England squad for SA tour

[Peat]

Elliot Daly has a knee problem of some sort which has been limiting the amount of training he's able to do; remember when he kicked that 50 yard penalty to win it against, uhm, I forget who know, but aftewards in the papers Dai Young was "We'd like him to kick more, but he can't because of his knee, so we only use him when we really need him".

However, I don't know the full extent of it, and it might be its cleared up.

Given that Lancaster picked Calum Clark, I don't think he'll be too bothered by picking Youngs. I'd take Hartley, Paice, Gray and George. Tom Youngs can go learn to throw. I will cry a little about Mike Haywood dislocating his shoulder.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Also, I'd be very very surprised if Daly got promoted from the u20s to the Senior side.
He's a solid 13, but it's his goal kicking sets him above others - something which wouldn't be needed with any of our flyhalves/Farrell at centre.

 

[Peat]

Also, I'd be very very surprised if Daly got promoted from the u20s to the Senior side.
He's a solid 13, but it's his goal kicking sets him above others - something which wouldn't be needed with any of our flyhalves/Farrell at centre.

I really like Daly at 13, he's got a clear rugby brain and some real wheels, and is very secure defensively for a guy of his age... but then I really like Joseph and Lowe too.

However, Lancaster is not above taking these punts. I wouldn't do it, but I wouldn't be surprised if he went.

 

[j'nuh]

I, uhm, don't feel really good about the quality of player going at this point though tbh...

tbf, Robshaw and Morgan are quality and fill out most of the backrow, and they're both of a really high standard, all depends on who gets selected to replace Croft...

There's no real need to look at any more 6s now also. In spite of current circumstances, we're set until 2015 with Croft, Robshaw, Haskell and Dowson/others as emergency back-up. Take Robshaw and Dowson as 6s with 4 specialist 7s/8s imo.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Suppose so, but as you said, Joseph and Lowe are on good form as well. I couldn't see Lancaster taking him out of the JWC for a couple of midweek appearances (if that) instead of (probably) starting most games in the JWC.

 

[j'nuh]

I don't like Youngs Sr. whatsoever. He's decent enough hooker, but his reputation is absolute s**t. Apparently one of the dirtiest players you're like to come across, in his time in the championship last season. But then who else is there?

If we're desperate, would Dawidiuk do? He's still young as far as hookers go, and is slowly starting to resemble the part. I wouldn't say he's international quality, or even that he will be international quality in the future - that much depends on how well he develops. But he's shown glimpses of talent (skip to 1:20), and he might be worth taking as back-up.

 

[Peat]

We can deffo rule out Daly, he's resting and recuperating according to the Pests site.

 

[B10]

This Guardian article ( http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/may/01/england-wayne-smith-stuart-lancaster ) claims:

"A doubt also remains over Alex Corbisiero, who has had an operation on a biceps problem, but there is cheerier news for James Haskell and Danny Care, both in line for a recall.Haskell is set to be selected despite currently playing his rugby for the Highlanders in New Zealand"

Shame Croft has got injured just as his form has improved for England but would be good to see Haskell back.

Also haven't seen the injury to Corbs mentioned before. But I suppose it would give Nick Wood a chance.

 

[B10]

Haskell's defiantly back in.

Quote from Lancaster:

Flanker James Haskell, who will next season rejoin Wasps from Super 15 side Highlanders, is in Lancaster's thoughts although he has just been hit with a three-week ban for punching.

'James Haskell will be coming back into equation,' Lancaster said. 'I have spoken to him about his availability. James has a three-week ban - his next game would be May 26, then he will play a Super 15 on June 2 and then join us, if selected.'

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/ru...-tour-South-Africa-England.html#ixzz1tf9IkBEn
​

 

[Aedaphon]

Would hate to have Haskell get a look in for the match day 22 over Armitage. Haskell had a good international season last year but had a shocking debut for the Highlanders and hasn't stood out much since he started for them.

