England v France

[munstermuffin]

Pre-World cup I'd guess but check who reffereed as we know Nigel doing this game

 

[Teh Mite]

Ah, just noticed the "Investec" flags, that's the pre-world cup match, not Six Nations

It's Abendanon, with Lewsey at 11
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/6934847.stm

Wahoo! One for my memory!

 

[WetAndCold]

I don't remember ever watching Abendanon play. Obviously missed that one I was only 12 though, so maybe I just don't remember.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Wahoo! One for my memory!

In mine (and munstermuffins) defence - England have way too many floppy-blonde-haired fullbacks :lol:

 

[Teh Mite]

I don't remember ever watching Abendanon play. Obviously missed that one I was only 12 though, so maybe I just don't remember.

I feel old now...

 

[Charles]

I feel old now...

+1

 

[WetAndCold]

lol, sorry guys.:lol:

 

[munstermuffin]

Can't remember Abendanon been 15 for England much.
Ha Olyy I agree the blonde mop is the trend of 07 in England.

 

[gingergenius]

What? Discuss England V France on an England V France thread? Never!

Who is that full back? Can't make out who it is. :huh:

I enjoy games against the French, Since they're the old enemy... oh no wait, everyones Englands old enemy because of wars that happened hundreds of years ago.

I'm worried about this match since I can't remember the last time France where the underdogs going into an England match. They could up their game...

I remember this match - 2007 warmup. I'll give you a clue - the fullback is a blond guy who misses lots of tackles (including this would-be trysaver).

It's not Lewsey because he doesn't miss tackles. It's not Tait because he only wore 15 on that tour of NZ. It is, however, NICK ABENDANON

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Ha Olyy I agree the blonde mop is the trend of 07 in England.

Wilkinson's doing his best to bring it back

 

[Teh Mite]

And bring back the phenomenon of the "orange" test player at the same time...

 

[Feicarsinn]

Is there any nation who doesn't "Raise their game against the English" because of some war which nobody remembers?

Well, stop fighting so many wars then.

 

[Sixesandsevens]

You cannot blame the british for the apartheid, you crazy dutch ******* Anyway enough of that! You must really hate Haskell if you think he should be dropped after his two performances so far! I dont think the back row is balanced enough with Moody and Wood in the back row to be honest...both quite light weight. Its tricky because we do need Wood in the line out...Im almost inclined to say drop Easter, shift Haskell to 8, pick Moody at 7 and Stick with Wood at 6. But Easter wont get dropped.

 

[Peat]

Frankly, I just wouldn't bring Moody back. His level of performance pre-injury doesn't deserve to walk in ahead of a well-balanced and in form back-row.

 

[WetAndCold]

Like others have already said, a great back row imo would be:

6. Croft
7. Wood
8. Haskell

Johnno should try this back row just once before he puts Easter and Moody back. It would be alright if he tried it and they were rubbish, but he won't try it, so we'll never know

 

[gingergenius]

Like others have already said, a great back row imo would be:

6. Croft
7. Wood
8. Haskell

Johnno should try this back row just once before he puts Easter and Moody back. It would be alright if he tried it and they were rubbish, but he won't try it, so we'll never know

still not sure haskell's an 8. Easter's not an amazing player, but he hasn't done very much wrong recently. That back row you've picked is incredibly mobile, I'd just worry that it's not nasty enough.

 

[Teh Mite]

Crane.
Dowson.
Robshaw.
Narraway.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Was impressed by Narraway for the Saxons,
Same with Robshaw (though that goes without saying as he's quality )

 

[B10]

I can't see Johnno changing the team apart from Sheridan coming back in and maybe Moody but only if he's 100% else put him on the bench. Would love to see Wood, Croft and Haskell tried in the future.

 

[WetAndCold]

still not sure haskell's an 8. Easter's not an amazing player, but he hasn't done very much wrong recently. That back row you've picked is incredibly mobile, I'd just worry that it's not nasty enough.

I agree that it might be a bit light footed with less 'grunt'. Easter has been very good recently, I would never worry about him missing a tackle or conceding a turnover, but he never really does anything 'special' for want of a better word. Haskell OTH can sometimes be a bit of a liability concerning penalties, but he's got pace, and it's almost like having an extra back on the field, likewise with Croft. Maybe It's a case of have a big powerfull back row, or have a mobile back row, or have a compromise i.e. nasty and mobile? Or is that simply being a master of none? I'd rather have a back row with lots of fast players, it's more entertaining , dunno whether it wins games though.