On and Off the Plane

[Puja]

Moving towards the plane:
Ludlam: Played a classic 6's role today with some immense tackles. Didn't see as much of him at the breakdown as he's capable of, but he took to international level like a duck to water.
Heinz: Okay, so he was always going, but now I'm not quite so sad about it. One shite pass aside, he provided good service today, solid kicking, and kept the fringe defence interested in him. Not brilliant, but serviceable.
Joseph: Should never have been in doubt, but knowing Eddie, possibly was. Great running lines and good decisions.
Ewels: Charlie keeps looking thoroughly at home at international level whenever he's called upon. Underrated and will be hated here if he beats out Launchbury, but it's going to be close.

Not got their boarding pass yet:
Cokanasiga: Will probably go because of Nowell's injury and his freakish physical gifts, but didn't make brilliant decisions and was determined to die with the ball.
Singleton and Marchant: 4 minutes and zero touches of the ball between them - Eddie clearly believes a lot in them.

F*ck off back to the duty-free:
Genge: Very good in the scrum, but clog hands on a couple of occasions and added little in the loose. Stupid penalty for a completely avoidable altercation.
Francis: Wobbly in defence, added nothing in attack, very poor.

Hard to do this when there's so little room in the squad already.

Puja

[Banquo]

erm....how was Francis wobbly in defence? Made 9, missed none. I thought he was pretty solid tbh. Wpuldn't take him though

Slightly worried on LCD, notwithstanding your defence of his critics in the lineout; he will be going and he's good in the loose (though found surviving clearouts harder than the prem). But his darts continue to worry me.

Think folks are being overly harsh on big Joe. We know he can offload.

[Scrumhead]

Moving towards the plane:
Ludlam: Played a classic 6's role today with some immense tackles. Didn't see as much of him at the breakdown as he's capable of, but he took to international level like a duck to water.
Heinz: Okay, so he was always going, but now I'm not quite so sad about it. One shite pass aside, he provided good service today, solid kicking, and kept the fringe defence interested in him. Not brilliant, but serviceable.
Joseph: Should never have been in doubt, but knowing Eddie, possibly was. Great running lines and good decisions.
Ewels: Charlie keeps looking thoroughly at home at international level whenever he's called upon. Underrated and will be hated here if he beats out Launchbury, but it's going to be close.

Not got their boarding pass yet:
Cokanasiga: Will probably go because of Nowell's injury and his freakish physical gifts, but didn't make brilliant decisions and was determined to die with the ball.
Singleton and Marchant: 4 minutes and zero touches of the ball between them - Eddie clearly believes a lot in them.

F*ck off back to the duty-free:
Genge: Very good in the scrum, but clog hands on a couple of occasions and added little in the loose. Stupid penalty for a completely avoidable altercation.
Francis: Wobbly in defence, added nothing in attack, very poor.

Hard to do this when there's so little room in the squad already.

Puja

I’d go along with that. Although, like Banquo, I think you were a touch harsh on Francis. I would have preferred Lozowski, but I actually quite like him and I’d take him ahead of the other options in the training squad.

I do agree on Genge though. He’s not good enough for me overlook his di*khead moments.

[Oakboy]

The snag is that we don't know Jones's balance. How many centres, hookers, SHs etc.

I'd take Launchbury ahead of Ewels in a straight either/or and Slade ahead of JJ but I'd have both ahead of Marchant, Francis and T'eo.

[Puja]

erm....how was Francis wobbly in defence? Made 9, missed none. I thought he was pretty solid tbh. Wpuldn't take him though

Slightly worried on LCD, notwithstanding your defence of his critics in the lineout; he will be going and he's good in the loose (though found surviving clearouts harder than the prem). But his darts continue to worry me.

Think folks are being overly harsh on big Joe. We know he can offload.

...I will reserve the right to be wrong on Francis's defence, as those are fairly definitive statistics! I thought I remembered him being out of position at one point and letting someone through, but I could be mistaken.

I though M.Reynard was very weird on rucks today. You could put your hands anywhere and do anything from any position, so slowing down the ball was easy, but he almost never gave a turnover (Lawes aside) even when it was obvious.

Joe ability to offload is never in doubt. His decisions on whether he should pass or try and take on everyone himself still are.

I actually forgot one person who can also f*ck off to the duty free - Harry Williams. We're going to have to take him, cause we need three tightheads (same with Genge), but he somehow managed to be worse than Cole, who was utterly anonymous.

