No thanks for us, but I'd feel quite differently if switches to inside centre.
Hoskins is better than Temina or Shields thoWe've got form for parachuting foreign 8s in as well.
So many what ifs about Morgan. On his day was a real class act.And we brought Waldrum in and you could say the same about the way Morgan was pulled across from wales.
Although I loved Morgan, massively underrated.
Hoskins is better than Temina or Shields tho
Beyond Itoje, none of them are set in stone imo - Martin more than Chessum, but he is by no means nailed on to play 6 imo.5 - Martin
6 - Chessum
Except Morgan was only ever Wales qualified on residency. Not a poach in any way shape or from.And we brought Waldrum in and you could say the same about the way Morgan was pulled across from wales.
Although I loved Morgan, massively underrated.
Disagree. Earl was poor in NZ. He has credit in the bank and is the man in possession, but I'd strongly have considered playing Willis at 8. Mental he's not in the squad. He should be there over Dombrandt.Back row is going to be a real dilemma...
Id say set in stone is
4 - Itoje
5 - Martin
6 - Chessum
Meaning 2 places (and reserve) being fought over by :
Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins, 7 caps)
Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 38 caps)
Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 53 caps)
Ben Curry (Sale Sharks, 5 caps)
Ben Earl (Saracens, 33 caps)
Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins, 17 caps)
I dont see how you can drop Earl at the moment...hes consistently one of our best ...even if hes not seen as a "long term 8"
CCS is the developing powerhouse who surely commands the bench spot...and covers 6 and 8
So that leaves...the 7 spot for:
Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 38 caps)
Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 53 caps)
Ben Curry (Sale Sharks, 5 caps)
Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins, 17 caps)
Tough choice to make bar Dombrandt who shouldnt be there IMO.
Underhill for me...his destructive power is just too much to not include.
So
4 - Itoje
5 - Martin
6 - Chessum
7 - Underhill
8 - Earl
Agree or disagree...?
My thoughts 2 itoje/Martin with Chessum off the bench is strong and then 3 of CCS Earl Curry Underhill Dombrant, 4 of these in the backrow.Kinda feel the same,
Chessums have some good performances at 6 so I wouldn't be mortified to see him there again, but would rather we focus on him at lock and pick 2 of him/Martin/Itoje with the third on the bench