum's deadly sins, agreeing with Stuart Barnes.

Can't wait to see what happens if Curry, Willis and Underhill all happen to be fit at the same time. You'd surely have to play 2 of them and then what of the captain?

 

[BiggusLaddus]

Can't wait to see what happens if Curry, Willis and Underhill all happen to be fit at the same time. You'd surely have to play 2 of them and then what of the captain?

He'll be busy arguing with the ref, with either a 10 or a 12 on his back.

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

He'll be busy arguing with the ref, with either a 10 or a 12 on his back.

Forgot about him!!

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

ROG saying he would like to coach England.

Honestly just do it for the memes alone.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

England tour of Australia

• Saturday 2 July - Optus Stadium, Perth Kick-off 10:55 BST
• Saturday 9 July - Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane. Kick-off: 10:55 BST
• Saturday 16 July - Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney. Kick-off: 10:55 BST

Sydney Cricket Ground to host third Test of England's Australia tour

The Sydney Cricket Ground will host a rugby union international for the first time since 1986 when England tour Australia this summer.

www.bbc.co.uk

The first test not being a few days after the prem final?
It'll never catch on

 

[Geordie]

Dimes saying that Hill will focus on number 8

Ive wanted to see him do that for ages. Think he could be excellent there.

Will be watching with interest.

 

[Reiser99]

Nice to know that after another poor 6 Nations our head coach has got his priorities right.

England coach Eddie Jones resumes advisory role with Japanese club side

England coach Eddie Jones is "hard at work" in his role with Suntory Sungoliath following another disappointing Six Nations.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[Lé Ddanno]

Quelle surprise