By contrast Armitage has been in incredible form for the last couple of months, ball-carrying, scoring tries and clearing out for Toulon with alarming regularity.

Still we are England <_<

 

[gingergenius]

Would hate to have Haskell get a look in for the match day 22 over Armitage. Haskell had a good international season last year but had a shocking debut for the Highlanders and hasn't stood out much since he started for them.

By contrast Armitage has been in incredible form for the last couple of months, ball-carrying, scoring tries and clearing out for Toulon with alarming regularity.

Still we are England <_<

From what I've seen Haskell's been a very solid and consistent performer for the Highlanders - where was this shocking debut?

Agree that Armitage should tour as well.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

That is good news on Haskell/Care. If Armitage isn't selected then I'd have Haskell at 7 in the test side (or on the bench if Steffon is there).

Not great news on Corbs - who would be next in line? I think Nick Wood is still out injured - maybe Paul Doran-Jones?
Then again, this is England, it'll probably be Matt Stevens.

 

[Aedaphon]

From what I've seen Haskell's been a very solid and consistent performer for the Highlanders - where was this shocking debut?

Agree that Armitage should tour as well.

Debut for the highlanders... From what I recall he butchered a try and knocked on within the first 10-20 minutes. Also he did just get avery lenient yellow, and will possibly be cited. Sure striking hasn't stopped us playing anyone before, but it doesn't run well with me.

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

Does it really matter a whole lot who ends up playing at 7? It's like worrying about whether England will lose by 20 points or 22..

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Does it really matter a whole lot who ends up playing at 7? It's like worrying about whether England will lose by 20 points or 22..

Depends who's playing 10/15 for SA surely?
It's it's Steyn and Steyn then we'll lose by 3, 6, 9, 12, 15.....

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

Depends who's playing 10/15 for SA surely?
It's it's Steyn and Steyn then we'll lose by 3, 6, 9, 12, 15.....

For sure. Weouldn't be surprised if we lost at home with 10/15 being Steyn, Steyn. With Goosen out injured (and having been named in the JRWC squad) it's going to be between Steyn and Lambie with Grant an outside chance for the 10 jersey. At the back it gets moe interesting with plenty of competition. F Seyn will probably wear 12 so we could see Lambie who played there in the RWC, Kirschner because of the Bulls connection but I give Meyer more credit than that and either of Joe Pietersen or Riaan Viljoen. Personally I'd love to see 10 Lambie, 15 Pietersen but we'll have to wait and see.

These games will be very interesting as England play a different game than in the past and look much improved while we havn't really faced each other for a while and SA.. well, we have no idea what to expect at this stage.

Edit; I keep forgetting about Elton jantjies as an option at 10... but I'd rather go with the more experienced options in Lambie, Grant and Steyn or the more talented youngster in Goosen.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

I've been very impressed with Grant from what little I've seen of him.
Regardless of combinations/the new coach/players, playing to Springboks in South Africa is going to be a huge test for the England side.

 

[TRF_heineken]

I've been very impressed with Grant from what little I've seen of him.
Regardless of combinations/the new coach/players, playing to Springboks in South Africa is going to be a huge test for the England side.

This tour is definitely going to be something new... New Coaches/players/combinations in both camps... Heyneke Meyer said that he wants South Africa to become a fortress and that no team should be able to beat SA in SA.

It's also going to be interesting how both teams will play and where their focus will be... One thing I am sure of, is that there will be a hostile reception...

 

[Peat]

That is good news on Haskell/Care. If Armitage isn't selected then I'd have Haskell at 7 in the test side (or on the bench if Steffon is there).

Not great news on Corbs - who would be next in line? I think Nick Wood is still out injured - maybe Paul Doran-Jones?
Then again, this is England, it'll probably be Matt Stevens.

I think they'll give Marler a lash.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Ah yeah, suppose.
I dread to think what the SA front row would do to him, though. And he'd end up getting red carded by the end of the first half for punching someone.
Doran-Jones would be a much better option, and could cover 3 from the pitch as well, with Marler on the bench.