New England starting 15?

[TRF_Olyy]

Because Cockerill is living up to the first 4 letters of his name

 

[j'nuh]

I'd really really really want Burns in over Farrell but with Daddy pulling the strings it's not going to happen. Burns is on much better form than Farrell, and is generally a better player, imo.
Farrell could/should go to the Saxons.

This. I think Farrell is going down the James Hook route of being a jack of all trades, trying to fit many positions and mastering none (not that I think Hook is a bad player, but I think he should have tied down a position in the centers when he had the chance). A great utility player for the club, but with players ahead of him in every position he plays for England. At the very least, Burns and Flood ahead at 10, Barritt and Allen at 12, Tuilagi and Trinder at 13. I wouldn't be surprised if Farrell got into the EPS on the account of his versatility (and his dad), but I wouldn't have him in the 22.

 

[Teh Mite]

This. I think Farrell is going down the James Hook route of being a jack of all trades, trying to fit many positions and mastering none (not that I think Hook is a bad player, but I think he should have tied down a position in the centers when he had the chance). A great utility player for the club, but with players ahead of him in every position he plays for England. At the very least, Burns and Flood ahead at 10, Barritt and Allen at 12, Tuilagi and Trinder at 13. I wouldn't be surprised if Farrell got into the EPS on the account of his versatility (and his dad), but I wouldn't have him in the 22.

This

 

[Peat]

Because Cockerill is living up to the first 4 letters of his name

I've heard a few Tiggers fans saying 36 saves his good games for camera and his bad ones for when no one's watching. If he's been playing inconsistently, it might explain why Cockerill hasn't been pushing him. Plus, I do think he did have a recent injury.

Regardless, he needs regular gametime, consistency or no. In hindsight, they should have loaned him to Wuss/Newcastle for the season.

 

[B10]

Not saying they should start but what are peoples opinions on Jonathan Joseph from London Irish and Matt Smith from Tigers as centres?

 

[Teh Mite]

Not saying they should start but what are peoples opinions on Jonathan Joseph from London Irish and Matt Smith from Tigers as centres?

My opinion on either of them...


:lol:

 

[B10]

I haven't seen much of Smith recently but hear hes in good form. I know Joseph is injured at the moment but looks a good player for the future.

Also whos going to be our locks for 6 nations? I see Lawes may miss the start of the 6N now aswell.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Matt Smith is a decent enough squad player - wouldn't be starting if not for injuries though.

Joseph is a decent player, but not international quality (yet?). I think Will Greenwood picked him as "one to watch" in the next year. Pretty rapid, though, but needs to consistently play in one position rather than shifting between 13 and 11.

 

[Teh Mite]

I haven't seen much of Smith recently but hear hes in good form. I know Joseph is injured at the moment but looks a good player for the future.

Neither would be near starters for their clubs with full selection available. Nobody from LIs backs should be near the pick of the bunch anyway, England need to move away from the Brian Smith/Mike Catt negative mentality.

Also whos going to be our locks for 6 nations?

Palmer, Lawes, Attwood, A.N. Other.

I see Lawes may miss the start of the 6N now aswell.

Likely to miss 3 weeks apparently. Should be fit for England (quelle surprise).

 

[Peat]

What has been said on Smith.

Joseph's an exciting one, but right now offers nothing Lowe doesn't have, and Lowe has added physicality and experience. One to watch though.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Palmer, Lawes, Attwood, A.N. Other.

Agreed, probably with one of Ed Slater/George Robson (think Parling is still injured?), or even Christian Day or Kearnan Myall

 

[B10]

I thought we couldn't pick Palmer as he's in France?

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Nah, Lancaster did away with that rule pretty much as soon as he was announced as coach.

 

[Peat]

Matt Garvey should definitley be in the reckoning.

And Olyy, that is a source of absolute confusion. The latest words he's said is that is still in effect - but this could count as exceptional circumstances.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Cueto has officially gone:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/ru...or-Six-Nations-by-coach-Stuart-Lancaster.html

Fingers crossed Easter and Tindall had similar conversations with Lancaster

 

[B10]

Care, you stupid boy!

 

[coonor]

Lancaster is clearly laying down the rules early!!

 

[B10]

Ben Morgan statement on Scarlets site. He's English! Great news

 

[Gavin]

Ben Morgan statement on Scarlets site. He's English! Great news

http://www.scarlets.co.uk/eng/news/4544.php

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Good to hear about Morgan (though kind of a shame, as that'll push Fearns out as he's injured atm so can't compete)


Care: What an arse. It's the right thing to do to drop him for being such an idiot, but it's gutting as he probably would/should be first choice scrumhalf, with Youngs and Simpson playing pretty badly atm.