England 6 Nation squad 2024

[BrokenWing]

Wonder how T Curry will fit in when back.

12?

 

[Noonz]

So one week to go Borthwick is very unlikely to make any major changes.

I would like to see Smith start if fully fit. Ford definitely bringing his premiership form and I don't like how quick he is to go for drop goals. Almost like the Argentina game has gone to his head. I get keeping the defence honest, but his feel like he doesn't trust the attack and while we might not, he should be 100% behind it.
Not sure who comes in for CCS. You want impact from the bench and not sure who will bring that the most. Between Pepper and Roots for me. I imagine it will be Roots.
I'm happy for Borthwick to stick with Furbank if that's who he's decided to go with, but hope Furbank can get a bit more consistent. I think Steward was playing better, but possibly wouldn't have been in the position to score the tries Furbank has.
Only other major issues from Ireland game were Daly and Care coming on. Spencer was just as bad though against Scotland, so don't see an alternative to Care. As for Daly, I'd possibly be tempted to start Steward and have Furbank on the bench.

I've wondered if Furbank can be the new Daly (i.e. the utility back). Covers fullback and fly half, correct? Any other positions?

 

[Lé Ddanno]

I've wondered if Furbank can be the new Daly (i.e. the utility back). Covers fullback and fly half, correct? Any other positions?

He's quick enough for emergency wing (commander). Better than Daly- Creating-the-Emergency-Anywhere

 

[Pieter Steph du Teague]

I'd only really consider Furbank to be a 15 at international level tbh. I guess could be 10 cover if 2 of Ford and the Smiths were injured but otherwise I wouldn't really want him in that position.

 

[Don't Skip Leg Day]

You don't really need Furbank to cover all positions though. On the pitch you have Freeman or covers 15 so really need a Wing in the 23 shirt or someone like Watson who plays wing and FB. Most wings should really be able to do a job at FB in game if needed.

 

[LIONSxv]

Freeman looks a bit wasted on the wing for me. If the plan is for the full back to run the ball back and see space. I would argue that Freeman has a better running game than Furbank.

I've been a massive fan of Danny Care, he has been seriously underrated by a raft of coaches. However after France he needs to retire at this level

The most important player Saturday was Martin for me. He created good ruck speed, slowed Ireland and nullified MCcarthy who had been the best forward in 6N up until Sat. He needs wrapping up and protecting. A serious talent

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Freeman at 13 is definitely interesting but I'd want to see him playing there more for his club before going there internationally - it's not like Slade is paying poorly

If you moved Freeman to 13 and put Roebuck at 14 then that'd make up for some of what you lose by having Furbank at 15 instead of Steward

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

I feel a bit sorry for Steward TBH. I just don't think he's been given the same licence to attack as Furbank has. Might not be the fastest thing since sliced bread but he's powerful and perfectly capable of launching his wings or hitting the line well. And it really helps a FB to have wings with a bit of something about them as we had on Saturday.

Wouldn't surprise me if France don't play a slightly shorter kicking game to really put aerial pressure on Furbank. His debut was against them and didn't go well.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Yeah, Steward looked good in the opening games as well - or at least the best he's looked in an England shirt

He'd still be my first choice 15 tbh

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

Freeman at 13 is definitely interesting but I'd want to see him playing there more for his club before going there internationally - it's not like Slade is paying poorly

If you moved Freeman to 13 and put Roebuck at 14 then that'd make up for some of what you lose by having Furbank at 15 instead of Steward

If we're going to carry on playing the way we did on Saturday, that's right up Slade's street. Give him a bit of space and he'll use it well more often than not. If you want centres to just chase high balls or just slug it out that's a different question.

 

[Which Tyler]

Freeman at 13 is definitely interesting but I'd want to see him playing there more for his club before going there internationally - it's not like Slade is paying poorly

I'd rather we found a genuine 12, so that Lawrence can play 13, and Freeman can play wing.
Sorry, what am I thinking? Playing people in their specialist positions - it'll never work!


9. Mitchell - then a battle between JVP, Warr & Quirke
10. FSmith / Ford / MSmith - I'd have them in that order, but there's nothing really in it - almost an embarrassment of riches.
11. Freeman - then there's a host of promising wings, just have to trust the coaches here.
12. ??? - currently, a battle between Dingwall, Ojomoh, Hartley and Kelly, and that would appear to be the coaches' pecking order, hopefully one or two of them will be considered "ready" in time for the summer.
13. Lawrence - then a battle between Slade, Joseph, and a few others
14. Feyi-Waboso - then there's a host of promising wings, just have to trust the coaches here.
15. Steward / Furbank - can be pretty much a horses for courses selection, then probably someone like Hodge or De Glanville behind them.

 

[Not Mike Brown's Sock]

Yeah, Steward looked good in the opening games as well - or at least the best he's looked in an England shirt

He'd still be my first choice 15 tbh

Part of my thinks Borthwick was rattled about the criticism coming from ex players about lack of consistency, so stuck with him

 

[Not Mike Brown's Sock]

10. FSmith / Ford / MSmith - I'd have them in that order, but there's nothing really in it - almost an embarrassment of riches.

Truly hilarious take, that

 

[Which Tyler]

I know - it's "hilarious" how different people can hold different opinions, have different priorities and different personal biases.
Truly Pythonesque.

 

[Rinkadink]

If you moved Freeman to 13 and put Roebuck at 14

Thing is Roebuck at the moment is nowhere near England ready, there's a bunch of wingers such as Radwan who should be getting called up way before him... hell, if we're selecting future potentials who need to be 6+ foot Noah Heward would be a much better pick given great form and ability to play both wing and FB.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Thing is Roebuck at the moment is nowhere near England ready

Why's that?

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Roebuck is way more all round than Radwan

Speed doesn't = more England ready Mind suggesting Heward prob sums it up

 

[Rugbyfan564]

Yeah, Steward looked good in the opening games as well - or at least the best he's looked in an England shirt

He'd still be my first choice 15 tbh

Steward will probably move to France in the summer of 2025 when his Leicester contract ends if he is not seen as an England priority.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Steward will probably move to France in the summer of 2025 when his Leicester contract ends if he is not seen as an England priority.

You're obsessed!

 

[Rinkadink]

Why's that?

Have you seen his lid? JFC.