England 2025/26

[BPM]

As a Quins fan, I have a lot of love for Tyrone but I don't think he's a test level fullback. A squad level would be the peak for him IMO.

 

[Geordie]

Id like to see Hendy involved definitely

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Worsley's been playing really well to be fair, even in Bristol's losses - I hope he's there

Despite playing well I wouldn't have Roots in there, considering he's already a number of senior caps it feels a wasted spot - especially when we've already got a mid/late 20s openside - drop him out, maybe start Sodeke at 6 and call up A.N.Other for the bench backrow spot (can't think who, off the top of my head)


(I know you're just listing from players rather than an expected side, I'm just rambling)

 

[Geordie]

Worsley's been playing really well to be fair, even in Bristol's losses - I hope he's there

Despite playing well I wouldn't have Roots in there, considering he's already a number of senior caps it feels a wasted spot - especially when we've already got a mid/late 20s openside - drop him out, maybe start Sodeke at 6 and call up A.N.Other for the bench backrow spot (can't think who, off the top of my head)


(I know you're just listing from players rather than an expected side, I'm just rambling)

Now hes a player i have MASSIVE hopes for. Interesting you'd have him around the A squad already.

 

[Geordie]

Rumours that CCS will stay at Quins.

That will be interesting as to which position he may settle in, if Dombrandt is still seen as the starting 8 for them.

 

[BPM]

Now hes a player i have MASSIVE hopes for. Interesting you'd have him around the A squad already.

Well he’s been in all of Saracens’ match day squads so far this season and with Mapletoft as coach, I think there’s a good chance he favours ex U20 options who have the potential to be senior squad members over and above more experienced options where the A squad is likely to the limit of their England prospects.

Someone like Miles Reid is a good example. He should be in the mix for the A squad on form and capability, but given the quality of the competition for back row spots, he’s unlikely to ever make the seniors. It’s harsh and possibly unfair, but from a bigger picture POV, it makes more sense to prioritise developing players who we expect to make the senior squad in future.

Shame Carnduff isn’t fit.

 

[Geordie]

Well he's been in all of Saracens' match day squads so far this season and with Mapletoft as coach, I think there's a good chance he favours ex U20 options who have the potential to be senior squad members over and above more experienced options where the A squad is likely to the limit of their England prospects.

Someone like Miles Reid is a good example. He should be in the mix for the A squad on form and capability, but given the quality of the competition for back row spots, he's unlikely to ever make the seniors. It's harsh and possibly unfair, but from a bigger picture POV, it makes more sense to prioritise developing players who we expect to make the senior squad in future.

Shame Carnduff isn't fit.

Yeah he played for about 10 mins against us up here and in that 10 mins he showed his power and athleticism...torpedoing a number of players in defence , winning a lineout etc etc.

Between him, Burrows, Kpoku Jr, Bamber, our own Oscar usher, etc etc...im optimistic we could have some serious quality depth in the lock department in the not too distant future and all huge units.

 

[BPM]

Burrow needs to fill out a bit (Sale can put him on the ‘Bamber’ diet), but Sodeke is already there from a size POV. As is Usher - not sure he’s in the same bracket in terms of quality though?

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Yeah Burrow has the frame to be big but just needs the time now - it'll come

 

[Geordie]

Burrow needs to fill out a bit (Sale can put him on the 'Bamber' diet), but Sodeke is already there from a size POV. As is Usher - not sure he's in the same bracket in terms of quality though?

I think Sodeke can still fill out aswell.

Usher is more a one to watch, hes been hugely impressive when hes played and he certainly has the quality. Hes more your tight head lock, but with the bonus of being a lineout target and having hands like a back. Hes only 21 so just keep a cheeky eye on him.

 

[Becca]

I don't want it to happen as he's not English, but Tyrone Green is eligible now and has started the season in good form.

Just no

 

[BMatt]

He said a few years back he only wanted to play for SA. Might have changed his mind after being overlooked for so long, but then again with Le Roux ageing out he might get another chance.

