England 2024/25

[Vieux Talonneur]

Obviously a lot depends on Lions selection.

Here's how I see it:

Very likely: Itoje, M. Smith, Earl, IFW

Possible: Martin, Chessum, Underhill, T. Curry, J. Willis, CCS, Mitchell, Lawrence, Furbank, **Farrell**

Outside shot: Genge, George, Slade, Freeman, Marchant, Sleightholme

A good 6N could move any of the possibles/outside shots into real contention. Injuries will definitely play a part too.

So for the Argentina tour, there will likely be very good opportunities for Fin Smith and Tom Willis to start. A lock too, whoever that may be.

If Mitchell goes, I'd like to see Porter get a shot.

If he keeps his form I wouldn't totally rule out Stuart either. Furlong's not where he was, Wales play Bath's 3rd choice, Fagerson's good but not great. TH may really come down to form. Farrell does loyalty, so you might suspect Furlong's in pole, but I suspect he can do ruthless in equal measure.

Wouldn't wholly rule out Lawes from the test team conversation. He's said he'd be available……

 

[Geordie]

If he keeps his form I wouldn't totally rule out Stuart either. Furlong's not where he was, Wales play Bath's 3rd choice, Fagerson's good but not great. TH may really come down to form. Farrell does loyalty, so you might suspect Furlong's in pole, but I suspect he can do ruthless in equal measure.

Wouldn't wholly rule out Lawes from the test team conversation. He's said he'd be available……

Stuarts performances in the 6n are going to be interesting.

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

I dont dispute that, and its essential that youngsters come in to a settled team. But why flog Tom Curry, why take Jamie George when you have Cowan Dickie and Langdon outperforming him. The likes of Ellis Genge will travel but i honestly think his days in the England squad are numbered

Curry's situation is unique. Depends what the medics say re workload, but if form is anything like suspect he'll be with the Lions anyway…..would he turn that down if the medics said it was a bad idea?

George is now a performance thing. If he's no longer good enough the baton gets passed.

 

[Geordie]

TBH I could easily see a scenario where Itoje is our only starter. Underhill and Willis the next most likely for me. IFW possibly. Earl's likely to behind the captain in Doris and it's hard to see Smith picked ahead of Russell.

Another dark horse might be Mitchell. Not sure JGP's quite where he was.

But as you say, 6N form tends to be the deciding factor.

Ive seen nothing to tell me hes an international. Maybe hes another who just needs to go back to Tigers and just rediscover his form, without the distraction of international rugby.

Earl could very well travel. He had a bit of a lull this AI, but over the last 18 months hes been top class...if he can regain that form for the prem and 6n then he will be in contention.

 

[BPM]

JGP = Jamison Gibson-Park

 

[BPM]

If he keeps his form I wouldn't totally rule out Stuart either. Furlong's not where he was, Wales play Bath's 3rd choice, Fagerson's good but not great. TH may really come down to form. Farrell does loyalty, so you might suspect Furlong's in pole, but I suspect he can do ruthless in equal measure.

Wouldn't wholly rule out Lawes from the test team conversation. He's said he'd be available……

Lawes would be an excellent shout.

Several positions are definitely up for debate and 6 is definitely one of them.

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

Ive seen nothing to tell me hes an international. Maybe hes another who just needs to go back to Tigers and just rediscover his form, without the distraction of international rugby.

Earl could very well travel. He had a bit of a lull this AI, but over the last 18 months hes been top class...if he can regain that form for the prem and 6n then he will be in contention.

I was talking about the Lions test team. JGP, not JVP! Bloody scrum halves, never liked em……

Suspect Earl will travel but more likely as versatile generally useful squad member than probable test starter.

 

[McTallshort]

So does anyone know what the big news is?

 

[mikebrownsauce1512]

If IFW has a good six nations I feel he could start, may be wrong but I think he has 8 caps for England and does not look out of place at test level, transitioned seamlessly. So glad he chose England as skies the limit with him I think. Pretty much always evades the first tackle or makes ground, reminds me of prime Anthony Watson in that respect.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Not sure if he's just joking, but that's in response to someone saying the big news is Kpoku - which either means he's signed a deal for....2yrs away, as he's just renewed at Racing 92 with a get out clause for the RWC, or they're gonna announce scrapping the foreign player rules

 

[Not Mike Brown's Sock]

Not sure if he's just joking, but that's in response to someone saying the big news is Kpoku - which either means he's signed a deal for....2yrs away, as he's just renewed at Racing 92 with a get out clause for the RWC, or they're gonna announce scrapping the foreign player rules

Not sure why he would leak his scoop early

 

[Geordie]

JGP = Jamison Gibson-Park

Ah my apologies...

 

[Geordie]

I was talking about the Lions test team. JGP, not JVP! Bloody scrum halves, never liked em……

Suspect Earl will travel but more likely as versatile generally useful squad member than probable test starter.

 

[AlRums]

Famous special forces soldier blasted for claim about his rugby skills

Retired US Army Special Operations Sergeant Major, John McPhee, also known as 'The Sheriff of Baghdad', recounted his time playing the sport while he lived in California.

www.dailymail.co.uk

Maybe it's this

 

[Don't Skip Leg Day]

I'd love it if Farrell picked Earl at 12 and he plays amazing there starting for the lions. Wouldn't happen but would entertain me.

 

[Geordie]

I'd love it if Farrell picked Earl at 12 and he plays amazing there starting for the lions. Wouldn't happen but would entertain me.

Dont be silly....why would he do that when Sam Simmonds is available for the 12 spot