England Six Nations Squad 2025

[AngloScotsHybrid]

Ireland definitely have a few question marks over them with Farrell absent, a few aging players and some new kids. Ireland definitely didn't play their best in the autumn. I don't think any Irish fan would take things for granted, except maybe against Wales. I still think Ireland will win over 80 minutes unless England change something. Supposedly we've ditched the blitz defence, but that doesn't necessarily mean an immediate improvement. We'll have to see what we use instead and how well the players perform. I'm also still worried by the way Borthwick uses subs and the fact we seem to fall off in the last 20 minutes and sometimes after the first 20.

The opening weekend will set the tone for whoever wins out of England and Ireland and is the match with the biggest question mark over it. I don't see Wales beating France short of Gatland doing some sort of ritual sacrifice. Italy could upset Scotland but unlikely. Ireland want a good start to settle the nerves, England need something to kick start their campaign and maybe put them on a upward trajectory after the autumn.

England haven't ditched the blitz defence altogether. They have just ditched one variant of the blitz defence. I don't think they have gone back to drift defence.

 

[Groundhog]

Ireland definitely have a few question marks over them with Farrell absent, a few aging players and some new kids. Ireland definitely didn't play their best in the autumn. I don't think any Irish fan would take things for granted, except maybe against Wales. I still think Ireland will win over 80 minutes unless England change something. Supposedly we've ditched the blitz defence, but that doesn't necessarily mean an immediate improvement. We'll have to see what we use instead and how well the players perform. I'm also still worried by the way Borthwick uses subs and the fact we seem to fall off in the last 20 minutes and sometimes after the first 20.

The opening weekend will set the tone for whoever wins out of England and Ireland and is the match with the biggest question mark over it. I don't see Wales beating France short of Gatland doing some sort of ritual sacrifice. Italy could upset Scotland but unlikely. Ireland want a good start to settle the nerves, England need something to kick start their campaign and maybe put them on a upward trajectory after the autumn.

You are absolutely correct, I take Welsh people for granted. No to be fair I don't think Ireland and England are worlds apart in terms of floor and ceiling with the talent available.

England are probably due a resurgence one of these days

I see the England game as a big yardstick for us.

 

[AlRums]

Thing that gets lost that outside japan we also barely won or lost against italy and wales, it isnt just playing up to opposition, this team plays down to it as well. Keeps games close regardless of the class they are playing.

In fairness Italy were vastly improved, two wins and a draw and took England to 3 points.

The only team that dominated them was Ireland.

 

[BPM]

Indeed. Italy (and Benetton) are quite a different beast these days.

They definitely shouldn't be underestimated.

 

[Ragey Erasmus]

Lucky all my uncles are long dead.

Where there's a will(y) there's a way.

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

Long piece in the Sunday Times by David Walsh who was allowed to spend a few days in camp. Bit of a puff piece, which is understandable although a bit disappointing for a journalist of his standing.

Part of it was an interview with Itoje who was saying that his health issues meant he was below par for an extended period and that criticism of him was valid. In his own words he'd be "cooked" during the warm ups. Which begs the question why on earth the team management didn't drop him or the player himself didn't ask to be stood down.

 

[Rugbyfan564]

Long piece in the Sunday Times by David Walsh who was allowed to spend a few days in camp. Bit of a puff piece, which is understandable although a bit disappointing for a journalist of his standing.

Part of it was an interview with Itoje who was saying that his health issues meant he was below par for an extended period and that criticism of him was valid. In his own words he'd be "cooked" during the warm ups. Which begs the question why on earth the team management didn't drop him or the player himself didn't ask to be stood down.

Ben Earl saying that Eddie Jones treated them like children was a sign he didn't like him much then.

'

 

[Ragey Erasmus]

Ben Earl saying that Eddie Jones treated them like children was a sign he didn't like him much then.

'

Imagine if Eddie Jones treated his children like he did the players