England 2022/23

[TRF_Olyy]

What have Blamire's darts been like since he's gone back to hook?

Surprisingly decent ATM, but I can't wash away the bad taste of him having statistically the worst lineout in the league (according to a BT infographic) before
Hopefully he's fully improved and settled now, and I'm not against him being on the bench as he's probably playing the best beyond J.George, but I'll still be sweating at any 5m defensive lineouts

 

[Pieter Steph du Teague]

Anyone see Lawrence's set up for Gallagher's try? He really is a much better ball player than people give him credit for.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Saw a clip of Ted Hill scoring an 80m try

Won't happen, but I'd be very interested in seeing what a Hill/Willis/Willis backrow looks like - with Earl on the bench

 

[Crash Hamster]

On Twitter:

Rennie sacked as Wallabies coach and replaced by...

Eddie Jones.

It's not April the 1st.

Spectacular wuckfittery from the RFU. Why oh why couldn't they have put Jones on gardening leave to prevent him being appointed at another team for the 2023 World Cup? Jones is an excellent short term coach (though he apparently has 5 years) and Australia were putting together a very good-looking team.

Foot, meet bullet.

 

[Pieter Steph du Teague]

Saw a clip of Ted Hill scoring an 80m try

Won't happen, but I'd be very interested in seeing what a Hill/Willis/Willis backrow looks like - with Earl on the bench

Just saw it. That is some absurd athleticism from a big big man. Think he has to be the front runner for the 6 shirt right now.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Absolutely crazy they didn't have a no compete clause in his contract

 

[pagliaccio_euforico]

I didn't know what thread to go to but I had a feeling this was the one. Absolutely insane.

 

[pagliaccio_euforico]

Absolutely crazy they didn't have a no compete clause in his contract

1. they never thought they'd fire him
2. they did but there was an exception for oz
3. they did but he's telling them to stuff it and see what happens

 

[TRF_Olyy]

they did but he's telling them to stuff it and see what happens

Tbf I've been told they're essentially a scare tactic and aren't actually enforceable

 

[pagliaccio_euforico]

Tbf I've been told they're essentially a scare tactic and aren't actually enforceable

that's how they are in the states at least. Only can be enforced in extremely narrow situations. The guardian is reporting that he will also be overseeing the wallaroos. He's essentially the czar of Australia rugby now.

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Kinda want Eddie to win the RWC.
Will burn the rugby media here and prob force actual changes at the top of the rfu

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

Saw a clip of Ted Hill scoring an 80m try

Won't happen, but I'd be very interested in seeing what a Hill/Willis/Willis backrow looks like - with Earl on the bench

Just read that Hill wasn't even involved in the fitness testing. Also, while T Willis is likely to be called up he's considered a long shot for selection.

 

[Reiser99]

On Twitter:

Rennie sacked as Wallabies coach and replaced by...

Eddie Jones.

It's not April the 1st.

Spectacular wuckfittery from the RFU. Why oh why couldn't they have put Jones on gardening leave to prevent him being appointed at another team for the 2023 World Cup? Jones is an excellent short term coach (though he apparently has 5 years) and Australia were putting together a very good-looking team.

Foot, meet bullet.

Bit harsh on Rennie. I thought Australia were starting to build quite nicely, though I guess a loss to Italy might have been the final straw. Though the way it's been handled seems more like let's shop around for a new coach and if not keep Rennie.

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

Times saying it's 50/50 whether Smith will be included. Not on fitness but because he's not believed to suit the style Borthwick wants.

Ford believed likely to be picked. If Smith isn't then possible that F Smith would be which would be a huge call. Guess we'll find out soon enough.

 

[Geordie]

If Ted HIll doesnt start at 6...then the alarm bells will be ringing against Borthwick straight away. And yes i know ive never hid being a fan of Hills...but what more do you want from a 6???

 

[Ragey Erasmus]

If Ted HIll doesnt start at 6...then the alarm bells will be ringing against Borthwick straight away. And yes i know ive never hid being a fan of Hills...but what more do you want from a 6???

To be a lock?

 

[will311293]

If Ted HIll doesnt start at 6...then the alarm bells will be ringing against Borthwick straight away. And yes i know ive never hid being a fan of Hills...but what more do you want from a 6???

Suppose its the step up and other lads who have credit in the bank... he should be around....

My squad:

LH: Genge, Marler, VRR,
HK: George, McGuigan, Blaimire
TH: Cole, Heyes, Davidson
LK: Itoje, Hill, Chessum, Ribbans
FL: Curry, Willis, Earl, Lawes, Hill
No.8: T Willis, Vunipola, Dombrandt

SH: JVP, Youngs,
FH: Smith, Farrell, Ford
C: Kelly, Tuilagi, Slade, Lawrence, Daly
WG: Murley, Freeman, OHC
FB: Steward, Malins

Other picks i wanted, Launchbury (big boy and Steve loves them), LCD (Injury), Watson (Injury), Marchant (would pick but off to france), Singleton (Injury), Arundell (Injury)
Think we will see Sinks, Coles, Cokanasiga, Rodd, Simmonds, Tizard, Mako, Arundell, Porter, Nowell, Joseph, Furbank

If its true i can only switch 5? then Earl, Daly, Kelly, Chessum, VRR will come in as straight swaps.

Injury swaps Blaimire for LCD, Freeman for Watson

 

[Geordie]

Im a fan of Tizzard, but im not sure hes ready yet. I think he has some work to do. Been watching him closely recently and hes a bit anonymous at times. Saracens will sort him out though.

I think locks will be Johnny Hill, Itoje, Chessum and Ribbans as you have listed.

 

[will311293]

Im a fan of Tizzard, but im not sure hes ready yet. I think he has some work to do. Been watching him closely recently and hes a bit anonymous at times. Saracens will sort him out though.

I think locks will be Johnny Hill, Itoje, Chessum and Ribbans as you have listed.

I'd still have Launchbury if i could... I also could see Davidson coming in as Newcastle scrum is solid but he plays both sides and frees up a spot.

 

[Which Tyler]

Tbf I've been told they're essentially a scare tactic and aren't actually enforceable

That's my understanding too - and it even makes sense.
If you're not employing that person, you can't tell them who/where they can or can't work.

The only way to have an enforceable non-compete is to not fire him in the first place, and put him on gardening leave - and risk being sued for constructive dismissal.