I guess the thing is that this isn't really how the team's going to look in the longer term though. Apart from anything else we lack ball carriers up front and devil, punch and pace behind.
1. Marler does Marler things. He's fine if not the long term future. Back ups are OK.
2. George used to be one of the best in the world, but he's not any more. Mostly solid enough although our line out has come under increasing pressure. If Dan can sort out his issues he's potentially every inch the modern point of difference hooker.
3. Not quite as down on Stuart as some but the shirt's clearly open for someone to come through and make it their own.
4 & 5. Martin and AN Other. Itoje and Chessum are individually very good but lack real heft as a pair.
Back row, who knows but Roots doesn't quite seem to have it. Expect the power and aggression of Barbeary and CCS to feature more after this tournament - it's needed. Earl's going OK, T Curry will be back.
9. Mitchell's fine if given licence to play his game. Warr, Quirk and JvP will all improve.
10. Smith, any Smith. I understand the logic of Ford's selection but he's not really the future - 90+ caps without ever having wholly convinced.
11. Daly. We need some gas and devil. It's not like he's Mr reliable wise old head. Let him compete for the 13 shirt.
12. I kind of see why Dingwall's made a load of squads but not previously been selected. Doesn't really look the answer.
13. Slade's fine. Marchant maybe coming back. Lawrence a shoo in for one of the centre shirts when fit - ideally this one, but 12 if needs be.
14. Freeman's worth investing in. Could see him eventually concentrating on 13.
15. Steward gets some criticism, but really he's the least of our problems.
Think steve missed a trick in not moving earl to his more natural 7 after showing he is a very class international player even in a non regular position, especially with curry going down and questions on the flank while we have a fair few 8's worthy of a go either mercer or a young guy like isilau. Of course you could also go pearson or one of the locks at 6 and have a similiarish effect.
For lock, I like moon, and I think it made sense to go moon, chessum itoje at 4,5,6. But the more I watch the more I think it was a missed opportunity to not have rus tuima in there. Is he tall? No not for a lock, but he is large and offers the point of differnce needed in a locking corp missing balance, I think a 4,5,6 of tuima, itoje and chessum looks better than what we have seen with roots.
Think roots and dingwall are in the same boat, good club players but lacking in some areas key for international level. Wouldnt be surprised if this was the last competition for them.
Really think Freeman long term has to be seen as a 13 prospect, much like north or ione, guy is well rounded, good carry and picks beautiful lines, all while having the size, something this team has been crying for for years. But understand those that want him to just stick at wing.
On Stewart I think he is limited, but he is young and has time to develop as a carrier and playmaker, and to be honest untill big ste lets wiggelsworth actually coach an attack there is really no point in even considering changing.
