[RWC2023] England vs Argentina (09/09/2023)

[TRF_Olyy]

If we take the Mitchell/May/Cole predictions as gospel, then the training group they're in today suggests a side of:

Marler, George, Cole
Itoje, Ribbans,
Lawes, Ludlam, Earl
Mitchell, Ford
May, Tuilagi, Lawrence, Malins
Steward

That's who was in the red bibs, anyway - with the exception of Ludlam at 7 (I'd expect Willis to start there before him, but Willis was in blue - Curry nowhere to be seen) then it's a pretty believable side

 

[Don't Skip Leg Day]

Curry starting after missing training this week would be a big risk but one I could see SB doing. He's definitely into the last roll of the dice mode now that his master plan isn't working.

He must be second guessing himself by now though with his ideas all coming undone and the poor performances for his 'stars'

 

[TommiG88]

If we take the Mitchell/May/Cole predictions as gospel, then the training group they're in today suggests a side of:

Marler, George, Cole
Itoje, Ribbans,
Lawes, Ludlam, Earl
Mitchell, Ford
May, Tuilagi, Lawrence, Malins
Steward

That's who was in the red bibs, anyway - with the exception of Ludlam at 7 (I'd expect Willis to start there before him, but Willis was in blue - Curry nowhere to be seen) then it's a pretty believable side

I really don't like that team, so I hope not

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

If we take the Mitchell/May/Cole predictions as gospel, then the training group they're in today suggests a side of:

Marler, George, Cole
Itoje, Ribbans,
Lawes, Ludlam, Earl
Mitchell, Ford
May, Tuilagi, Lawrence, Malins
Steward

That's who was in the red bibs, anyway - with the exception of Ludlam at 7 (I'd expect Willis to start there before him, but Willis was in blue - Curry nowhere to be seen) then it's a pretty believable side

Really really hope not.

But assuming it's another SB master stroke…..

Front row's back to the future. Genge is one of the V/Cs so that would be a pretty big slap in the face.

No room for Willis even with no Curry? Chessum would be picked over Ribbans most days so presumably he's not quite right / too rusty yet.

Backs just have the 2 that didn't even make the original squad. Whatever the game plan would be it's not kill them with pace.

No, this can't be it. Please.

 

[Don't Skip Leg Day]

Malins and steward together almost guarantees we won't be scoring any more trys from the backs.

 

[Noonz]

I have no idea how this would go, but if Smith is going to get a run at 15, I think an interesting backline could be:

9. Mitchell
10. Ford
11. May/Arundell
12. Manu/Lawrence
13. Marchant
14. Steward
15. Smith

 

[Ragey Erasmus]

Curry starting after missing training this week would be a big risk but one I could see SB doing. He's definitely into the last roll of the dice mode now that his master plan isn't working.

He must be second guessing himself by now though with his ideas all coming undone and the poor performances for his 'stars'

Probably on to third guessing by now.

 

[Bada-Bing!]

The Times reporting Elliot instead of Malins is more likely.

Probable England XV vs Argentina F Steward; J May, J Marchant, M Tuilagi, E Daly; G Ford, A Mitchell; E Genge, J George, D Cole, M Itoje, O Chessum, C Lawes, T Curry, B Earl.

 

[Becca]

The Times reporting Elliot instead of Malins is more likely.

Probable England XV vs Argentina F Steward; J May, J Marchant, M Tuilagi, E Daly; G Ford, A Mitchell; E Genge, J George, D Cole, M Itoje, O Chessum, C Lawes, T Curry, B Earl.

That's the team I saw earlier

 

[Don't Skip Leg Day]

I have no idea how this would go, but if Smith is going to get a run at 15, I think an interesting backline could be:

9. Mitchell
10. Ford
11. May/Arundell
12. Manu/Lawrence
13. Marchant
14. Steward
15. Smith

That makes me want to vomit.

If England use two strike runner centres, then they need to pick a FB with some play making ability like Daly, Malins or Arundel (although I'm not overly confident on him there) and then pick proper wingers on the wing (which excludes steward and Malins).

Or pick Daly at 13, marchant on one wing and Daly/ Arundel on the other with Freddie at FB.

Common sense has left the England camp. If the centres and FB arnt doing their job, don't put a FH there, just pick betters centres or FBs.

 

[Scotty]

The Times reporting Elliot instead of Malins is more likely.

Probable England XV vs Argentina F Steward; J May, J Marchant, M Tuilagi, E Daly; G Ford, A Mitchell; E Genge, J George, D Cole, M Itoje, O Chessum, C Lawes, T Curry, B Earl.

That would mean
Dan
Marler
Sinks
Ribbans?
Willis
Care
Smith
Lawrence

Honestly im pretty happy with this 23 if its the case.

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

The Times reporting Elliot instead of Malins is more likely.

Probable England XV vs Argentina F Steward; J May, J Marchant, M Tuilagi, E Daly; G Ford, A Mitchell; E Genge, J George, D Cole, M Itoje, O Chessum, C Lawes, T Curry, B Earl.

Makes more sense.

If all fit, Cole leapfrogging Sinckler and Stuart is extraordinary and depressing in equal measure. Can only assume Sinckler isn't quite right.

 

[Geordie]

How ironic the Newcastle falcons are s£&te yet half our team might beat England ....

 

[Geordie]

Makes more sense.

If all fit, Cole leapfrogging Sinckler and Stuart is extraordinary and depressing in equal measure. Can only assume Sinckler isn't quite right.

Yes our tighthead and (Bar Genge) loosehead situation is horrific....

Edit...Sinckler is awful...not even closely the same force since he left Quins.

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

Yes our tighthead and (Bar Genge) loosehead situation is horrific....

Edit...Sinckler is awful...not even closely the same force since he left Quins.

TBH Genge has been a bit underwhelming too. The occasional baby rhino charge but I don't see enough intensity or impact from him.

Not so long ago he was being lauded as one of the best in the world and a FEC. He's not now. Can only think that he and Sinckler have become Lams to the slaughter.

 

[Not Mike Brown's Sock]

I can't believe we're back in a May-Daly era again...

 

[Lé Ddanno]

That's the team I saw earlier

Ok so not dreams, but visions?

 

[Welsh Exile]

I hope Argentina invoke the spirit of Maradona and absolutely **** house a 9-6 victory. Vamos Argentina.

 

[Lé Ddanno]

TBH Genge has been a bit underwhelming too. The occasional baby rhino charge but I don't see enough intensity or impact from him.

Not so long ago he was being lauded as one of the best in the world and a FEC. He's not now. Can only think that he and Sinckler have become Lams to the slaughter.

EVERYONE has been underwhelming bar a few flashes in 5 seconds sparked by Ford and Smith. I can't think of a single forward that has really stepped up other than Ludlam in the 6ns. The backs are left anonymous by default. This is 100% a coaching fuckup

 

[Lé Ddanno]

I hope Argentina invoke the spirit of Maradona and absolutely **** house a 9-6 victory. Vamos Argentina.

We're not exactly renowned for stopping other sides from scoring right now. No way we're keeping Arg to just 9