Puja

[Banquo]

Moving towards the plane:
Ludlam: Played a classic 6's role today with some immense tackles. Didn't see as much of him at the breakdown as he's capable of, but he took to international level like a duck to water.
Heinz: Okay, so he was always going, but now I'm not quite so sad about it. One shite pass aside, he provided good service today, solid kicking, and kept the fringe defence interested in him. Not brilliant, but serviceable.
Joseph: Should never have been in doubt, but knowing Eddie, possibly was. Great running lines and good decisions.
Ewels: Charlie keeps looking thoroughly at home at international level whenever he's called upon. Underrated and will be hated here if he beats out Launchbury, but it's going to be close.

Not got their boarding pass yet:
Cokanasiga: Will probably go because of Nowell's injury and his freakish physical gifts, but didn't make brilliant decisions and was determined to die with the ball.
Singleton and Marchant: 4 minutes and zero touches of the ball between them - Eddie clearly believes a lot in them.

F*ck off back to the duty-free:
Genge: Very good in the scrum, but clog hands on a couple of occasions and added little in the loose. Stupid penalty for a completely avoidable altercation.
Francis: Wobbly in defence, added nothing in attack, very poor.

Hard to do this when there's so little room in the squad already.

Puja

I’d go along with that. Although, like Banquo, I think you were a touch harsh on Francis. I would have preferred Lozowski, but I actually quite like him and I’d take him ahead of the other options in the training squad.

I do agree on Genge though. He’s not good enough for me overlook his di*khead moments.

Who would you leave behind for Francis?

[Banquo]

erm....how was Francis wobbly in defence? Made 9, missed none. I thought he was pretty solid tbh. Wpuldn't take him though

Slightly worried on LCD, notwithstanding your defence of his critics in the lineout; he will be going and he's good in the loose (though found surviving clearouts harder than the prem). But his darts continue to worry me.

Think folks are being overly harsh on big Joe. We know he can offload.

...I will reserve the right to be wrong on Francis's defence, as those are fairly definitive statistics! I thought I remembered him being out of position at one point and letting someone through, but I could be mistaken.

I though M.Reynard was very weird on rucks today. You could put your hands anywhere and do anything from any position, so slowing down the ball was easy, but he almost never gave a turnover (Lawes aside) even when it was obvious.

Joe ability to offload is never in doubt. His decisions on whether he should pass or try and take on everyone himself still are.

I actually forgot one person who can also f*ck off to the duty free - Harry Williams. We're going to have to take him, cause we need three tightheads (same with Genge), but he somehow managed to be worse than Cole, who was utterly anonymous.

Puja

Think Joe is still learning, and I'd take him. He offered enough today to suggest he'll worry the best sides.

Seems a huge waste taking 6 props, but there we are.

[Scrumhead]

erm....how was Francis wobbly in defence? Made 9, missed none. I thought he was pretty solid tbh. Wpuldn't take him though

Slightly worried on LCD, notwithstanding your defence of his critics in the lineout; he will be going and he's good in the loose (though found surviving clearouts harder than the prem). But his darts continue to worry me.

Think folks are being overly harsh on big Joe. We know he can offload.

...I will reserve the right to be wrong on Francis's defence, as those are fairly definitive statistics! I thought I remembered him being out of position at one point and letting someone through, but I could be mistaken.

I though M.Reynard was very weird on rucks today. You could put your hands anywhere and do anything from any position, so slowing down the ball was easy, but he almost never gave a turnover (Lawes aside) even when it was obvious.

Joe ability to offload is never in doubt. His decisions on whether he should pass or try and take on everyone himself still are.

I actually forgot one person who can also f*ck off to the duty free - Harry Williams. We're going to have to take him, cause we need three tightheads (same with Genge), but he somehow managed to be worse than Cole, who was utterly anonymous.

Puja

Also agree on Williams. He’s been completely anonymous in all of his England appearances TBH. As you said though, he’s almost assured of his place as third choice tighthead.

Post RWC, I’m hoping that Will Stuart gets a good amount of game time at Bath as he was starting to look good. Joe Heyes looks promising too and should get a decent amount of opportunity at Tigers.

[Puja]

Moving towards the plane:
Ludlam: Played a classic 6's role today with some immense tackles. Didn't see as much of him at the breakdown as he's capable of, but he took to international level like a duck to water.
Heinz: Okay, so he was always going, but now I'm not quite so sad about it. One shite pass aside, he provided good service today, solid kicking, and kept the fringe defence interested in him. Not brilliant, but serviceable.
Joseph: Should never have been in doubt, but knowing Eddie, possibly was. Great running lines and good decisions.
Ewels: Charlie keeps looking thoroughly at home at international level whenever he's called upon. Underrated and will be hated here if he beats out Launchbury, but it's going to be close.

Not got their boarding pass yet:
Cokanasiga: Will probably go because of Nowell's injury and his freakish physical gifts, but didn't make brilliant decisions and was determined to die with the ball.
Singleton and Marchant: 4 minutes and zero touches of the ball between them - Eddie clearly believes a lot in them.

