England World Cup Squad

[Lé Ddanno]

Which means one (or maybe even both) of Dombrandt or Mercer aren't going then

Guessing we'll see one or both of them tried at 6 to see if they can go as utility forwards rather than dedicated 8

Binny's been fairly rubbish since the arm breaks really. Youngs style: great Prem player, one in ten tests he looks amazing. If there's any open spot in the BR it's No 8 so look at Zach or Tom, at least in training. Don't Jones it ffs.

Curry/Underhill/Lawes/Ludlam/Willis/Pearson and we might be trialling 2 specialist 8s on a flank instead. You're losing your **** Olyy

 

[TopTen2003]

Steve Borthwick insists Billy Vunipola still part of England’s World Cup plans

Billy Vunipola is on course to be fast-tracked back into England’s Rugby World Cup side with Steve Borthwick regarding him as a crucial part of their plans

www.theguardian.com

No doubt at his best he's a right handful and a key player. My plea to Borthwick is make sure he is at his best- no one should be coasting in on reputation.

If he's not showing like a world class 8 in camp, give someone a chance to make a name for themselves.

There are a handful of players from 2019 who would be massive if we could simmer and bring to the boil ready for this RWC- but it's a bloody big if!!

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

No doubt at his best he's a right handful and a key player. My plea to Borthwick is make sure he is at his best- no one should be coasting in on reputation.

If he's not showing like a world class 8 in camp, give someone a chance to make a name for themselves.

There are a handful of players from 2019 who would be massive if we could simmer and bring to the boil ready for this RWC- but it's a bloody big if!!

You can see the logic in at least thinking about Binny though.

You can argue about whether Dombrandt was poor or mediocre in the 6N but he undoubtedly didn't take his chance. He's not really an impact off the bench type and he would only really be last resort cover for other positions.

Mercer has earned his shot but is inexperienced. T Willis a step down the pecking order but in the same boat.

I'd see Binny now as a 20 minute give it all you have from the bench option, not a key starter. He may not make a difference but just might against tired legs. And if Mercer fluffs his lines at least you've got someone who's got the t shirt to take over.

Not saying I agree with it, but can see some logic. Or maybe Borthers is just unclear about what he wants at 8 as he seemed to be with 10s in the 6N.

 

[Noonz]

 

[Don't Skip Leg Day]

The English bomb squad?

16. LCD
17. Obano
18. Sinckler
19. Lauchberry
20. Binny

Maybe a tactic, not sure how successful it would be.

 

[Geordie]

If Binny Is in top form and fit then he has to be an option as Dombrandt isn't making the shirt his and noone else is either.
Where's Alfie Barbeary these days...Still on the physio table somewhere? Still pondering what position to play?

I've said before, this current England side/ squad has so many positions wide open...it'll be a challenge to pick between experience and the talented Inexperienced players

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Considering one of Binny's biggest issues is how lazy he is as a trainer I think expecting him to come off of a serious knee injury and four months of no rugby in world cup form is asking a lot, he was in good form for Saracens before injury, to be fair to him, but don't think that counts for much considering how long he'll have been out

Weird that Borthwick didn't bring him back into the England fold during the 6N if he's suddenly his starting 8

Barbeary perpetually broken, only played 150 mins this season, no idea when he's due back from his latest injury

 

[BPM]

I'd keep May, but otherwise I think this is pretty close to what I'd have.

 

[Don't Skip Leg Day]

I'm guessing Binny is one of those players that needs special handling due to his mental game.

I've never seen a player so hot or cold before and I'm guessing that's got to be in his head.

If Borthwick is saying the right things to motivate him then I'm all for it but as long as we don't see lazy Binny who flops in to contact again. I'd rather have a firing curry or Ludlum at 8 instead of a lazy Binny.

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

I'm guessing Binny is one of those players that needs special handling due to his mental game.

I've never seen a player so hot or cold before and I'm guessing that's got to be in his head.

If Borthwick is saying the right things to motivate him then I'm all for it but as long as we don't see lazy Binny who flops in to contact again. I'd rather have a firing curry or Ludlum at 8 instead of a lazy Binny.

That's why I think bench cameos would suit Binny best now. Wouldn't have to pace himself, just empty the tank for 25 minutes.

Olyy's right about the return race against time after injury but you can't blame Borthwick for keeping his options open.

 

[BPM]

The more I think about it, I think Borthwick is going for the old Saracens game plan based upon the kick chase.

This fits with Wigglesworth as attack coach and I can see us going with a back three that's mostly set up to compete aerially.

