England EPS and Saxon Squad

[Cymro]

Fly-half Danny Ciprinai has been left out of England's 32-man elite player squad for the forthcoming season but Jonny Wilkinson has been recalled.

Cipriani has fallen down the pecking order in the last 12 months and has been named in the second-string Saxons squad, along with winger Paul Sackey.

Veteran forwards Simon Shaw, Julian White, Ben Kay and Phil Vickery all retain their places in the elite squad.

Winger Matt Banahan and flanker Steffon Armitage also make the set-up.

England Elite Player Squad:

Forwards: S Armitage (London Irish), S Borthwick (Saracens), G Chuter (Leicester), J Crane (Leicester), T Croft (Leicester), L Deacon (Leicester), N Easter (Harlequins), D Hartley (Northampton), B Kay (Leicester), L Mears (Bath), T Payne (Wasps), T Rees (Wasps), S Shaw (Wasps), A Sheridan (Sale), P Vickery (Wasps), J White (Leicester), D Wilson (Bath), J Worsley (Wasps).

Backs: D Armitage (London Irish), M Banahan (Bath), D Care (Harlequins), M Cueto (Sale), H Ellis (Leicester), T Flood (Leicester), R Flutey (Brive), D Hipkiss (Leicester), P Hodgson (London Irish), U Monye (Harlequins), O Morgan (Gloucester), M Tait (Sale), M Tindall (Gloucester), J Wilkinson (Toulon).

England Saxons Squad:

Forwards: R Blaze (Leicester), D Cole (Leicester), A Corbisiero (London Irish), N Kennedy (London Irish), C Lawes (Northampton), M Mullan(Worcester), T Mercey (Saracens), L Moody (Leicester), L Narraway (Gloucester), D Paice (London Irish), C Robshaw(Harlequins), W Skinner (Harlequins), G Skivington (Wasps), D Ward-Smith (Wasps), R Webber (Wasps), N Wood (Gloucester), B Woods (Leicester).

Backs: N Abendanon (Bath), B Barritt (Saracens), D Cipriani (Wasps), B Foden (Northampton), S Geraghty (Northampton), T Ojo (London Irish), S Myler, (Northampton), P Sackey (Wasps), J Simpson (Wasps), D Strettle (Harlequins), J Turner-Hall (Harlequins), S Vesty (Leicester), D Waldouck (Wasps), R Wigglesworth (Sale), M Young (Newcastle).


- All players clubs listed are as per July 1, 2009

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_unio...ish/8138317.stm

or

http://www.rfu.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/RF...l/StoryID/23036

 

[alexrugby]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Cymro @ Jul 7 2009, 12:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

England Elite Player Squad:

Forwards: S Armitage (London Irish), S Borthwick (Saracens), G Chuter (Leicester), J Crane (Leicester), T Croft (Leicester), L Deacon (Leicester), N Easter (Harlequins), D Hartley (Northampton), B Kay (Leicester), L Mears (Bath), T Payne (Wasps), T Rees (Wasps), S Shaw (Wasps), A Sheridan (Sale), P Vickery (Wasps), J White (Leicester), D Wilson (Bath), J Worsley (Wasps).

Backs: D Armitage (London Irish), M Banahan (Bath), D Care (Harlequins), M Cueto (Sale), H Ellis (Leicester), T Flood (Leicester), R Flutey (Brive), D Hipkiss (Leicester), P Hodgson (London Irish), U Monye (Harlequins), O Morgan (Gloucester), M Tait (Sale), M Tindall (Gloucester), J Wilkinson (Toulon).

England Saxons Squad:

Forwards: R Blaze (Leicester), D Cole (Leicester), A Corbisiero (London Irish), N Kennedy (London Irish), C Lawes (Northampton), M Mullan(Worcester), T Mercey (Saracens), L Moody (Leicester), L Narraway (Gloucester), D Paice (London Irish), C Robshaw(Harlequins), W Skinner (Harlequins), G Skivington (Wasps), D Ward-Smith (Wasps), R Webber (Wasps), N Wood (Gloucester), B Woods (Leicester).

Backs: N Abendanon (Bath), B Barritt (Saracens), D Cipriani (Wasps), B Foden (Northampton), S Geraghty (Northampton), T Ojo (London Irish), S Myler, (Northampton), P Sackey (Wasps), J Simpson (Wasps), D Strettle (Harlequins), J Turner-Hall (Harlequins), S Vesty (Leicester), D Waldouck (Wasps), R Wigglesworth (Sale), M Young (Newcastle).


- All players clubs listed are as per July 1, 2009

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_unio...ish/8138317.stm

or

http://www.rfu.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/RF...l/StoryID/23036[/b]

So is this squad composed of players (saxons) who lost final match against Ireland A on Churchill Cup?

