England EPS 2017/18 edition.

[Hound]

I still reckon Itoje/Underhill/Simmonds Armand is the way I'd go at 6/7/8 and 20. Armand might be a bit short on go forward if expected to play 8, but that gets covered by Itoje still being on the field and the fact I'd have Genge coming off the bench as well...

Agreed with Tigs Man that pure positions are less important in the modern game so long as you can cover the roles amongst the players on the field.

 

[ratsapprentice]

Come at me bruv.

What else does a proper 7 bring? Link play is now a factor for all the back row now.

Link play =/= being able to pass.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Mullan and Daly injured but no replacements called up so presumably back before the tests

 

[NickBD]

Rokoduguni has just been called up to squad to replace Daly.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Sucks for Daly but hopefully means someone gets a look in on the left wing and Daly can be looked at as a centre more now.

May, Watson, Brown with Solomona on the bench is my guess for the AIs

 

[Scotty]

Id actually rather see vs argentina

May watson solomona. Brown on the bench.

Give watson a shot at FB and then if solomona gets shown up in def and has to come off we have a reliable brown and watson moves to wing

 

[Ragey Erasmus]

I'd rather Roko play over Solomona.

 

[Scotty]

Roko is better than solomona but solomona is one for the future.

 

[Ragey Erasmus]

Roko is better than solomona but solomona is one for the future.

I'm not sure, his defence is worse than Ashtons was, there are hints his attitude may be wrong and it's not like England look bad for wingers at youth grade.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

I'd rather roko too, But that's what I think EJ will choose

 

[Laco]

match vs.Samoa, back 3: Rokoduguni, Watson, Solomona

 

[ncurd]

I suspect we'll get May, Brown, Watson with Solomona on the bench. Roko has been out of favour for too long for him to considered anything other than last choice as a stop gap selection whilst people are injured. I don't agree with that assessment and think the sadest part is actually Brown starting.

Its a shame as I do think Roko is a talent we should have bought on way back and Brown is well past sell by date despite form in Argentina but thats the current pecking order and I see no reason to think Eddie will go against it.

 

[curtbob7]

match vs.Samoa, back 3: Rokoduguni, Watson, Solomona

Not a chance. Who's doing the defending?

 

[ratsapprentice]

Not Johnny May

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

I suspect we'll start with May, Watson and Brown, which is OK.

Roko is clearly Eddie's option of last resort (why doesn't really matter when he so clearly is) and a known quantity. Solomona is much younger with a lot of scope to improve before the RWC, so he'll get the bench spot.

Want to see Slade given a shot at 13. Brings a very different skill set - he's a top quality passer which could make all the difference when you've got the gas of Watson and May lurking on the outside.

 

[will311293]

Its an interesting proposition who starts and benches vs Argentina as Jones test players out or stick to his standard team. Although I'm still fuming (crying) about Robson not being included the 23 vs Argentina will be.

Vunipola, Hartley, Cole
Kruis, Itoje
Lawes, Robshawe ,Hughes
Youngs, Ford
Farrell, Joseph
May, Watson, Brown

Bench: Genge, George, Williams, Launchbury, Simmonds, Care, Slade, Solomona


For me the ones in Bold are the positions I'm unsure about. Realistically it will be a strong line up against the Argentinians and the

front 5 wont change (yes George is better in my opinion but Hartley is captain therefore end of).

Outside Centre - Difficult as without Teo, there isn't any grunt in midfield and Daly, Slade, Joseph don't offer what he does. Now I think he will go Joseph but id prefer Slade but realistically a bigger centre is what id be after.

Sub Tighthead - if Kyle hadn't been a muppet it would be him easily, but we don't have another Tight head in the squad so Williams is up.
Sub Back Row - Obviously Lawes in the back row is controversial but seems that with him playing there for saints and his form, very hard to leave out. Simmonds vs Underhill is for me the big one but Simmonds can play 7&8 and therefore gets the nod.
Sub Backs - Slade is realistically fighting Joseph for the starting spot so the other will be benched without versatile Daly in the squad. Solomona will edge Roko out in my opinion as more a long term prospective.

Also controversially I haven't seen too much for Youngs this season but from what I have seen of Care he's in unbelievable form... I thought he almost single handily dragged Quins over the line vs Worcester.

 

[curtbob7]

Not Johnny May

Watched any of the 2017/2018 season yet?

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

Its an interesting proposition who starts and benches vs Argentina

Are the Argies likely to be any better than the team we beat over there in the summer without our Lions? A Championship whitewash suggests not.

If not then surely its time to experiment and start Genge, George, Underhill (or if injured Curry / Simmonds) & Slade? Those could all force their way into the starting XV for Japan. Give them a chance to properly start staking their claim.

 

[ratsapprentice]

Watched any of the 2017/2018 season yet?

I would ask if you've watched Watson or Roko play recently?

Solomona is a liability.

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

I would ask if you've watched Watson or Roko play recently?

Solomona is a liability.

Take your hate of Jonny Bae elsewhere please.

People keep talking about Watson @ 15 but has he played more than a couple of games there in Pro Rugby? Needs to be getting regular game time at 15 for Bath first.