England v New Zealand - 2 November 2024

[Rugbyfan564]

No Underhill? No Finn and a 6/2 split on the bench with no centre or wing cover? Wish we had Chessum at 19 not sold on BCurry at 20(above other options as in a back)

Also Slade I expected at 23, not starting.

Underhill being left out was obvious once he didn't get a contract and therefore is not seen as a core player despite playing so much recently

 

[Geordie]

Underhill is obviously a great tackler, but I find him a bit too one dimensional for international standard. We are stacked at back row as well so the competition is tough.

Underhills power is a point of difference aswell....but I do wonder if they see the same defensive power and physicality in CCS...but who can offer a far more destructive carrying option aswell.

I'm still convinced Chessum was being marked for the 6 spot.

 

[Rugbyfan564]

It's the first time the Curry twins are both in the same England 23.

 

[AngloScotsHybrid]

It's the first time the Curry twins are both in the same England 23.

We will find out if there really are twins or they are just one person masquerading as two people lol

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

T Curry is totally a reputational pick, Spencer doesn't really fit with our new style and Slade can't be properly fit. Otherwise, apart from always considering Cole a starter the starting XV is OK (ignoring the multitude of VCs…..don't backs need leadership too?).

Don't like the bench, it's not exactly the bomb squad, is it? And got to be question marks against Ford's match fitness / form.

It's inevitable that:

Earl will be playing 12 within the first 10 minutes.

One of Ford or Slade will suffer a recurrence of their recent problems

Dombrandt coming on will be the trigger for M Smith to either be subbed or moved to FB.

Umbro can share the blame. Really don't like the stripy trim.

 

[Rugbyfan564]

T Curry is totally a reputational pick, Spencer doesn't really fit with our new style and Slade can't be properly fit. Otherwise, apart from always considering Cole a starter the starting XV is OK (ignoring the multitude of VCs…..don't backs need leadership too?).

Don't like the bench, it's not exactly the bomb squad, is it? And got to be question marks against Ford's match fitness / form.

It's inevitable that:

Earl will be playing 12 within the first 10 minutes.

One of Ford or Slade will suffer a recurrence of their recent problems

Dombrandt coming on will be the trigger for M Smith to either be subbed or moved to FB.

Umbro can share the blame. Really don't like the stripy trim.

Slade's injury was a shoulder surgey caused by an injury he played with for months which normally means fitness returns quickly than if it was a different type of injury. Ford feels more likely to get injured again.

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

Slade's injury was a shoulder surgey caused by an injury he played with for months which normally means fitness returns quickly than if it was a different type of injury. Ford feels more likely to get injured again.

Yep, but he's still been rushed back. 54 minutes against a weakened Quins is no preparation for internationals.

 

[AngloScotsHybrid]

Yep, but he's still been rushed back. 54 minutes against a weakened Quins is no preparation for internationals.

Its a very strange decision. Why not give Lozowski a go if you are looking for a ballplaying outside centre.

 

[Geordie]

Its a very strange decision. Why not give Lozowski a go if you are looking for a ballplaying outside centre.

I don't see them as the same type of players.

Lozowski would come in at 12.
Slade is a playmaker but I see him as the defensive leader in that backline....and his kicking is also crucial with Waboso and Freeman not registered as top class in those areas....just yet.

Our centre combo is England's biggest problem at the moment....

 

[OllyM97]

Predicting a win against New Zealand is a rare thing but I like our chances this weekend. England by 3-5 points. We need to win a close game against a top side before narrow defeats become a habit.

 

[IT157]

Predicting a win against New Zealand is a rare thing but I like our chances this weekend. England by 3-5 points. We need to win a close game against a top side before narrow defeats become a habit.

I'm still annoyed we didn't win one down in New Zealand.

 

[AngloScotsHybrid]

I don't see them as the same type of players.

Lozowski would come in at 12.
Slade is a playmaker but I see him as the defensive leader in that backline....and his kicking is also crucial with Waboso and Freeman not registered as top class in those areas....just yet.

Our centre combo is England's biggest problem at the moment....

Lozowski plays outside centre for Saracens. Surely you aren't suggesting that a player will play one position for his club and then get picked in a different position for England?

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

Still don't get the early announcement thing. I mean the ABs could have guessed a lot of that team but even so they now have a couple of days to do their final prep in the knowledge of exactly what they'll be facing. Might only be a small advantage but why give it away when you don't need to?

Perhaps especially odd given the 9 situation and the different styles of the various candidates.

 

[Rugbyfan564]

Still don't get the early announcement thing. I mean the ABs could have guessed a lot of that team but even so they now have a couple of days to do their final prep in the knowledge of exactly what they'll be facing. Might only be a small advantage but why give it away when you don't need to?

Perhaps especially odd given the 9 situation and the different styles of the various candidates.

It's such an odd thing. It also adds to the chances someone drops out injured or ill requiring a change.