England EPS 2016/17 season.

[Which Tyler]

Fair enough - this year is going too quickly - you're (part) right, it 3 weeks (as of a couple of days ago) they first play, not meeting up.
I'd have still thought that meant that they play (prem) this coming weekend, and sit out the Low Value cup the following - in which case you name the squad on Monday/Tuesday of next week though.

You're only part-right though; a week Saturday, the likes of Wales & Ireland are playing, but England's extra match is after the AI window, not before.

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Looking into it the final squad is announced in 2 days time.

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

When 4 of those injuries (5 if you include Itoje) are in the back row, it would be madness not to draft in some reinforcements. As it stands, Robshaw, Harrison and Evans are the only fit flankers in the squad. Harrison's not in any kind of form and Evans isn't a realistic option. OK, Beaumont or Hughes could slot in on the flank, but both are 8s by trade and I feel like that's the wrong solution when we have someone like Thompson in excellent form.

This might have been a great exceptional circumstances for Underhill, except he's also injured as is Ewers. Would love to see our attrition rate compared to the ABs.

Thompson is in good form, but as he turns 30 soon I really see little point. Better to play someone who will have some future with the squad. That prob means Hughes out of position especially as its always physical against RSA. As a wildcard I do think Jackson Wray is a hugely underrated player.

 

[BPM]

Thompson is in good form, but as he turns 30 soon I really see little point. Better to play someone who will have some future with the squad. That prob means Hughes out of position especially as its always physical against RSA. As a wildcard I do think Jackson Wray is a hugely underrated player.

I'm not sure we have the luxury of being fussy over age right now. I take your point that Thompson is unlikely to be in contention for the long term and 29 is on the late side to make a debut, but of the match fit flankers we currently have at our disposal, I think it's almost unanimously agreed he's in the best form.

I fully accept that he may not take to test rugby, but Harrison hasn't done so as yet and As Wray is uncapped too, there's nothing to say he'd be better equipped to adapt.

As unpopular as this will be, I think Tom Wood is one of the most realistic options. Firstly, his experience means he could slot back in to test rugby and the England set-up quickly, secondly, he's in reasonably good form and thirdly, Eddie name-checked him (and Thompson) as being unlucky to miss out on the EPS.

Like Thompson, he's highly unlikely to make it to Japan, but in the current circumstances, he's a more tried and tested option than anyone else.

 

[Don't Skip Leg Day]

I'm not sure we have the luxury of being fussy over age right now. I take your point that Thompson is unlikely to be in contention for the long term and 29 is on the late side to make a debut, but of the match fit flankers we currently have at our disposal, I think it's almost unanimously agreed he's in the best form.

I fully accept that he may not take to test rugby, but Harrison hasn't done so as yet and As Wray is uncapped too, there's nothing to say he'd be better equipped to adapt.

As unpopular as this will be, I think Tom Wood is one of the most realistic options. Firstly, his experience means he could slot back in to test rugby and the England set-up quickly, secondly, he's in reasonably good form and thirdly, Eddie name-checked him (and Thompson) as being unlucky to miss out on the EPS.

Like Thompson, he's highly unlikely to make it to Japan, but in the current circumstances, he's a more tried and tested option than anyone else.

Problem with wood is that's his in the Robshaw model of work work work. He's not a big hitter at all and his rucking isn't what it used to be.

Thompson is the more like for like option.

 

[BPM]

I 100% agree that Thompson is the better fit to replace Haskell - I was just speculating on why Eddie might be inclined to look at Wood.

Presumably at least two back row players will be drafted in? If that's the case, I could live with Thompson and Wood for 4 games.

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

You never quite know what Jones is thinking. Wonder if he's pondered moving Lawes to 6 and drafting in Attwood? Not necessarily advocating but it could be an option, esp against SA where physicality and experience are always needed.

 

[Geordie]

Itoje is out for around 6 weeks needing surgery on his hand.

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

England going to have a mean injured 15.

I mean a back 5 in the scrum would be
4) Itoje
5) Kruis
6) Williams
7) Haskell
8) Clifford

 

[ncurd]

Itoje is out for around 6 weeks needing surgery on his hand.

****

 

[Every Time Ref]

Itoje is out for around 6 weeks needing surgery on his hand.

Lot of people round here going to be looking for a new religion

 

[Aristodemus]

That's a huge blow

 

[ratsapprentice]

Stick some GH and stem cells in it.

He'll be ready in 2 weeks.

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

I shall sacrifice some homemade cheese burgers tonight to the God so he can heal his son Itoje.

 

[Every Time Ref]

I shall sacrifice some homemade cheese burgers tonight to the God so he can heal his son Itoje.

What heretical, bastardised version of the faith is this that He is not afforded full deity status?! Repent

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Surely he only needs the one arm?
I mean it might even the playing field slightly.

 

[Ragey Erasmus]

I shall sacrifice some homemade cheese burgers tonight to the God so he can heal his son Itoje.

Which cheese? Anything other than the one true cheese is heresy and punishable by death, because logic!

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Which cheese? Anything other than the one true cheese is heresy and punishable by death, because logic!

Cheddar m8, no of that fancy Brie or Edam stuff for me.

Although on Super Bowl and other America crap it is Monterey Jack.

 

[Every Time Ref]

Cheddar m8, no of that fancy Brie or Edam stuff for me.

Although on Super Bowl and other America crap it is Monterey Jack.

If you're doing it for a Wales game, you should use a local cheese.

But don't hurt yourself - make sure you do it Caerphilly

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

If you're doing it for a Wales game, you should use a local cheese.

But don't hurt yourself - make sure you do it Caerphilly

If I'm doing it for a Wales game I would eat lamb burgers thank you very much.