Murley's comments in this article pretty much point to that too: https://www.rugbypass.com/news/cadan-murley-im-a-bit-different-from-other-wingers-england/

I don't want that and it'll be a crap watch but it might work.

 

[Not Mike Brown's Sock]

The more I think about it, I think Borthwick is going for the old Saracens game plan based upon the kick chase.

This fits with Wigglesworth as attack coach and I can see us going with a back three that's mostly set up to compete aerially.

Murley's comments in this article pretty much point to that too: https://www.rugbypass.com/news/cadan-murley-im-a-bit-different-from-other-wingers-england/

I don't want that and it'll be a crap watch but it might work.

Even Sarries don't really do that any more... There's a reason for that.

 

[Scotty]

First training squad is up!

28 players, does not include any from the Premiership semi-finals

Forwards
Jamie Blamire
Alex Dombrandt
Tom Dunn
Charlie Ewels
Ellis Genge
Ted Hill (Bath Rugby)
Joe Marler
Zach Mercer (Montpellier Hérault Rugby)
Beno Obano (Bath Rugby)
Tom Pearson (London Irish)
Val Rapava-Ruskin (Gloucester Rugby)
Kyle Sinckler
Will Stuart
Sam Underhill
Jack Walker (Harlequins)

Backs
Henry Arundell
Danny Care
Joe Cokanasiga (Bath Rugby)
Ollie Hassell-Collins
Will Joseph (London Irish)
Ollie Lawrence
Joe Marchant
Jonny May
Cadan Murley (Harlequins)
Harry Randall
Henry Slade
Marcus Smith
Ben Spencer (Bath Rugby)

RFU

www.englandrugby.com

So ive been very busy on a course this week so only just had a chance to view this squad properly.

Honestly im happy with this squad, ofcourse seeing Ewels is there is just abit of a WTF but hopfully in as a experienced player who will be replaced when Chessum, Itoje, Martin ect. Come back.

Back row looks great tbh, Underhill is great especially with Curry to come back. Mercer to push Dombrandt who hasnt lived up. And Ludlam to be pushed very hard by Pearson. THill also in there is great. I fell bad saying this but Ludlam is the weak link as Pearson has that same very high work rate but just offers more IMO.

From that team id go

Genge Blarmire Stuart
Ewels THill (no locks) both to be replaced.
Pearson Mercer Underhill

Spencer Smith
Lawrence Slade
Murley Arundell OHC

When full squad is announced

Genge George Stuart
Chessum Itoje
TCurry Mercer Underhill (fan if this pack)

JVP(Prob) Faz
Lawrence Slade
Murley Steward Arundell(he,s a FB not wing IMO) sure im missing some back 3 players but thats pretty much what im expecting, someone will replace murley he cant catch a break.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Will it really work in the era of the 50:22 as well? Teams are leaving more players back, and have more talent in the air than before (plus there's the added danger of the easy to come-by cards when competing in the air)

Unless it's shorter/more contestable kicks, but that's not really what England have been doing recently (and if we are: Step up Gus Warr, as he's the top 9 for retaining box kicks this season)

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

The more I think about it, I think Borthwick is going for the old Saracens game plan based upon the kick chase.

This fits with Wigglesworth as attack coach and I can see us going with a back three that's mostly set up to compete aerially.

Murley's comments in this article pretty much point to that too: https://www.rugbypass.com/news/cadan-murley-im-a-bit-different-from-other-wingers-england/

I don't want that and it'll be a crap watch but it might work.

It has its place as one option to mix things up, but not as the central plank.

Oh God, Steward's going to the wing, isn't he…….

 

[Pieter Steph du Teague]

Crazy how Borthwick saying that Billy is in contention can have a ripple effect of making people believe he wants to move Steward to the wing.

It really is peak off-season.

 

[Saintjay]

Crazy how Borthwick saying that Billy is in contention can have a ripple effect of making people believe he wants to move Steward to the wing.

It really is peak off-season.

No it all makes sence now. Youngs at 9. Ford at 10. Stick to what you know and basically play like old school Saracens with all the Tigers players that you know and trust. Off-season mode engaged.

 

[BPM]

Even Sarries don't really do that any more... There's a reason for that.

Hence why I said it was the 'old' Saracens gameplan.

 

[BPM]

It has its place as one option to mix things up, but not as the central plank.

Oh God, Steward's going to the wing, isn't he…….

Why would he need to? He competes just as well aerially from 15.

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

Why would he need to? He competes just as well aerially from 15.

I think my tongue was firmly in cheek. But I'm not totally sure.

For planned attacking cross kicks it actually makes sense for him to be stationed on the wing. That's a serious threat, but I don't want to see him there otherwise.