One combo for the back row I would be tempted by would have to be 6 - Shingler, 7 - Tipuric, 8 - Warburton. I know Warburton hasnt had much play time at 8 since his u-20's days but he can still play there, plus having tips at 7 and warbs 8 means if one is at one ruck the other can hit the next and still have a dedicated blind side in shingler who has pace to burn. It could go well or it could backfire however could be worth the gamble.
Front 3 I have to agree with Draggs, likewise for second row's and half backs. Beck-Roberts can go both ways.
That wouldn't be a back row trio I'd want to see. Too lightweight, and no real ball carrier, especially in the tight. Warburton is quite an explosive ball carrier when playing well, but it's not his strongest characteristic. The jury is still out on Shingler imo. He needs to show that there is more to his game than pace. He needs to take a leaf out of Lydiate's book and add a solid tackling game and workrate in the tight before he could ever be considered above both Lydiate and Ryan Jones. The Scarlets back row really isn't functioning with three similar types of players, and this is what you are suggesting here. The balance is all wrong, and teams with a powerful pack would take advantage of it.
Playing both Warburton and Tipuric alongside Ryan Jones could work. I don't mind which of Ryan and Warbs plays 6 and 8, not sure it makes too much difference. My incline would be to play Ryan Jones at 8, because he's got a vast amount of experience at international level of doing so. We know his control at the base of the scrum is up to scratch for example. A lack of control at the base of the scrum has proven costly for the O's when playing JT at 8.
I do think that Warburton should start against Argentina, unlike some. It's very difficult to judge exactly how he's playing, because he's simply part of a squad at the Blues that isn't performing. It can be very difficult for an openside to influence a game when the opposition team has so much dominance in terms of momentum. Warburton was simply getting blown out at the rucks because the Leinster forwards were on the front foot to such an extent that there was no time for Warbs to get over the ball before 2 or 3 guys were smashing him back off. It is why Warburton is so effective playing alongside Lydiate who chops the ball carrier down so early, behind the gainline, giving Warbs the extra split second he needs to get in position over the ball. Put McCaw or Pocock into that current Blues pack and they would also be anonymous. What Warburton did try to do was add some momentum carrying the ball, he was probably the most effective Blues ball carrier because he injected some pace. He's obviously not in top form, but I think he can step-up and the Argentina game is his opportunity to do so. If he doesn't perform in this first test, then Howley will have to seriously consider dropping him to the bench and having a back row of Ryan Jones - Tips - Faletau against Samoa.
As for the Argentina game I am undecided btween two back row choices:
Ryan Jones - Warburton - Faletau or
Sam Warburton - Tipuric - Ryan Jones
