England EPS 2017/18 edition.

[Every Time Ref]

Dunn has a freakish workrate, but that's about it.

I like him, he's a nugget. But he doesn't look like an international of note.

In fairness, neither does Hartley!

I agree with the general thrust, he probably needs a real USP to partner the overall workrate before he looks like an international

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

For me Singleton should be 5th choice.

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

The 2 shirt's got to be open. George never really seems to punch his weight in my book. Maybe he's too knackered compensating for Mako in the scrums.

IF IF IF LCD could sort out his line out wobbles he'd be a shoe in. Taylor's an interesting call if he gets back to proper form & fitness.

Could Genge and Hepburn be our first choice LHs at the RWC? Seem to bring a lot more energy and bite than the incumbents. Would love to have seen Genge playing in a pre TMO era.....

 

[Pieter Steph du Teague]

The 2 shirt's got to be open. George never really seems to punch his weight in my book. Maybe he's too knackered compensating for Mako in the scrums.

IF IF IF LCD could sort out his line out wobbles he'd be a shoe in. Taylor's an interesting call if he gets back to proper form & fitness.

Could Genge and Hepburn be our first choice LHs at the RWC? Seem to bring a lot more energy and bite than the incumbents. Would love to have seen Genge playing in a pre TMO era.....

Hepburn's not going to displace Mako.

On LCD, personally I'd be willing to sacrifice the odd lineout wobble (and it is the odd lineout wobble, for the most part he's good there but he does have his days. Like yesterday) for the added aggression and power that he brings around the park.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Odd lineout wobble........

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

Hepburn's not going to displace Mako.

Why not? After this 6N there can't be any sacred cows. Maybe Mako's suffering a Lions hangover, maybe not. But even at his very best he's nowhere near as indispensable to Eng as his brother. Hepburn's more my cup of tea in the loose, I'll have to watch him closer in the tight.

 

[Ragey Erasmus]

Why not? After this 6N there can't be any sacred cows. Maybe Mako's suffering a Lions hangover, maybe not. But even at his very best he's nowhere near as indispensable to Eng as his brother. Hepburn's more my cup of tea in the loose, I'll have to watch him closer in the tight.

The idea of Mako being called a sacred cow just doesn't quite fit. A rump steak seems more fitting.

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

Torygraph reporting that Jono Ross is under consideration for the SA tour. English granny.

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Not surprising was thinking it might happen when he signed for Sale, Would start at 6 IMO.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Yeah, think he said one of the reasons he moved to England was the possibility of international rugby

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

Can't wait for the Rhodes, Shields, Ross back row. Bit unbalanced* but when has that ever stopped us before?

* Two Saffers, no Aussies, alongside the Kiwi.

 

[ratsapprentice]

Size of the bloke bottom right.... jeez..
Alfie Petch

 

[Pieter Steph du Teague]

Size of the bloke bottom right.... jeez..
Alfie Petch

I've tried finding some size stats on him and Rus Tuima a few times as both seem like massive blokes but had no luck. I'd guess that both are upwards of 115kg though.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

In awe of the size of this lad.
Absolute unit.

 

[curtbob7]

Seen this on the Tigers offy earlier.

State of some of them jeeeeeeez.

Good news story though.

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

A few massive units coming up in the u18's
I know Tigers have a 6'3, 18 stone 17 year old prop James Whitecombe and George Martin is massive for a 16 year old lock.

 

[ratsapprentice]

Not quite Takeo Spikes though...

 

[Giraffatitan]

I've tried finding some size stats on him and Rus Tuima a few times as both seem like massive blokes but had no luck. I'd guess that both are upwards of 115kg though.

England Rugby has Rus Tuima down as 19 stone, so he's definitely a unit and some.

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

wonder what squad Eddie will be looking at for the barbarians team. With Pat Lam in charge could see the likes of Madigan and Lautua in it.

Hoping it's the usual young squad. (Assuming no Sarries or Exeter players)
1. Obano
2. Singleton
3. Schonert
4. Spencer
5. Ewels
6. Willis
7. Curry
8. Ross
9. Robson
10. Smith
11. Ibitoye
12. Honestly wouldn't mind seeing Lawrence but more likely seeing someone like Francis or James.
13. Marchant
14. Solomona
15. Woodward

16. Walker
17. Boyce
18. Hill
19. Witty
20. Chisholm
21. Vellacott
22. Mallinder
23. Shillcock

 

[Not Mike Brown's Sock]

wonder what squad Eddie will be looking at for the barbarians team. With Pat Lam in charge could see the likes of Madigan and Lautua in it.

Hoping it's the usual young squad. (Assuming no Sarries or Exeter players)
1. Obano
2. Singleton
3. Schonert
4. Spencer
5. Ewels
6. Willis
7. Curry
8. Ross
9. Robson
10. Smith
11. Ibitoye
12. Honestly wouldn't mind seeing Lawrence but more likely seeing someone like Francis or James.
13. Marchant
14. Solomona
15. Woodward

16. Walker
17. Boyce
18. Hill
19. Witty
20. Chisholm
21. Vellacott
22. Mallinder
23. Shillcock

That looks very solid actually. Maybe Coakiasanga on a wing though