England EPS 2017/18 edition.

[curtbob7]

Anyone remember last 6 Nations when Nowell back about 70 metres from the opposite wing to stop the Henshaw try? Or in the Prem semi-final last season when he tackled Vunipola in midfield on the halfway line to then get back up and beat Wyles to the try line? I'm not going to deny that Nowell's pace can be an issue in defence but he definitely saves tries.

Don't think anyone is denying Nowells class but personally I love the balance of a back 3 with May (pace and finisher), Daly(pace, boot) and Watson (high ball, attacking, pace). Nowell covering because he can play FB and WG.

 

[Every Time Ref]

Don't think anyone is denying Nowells class but personally I love the balance of a back 3 with May (pace and finisher), Daly(pace, boot) and Watson (high ball, attacking, pace). Nowell covering because he can play FB and WG.

You missed off passing for Daly, a couple of inside passes off his wrong hand at full pace for the Lions were just top class

 

[ratsapprentice]

I'm a huge Nowell fan anyway, me comparing him to Cueto isn't an insult.
Neither are the fastest or most agile in the world but have huge work rates, solid defence and read the game so well/run such smart lines. Also really hard to put down.

Fastest I'll give you, but Nowell's one of the most agile wingers around. That's what makes up for his pace.

 

[curtbob7]

Fastest I'll give you, but Nowell's one of the most agile wingers around. That's what makes up for his pace.

That's why he makes my bench at 23

 

[Every Time Ref]

He's also clever, which Jonny May does not seem to be. Don't underestimate that

 

[curtbob7]

He's also clever, which Jonny May does not seem to be. Don't underestimate that

I took his intelligence into account and so he makes my bench ahead of Yarde and Brown

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Christ, as if yarde is even in the picture
I'd have Nowell as a starter every time, May offers more impact from the bench vs tired legs and Nowell is just a better rugby player so deserves the shirt.

 

[curtbob7]

Christ, as if yarde is even in the picture
I'd have Nowell as a starter every time, May offers more impact from the bench vs tired legs and Nowell is just a better rugby player so deserves the shirt.

Tell that to Eddie.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Haha, Fair point
I'm hoping we get to see Daly in the centres this AI series. He's such a talented rugby player but I just don't rate him on the wing internationally.
Harsh on Joseph, who I'm also a big fan of, but he's missed the first training camp so maybe EJ is looking at it?

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

Haha, Fair point
I'm hoping we get to see Daly in the centres this AI series. He's such a talented rugby player but I just don't rate him on the wing internationally.
Harsh on Joseph, who I'm also a big fan of, but he's missed the first training camp so maybe EJ is looking at it?

Agreed on Daly.

13 could get very interesting. As well as those two, Slade looks like he may be settling there and might put in a strong bid. We might not see it, but I just can't help feeling that it would also be the position Nowell would be best suited too as well. And then there's that bloke in Leicester.

 

[curtbob7]

I think who we play at 13 depends on whats happening at 12. For instance if its Ford and Farrell then id like Daly or Joseph at 13. But if its just one of FF at 10 with Teo at 12 then Slade at 13 would be nice.

 

[Ragey Erasmus]

Brown potentially missing the next internationals due to injury, unfortunately Watson went and got himself injured too. Who will Jones be looking at? Daly at Fullback will not be a good idea imo, incorrect positioning at FB is worse than on the wing and Daly doesn't look like he knows where he is supposed to be when in the back 3. That howitzer boot would be lovely at 15 but Halfpenny has similar and it simply isn't enough for that position.

 

[Every Time Ref]

I think who we play at 13 depends on whats happening at 12. For instance if its Ford and Farrell then id like Daly or Joseph at 13. But if its just one of FF at 10 with Teo at 12 then Slade at 13 would be nice.

At the same time it'd be interesting to see JJ with the extra space afforded by a crash ball 12.

Though to be honest I feel JJ could benefit from a dropping. Think it might be time to give Daly a go at 13, even though I've argued against that in the past. Agree with olyy that he's not quite a winger

I took his intelligence into account and so he makes my bench ahead of Yarde and Brown

Bit harsh on Brian IMO, Yarde I'll give you

 

[TRF_Olyy]

I'd not considered EJ splitting up the Farrell/Ford axis, but with him wanting Slade playing 13 maybe he's looking at having his distributor at 13 and a crash ball at 12?
Do think we're missing a bit of punch in the backs,
Ford/Farrell
May
Teo (/Manu)
Daly/Slade
Nowell
Watson

Is a very interesting backline

 

[Which Tyler]

Brown potentially missing the next internationals due to injury, unfortunately Watson went and got himself injured too.

Have I missed something?

 

[Ragey Erasmus]

Have I missed something?

http://www.sixnationsrugby.com/en/news/31861.php#sxh8PtBj5cdZYdeH.97

 

[Which Tyler]

It's been discredited on both counts earlier this week.
Watson if starting on Sunday!

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Curry has just gone off with, what looks like, a broken wrist.
Odds on curry being called up to replace?

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

What with Daly and JJ out of form T'eo and Slade both have big shouts to claim the 13 and 22 shirts.

 

[Ragey Erasmus]

What with Daly and JJ out of form T'eo and Slade both have big shouts to claim the 13 and 22 shirts.

The problem with JJ is Bath retain the ball the least of any side and have not given him space to work for years now. His decision making hasn't been bad but he rarely gets the ball without 1 or 2 defenders already being right on him, he just doesn't have the room to work any more. England have showed what he can do when he is given that bit of space. TBH I'm not keen on really including T'eo except when necessary, he's done well but is someone nearing the end of his career whilst the other centre options are either at the start or mid way through.

To me 12 is the more pressing concern. Farrell can do a job there but if he is unavailable there then what do we do next?