George won't start. Hartley will; he's co-captain.
I took the co-captain thing as, Farrell is nailed on, but I don't want to drop my captain a year from a WC. So if I make him co-captain and he's not starting maybe people won't notice...
Ted Hill's the young Worcester back rower who's been scoring a few tries this season. Played for the U20s last season (think he's still eligible?) and looked very impressive, massively physical in defence. Think he's ~6'5 as well so makes for a very good 3rd lineout option.Who is ted hill? Has ewels been injured? Not seen him play much this season?
Can't throw straightIs LCD injured or has he been overlooked?
Due to play SaturdayIs Teo even fit?
1 is a problem. 2's fine, 3 will be an upgrade in at least some respects. 4 & 5 are fine. Many of us wanted Curry and Underhill anyway so that's fine and Brad the Saviour's also in the mix. Morgan should be fine at 8, although may take a game or 2 to get back up to international speed and Mercer's exciting.
9's as usual, ditto 10 and 12. No JJ at 13, but Manu and Daly are good options. May's a first choice and, in reality, so's Brown. Nowell's a safe bet, but I'd love to see Big Joe blooded and Daly's also an option in the back 3.
Thing is that we've got many players who are much of a muchness, so although we've got a lot of injuries are we really that much weaker overall? In a couple of positions perhaps but also in many cases there won't be much of a drop in quality, including to the bench, and several players ought to be uber motivated at getting their chance in a RWC year.
With home advantage that team ought to be good enough to see off a weakened SA and a poor Aus. Japan should be a given. Every team has to cope with injuries and a 1/4 return would leave the RFU in a very awkward position.
1 is a problem. 2's fine, 3 will be an upgrade in at least some respects. 4 & 5 are fine. Many of us wanted Curry and Underhill anyway so that's fine and Brad the Saviour's also in the mix. Morgan should be fine at 8, although may take a game or 2 to get back up to international speed and Mercer's exciting.
9's as usual, ditto 10 and 12. No JJ at 13, but Manu and Daly are good options. May's a first choice and, in reality, so's Brown. Nowell's a safe bet, but I'd love to see Big Joe blooded and Daly's also an option in the back 3.
Thing is that we've got many players who are much of a muchness, so although we've got a lot of injuries are we really that much weaker overall? In a couple of positions perhaps but also in many cases there won't be much of a drop in quality, including to the bench, and several players ought to be uber motivated at getting their chance in a RWC year.
With home advantage that team ought to be good enough to see off a weakened SA and a poor Aus. Japan should be a given. Every team has to cope with injuries and a 1/4 return would leave the RFU in a very awkward position.