F*ck off back to the duty-free:
Genge: Very good in the scrum, but clog hands on a couple of occasions and added little in the loose. Stupid penalty for a completely avoidable altercation.
Francis: Wobbly in defence, added nothing in attack, very poor.

Hard to do this when there's so little room in the squad already.

Puja

I’d go along with that. Although, like Banquo, I think you were a touch harsh on Francis. I would have preferred Lozowski, but I actually quite like him and I’d take him ahead of the other options in the training squad.

I do agree on Genge though. He’s not good enough for me overlook his di*khead moments.

Who would you leave behind for Francis?

My ideal squad has 6 props, 3 hookers, and 3 scrum-halves, on the basis that none of those positions are negotiable and the rules on replacements make it awkward if one gets injured. That would leave only 3 centres, which would be Manu, Slade, Joseph.

However, that's clearly not how Eddie's going, so I guess there's room for a 4th centre, and anything but Te'o.

Puja

[Banquo]

I’d go along with that. Although, like Banquo, I think you were a touch harsh on Francis. I would have preferred Lozowski, but I actually quite like him and I’d take him ahead of the other options in the training squad.

I do agree on Genge though. He’s not good enough for me overlook his di*khead moments.

Who would you leave behind for Francis?

My ideal squad has 6 props, 3 hookers, and 3 scrum-halves, on the basis that none of those positions are negotiable and the rules on replacements make it awkward if one gets injured. That would leave only 3 centres, which would be Manu, Slade, Joseph.

However, that's clearly not how Eddie's going, so I guess there's room for a 4th centre, and anything but Te'o.

Puja

Given that you are a fan of Faz at 12, not sure that's what I thought you'd do . I reckon Teo might still make it, sadly.

[Mellsblue]

Some strange ratings here:

https://amp.rugbypass.com/news/england- ... ssion=true


Elliot Daly – 6
A quiet first half for Daly as England dominated possession, particularly in the first quarter, and denied him the opportunity to counter-attack. He will want his missed tackle on Gareth Davies back, although he linked the midfield and wings well in the times he did inject himself into the attacking line. Deserved man of the match solely for his audacious late drop goal.

Joe Cokanasiga – 7
A bit of a mixed bag from Cokanasiga who was eager to look for work off of his wing and added to England’s power game around the fringes, coming into the game as a first receiver and pick and go option. On one loose Welsh kick he ran into traffic and was held up, coughing up the turnover as a result, whilst his first-up tackling on a couple of chases was inefficient, despite working hard to recover after. His physicality in attack was impressive.


Jonathan Joseph – 8
Joseph was very influential early on, making telling contributions with all of his involvements, whether that was with precise passing and outside breaks in attack, or ripping the ball out of contact in defence. His defensive work in general was intelligent and effective throughout.

Piers Francis – 7
If Francis’ role in the squad is to provide the Owen Farrell role from 2016 and 2017, he delivered at Twickenham. The Northampton inside centre put in a couple of thunderous tackles in defence and had soft hands to shift the point of contact in the midfield.

Anthony Watson – 9
A strong showing from the Bath man who looked lively and sharp, despite missing most of last season with injury. He was good in the aerial competitions, displayed effective footwork and power as a carrier and chased and covered very well without the ball. Like Cokanasiga, he looked hungry for work and came in off his wing numerous times.

George Ford – 6
A flawless kicking display will have pleased Jones, who will know he can rely on Ford’s boot in Japan if necessary. His tactical kicking fell short of Farrell’s with a few that were considerably beyond his chasers, although his play with ball in hand was solid and he linked well with Francis.

Willie Heinz – 7
A confident debut from Heinz, whose array and timing of his passes in attack was a contributor to an impressive England first half. He was caught for speed on the blindside of the scrum on a couple of occasions, although managed the game well aside from that.

Ellis Genge – 8
The loosehead caught the eye early with a typical bullocking carry, although it was his ability to turn the screw on Tomas Francis as the game went on that was the real takeaway. He held up well against early pressure from the Welsh scrum, before helping England gain an ascendancy.

Luke Cowan-Dickie – 7
The hooker swooped on an overthrown Welsh lineout to grab a try on his first international start and his carrying was effective, if not spectacular throughout. One of his lineouts went amiss and he coughed up an unnecessary offside penalty in the second half, although it was an encouraging display from a player that has previously been limited to a role as Jamie George’s deputy.


Dan Cole – 7
The Leicester tighthead provided a solid platform at the scrum and was able to provide his team with a turnover, as he forced a knock-on in defence. A solid 53-minute performance from the veteran.

Joe Launchbury – 6
Launchbury went well in the loose, linking play and offering himself as a carrier and an option in support. He was an effective target for Cowan-Dickie at the lineout, too.

