England 6 Nation squad 2024

[Which Tyler]

Still no Barbeary

Presumably, no injuries to replace

I don't think the back row worked at all against Italy. Very unbalanced with Roots and Underhill essentially doing the same job of hitting big. We need a proper 7 to get turn overs. Having said that, we don't really have many options.

12. Freeman (Looks made for test rugby. He runs excellent lines and can also break a tackle. I think he'd compliment Slade better)

Underhill can play that role, although it's not playing to his strengths. He was, however, the rustiest I can remember seeing him at the weekend - wonder if it was still a week (or more, we don't know the injury) too early for him.

Freeman at 12 seems a big call - isn't he a specialist winger who can fill in at 13? In which case, I'd far rather leave him in his specialist position, certainly whilst he's still so green at international level.
Dingwall got his chance on merit - I really don't want to see him cast off after 1 match. If we have to, then Ojomoh is the next cab off the rank for the 12 shirt.
If we have to try to fit all of IFW, Roebuck, Freeman and Furbank in; then it would be Steward giving way for me - but I also don't feel that need (IFW and Freeman on the wings, Furbank at 23)

ETA: Actually, Furbank at 23 means we don't necessarily need a FH on the bench - though a debutant starting FH isn't the time to take that risk in case it all goes pear-shaped

 

[LardFingers]

Speaking of balance, pace is something that also has to be balanced. I would like to see some pace injected into the back line, both to improve the attack and also to give us chances in defence, every time Italy made a line break they skinned us because nobody had the pace to track back.

Of the available squad I would put IFW in on the wing in place of Daly and swap Furbank for Steward, but not sure if that helps much, the midfield of Ford, Dingwall, Slade, still seems really pedestrian and I am not sure we have better options in the squad, maybe Daly back to centre in place of one of those 2 (I think he still has a bit of pace).

 

[Rugbyfan564]

England to support Feyi-Waboso before Wales match

England head coach Steve Borthwick says England will support wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso this week before a potential first appearance against his native Wales.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[BrokenWing]

If it is such a new defensive system, I'd rather they all be given a chance to see if they can make it work before chopping anyone.

 

[Pieter Steph du Teague]

This weekend Montpellier went into their game against La Rochelle with a 7:1 bench. 24 minutes into the game Jan Serfontein was injured and replaced by none other than Sam Simmonds who went on to play the rest of the game at 12.

Obviously this is of very little relevance to the current England squad but I did just find it kinda funny that all of those old calls by the media and some forum posters to play Simmonds/Earl at 12 finally came true to a degree.

 

[higgik]

When

This weekend Montpellier went into their game against La Rochelle with a 7:1 bench. 24 minutes into the game Jan Serfontein was injured and replaced by none other than Sam Simmonds who went on to play the rest of the game at 12.

Obviously this is of very little relevance to the current England squad but I did just find it kinda funny that all of those old calls by the media and some forum posters to play Simmonds/Earl at 12 finally came true to a degree.

La Rochelle seem to do it with not just with Botia.

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Imagine this weeks too early, but be interesting to see what the makeup of the pack is gonna be when he's fully back - feel like he has to start, but also feel like Itoje, Cheesum and maybe even Roots are gonna be the first names on the team sheet
Roots to the bench with Chessum to 6? Chessum on the bench with Martin at 5? Martin on the bench?

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

Martin and Itoje in the row most likely.

Roots has the 6 shirt for now but as soon as he tails off Chessum takes it. For now.

God knows what we'll ever do in the BR if everyone's fit…..

 

[Lé Ddanno]

Martin and Itoje in the row most likely.

Roots has the 6 shirt for now but as soon as he tails off Chessum takes it. For now.

God knows what we'll ever do in the BR if everyone's fit…..

After the lost decade for our backrow it's a very nice problem to have.

Maybe one day we'll start producing some 12s as well.

 

[Everyday EggChaser]

I don't think the back row worked at all against Italy. Very unbalanced with Roots and Underhill essentially doing the same job of hitting big. We need a proper 7 to get turn overs. Having said that, we don't really have many options.

WILL EVANS

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Nah Will Evan's with our 8's makes our back row very understranghted imo

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

Maybe one day we'll start producing some 12s as well.

Now you're just being silly.

 

[Geordie]

This weekend Montpellier went into their game against La Rochelle with a 7:1 bench. 24 minutes into the game Jan Serfontein was injured and replaced by none other than Sam Simmonds who went on to play the rest of the game at 12.

Obviously this is of very little relevance to the current England squad but I did just find it kinda funny that all of those old calls by the media and some forum posters to play Simmonds/Earl at 12 finally came true to a degree.

There is a god....

 

[Geordie]

Imagine this weeks too early, but be interesting to see what the makeup of the pack is gonna be when he's fully back - feel like he has to start, but also feel like Itoje, Cheesum and maybe even Roots are gonna be the first names on the team sheet
Roots to the bench with Chessum to 6? Chessum on the bench with Martin at 5? Martin on the bench?

I honestly see Itoje and Chessum fighting for the same spot as time goes on. With Martin at 5, and potentially....ill say it quietly CCS at 6 or 8...a year down the line or so.
( Hypothetically, Imagine if Chessum Jr can develop and put his name in the selection hat in a year or twos time)

Roots got an MOTM on his debut which was great and he was probably just worth it...but im not sure i see him as a long term option. BUT he did well on his debut so we shall see...

 

[Lé Ddanno]

Roots got an MOTM on his debut which was great and he was probably just worth it...but im not sure i see him as a long term option. BUT he did well on his debut so we shall see...

Someone made the point that his England career may end up like Brad Shields'. It wouldn't surprise me given the injuries and developing youngsters we can call on over the next year or so.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

I honestly see Itoje and Chessum fighting for the same spot as time goes on.

Yeah, I don't think they work as a unit - Itoje playing much better this season than the last few years, though. Plus the RFU contract and vice captaincy

Good problem to have though tbf - been a while since we had too many locks

 

[AngloScotsHybrid]

Ive discovered the source of all England's injury problems. This looks treacherous

 

[Not Mike Brown's Sock]

I actually hadn't realised Roots was 26, assumed he was early 20s!

 

[Lé Ddanno]

Ive discovered the source of all England's injury problems. This looks treacherous

I thought Obano was smoking for a moment