6N's backline of
9. Youngs
10. Farrell
11. May
12. Barritt
13. Tuilagi
14. Ashton
15. Brown
I came here thinking about how we can all see Jones not blooding players has left him short in certain areas, but that it's irrelevant now and we need to look at moving forward with what we've got. However this post just reminds me how ridiculous and depressing the situation is. That backline actually looks like pre-2015 world cup.
Youngs - Played in 2015 WC. At this point in his career you can honestly say he's past his best and only a lack of game time and opportunity for other players keeps him no.1.
Farrell - another 2015 WC. Kicking percentage is getting worse I believe and could actually be a liability with his tackling. Still plays well overall with some sparks though.
May - 2015 WC. Ok he's definitely improved since 2015 and justifies his place possibly the only one.
Barritt - 2015 WC. Hasn't played for England under Jones. Still Mr. reliable in defence, but little else. I suppose with Tuilagi and no JJ, he could help England's defensive issues.
Tuilagi - 2015 WC. Starting to get some form, but still far to early to say he won't be injured. Also not back to his best by a long way.
Ashton - 2012 WC. Yes he's playing well and maybe his finishing is what England need, though Big Joe also impressed. However it says so much that he is being picked under these circumstances.
Brown - 2015 WC. I'll admit I was one of those who said he should be dropped and was past it. However after the AI's it's shown how important it is to have someone reliable under the high ball.
Btw fun fact, Youngs, Tuilagi and Ashton (as well as some of the forwards) played in a WC with some of the 2003 team. I guess my point is that looking back to go forward doesn't fill me with confidence.
I would like to see a 6N's backline of:
9. Spencer (we know what Youngs can do, he doesn't need more experience, but a rest and some time to reassess his game. Spencer seems to have come good recently and I don't see Robson getting a look in under Jones. Maybe have Wigs as sub to help the transition)
10. Farrell (if he's not playing at 12 then let's get him playing at 10.)
11. May (If he ain't broke...)
14. Big Joe (I think he genuinely offers something only Tuilagi can and that's a big back breaking the gainline and throwing the defensive line out.)
15. Brown ( We need him to secure the high ball and no one else has shown his level of reliability.)
12. &13. Gonna be frank, I honestly don't know. If I eliminate people who don't have a chance under EJ as well as injuries that leaves at 12: Te'o, Francis, Lozowski and at 13: Tuilagi, Slade, Daly.
I honestly am struggling with a combination that works well and has shown potential at international level. If I had to pick my gut would go with Lozowski and Tuilagi. Though maybe if you have Big Joe then you don't need Tuilagi. But then who would be the play maker at 13, Slade or Daly who are both out of form really. Then who at 12? Te'o who did **** all in the AI's and has barely played. If not who has the better defence out of Lozowski and Francis?
**** it, this centre shite is a load of ********. Just put Kruis and Launchbury there, then we can have all 4 locks on the pitch.