Charlie Ewels – 7
England’s locking quartet is established at this point, although Ewels took his chance to impress greedily. He was an effective counter-rucker, pressured around the fringes for a charge down and had the line-speed to fit into England’s aggressive defence. He was targeted at the lineout successfully, too, taking two throws in the game.

Lewis Ludlam – 8
A very confident and composed debut from Ludlam, who contributed in a number of ways. He was a physical carrier close to the ruck, made a number of big tackles, including a notable one on Ross Moriarty, and was persistently hunting the scrum-half and first receives with his line-speed.

Tom Curry – 7
The flanker unfortunately had to hobble off after 28 minutes, although he was one of, if not the most impressive player on the pitch until his departure. His work rate was excellent as he tackled powerfully on the gain-line, popped up as a carrying threat on some incisive lines and made an important interception with his line-speed and read in defence.

Billy Vunipola – 7
A bright start saw Vunipola demonstrate his strength in the carry and his early try came with four Welsh players wrapped around him. His soft hands helped link a couple of English attacks, too, and he kept working hard throughout the game.

[Banquo]

Some strange ratings here:

https://amp.rugbypass.com/news/england- ... ssion=true


Elliot Daly – 6
A quiet first half for Daly as England dominated possession, particularly in the first quarter, and denied him the opportunity to counter-attack. He will want his missed tackle on Gareth Davies back, although he linked the midfield and wings well in the times he did inject himself into the attacking line. Deserved man of the match solely for his audacious late drop goal.

Joe Cokanasiga – 7
A bit of a mixed bag from Cokanasiga who was eager to look for work off of his wing and added to England’s power game around the fringes, coming into the game as a first receiver and pick and go option. On one loose Welsh kick he ran into traffic and was held up, coughing up the turnover as a result, whilst his first-up tackling on a couple of chases was inefficient, despite working hard to recover after. His physicality in attack was impressive.


Jonathan Joseph – 8
Joseph was very influential early on, making telling contributions with all of his involvements, whether that was with precise passing and outside breaks in attack, or ripping the ball out of contact in defence. His defensive work in general was intelligent and effective throughout.

Piers Francis – 7
If Francis’ role in the squad is to provide the Owen Farrell role from 2016 and 2017, he delivered at Twickenham. The Northampton inside centre put in a couple of thunderous tackles in defence and had soft hands to shift the point of contact in the midfield.

Anthony Watson – 9
A strong showing from the Bath man who looked lively and sharp, despite missing most of last season with injury. He was good in the aerial competitions, displayed effective footwork and power as a carrier and chased and covered very well without the ball. Like Cokanasiga, he looked hungry for work and came in off his wing numerous times.

George Ford – 6
A flawless kicking display will have pleased Jones, who will know he can rely on Ford’s boot in Japan if necessary. His tactical kicking fell short of Farrell’s with a few that were considerably beyond his chasers, although his play with ball in hand was solid and he linked well with Francis.

Willie Heinz – 7
A confident debut from Heinz, whose array and timing of his passes in attack was a contributor to an impressive England first half. He was caught for speed on the blindside of the scrum on a couple of occasions, although managed the game well aside from that.

Ellis Genge – 8
The loosehead caught the eye early with a typical bullocking carry, although it was his ability to turn the screw on Tomas Francis as the game went on that was the real takeaway. He held up well against early pressure from the Welsh scrum, before helping England gain an ascendancy.

Luke Cowan-Dickie – 7
The hooker swooped on an overthrown Welsh lineout to grab a try on his first international start and his carrying was effective, if not spectacular throughout. One of his lineouts went amiss and he coughed up an unnecessary offside penalty in the second half, although it was an encouraging display from a player that has previously been limited to a role as Jamie George’s deputy.


Dan Cole – 7
The Leicester tighthead provided a solid platform at the scrum and was able to provide his team with a turnover, as he forced a knock-on in defence. A solid 53-minute performance from the veteran.

Joe Launchbury – 6
Launchbury went well in the loose, linking play and offering himself as a carrier and an option in support. He was an effective target for Cowan-Dickie at the lineout, too.

Charlie Ewels – 7
England’s locking quartet is established at this point, although Ewels took his chance to impress greedily. He was an effective counter-rucker, pressured around the fringes for a charge down and had the line-speed to fit into England’s aggressive defence. He was targeted at the lineout successfully, too, taking two throws in the game.

Lewis Ludlam – 8
A very confident and composed debut from Ludlam, who contributed in a number of ways. He was a physical carrier close to the ruck, made a number of big tackles, including a notable one on Ross Moriarty, and was persistently hunting the scrum-half and first receives with his line-speed.

