Wales v England - 05/08/23 5:30 KO

[Saintjay]

Reported team will feature players not from the Prem Final. Pearson, Tom Willis, George Martin possibly to feature.

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

If Marcus can't play a kicking game when needed then surely he needs to learn that?

Maybe I'm wrong in thinking that but it's another string to his bow that's needed at times.

Maybe I'm wrong on this though.

I think Smith's game management and kicking game is largely OK. Not his USP, but generally pretty good.

When he tries things it seldom looks reckless or totally inappropriate to the game's situation. But when he does, sometimes they don't come off - well that's what happens if you're not totally risk adverse and the bigger issue may well be that his England team mates haven't been on the same wavelength. That's where club, or at least settled, combinations come in to it.

 

[Reiser99]

If Marcus can't play a kicking game when needed then surely he needs to learn that?

Maybe I'm wrong in thinking that but it's another string to his bow that's needed at times.

Maybe I'm wrong on this though.

I think he can, though probably Ford and Farrell are probably better and more consistent overall. Smith's selling point is his breaks and passes to unlock defences (something we've sorely been missing). If Borthwick just wants to play a safe, percentage based kicking game then Smith probably isn't the best player. If he wants some spark though then Smith is the guy to go with.

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

So the England coaches lied when they said this was going to be a strong as possible team?

 

[Don't Skip Leg Day]

So the England coaches lied when they said this was going to be a strong as possible team?

Discussing a team without posting it… tut tut

 

[Pieter Steph du Teague]

Very cool for Pearson that he'll get to debut in Cardiff. Happy for him.

 

[Geordie]

4567 has some power in it...with a creative 8 to compliment.

Really hope Blamire shows what he can do

The backs have a nice mix of power and skill / pace.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Way way way more experimental than I expected,
Completely forgot Porter was in the squad still

Bit confused by the logic in it - they've said they've pretty much got the side settled in their minds - how many of these combinations are going to make it onto the plane?

Kinda has the feel of a Barbarians run out game rather than building towards the RWC

Reported team will feature players not from the Prem Final.

Rodd, Hill, Dan and Malins are there

 

[dullonien]

Wonder if Gats/Borthwick privately agreed that this game would be somewhat experimental? Both sides quite similar in that regard.

 

[Pieter Steph du Teague]

The main takeaway for me is that Porter is perhaps much more in contention for the squad than I'd have previously thought. Honestly, good for him. He performed well when given the chance in the AIs and there's a lot to be said for a player in a limited squad who can legitimately perform at 12, 13 and wing.

 

[Geordie]

Way way way more experimental than I expected,
Completely forgot Porter was in the squad still

Bit confused by the logic in it - they've said they've pretty much got the side settled in their minds - how many of these combinations are going to make it onto the plane?

Kinda has the feel of a Barbarians run out game rather than building towards the RWC


Rodd, Hill, Dan and Malins are there

Im just wondering how the training camp has gone...and maybe a few of the fringe lads have excelled over the senior starters..so he wants a look at them in this game.

It could be that this isnt as experimental as opposed to trying some potential starters.

 

[Nudger]

Probably a thank you to some fringe players before being cut

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Probably a thank you to some fringe players before being cut

"Thanks for running broncos in 40deg heat in Italy, here's £25k"

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Idk when I look at that team I think they all have chances to make the squad in reality

Feel like Smith, Marchant, Porter all fighting for the same spot

 

[Geordie]

Idk when I look at that team I think they all have chances to make the squad in reality

Feel like Smith, Marchant, Porter all fighting for the same spot

We just dont know how theyve been going in training.

EG Jamie George might be labouring...and Blamire and Dan have been pulling up trees.

Same with Porter...maybe the gameplan is quite simply as we've said and Porter is buying it to it very well.

Or as you say....its a £25k thanks but no thanks.

 

[higgik]

Im just wondering how the training camp has gone...and maybe a few of the fringe lads have excelled over the senior starters..so he wants a look at them in this game.

It could be that this isnt as experimental as opposed to trying some potential starters.

Sometimes the metaphorical kick up the backside does a lot of good for players.
Too often we have seen players as 'unstoppable' even when they are not performing, Itoje for one, Youngs for another.
Think the Midfield will have a good game as both Porter and Marchant are strong, quick and run good lines, Big Joe will be used as the battering ram, when nothing is on.
Would like to see Steward become more active in attack.
As said back 5 looks a good combination of grunt, power, pace and guile to offer options.
In Spain on hols, so will be watching on computer screen by pool!!!

 

[McTallshort]

I bet Pearson has a Stormer and we don't see him again for 2 years

 

[Don't Skip Leg Day]

Idk when I look at that team I think they all have chances to make the squad in reality

Feel like Smith, Marchant, Porter all fighting for the same spot

I got that impression about Coka and Malins, Pearson and Ludlum and maybe ribbans and Martin as well.

 

[TopTen2003]

I bet Pearson has a Stormer and we don't see him again for 2 years

That's my fear!

Hope these lads are playing themselves into contention, an interesting game at the weekend for sure although as always with WC warm up it's hard to know if you're really testing out the highest level as we will be when we run out against Argentina.

I am intrigued to see how we approach it style wise- it doesn't feel like a kick and chase line up.

Dombrandt and Pearson could be exciting if they both click into gear- big game for Dombrandt in particular I feel

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

Let's hope it goes a little better than Genge's last stab at captaincy.