England Six Nations squad 2022

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

That former lock has been imo our best 6 in a long time.

Trying to compare him to PSDT is imo lazy and harsh on Lawes and the work he put in to improve his mobility.

 

[Which Tyler]

Yeah, Lawes is a proper BSF, and quite possibly our best in that position.

Curry's not an 8 though (yet, it could still work, but he'd need the same as any other positional conversion, and to spend a season or 2 playing their at club level).

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Yeh Curry isn't a 8 it isn't a bad thing to have him used to potentially covering it.

My worry is so far not sold on Dombrandt or Simmonds yet.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Much as I like Isiekwe, I don't see him as a game changer from the bench and especially not as back row cover against good opposition. If Curry and Dombrandt are out you wonder if Jones might be tempted to bring Barbeary onto the bench, just to up the tempo / carrying as the game opens up, even acknowledging that he's far from the finished article yet. A gamble, but predictable and pedestrian isn't going to unlock this Ireland team. Suspect there might be another 6:2 coming our way in any event.

If Barbeary couldn't get a sniff vs Italy there's no way he's thrown in vs Ireland
Would be more likely to see Launch and Ewels on the bench with Itoje/Isiekwe covering backrow from the pitch than that IMO

I don't think bench players necessarily need to be game changers - if they can keep intensity/skill levels as high as the side that starts then that's enough IMO
Thacker more likely to make an impact off the bench than George with his open play, but I know who I'd rather
With the talk of Barbeary's poor defensive stats I could see him not being used by EJ for a while tbh - international backrowers can't be glass cannons

Could definitely see a 6:2 split coming our way

 

[Not Mike Brown's Sock]

If Barbeary couldn't get a sniff vs Italy there's no way he's thrown in vs Ireland
Would be more likely to see Launch and Ewels on the bench with Itoje/Isiekwe covering backrow from the pitch than that IMO

I don't think bench players necessarily need to be game changers - if they can keep intensity/skill levels as high as the side that starts then that's enough IMO
Thacker more likely to make an impact off the bench than George with his open play, but I know who I'd rather

Could definitely see a 6:2 split coming our way

George Martin begs to differ

 

[TRF_Olyy]

George Martin begs to differ

Fair, but that was a personal favour to Borthwick so that he wouldn't release dodgy photos of EJ to the press
I presume, anyway, can't think of any other reason he was there

That decision was peak EJ - bringing an uncapped toddler onto the bench last minute so that he could maintain a 6:2 split, and then didn't even use all his subs

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Could see Chessum on the bench had a good game v Sarries I thought stole a few lineouts etc

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Could see Chessum on the bench had a good game v Sarries I thought stole a few lineouts etc

Probably come down to him vs Launchbury (and I think EJ will choose Chessum tbh)

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

If Barbeary couldn't get a sniff vs Italy there's no way he's thrown in vs Ireland
Would be more likely to see Launch and Ewels on the bench with Itoje/Isiekwe covering backrow from the pitch than that IMO

I don't think bench players necessarily need to be game changers - if they can keep intensity/skill levels as high as the side that starts then that's enough IMO
Thacker more likely to make an impact off the bench than George with his open play, but I know who I'd rather
With the talk of Barbeary's poor defensive stats I could see him not being used by EJ for a while tbh - international backrowers can't be glass cannons

Could definitely see a 6:2 split coming our way

I'm sure you're right but he's had a few selections in the wider squad now, so Jones can't be discounting him entirely and this time it's possible we may be down a couple of our first choices. If Jones is feeling under pressure (as he should) he might be tempted more by left field. Unlikely but I'm not totally discounting it.

On the bench I take your point about maintaining intensity but the game is also very different in the last quarter where point of difference players ought to thrive with more space / tired opponents. Isn't one of the criticisms of Jones that the effectiveness of the bench has steadily deteriorated over time with just more of the same or a drop off?

Ref the comments on Chessum, I haven't seen too much of him, but I've liked what I have.

 

[LIONSxv]

That former lock has been imo our best 6 in a long time.

Trying to compare him to PSDT is imo lazy and harsh on Lawes and the work he put in to improve his mobility.

Better than Underhill ? nah not for me thanks.

 

[Which Tyler]

Better than Underhill ? nah not for me thanks.

Has Underhill played 6 for England?

 

[Scotty]

Has Underhill played 6 for England?

No but i think his point is if he plays 7 then Curry is moved to 6.


If Curry and Dombrandt are out then im surprised JWillis hasnt had a call i mean he's a breakdown specialist 7. And a good carrier and defender. Who knows what would be if not for that horrific injury. Suppose zero time in camp may not be the best idea.

 

[LIONSxv]

Has Underhill played 6 for England?

He is 6 with a seven on his back. Curry is vice versa

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

He isn't though he's a 7.
Both Curry and Underhill play like 7's we played that RWC with 2 opensides on the flank.

Underhill doesn't play as a 6 for a club and he plays for England in the exact same style he plays for Bath

 

[Geordie]

Get Connor Collett in there...one of the best 7's in England and his own Manager doesnt even know it! Meh!

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Get Connor Collett in there...one of the best 7's in England and his own Manager doesnt even know it! Meh!

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Get Connor Collett in there...one of the best 7's in England and his own Manager doesnt even know it! Meh!

Maybe he knows you're full of poop

 

[Don't Skip Leg Day]

My guess is 6 Lawes 7 Ludlum 8 Simmonds if Curry and Dombrant are out.

Not saying I want that but that's the second choices from Eddie's play book at the moment.

 

[Not Mike Brown's Sock]

Return of Robshaw and Hask

 

[LIONSxv]

He isn't though he's a 7.
Both Curry and Underhill play like 7's we played that RWC with 2 opensides on the flank.

Underhill doesn't play as a 6 for a club and he plays for England in the exact same style he plays for Bath

Underhill is six and half at best his instinct is tackle and ruck as you would expect of a 6. His turnover work and link up play is quite average as 7. That's the reason why Underhill and curry work as they are different irrespective of what numbers they have on their back as they compliment each other. Underhill hits , curry slows down the ruck or jackels.
England have played their best rugby since 2003 with those two on the flanks and a proper 8 or with Wilson at 6. Again not a lock but a proper flanker
I think Lawes is a super player and has massively increased both his carrying and overall mobility. However he is nearly 33 and for his increased mobility is never going to hit as many rucks as a younger man who is smaller and quicker. With Underhill you get the same if not more physicality but with more speed