Tom Curry – 7
The flanker unfortunately had to hobble off after 28 minutes, although he was one of, if not the most impressive player on the pitch until his departure. His work rate was excellent as he tackled powerfully on the gain-line, popped up as a carrying threat on some incisive lines and made an important interception with his line-speed and read in defence.

Billy Vunipola – 7
A bright start saw Vunipola demonstrate his strength in the carry and his early try came with four Welsh players wrapped around him. His soft hands helped link a couple of English attacks, too, and he kept working hard throughout the game.

Written by a Mrs Farrell of St Albans?

[Mellsblue]

Some strange ratings here:

https://amp.rugbypass.com/news/england- ... ssion=true


Elliot Daly – 6
A quiet first half for Daly as England dominated possession, particularly in the first quarter, and denied him the opportunity to counter-attack. He will want his missed tackle on Gareth Davies back, although he linked the midfield and wings well in the times he did inject himself into the attacking line. Deserved man of the match solely for his audacious late drop goal.

Joe Cokanasiga – 7
A bit of a mixed bag from Cokanasiga who was eager to look for work off of his wing and added to England’s power game around the fringes, coming into the game as a first receiver and pick and go option. On one loose Welsh kick he ran into traffic and was held up, coughing up the turnover as a result, whilst his first-up tackling on a couple of chases was inefficient, despite working hard to recover after. His physicality in attack was impressive.


Jonathan Joseph – 8
Joseph was very influential early on, making telling contributions with all of his involvements, whether that was with precise passing and outside breaks in attack, or ripping the ball out of contact in defence. His defensive work in general was intelligent and effective throughout.

Piers Francis – 7
If Francis’ role in the squad is to provide the Owen Farrell role from 2016 and 2017, he delivered at Twickenham. The Northampton inside centre put in a couple of thunderous tackles in defence and had soft hands to shift the point of contact in the midfield.

Anthony Watson – 9
A strong showing from the Bath man who looked lively and sharp, despite missing most of last season with injury. He was good in the aerial competitions, displayed effective footwork and power as a carrier and chased and covered very well without the ball. Like Cokanasiga, he looked hungry for work and came in off his wing numerous times.

George Ford – 6
A flawless kicking display will have pleased Jones, who will know he can rely on Ford’s boot in Japan if necessary. His tactical kicking fell short of Farrell’s with a few that were considerably beyond his chasers, although his play with ball in hand was solid and he linked well with Francis.

Willie Heinz – 7
A confident debut from Heinz, whose array and timing of his passes in attack was a contributor to an impressive England first half. He was caught for speed on the blindside of the scrum on a couple of occasions, although managed the game well aside from that.

Ellis Genge – 8
The loosehead caught the eye early with a typical bullocking carry, although it was his ability to turn the screw on Tomas Francis as the game went on that was the real takeaway. He held up well against early pressure from the Welsh scrum, before helping England gain an ascendancy.

Luke Cowan-Dickie – 7
The hooker swooped on an overthrown Welsh lineout to grab a try on his first international start and his carrying was effective, if not spectacular throughout. One of his lineouts went amiss and he coughed up an unnecessary offside penalty in the second half, although it was an encouraging display from a player that has previously been limited to a role as Jamie George’s deputy.


Dan Cole – 7
The Leicester tighthead provided a solid platform at the scrum and was able to provide his team with a turnover, as he forced a knock-on in defence. A solid 53-minute performance from the veteran.

Joe Launchbury – 6
Launchbury went well in the loose, linking play and offering himself as a carrier and an option in support. He was an effective target for Cowan-Dickie at the lineout, too.

Charlie Ewels – 7
England’s locking quartet is established at this point, although Ewels took his chance to impress greedily. He was an effective counter-rucker, pressured around the fringes for a charge down and had the line-speed to fit into England’s aggressive defence. He was targeted at the lineout successfully, too, taking two throws in the game.

Lewis Ludlam – 8
A very confident and composed debut from Ludlam, who contributed in a number of ways. He was a physical carrier close to the ruck, made a number of big tackles, including a notable one on Ross Moriarty, and was persistently hunting the scrum-half and first receives with his line-speed.

Tom Curry – 7
The flanker unfortunately had to hobble off after 28 minutes, although he was one of, if not the most impressive player on the pitch until his departure. His work rate was excellent as he tackled powerfully on the gain-line, popped up as a carrying threat on some incisive lines and made an important interception with his line-speed and read in defence.

Billy Vunipola – 7
A bright start saw Vunipola demonstrate his strength in the carry and his early try came with four Welsh players wrapped around him. His soft hands helped link a couple of English attacks, too, and he kept working hard throughout the game.

Written by a Mrs Farrell of St Albans?

Ha. 100% off the tee and a line break is normally a world class performance from an England 10 and captain.

