England 2024/25

[higgik]

It will be the same 23 minus any injuries.

I think he'll stick to the 6-2 bench split

Shame, could be a mauling with our defence and scrum.

 

[Rugbyfan564]

Had the privilege of meeting him by chance at a petrol station near where he lives, as well as seeing him at a local golf course.
Always struggled with the limelight and just wanted to be a local Sussex boy.
He signed a card for me and was incredibly taken that I wanted his autograph.
Says a lot about the guy.
The bravado was all to cover up a lack of confidence and security.

Interesting he struggles with the limelight as he feels like someone who will do a reality show after his full retirement (He has been on the Quiz show the Wheel three times already including last night).

 

[Which Tyler]

Or they can't afford to sack him/ can't find another replacement (Will they keep to English only which was the criteria when Jones went)

Well, they won't replace him mid-season because of that (which is hardly an "or"), but the knives would be out with fans and press.
IF we go 0 from 4 this Autumn (I don't see it happening, but that's the theoretical being discussed) I could see RFU starting the hunt for a replacement, possibly with a "You're out in April" and possibly with a "You can stay IF you win the 6N championship".

As for who to replace him with - I honestly haven't a clue.
The England HC job should be one of the 4 most sought after jobs in the sport (alongside the same roles for NZ, SA and France - with the latter essentially needing to be French on language grounds alone). It should be the highlight of someone's career, having already proven themselves in that role elsewhere, not a place for learning on the job, and refining your skills to apply in another job for someone else. I don't care about their nationality.

 

[Which Tyler]

The bravado was all to cover up a lack of confidence and security.

Not remotely surprising TBH

 

[Rugbyfan564]

 

[Geordie]

Move CCS to the bench to give us big impetus at 40 mins...and start Ted Hill to see how he goes at this level...no less physicality...

CCS back at 6 for SA...

 

[TRF_Olyy]

That's madness,
I agree on bringing Hill in but you don't drop your best forward (probably joint with Itoje yesterday) - not like CCS is fully engrained in the side, he's had like 4 starts and needs the experience still

I could agree on moving CCS to 8, though

 

[Geordie]

That's madness,
I agree on bringing Hill in but you don't drop your best forward (probably joint with Itoje yesterday) - not like CCS is fully engrained in the side, he's had like 4 starts and needs the experience still

I could agree on moving CCS to 8, though

Not madness at all. Australia aren't NZ...

We need to see how Ted Hill goes at this level. Lots bemoaned a lack of physicality off the bench so this covers that.

Im not saying drop CCS...it allows you to look at different things. Maybe CCS to 8 but id rather have Willis than Dombrandt and start him.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Willis isn't in the EPS so can't come in, though

Aus aren't NZ but neither are we - we can't take them lightly, it's definitely a losable game under Borthwick

 

[Reiser99]

How much credit does Earl have left in the bank? For me he was the weak link in the back row, especially that stupid no arms tackle.

 

[Geordie]

We should be beating these comfortably...

It's a chance to trial a few players without disrupting the rest of the team..ie CCS is first choice 6 now (although I still wonder if that is the case when Chessum is fit) but he can be brought off the bench and that allows to you to see how HIll goes...and in the lineout etc.

Would it be a chance to give Earl a run out at 7

 

[Reiser99]

We should be beating these comfortably...

It's a chance to trial a few players without disrupting the rest of the team..ie CCS is first choice 6 now (although I still wonder if that is the case when Chessum is fit) but he can be brought off the bench and that allows to you to see how HIll goes...and in the lineout etc.

Would it be a chance to give Earl a run out at 7

Based on the NZ game, I'd drop Earl.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

On form he's one of the first names on the sheet for me, but he's not on form so....

I worry we've almost gone the opposite direction from wanting everyone to be Billy V and now we're not replacing Earl because we've no other 8 like him and it'd drastically change the balance of the back 5 (which, imo, wouldn't be an issue as Willis and CCS are dynamic enough to pick up any slack - it's not like our other options are lumbering lumps)

 

[Geordie]

Based on the NZ game, I'd drop Earl.

And that's a fair call...maybe Ben Curry gets a chance at 7 ..

 

[Geordie]

On form he's one of the first names on the sheet for me, but he's not on form so....

I worry we've almost gone the opposite direction from wanting everyone to be Billy V and now we're not replacing Earl because we've no other 8 like him and it'd drastically change the balance of the back 5 (which, imo, wouldn't be an issue as Willis and CCS are dynamic enough to pick up any slack - it's not like our other options are lumbering lumps)

I think Willis at 8 would have been the best call. Dombrandt just doesn't bring it at this level. It's done...SB should have taken the chance to look at Willis. Poor call there

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Wonder when a loose head replacement gets named?
Odds on it's Obano, but still a bit of interest
Weird they didn't bring someone in as soon as Marler left - unless whoever they want is on holiday or something?

Also waiting to see if Dan is injured enough that we need a replacement - if he is I'm crossing my fingers for Langdon but it'll probably be Oghre (who, tbf to him, is in very good form, so is still a good addition)

 

[Rugbyfan564]

 

[Which Tyler]

Presumably they didn't notice Itoje, or CCS, or IFW, or hell, Spencer, Curry or Stuart

 

[ChicagoKid]

The NZ game was eerily reminiscent of the semi final versus the Boks.

Match them psychically.
Win the aerial/kicking battle.
Be ultra disciplined and punish opposing teams mistakes by kicking sticks.
Show 0 ability to score tries in the 22.
Bench scrum gets pulverized.
Last quarter of the game get completely outplayed physically and tactically.
George Ford makes no positive impact.

 

[TommiG88]

Presumably they didn't notice Itoje, or CCS, or IFW, or hell, Spencer, Curry or Stuart

People remember breaks, and he did a very good interception.

I would say he was in the top 5, but my motm would have gone to either IFW or Itoje. CCS / Smith / Stuart being the next best 3.