I wouldn't blame anyone for taking an opportunity to get paid to play at international level, but I've got a lot of respect for Green for wanting to play for his own country or none at all.

 

[BPM]

I think Sodeke can still fill out aswell.

Usher is more a one to watch, hes been hugely impressive when hes played and he certainly has the quality. Hes more your tight head lock, but with the bonus of being a lineout target and having hands like a back. Hes only 21 so just keep a cheeky eye on him.

Really? He’s already pretty bulky. He’ll be genuinely huge if he fills out anymore!

 

[Geordie]

Really? He's already pretty bulky. He'll be genuinely huge if he fills out anymore!

Yeah, i know, but honestly seeming him in the flesh he can definitely put more on...id say another stone comfortably without troubling any of his mobility and athleticism.

 

[Crash Hamster]

Picking the A 23 based upon early season form and the possibility for players from the senior squad dropping down, I'd go for:

1. Iyogun
2. Jibulu
3. Fasogbon
4. Batley
5. Bamber
6. Roots
7. Pearson
8. Fisilau
9. Porter
10. Worsley
11. Caluori
12. Woodward
13. Joseph
14. Radwan
15. de Glanville

16. Blake 17. Haffar 18. Sela 19. Sodeke 20. Lockett 21. C. Bracken 22. J. Benson 23. J. Bracken

10 is the toughest spot given Worsley's really the only one playing there regularly right now. Unless we call up Searle? Does Charlie Atkinson's time at 15 get him as a second playmaker?

Two points worth raising …

1.The NZ game won't 'capture' anyone as it's not their official 'second team'. If we want to guarantee keeping Tuipolotu and Blake, they'll need to play vs. Spain. Not sure there's anyone else of interest with dual qualification prospects? Unless we include Green in that

2. With Mapletoft as coach, there will probably be an emphasis on the 'pathway' from the U20s when it comes to any 50:50 calls. For example, Redshaw is only just back from injury but I wouldn't be totally surprised to see him get the nod ahead of a more experienced player like de Glanville. Also why I went for Haffar over Obano. The rumour that Angus Hall is in off the back off 1 unspectacular bench appearance gives some credence to this.

That looks a good selection on current form, but it alarms me that we're struggling to produce hookers who can throw straight...

I genuinely don't understand how players can get to Prem standard and throw like a donkey. It's a (largely) static skill with some timing required; I could forgive the timing being off occasionally, but there's no way spectators should be watching from behind their hands every time a hooker throws in.

 

[Don't Skip Leg Day]

That looks a good selection on current form, but it alarms me that we're struggling to produce hookers who can throw straight...

I genuinely don't understand how players can get to Prem standard and throw like a donkey. It's a (largely) static skill with some timing required; I could forgive the timing being off occasionally, but there's no way spectators should be watching from behind their hands every time a hooker throws in.

I may be completely wrong but I seem to remember a lot of hooker recently who didn’t start out as hookers so they don’t have years of throwing experience. No idea about the current crop but if stuck in my head for some reason.

 

[BPM]

That looks a good selection on current form, but it alarms me that we're struggling to produce hookers who can throw straight...

I genuinely don't understand how players can get to Prem standard and throw like a donkey. It's a (largely) static skill with some timing required; I could forgive the timing being off occasionally, but there's no way spectators should be watching from behind their hands every time a hooker throws in.

These definitely aren't the ones I'd be picking on? Jibulu and Blake are among the more reliable lineout operators I'd say.

 

[Ddanno]

These definitely aren't the ones I'd be picking on? Jibulu and Blake are among the more reliable lineout operators I'd say.

Agreed by me.
LCD, Dan and Blamire are the dodgy ones.

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

These definitely aren't the ones I'd be picking on? Jibulu and Blake are among the more reliable lineout operators I'd say.

Haven’t seen much of Jibulu but did read he had some shocking stats from one game earlier this season. Hopefully just a bad day at the office - we all have them.

 

[BPM]

Wasn’t that the one played in a gale with kicks going backwards etc. though?