[Banquo]

Has to be some demerits against Lawes and LCD for ludicrous penalties, but as they will both be on the plane, that's more for Eddie to give them the hairdryer. Though that might lead Courtney's hair to go Himalayan.

[Shiny]

Some strange ratings here:

https://amp.rugbypass.com/news/england- ... ssion=true


Elliot Daly – 6
A quiet first half for Daly as England dominated possession, particularly in the first quarter, and denied him the opportunity to counter-attack. He will want his missed tackle on Gareth Davies back, although he linked the midfield and wings well in the times he did inject himself into the attacking line. Deserved man of the match solely for his audacious late drop goal.

Joe Cokanasiga – 7
A bit of a mixed bag from Cokanasiga who was eager to look for work off of his wing and added to England’s power game around the fringes, coming into the game as a first receiver and pick and go option. On one loose Welsh kick he ran into traffic and was held up, coughing up the turnover as a result, whilst his first-up tackling on a couple of chases was inefficient, despite working hard to recover after. His physicality in attack was impressive.


Jonathan Joseph – 8
Joseph was very influential early on, making telling contributions with all of his involvements, whether that was with precise passing and outside breaks in attack, or ripping the ball out of contact in defence. His defensive work in general was intelligent and effective throughout.

Piers Francis – 7
If Francis’ role in the squad is to provide the Owen Farrell role from 2016 and 2017, he delivered at Twickenham. The Northampton inside centre put in a couple of thunderous tackles in defence and had soft hands to shift the point of contact in the midfield.

Anthony Watson – 9
A strong showing from the Bath man who looked lively and sharp, despite missing most of last season with injury. He was good in the aerial competitions, displayed effective footwork and power as a carrier and chased and covered very well without the ball. Like Cokanasiga, he looked hungry for work and came in off his wing numerous times.

George Ford – 6
A flawless kicking display will have pleased Jones, who will know he can rely on Ford’s boot in Japan if necessary. His tactical kicking fell short of Farrell’s with a few that were considerably beyond his chasers, although his play with ball in hand was solid and he linked well with Francis.

Willie Heinz – 7
A confident debut from Heinz, whose array and timing of his passes in attack was a contributor to an impressive England first half. He was caught for speed on the blindside of the scrum on a couple of occasions, although managed the game well aside from that.

Ellis Genge – 8
The loosehead caught the eye early with a typical bullocking carry, although it was his ability to turn the screw on Tomas Francis as the game went on that was the real takeaway. He held up well against early pressure from the Welsh scrum, before helping England gain an ascendancy.

Luke Cowan-Dickie – 7
The hooker swooped on an overthrown Welsh lineout to grab a try on his first international start and his carrying was effective, if not spectacular throughout. One of his lineouts went amiss and he coughed up an unnecessary offside penalty in the second half, although it was an encouraging display from a player that has previously been limited to a role as Jamie George’s deputy.


Dan Cole – 7
The Leicester tighthead provided a solid platform at the scrum and was able to provide his team with a turnover, as he forced a knock-on in defence. A solid 53-minute performance from the veteran.

Joe Launchbury – 6
Launchbury went well in the loose, linking play and offering himself as a carrier and an option in support. He was an effective target for Cowan-Dickie at the lineout, too.

Charlie Ewels – 7
England’s locking quartet is established at this point, although Ewels took his chance to impress greedily. He was an effective counter-rucker, pressured around the fringes for a charge down and had the line-speed to fit into England’s aggressive defence. He was targeted at the lineout successfully, too, taking two throws in the game.

Lewis Ludlam – 8
A very confident and composed debut from Ludlam, who contributed in a number of ways. He was a physical carrier close to the ruck, made a number of big tackles, including a notable one on Ross Moriarty, and was persistently hunting the scrum-half and first receives with his line-speed.

Tom Curry – 7
The flanker unfortunately had to hobble off after 28 minutes, although he was one of, if not the most impressive player on the pitch until his departure. His work rate was excellent as he tackled powerfully on the gain-line, popped up as a carrying threat on some incisive lines and made an important interception with his line-speed and read in defence.

Billy Vunipola – 7
A bright start saw Vunipola demonstrate his strength in the carry and his early try came with four Welsh players wrapped around him. His soft hands helped link a couple of English attacks, too, and he kept working hard throughout the game.

Secretly written by Stephen Jones of the Times under a pen name and I claim my £5.

[Banquo]

Ford was second in the tackles made count, passed impeccably, kept pace in the game, and had 100% goal kicks. His kicks from hand were all fine bar one- it was a shocker at a bad time truth be told, so worthy of comment. Faz's tactical kicking for England is no better and oft worse. Its all bizarre.

[Puja]

Ford could literally be fellating the reviewer as he wrote the scores and would still get a 5 or a 6 with a comment about how his technique wasn't as strong as Farrell's would have been.

