England vs Barbarians 26/05

[j'nuh]

So we have RB cover on the bench.

Do you mean fullback cover?

If so, he can cover it from the field. Have Yarde on the bench and if Brown gets injured, May just moves to fullback and Yarde comes on for May.

But I really hope that May isn't seen as the utility player. He's more of a "play him on the wing and take a risk and put a winger on the bench and if your fullback gets injured, May isn't an ideal fit, but can move there" kind of player. I think he's the best winger we have and he's wasted on the bench. Would be like putting Robinson on the bench because he can play multiple positions.

 

[ratsapprentice]

I don't think many people would be happy to have no cover on the bench at all.
If he starts on the wing, then it's entirely possible that we will have no one capable of covering FB should Brown be injured.
With May on the bench, you know that you definitely do...

It's entirely probable that Yarde isn't going to start another match on this tour, remember this is just a barbarians game.

 

[j'nuh]

What I mean is that you could have May starting and if Brown needs replacing, then move May to fullback and bring Yarde onto the wing.

But I see what you mean about it just being a barbarians game. Yarde is the youngest of the squad, first season out of the academy I think. I can see why they'd let him play this game. I just hope May is instated into the XV for the next game, because I think him and Wade have a real good shot at making the normal England XV.

 

[ratsapprentice]

Yes, but if you start May and Brown, and Brown and May get injured then we will be without a FB.
If May is on the bench then there is definitely a replacement should he be injured.

 

[McTallshort]

Good side like the look of it, Baa baa team looks ok too with Hook and Peel at half backs either Wales have a mass of talent at 9 and 10 or they just dont like selecting good experienced players.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

I wouldn't read too much into Yarde starting over May in this game - I'd be very surprised to see him start over him in the tests.

 

[j'nuh]

Some more interesting news emerged, again from This is Gloucestershire (read: http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co...tory-19087896-detail/story.html#ixzz2UJsxqsnQ):

On having a genuine openside:
"The ability to get over the ball, turn over ball, but also keep the continuity and be the link player," explained Lancaster, "it's an area we've wanted to build more depth in that position.
"The likes of Matt, Will Fraser and Luke Wallace, there's young players coming through there now, and it's certainly something I'm keen to see.
"And Matt's got a great opportunity on this tour.
"Tomorrow it's an opportunity for him to go toe to toe with Jonathan Poff who is a genuine openside as well."
...
Lancaster admits he does crave a cast-iron openside in his strongest line-up – but only if that adds the best balance to his back-row.
He continued: "In an ideal world you would want that natural seven, but you often don't get that.
...
"And certainly from my point of view Chris Robshaw was my best ball carrier, my best defender and probably hit more breakdowns that anyone else.

Also, highlighting Ben Morgan:

"We lost both number eights, and Ben Morgan was a big loss to us."


It looks like Lancaster may be thinking a lot about using a genuine 7. But I don't get why he doesn't just give Wood that role and get Robshaw to do his thing at 6. It does appear as if he's waiting until someone really really makes a name for themselves at 7 though.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

If I ever meet Lancaster I'm going to staple a photo of dave seymour to his head.

 

[j'nuh]

If I ever meet Lancaster I'm going to staple a photo of dave seymour to his head.

He'll play for England if he ever signs for Tigers or Saints.

(Wouldn't make England if he played for Sarries, because he's not a crappy back.)

 

[Big Ewis]

Barbarians playing like ****...England playing well.

 

[big ginger 8]

There's been glimpses hopefully it opens up in the second half.


EDIT: More like it from Yarde.

 

[Big Ewis]

Barbarians look either rusty or slightly unprepared, but not uninspired.
England looks focused and confident but a little slow.

EDIT:
right just as I say that, try !!this England side looks a lot better than the regular one on attack !!

 

[big ginger 8]

Haha Wilson flying the flag for props everywhere.

 

[Big Ewis]

a running prop is a happy prop.

 

[LittleGuy]

I wonder how much longer the Barbarians will be around for, another fairly dismal performance, against an England side that's decent but nothing spectacular. I know they are having a go at Fiji at some point so maybe playing Tier Two sides wil create a more even match up and some more running rugby.

 

[Big Ewis]

boy is it just me or are the baa-baas taking a huge pounding just right now ?

 

[LittleGuy]

Why bother going to the TMO there!!! Oh No now it's 40-5 in an exhibition with ten minutes to go and they didn't even make the right call in the TMO. Also I guesss this is the last ever appearance of Andrea Lo Cicero and for that I'm happy to see him go out in front of a big crowd.

 

[LittleGuy]

HAHAHAHAHAHA Streaker comes on and play continues, and England nearly get a try while he's running by!!!

 

[Crapspray]

I'll take that. Dream start for Burns, looked comfortable throughout. Tidy first half; controlled, with a very solid scrum. Second half loosened up and some of the talent shone through. I didn't believe my eyes when England's backs scored from a scrum. First time in god knows how long. Launchbury was very good, well deserved man of the match.

A few concerns: The bench front row looked very weak- especially after the dominance in the first half. The loss of discipline in the last ten minutes cost England points. Daly should be touring.

It'll be interesting next week with the premiership final players joining the squad. Good start though.

 

[ratsapprentice]

Pretty flat match tbh.

England played efficiently, obviously treating it as preparation for the tour.
The BaBaas looked like a team that had only done 4 hours of practice together.

Kvesic's work at the breakdown led directly to two tries.

Corbisiero, Wilson, Attwood, Kvesic, Morgan and Brown all played really well.
Wilson showing what he can do if given the starting berth is very pleasing.

Still confused as to where they want Kyle to play, came on as FB moved to FH?!
PEAT: Notice him smashing Tindall in defence when he moved to 10?
Brown showed why he should be played at FB.
As I said before, the bench front row is going to be mullered in Argentina.
The disparity in scrummaging ability is profound.

Henry Thomas got knocked the **** out at the end, I am slightly concerned that none of the officials noticed...