England EPS 2017/18 edition.

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

But then how many English players get a week off next week v Irish players?

 

[ratsapprentice]

 

[Pom in Exile]

Some familiar surnames in there, any relation to Jon, Dewi and Phil?

 

[ratsapprentice]

Jon and Phil, yes, Dewi, no (thank ****).

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

No Tigers

 

[mkersyshull]

Underhill; Simmonds; BVunipola (8)

This is the back row I though of, but my only worry would be in the lineout. Only 2 proper jumpers

 

[TRF_Olyy]

This is the back row I though of, but my only worry would be in the lineout. Only 2 proper jumpers

So?
I Don't see the obsession with having a lineout specialist in the backrow. I'm sure Simmonds and Underhill can both jump if needs be

I think it stems from when we were trying to justify Tom crofts lack of forwards work by saying "yeah but he can run a lineout!"

 

[Which Tyler]

So?
I Don't see the obsession with having a lineout specialist in the backrow. I'm sure Simmonds and Underhill can both jump if needs be

I think it stems from when we were trying to justify Tom crofts lack of forwards work by saying "yeah but he can run a lineout!"

Agreed.
A lineout technitian is a really nice add-on for a backrower; but not an essential. There's no reason that Underhill and Simmonds can't be lifted up nice and high; even if they're not absolute scholars there. Generally speaking, it's the locks who should be lineout experts.

Of course, as with anything technical for the pack, you have to take my opinion with a pinch of salt though - what do SHs know about lineouts?

 

[Big_Grumper]

This is the back row I though of, but my only worry would be in the lineout. Only 2 proper jumpers

I would prefer three back row specialists and forego the extra 'jumper' rather than the shambles of playing a lock in the back row who is clearly not equipped for the back row task. It is more important to have a breakdown specialist than another lineout 'jumper'.

 

[Which Tyler]

I would prefer three back row specialists and forego the extra 'jumper' rather than the shambles of playing a lock in the back row who is clearly not equipped for the back row task. It is more important to have a breakdown specialist than another lineout 'jumper'.

I feel dirty - as a Bath fan living next to Gloucester; I just agreed with everything said by a Gloucester fan living next to Bath

 

[Ragey Erasmus]

France had a rubbish lineout, handling and decision making we had a rubbish breakdown. That tells you all you need to know about the relative importance of having a back row that can win the breakdown and a back row that can reach 10cm higher in a lineout.

 

[ratsapprentice]

I've always been a firm believer in this too.

The same goes for the scrum, I'd rather have a decent scrum, with guys who are very capable around the park, than the other way around.
Given the sheer volume of instances props are required to contribute outside the set-piece far outnumbers the number of scrums.

As with pretty much everything in the sport (and life) it's about balance.

There's no reason a guy who's over 6' and moderately athletic can't be a very good back pod jumper. You'd obviously rather it was your 6 than 7 doing it, but I can live with either TBH.

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

The RFU to take England test games outside Twickenham
http://www.espn.co.uk/rugby/story/_...ook-bring-eddie-jones-england-away-twickenham

Newcastle or Manchester to host a RWC warm up game.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Good!

If the RFU were truly committed to growing the game all over the country they'd do this far more often - was the last non-RWC game outside of Twickenham during the 09 Lions vs Argentina?

Pretty much every major town/city up and down the country has a large stadium and the associated infrastructure to handle large crowds, throwing one or two games per world cup cycle outside of London would be worth the lower profits from those games IMO.

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

I would prefer three back row specialists and forego the extra 'jumper' rather than the shambles of playing a lock in the back row who is clearly not equipped for the back row task. It is more important to have a breakdown specialist than another lineout 'jumper'.

Agreed.

Shields and Rhodes are both specialist back rowers of 6'4"+ and could add some complications here.

 

[ratsapprentice]

Good!

If the RFU were truly committed to growing the game all over the country they'd do this far more often - was the last non-RWC game outside of Twickenham during the 09 Lions vs Argentina?

Pretty much every major town/city up and down the country has a large stadium and the associated infrastructure to handle large crowds, throwing one or two games per world cup cycle outside of London would be worth the lower profits from those games IMO.

I don't agree.

If they owned the clubs it would be different, but as it is they've got several wealthy individuals who are fairly open in their disregard for the organisation.
Keeping the cash flowing is ******* important.

 

[ratsapprentice]

Just watched Cokanasiga's try.

Good assist for TBC's try too.

 

[Pieter Steph du Teague]

Just watched Cokanasiga's try.

Good assist for TBC's try too.

Where did you find it?

 

[ratsapprentice]

BT website

 

[Pieter Steph du Teague]

Just watched it. What a weapon.