Puja

[Banquo]

Ford could literally be fellating the reviewer as he wrote the scores and would still get a 5 or a 6 with a comment about how his technique wasn't as strong as Farrell's would have been.

Puja

That's a bit below the belt.

[Timbo]

The blowjob puns in every thread are great lads. Keep ‘em cumming.

[Epaminondas Pules]

Moving towards the plane:
Ludlam: Played a classic 6's role today with some immense tackles. Didn't see as much of him at the breakdown as he's capable of, but he took to international level like a duck to water.
Heinz: Okay, so he was always going, but now I'm not quite so sad about it. One shite pass aside, he provided good service today, solid kicking, and kept the fringe defence interested in him. Not brilliant, but serviceable.
Joseph: Should never have been in doubt, but knowing Eddie, possibly was. Great running lines and good decisions.
Ewels: Charlie keeps looking thoroughly at home at international level whenever he's called upon. Underrated and will be hated here if he beats out Launchbury, but it's going to be close.

Not got their boarding pass yet:
Cokanasiga: Will probably go because of Nowell's injury and his freakish physical gifts, but didn't make brilliant decisions and was determined to die with the ball.
Singleton and Marchant: 4 minutes and zero touches of the ball between them - Eddie clearly believes a lot in them.

F*ck off back to the duty-free:
Genge: Very good in the scrum, but clog hands on a couple of occasions and added little in the loose. Stupid penalty for a completely avoidable altercation.
Francis: Wobbly in defence, added nothing in attack, very poor.

Hard to do this when there's so little room in the squad already.

Puja

Apart from six carries and 14 tackles that is.

[Epaminondas Pules]

erm....how was Francis wobbly in defence? Made 9, missed none. I thought he was pretty solid tbh. Wpuldn't take him though

Slightly worried on LCD, notwithstanding your defence of his critics in the lineout; he will be going and he's good in the loose (though found surviving clearouts harder than the prem). But his darts continue to worry me.

Think folks are being overly harsh on big Joe. We know he can offload.

...I will reserve the right to be wrong on Francis's defence, as those are fairly definitive statistics! I thought I remembered him being out of position at one point and letting someone through, but I could be mistaken.

I though M.Reynard was very weird on rucks today. You could put your hands anywhere and do anything from any position, so slowing down the ball was easy, but he almost never gave a turnover (Lawes aside) even when it was obvious.

Joe ability to offload is never in doubt. His decisions on whether he should pass or try and take on everyone himself still are.

I actually forgot one person who can also f*ck off to the duty free - Harry Williams. We're going to have to take him, cause we need three tightheads (same with Genge), but he somehow managed to be worse than Cole, who was utterly anonymous.

Puja

Also agree on Williams. He’s been completely anonymous in all of his England appearances TBH. As you said though, he’s almost assured of his place as third choice tighthead.

Post RWC, I’m hoping that Will Stuart gets a good amount of game time at Bath as he was starting to look good. Joe Heyes looks promising too and should get a decent amount of opportunity at Tigers.

Made 5 tackles and dominated in the scrum.

[Timbo]

...I will reserve the right to be wrong on Francis's defence, as those are fairly definitive statistics! I thought I remembered him being out of position at one point and letting someone through, but I could be mistaken.

I though M.Reynard was very weird on rucks today. You could put your hands anywhere and do anything from any position, so slowing down the ball was easy, but he almost never gave a turnover (Lawes aside) even when it was obvious.

Joe ability to offload is never in doubt. His decisions on whether he should pass or try and take on everyone himself still are.

I actually forgot one person who can also f*ck off to the duty free - Harry Williams. We're going to have to take him, cause we need three tightheads (same with Genge), but he somehow managed to be worse than Cole, who was utterly anonymous.

Puja

Also agree on Williams. He’s been completely anonymous in all of his England appearances TBH. As you said though, he’s almost assured of his place as third choice tighthead.

Post RWC, I’m hoping that Will Stuart gets a good amount of game time at Bath as he was starting to look good. Joe Heyes looks promising too and should get a decent amount of opportunity at Tigers.

Made 5 tackles and dominated in the scrum.

Yeah, Wales have had one of the best scrums in the world over the last 12 months, and we took them to the cleaners today. Would give a pass to all the props on that basis alone.

[Mr Mwenda]

Well playing 4 locks at one scrum is one way to dominance.

That game went better than expected but still almost let them back in. What is it with braindead penalties? It's been an issue for a while. Does EJ not care or are English players too stupid to avoid them?

[Oakboy]

Some strange ratings here:

https://amp.rugbypass.com/news/england- ... ssion=true


Elliot Daly – 6
A quiet first half for Daly as England dominated possession, particularly in the first quarter, and denied him the opportunity to counter-attack. He will want his missed tackle on Gareth Davies back, although he linked the midfield and wings well in the times he did inject himself into the attacking line. Deserved man of the match solely for his audacious late drop goal.