 

[Cymro]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (LeksoRugby @ Jul 7 2009, 12:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

So is this squad composed of players (saxons) who lost final match against Ireland A on Churchill Cup?[/b]

England have named their EPS squad as well as the Saxons. The Saxons squad is listed below the EPS squad.

 

[monkeypigeon]

Still a bit of dead or dieing wood in the forwards that needs to be cut, while the likes of Kennedy, Narraway and Robshaw are due a promotion in my eyes.

Also though Abandonan and Turner-Hall would have a made the elite squad. But at the same time I look forward to Ireland playing against Tindall again next year!

Glad Cipriani's only in the Saxons. Hopefully it'll cut him down a notch attitude wise and he'll cop on and play some decent rugby for a change.



Edit: Why do the RFU insist on being special and calling there squad an 'Elite Player Squad' and their A team the Saxons (ohhh....Saxons...I'm so scared....oh, their nickname is so intimidating....ohhh....shaking in my socks)?

I'd be cringing if Ireland had an Irish Wolfhounds and a 'Top Notch players of Total Awesomeness Squad'.

 

[mohamed_ali12]

In my opinion, White, Deacon, Worsley and Tindall are very lucky to be there. I'm starting to feel with Johnson that there's a reluctance to blood younger players. For example, what has White done to warrant his place compared with players like Flatman who has been performing consistantly for both Bath and the Saxons? Will White really be there for the 2011 world cup? i think not, however Flatman should be.

Deacon over Kennedy is an odd decision too, Kennedy hasn't really done anything wrong in an England shirt, is a line out monster, and a strong leader for Irish. Deacon, however, has never impressed in an England shirt.

Worsley is very similar to the White situation. I would have picked Robshaw, who after all was voted player of the season in 2008/2009, and who deserves a real shot internationally.

Turner-Hall is a much more promising player than Tindall, and again offers the opportunity to give players international experience ahead of the world cup, a tournament in which Tindall is unlikely to feature.

I think Foden is very unlucky to miss out to Morgan, but there's very little in it. Barkley has got a lot to prove back at Bath before he can be considered for selection, but i think he will be involved in the future.

I don't think MJ really gets it, who apart from Banahan and Wilson haven't played before in a 6N or World Cup? No-one. When our young players do come through they will be too inexperienced to make an impact.

Also, one last thing, with only two fly-halfs we face serious problems. Flood is already facing a serious injury, and Wilkinson has far from proved himself to be injury free, and may not react well to the Toulon move.

 

[munross]

Surprised to see that Ben Foden didn't make it to England's Elite Player Squad...

I mean he is way better then Harry Ellis, Olly Morgan & Mike Tindall combined h34r: ...

isn't he...?

 

[Daylightfire]

I'm very supprised that Foden, Strettle, Robshaw and Turner-hall didn't get in,,

But then I would be

 

[Prestwick]

I saw Turner-Hall myself in the flesh against the Baa-Baas, he was given his chance and failed to take it. I too think he should be given a chance in the EPS but he hasn't exactly made it easy on himself over the summer.

I don't think the likes of Kennedy and Foden have done anything wrong to merit them dropping down but whyyyyyyy is Louis Deacon in there? When has he ever performed for England? Ever?

The selection policy seems a bit confused. Some old wood is still there or has been brought in while other dead wood has been left lying around with the Saxons. Some French based players are there while others have been cast out. Confusing.

On a subtle, subliminal level the pressure on Toby Flood now must be intense. Everyone knows Wilkinson is going to break something in August and seeing as Danny Cipriani can't run a game against Harlow Rams RFC let alone A or Senior sides I don't think Johnno will be in too much of a rush to recall him in the event of injury.

To paraphrase John Kerry, christ, how do you tell someone that they're going to be the last England fly half in the squad?

EDIT: Interestingh question: Morgan or Tait to be on the bench as back up full back for Armitage?

 

[Olyy]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Prestwick @ Jul 7 2009, 02:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

EDIT: Interestingh question: Morgan or Tait to be on the bench as back up full back for Armitage?[/b]

I'd say Tait, as he's been doing alot of centre playing for sale this season, so could cover both positions

Glad to see Cipriani isn't in the elites,
I'm surprised to see Goode completely gone, i don't think he did too badly before, and with made-of-glass-Wilko on the team it's only a matter of time really

 

[bristol-iain]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (ali12 @ Jul 7 2009, 12:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

In my opinion, White, Deacon, Worsley and Tindall are very lucky to be there. I'm starting to feel with Johnson that there's a reluctance to blood younger players. For example, what has White done to warrant his place compared with players like Flatman who has been performing consistantly for both Bath and the Saxons? Will White really be there for the 2011 world cup? i think not, however Flatman should be.

Deacon over Kennedy is an odd decision too, Kennedy hasn't really done anything wrong in an England shirt, is a line out monster, and a strong leader for Irish. Deacon, however, has never impressed in an England shirt.

