England 2025/26

[Crash Hamster]

My impression has been that Jibulu couldn't hit his own arse with a banjo, but I've not checked the stats to confirm, I admit...

Cracking player in the loose though.

 

[Duck a l'Orange]

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.

It is a position that the short wide lad/lass tends to get stuck with at age level. So maybe not a surprise that lifelong hookers don't fit well with premier level athletic/build requirements.

 

[BPM]

My impression has been that Jibulu couldn't hit his own arse with a banjo, but I've not checked the stats to confirm, I admit...

Cracking player in the loose though.

Absolutely not at all. His throwing is good. Partly why I am bitter about him leaving Quins.

 

[Ddanno]

Absolutely not at all. His throwing is good. Partly why I am bitter about him leaving Quins.

Yeah that was an annoying transfer. At least he didn't go to Sarries I suppose.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Yeah, generally he's been fine - that game was a howler in dreadful conditions, but he's had a number of 100%ers

I wouldn't put LCD alongside Dan/Blamire
Hell I probably wouldn't put Blamire alongside Dan this season either, and I'm very sceptical of Blamire's darts

 

[BPM]

It is a position that the short wide lad/lass tends to get stuck with at age level. So maybe not a surprise that lifelong hookers don't fit well with premier level athletic/build requirements.

It’s also not a position many actively want to play. I switched between hooker and back row but much preferred the latter.

 

[Saintjay]

Every other clip of England training involved Borthwick up a step ladder at some point. Maybe we need a new ladder.

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

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

No idea. Just remember reading the comment.

EDIT. Just read Olyy’s comment. If his darts usually stack up then there’s a lot to like.

Lot of fuss about Tuipulotu, but I’m always a bit sceptical about hugely hyped kids. Some succeed but far more vanish into the ether.

 

[BPM]

Just reminds me of playing in a game in awful wind and rain where growing in straight wasn't even close to being possible and it just felt like an endless succession of scrums because no one could hold on to the ball. Dreadful.

 

[BPM]

No idea. Just remember reading the comment.

EDIT. Just read Olyy's comment. If his darts usually stack up then there's a lot to like.

Lot of fuss about Tuipulotu, but I'm always a bit sceptical about hugely hyped kids. Some succeed but far more vanish into the ether.

I think he’s the real deal. To continue the theme, his darts definitely need work but he has the raw material to be a special talent.

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

I think he's the real deal. To continue the theme, his darts definitely need work but he has the raw material to be a special talent.

Let’s hope so and just let him continue to develop at his own pace until he’s ready. He’ll be 23 in January, and don’t forget that George was nearly 25 when he debuted and he did OK.

There’s no rush. Hooker, and the front row generally, is a position where experience counts and longevity is possible.

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

Stuart Barnes in talking sense shocker. Good article on Steward, he’s obviously been reading TRF…

Freddie Steward’s improved attack key to England’s World Cup hopes

archived 30 Oct 2025 21:43:51 UTC

archive.ph

 

[Don't Skip Leg Day]

If everyone is fit I don’t think Freddie gets a sniff as he’s not that much better at the high ball considering he’s a lot worse in defence and attack and especially being fleet footed.

I would love to see him trialed at 12 by Leicester as I can’t see him getting more mobile or faster so it’s only a matter of time before he’s brushed aside for a better model.

 

[Scotty]

If everyone is fit I don't think Freddie gets a sniff as he's not that much better at the high ball considering he's a lot worse in defence and attack and especially being fleet footed.

I would love to see him trialed at 12 by Leicester as I can't see him getting more mobile or faster so it's only a matter of time before he's brushed aside for a better model.

I do want to see him as a 12 don't get me wrong, his size and power, as well ability to chase high balls could be great.

But he would have to seriously work on his play making ability, and also his 1 on 1 tackles still happen. So he has alot to work on and we are looking at Him as a 12 with rose tinted goggles I think. Dw Steward, we will still complain when your a 12 too

 

[Geordie]

Stuart Barnes in talking sense shocker. Good article on Steward, he's obviously been reading TRF…

Freddie Steward’s improved attack key to England’s World Cup hopes

archived 30 Oct 2025 21:43:51 UTC

archive.ph

Thats actually a really good article.

One thing i noted, at the bottom it lists the caps. 803 caps in that squad, but 4 players (Genge, Ford, Itoje and George) have 368 of those. 429 if you add Tom curry in to make it 5 players. SB will be anxious to get those figures up.

 

[AlRums]

Just reminds me of playing in a game in awful wind and rain where growing in straight wasn't even close to being possible and it just felt like an endless succession of scrums because no one could hold on to the ball. Dreadful.

I remember those games as well, throw to compensate = not straight, wind takes it = not straight

Impossible to win

 

[BPM]

I remember we had a ‘small’ crowd watching who were jeering me and their own hooker until one of them tried to throw a ball back towards the pitch with comical results.

 

[LIONSxv]

If everyone is fit I don't think Freddie gets a sniff as he's not that much better at the high ball considering he's a lot worse in defence and attack and especially being fleet footed.

I would love to see him trialed at 12 by Leicester as I can't see him getting more mobile or faster so it's only a matter of time before he's brushed aside for a better model.

His tackling is great if they run straight at him.

Problem with him in the centres is defending set moves where their are pods coming at him or intricate loop plays where he needs to adjust his feet quickly.

I very much like him and he offers a try threat. His running lines have really improved. I just don't where you put him in the backline where his inability on the half turn wouldn't get shown up at the highest level

 

[Rugbyfan564]

 

[Ddanno]

Is that a R360 thing?