Joe Cokanasiga – 7
A bit of a mixed bag from Cokanasiga who was eager to look for work off of his wing and added to England’s power game around the fringes, coming into the game as a first receiver and pick and go option. On one loose Welsh kick he ran into traffic and was held up, coughing up the turnover as a result, whilst his first-up tackling on a couple of chases was inefficient, despite working hard to recover after. His physicality in attack was impressive.


Jonathan Joseph – 8
Joseph was very influential early on, making telling contributions with all of his involvements, whether that was with precise passing and outside breaks in attack, or ripping the ball out of contact in defence. His defensive work in general was intelligent and effective throughout.

Piers Francis – 7
If Francis’ role in the squad is to provide the Owen Farrell role from 2016 and 2017, he delivered at Twickenham. The Northampton inside centre put in a couple of thunderous tackles in defence and had soft hands to shift the point of contact in the midfield.

Anthony Watson – 9
A strong showing from the Bath man who looked lively and sharp, despite missing most of last season with injury. He was good in the aerial competitions, displayed effective footwork and power as a carrier and chased and covered very well without the ball. Like Cokanasiga, he looked hungry for work and came in off his wing numerous times.

George Ford – 6
A flawless kicking display will have pleased Jones, who will know he can rely on Ford’s boot in Japan if necessary. His tactical kicking fell short of Farrell’s with a few that were considerably beyond his chasers, although his play with ball in hand was solid and he linked well with Francis.

Willie Heinz – 7
A confident debut from Heinz, whose array and timing of his passes in attack was a contributor to an impressive England first half. He was caught for speed on the blindside of the scrum on a couple of occasions, although managed the game well aside from that.

Ellis Genge – 8
The loosehead caught the eye early with a typical bullocking carry, although it was his ability to turn the screw on Tomas Francis as the game went on that was the real takeaway. He held up well against early pressure from the Welsh scrum, before helping England gain an ascendancy.

Luke Cowan-Dickie – 7
The hooker swooped on an overthrown Welsh lineout to grab a try on his first international start and his carrying was effective, if not spectacular throughout. One of his lineouts went amiss and he coughed up an unnecessary offside penalty in the second half, although it was an encouraging display from a player that has previously been limited to a role as Jamie George’s deputy.


Dan Cole – 7
The Leicester tighthead provided a solid platform at the scrum and was able to provide his team with a turnover, as he forced a knock-on in defence. A solid 53-minute performance from the veteran.

Joe Launchbury – 6
Launchbury went well in the loose, linking play and offering himself as a carrier and an option in support. He was an effective target for Cowan-Dickie at the lineout, too.

Charlie Ewels – 7
England’s locking quartet is established at this point, although Ewels took his chance to impress greedily. He was an effective counter-rucker, pressured around the fringes for a charge down and had the line-speed to fit into England’s aggressive defence. He was targeted at the lineout successfully, too, taking two throws in the game.

Lewis Ludlam – 8
A very confident and composed debut from Ludlam, who contributed in a number of ways. He was a physical carrier close to the ruck, made a number of big tackles, including a notable one on Ross Moriarty, and was persistently hunting the scrum-half and first receives with his line-speed.

Tom Curry – 7
The flanker unfortunately had to hobble off after 28 minutes, although he was one of, if not the most impressive player on the pitch until his departure. His work rate was excellent as he tackled powerfully on the gain-line, popped up as a carrying threat on some incisive lines and made an important interception with his line-speed and read in defence.

Billy Vunipola – 7
A bright start saw Vunipola demonstrate his strength in the carry and his early try came with four Welsh players wrapped around him. His soft hands helped link a couple of English attacks, too, and he kept working hard throughout the game.

To rate Launchbury as our (equal) worst player sums up how fricking useless the prat is who wrote that crap.

[fivepointer]

Ludlam just might have played himself into the squad. That was a very assured debut.
Joseph looked quality and is surely bound to go.
I thought Ewels was very good, but then so was Launchbury. This is a close call.
Heinz was pretty average. I didnt see him any better than that.
Of some the other players mentioned, I'm surprised Genge and Williams cop some flak. Genge played the whole match and looked good throughout. Williams made an impact when he came on and does infinitely more than Cole does outside the scrum.
Thought Lawes had a terrific match off the bench.
I also thought Ford was excellent.
Francis did little of note, but i'm struggling to recall him doing anything wrong.
Cokanasiga was a bit of a mixed bag, combining some fearsome running with naive defending. He'll go as he offers something our other back 5 players dont.
The late substitutions do nothing for anybody. Coming on in the 78th minute is a complete waste of time.