Worsley is very similar to the White situation. I would have picked Robshaw, who after all was voted player of the season in 2008/2009, and who deserves a real shot internationally.

Turner-Hall is a much more promising player than Tindall, and again offers the opportunity to give players international experience ahead of the world cup, a tournament in which Tindall is unlikely to feature.

I think Foden is very unlucky to miss out to Morgan, but there's very little in it. Barkley has got a lot to prove back at Bath before he can be considered for selection, but i think he will be involved in the future.

I don't think MJ really gets it, who apart from Banahan and Wilson haven't played before in a 6N or World Cup? No-one. When our young players do come through they will be too inexperienced to make an impact.

Also, one last thing, with only two fly-halfs we face serious problems. Flood is already facing a serious injury, and Wilkinson has far from proved himself to be injury free, and may not react well to the Toulon move.[/b]

Tindall paying means someone is gonna have togive him a lift

NB- This joke is not funny if his driving ban is over. If its still on then :lol: :lol:

 

[Bullitt]

Poor old Haskell... http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunio...and-recall.html http://twitter.com/jameshaskell :wah:

Twat

 

[monkeypigeon]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Prestwick @ Jul 7 2009, 02:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

EDIT: Interestingh question: Morgan or Tait to be on the bench as back up full back for Armitage?[/b]

Out of those 2 I'd go with tait but really I think Abandandonaodnandonanan should be there.

One thing that would really tick me off if I were Engliss is so oldies in the Saxons when now is really the time to have an experiment season.
As far as I see it for older players, either you're good enough for the 'elite' squad or you're in the Saxons for leadership. But there's no point in Oldies who're not going to get back in the full squad (even though with Martin Johnson you never know).

And what ijn Bod's name is Julian White doing there?

 

[Bullitt]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Monkeypigeon @ Jul 7 2009, 07:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

And what ijn Bod's name is Julian White doing there?[/b]

Getting an easy pay cheque from his old club mate

 

[mohamed_ali12]

Met him when i was younger, seemed like a nice guy. Didn't realise he was such a tosser

 

[SaintsFan_Schweinsteiger_Webby]

Myler at 10 for the Six Nations then?

Jonny will be back on the physio table by then, and Toby Flood will probably be crying in a corner somewhere.

Also can't wait for Steve Borthwick to retire so we can actually pick a top class second-row rather than a good club journeyman.

 

[mohamed_ali12]

Hmmm... If Andy Goode or Mike Catt or [Enter chum of Martin Johnson] aren't available then maybe.

Would like to think Flood will we back by then though.

 

[MunsterMan]

Haskell is a fool, the way he responded to being dropped is to prove beyond doubt he is a egotistical fool, which is on of the reasons he wasn't picked in the first place *golf clap*

Same goes for Cipriani.

Jordan Crane in the Top Notch players of Total Awesomeness Squad! England is waking up!

 

[mohamed_ali12]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (MunsterMan @ Jul 7 2009, 09:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Haskell is a fool, the way he responded to being dropped is to prove beyond doubt he is a egotistical fool, which is on of the reasons he wasn't picked in the first place *golf clap*

Same goes for Cipriani.[/b]

Agreed, both are embarrasingly in love with themselves and the England squad is better off without them to be honest

 

[gingergenius]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Monkeypigeon @ Jul 7 2009, 12:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Still a bit of dead or dieing wood in the forwards that needs to be cut, while the likes of Kennedy, Narraway and Robshaw are due a promotion in my eyes.

Also though Abandonan and Turner-Hall would have a made the elite squad. But at the same time I look forward to Ireland playing against Tindall again next year!

Glad Cipriani's only in the Saxons. Hopefully it'll cut him down a notch attitude wise and he'll cop on and play some decent rugby for a change.



Edit: Why do the RFU insist on being special and calling there squad an 'Elite Player Squad' and their A team the Saxons (ohhh....Saxons...I'm so scared....oh, their nickname is so intimidating....ohhh....shaking in my socks)?

I'd be cringing if Ireland had an Irish Wolfhounds and a 'Top Notch players of Total Awesomeness Squad'.[/b]

Well you'd be Ireland Celts or Gaels or something. Don't think the name is designed to intimidate, it's just a more interesting way of saying England A.

Anyway, I can't really argue with the top squad. It's clear Johnson has picked it with a balance of grunt, experience, flair and youth in mind. Which is why Wilkinson is there - as a foil to Flood. He'll basically do Goode's job of solid standoff play, but better than Goode.

It's essential we find a new Shaw. Borthwick and Kennedy cannot play lock together, they're too similar.

Delighted Hipkiss and Crane are there.

I'd like to see JTH instead of Tindall too.

I may have missed a debate or two on this, but since when was Brad Barritt English?

 

[Bullitt]

About the same amount of time as Rikki Flutey