England 2024/25

[TRF_Olyy]

Just put Langdon at 6, what could go wrong?

He started in the backrow for us once, so I'm on board

 

[Reiser99]

Going to be honest. I never saw George as our captain in 2027. He's 33 currently and will be 36 at the world cup. He's a great player, but he's definitely dropped off a bit the last couple of years and I don't see him being exceptional enough to be first choice in 3 years time. He was a great choice to get us through the 6Ns, but if I was Borthwick now, I'd be looking at choosing a long term replacement to build the team around.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Yeah tbf I've just looked back for the media reports when he was named and they all say named captain for the six nations - could be that we're naming a new captain this summer anyway

Probably unlikely, though, if Genge is out and Itoje can't play the whole tour without the RFU and RPA clashing horns, Curry unlikely to tour and Ford unlikely to start all (any?) games with the Smiths playing so well - so basically all viable options not particularly viable for this summer

I reckon George stays captain this summer and Itoje takes it next season

 

[Which Tyler]

Time for Tom Wood to step up, and selflessly - reluctantly - take on the burden

 

[Ragey Erasmus]

Why do we struggle to have a player who can be very good in their position with a decent future ahead of them and the leadership to be captain? It seems we fail to get a player who ticks all boxes and have done since Hartley and Johnson. Everyone else usually had a big question mark floating over their head about whether they merited their position in the squad after a brief stint as captain.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Earl?
He likes clapping so will be good at letting players know they've done a good job

 

[Lé Ddanno]

Earl?
He likes clapping so will be good at letting players know they've done a good job

You know what just give Alfie the 8 shirt, Dombrandt 20 and send that seal back to Marbella for the summer

 

[Lé Ddanno]

THAT decision aside, I thought Robshaw was a solid captain and he wasn't going to be dislodged from the shirt unless Olyy got his wish

 

[Reiser99]

My only explanation for Itoje is that he just doesn't want it. I can't see any other obvious reason why he's not been a serious contender at club or international level. Maybe, he's just very quiet and not hugely charismatic in the dressing room...

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Didn't realise how late the Top 14 finishes,

All these people squawking about Willis needing to tour this summer, even if the RFU did bend the rules: if Toulouse make the final (likely) he'll completely miss the first test and arrive in NZ maybe a day before the teams are picked for the 2nd

 

[Which Tyler]

THAT decision aside, I thought Robshaw was a solid captain and he wasn't going to be dislodged from the shirt unless Olyy got his wish

Yup, harsh of Robshaw.
Of the current England lot - Curry and Itoje just don't seem to want the job; whilst others who may have, simply haven't had the chance whilst Farrell was there.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

I think Curry would, he's captained England and Sale before,
A lot of people expected him to be named Sale captain after Ross left, before Ben was, but think his international absences/injuries tipped it towards Ben instead

I think Itoje has captained Saracens a bit this season, when Farrell/George weren't available, so maybe the tide is turning there

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

Earl?
He likes clapping so will be good at letting players know they've done a good job

He's Barnes choice…..

I know what Genge did at Tigers but I don't remotely see him in the role. Maybe take a lesson from history…..any big horrible Tigers locks around?

 

[Which Tyler]

I think Curry would, he's captained England and Sale before,
A lot of people expected him to be named Sale captain after Ross left, before Ben was, but think his international absences/injuries tipped it towards Ben instead

I think Itoje has captained Saracens a bit this season, when Farrell/George weren't available, so maybe the tide is turning there

Fair enough - happy to stand corrected on Curry, I'd always got the impression he just wanted to get on with playing his game, and not having the outside distractions of captaincy - maybe just another victim of the Farrell mystique.
If he proves himself back to form and fitness with that hip, I'd have him as first choice captain, and happy to keep George until TC's had the chance to prove that.

On Itoje, there's a huge difference between taking over on-field, versus being the face of the team; and a huge difference between being the face of Saracens versus the face of England - especially for someone who already receives far more than his share of racism, whilst being just a player. I don't blame him at all for not wanting to put his head too high above the parapet.

 

[Scotty]

Just put Langdon at 6, what could go wrong?

Well we do always want more line out options...pretty sure this is what that means means

 

[Don't Skip Leg Day]

It's almost got to be George as 'team' captain even if he doesn't start every game. Who else is there?

Itoje, underhill, Earl, Martin, Mitchell, Slade, IFW, Freeman and Furbank are starters who are fit to tour (who knows on curry, they might rest him).

Furbank has captaincy experience but I want a forward doing that role.

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

It's almost got to be George as 'team' captain even if he doesn't start every game. Who else is there?

Give it to Cole.The way things are going he'll still be first choice in 2039.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Decent squad,
I know it's only a training squad but surprised at both Currys being there, thought there'd be none tbh
Not sure why Raffi is there, his form is poor atm
Delighted for Carpenter

Would've expected Harper to make the training squad tbh - what more can you learn about Cole in an extra week or two in camp?
Guess it confirms Cole/Stuart/Heyes as the tourists, which isn't unexpected tbh

No Daly

 

[Pieter Steph du Teague]

No Daly

The frustrating thing is that while I'm glad Daly isn't there, I would still take him over Malins.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

The frustrating thing is that while I'm glad Daly isn't there, I would still take him over Malins.

You make a valid, and depressing, point