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

 

[Rugbyfan564]

Marcus Smith to retain No 10 shirt for England's Six Nations opener

EXCLUSIVE BY CHRIS FOY: Marcus Smith is on course to continue in his favoured place in the starting XV, with Fin Smith of Northampton expected to be included among the replacements.

www.dailymail.co.uk

 

[Rugbyfan564]

Mitchell in, Pollock out.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Mitchell at 7, it's an inspired choice!

 

[Pieter Steph du Teague]

Pollock straight into the U20s side to face Ireland. Glad he's getting game time there rather than holding tackle bags.

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

.

Pollock straight into the U20s side to face Ireland. Glad he's getting game time there rather than holding tackle bags.

Yeah I guess. And the team will be better for him playing.

Although holding some tackle bags and learning how the seniors operate for a kid on a rapid trajectory to the top would actually be part of their learning curve unlike, say, how Jack Walker was treated.

We know he can handle the u20 and he's way ahead of most of his peers in having already made a successful jump to Prem level. If he really is The Next Big Thing who's going to get blooded over the summer anyhow, some time in camp soaking up knowledge might not have been a bad investment of time. Can SB chop and change the squad other than injury replacements?

 

[Rugbyfan564]

Raffi Quirke has got injured in training. Meanwhile both Curry twins likely to start and a 6/2 spilt with Chessum, Cunningham-South and Willis on the bench.

Steve Borthwick ready to start Curry twins in back row for Six Nations opener against Ireland

Exclusive: A powerful bench of six forwards is likely to feature Ollie Chessum, Chandler Cunningham-South and Tom Willis

www.telegraph.co.uk

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Raffi Quirke has got injured in training

I will fight Steve Borthwick in the street

Edit: Where have you seen that? Doesn't mention it in the article

 

[Ragey Erasmus]

I will fight Steve Borthwick in the street

He could headbutt with his nose and still come out better off.

 

[Flankers' paradise]

I imagine then the squad will look something like:
Genge LCD Stuart
Itoje Martin
T Curry Earl B Curry
Mitchell M Smith
Slade Lawrence
Sleightholme Daly Freeman

Dan Baxter Heyes Chessum Willis CCS Randall F Smith

 

[Scotty]

I imagine then the squad will look something like:
Genge LCD Stuart
Itoje Martin
T Curry Earl B Curry
Mitchell M Smith
Slade Lawrence
Sleightholme Daly Freeman

Dan Baxter Heyes Chessum Willis CCS Randall F Smith

Steward at 15. But pretty much.

 

[Rugbyfan564]

I will fight Steve Borthwick in the street

Edit: Where have you seen that? Doesn't mention it in the article

It does at the bottom.

'It is also understood that Raffi Quirke, the Sale scrum-half, was in contention for a place on the bench. However, he is thought to have picked up a hamstring injury in training.'

 

[TRF_Olyy]

It does at the bottom.

'It is also understood that Raffi Quirke, the Sale scrum-half, was in contention for a place on the bench. However, he is thought to have picked up a hamstring injury in training.'

Ah, the archived version I used to get past the paywall didn't have it - re-archived and it's there now