EPS Watch / Player Form Thread

[Raggs]

Daly is the perfect 23 player allowing you a scrum half. Especially if we're continuing with Ford + Farrell at 10/12.

[Oakboy]

Daly is the perfect 23 player allowing you a scrum half. Especially if we're continuing with Ford + Farrell at 10/12.

Or Nowell?

[Stom]

Daly is the perfect 23 player allowing you a scrum half. Especially if we're continuing with Ford + Farrell at 10/12.

Or Nowell?

Better Daly, he's actually played regularly at both 13 and 15.

But I would rather we pick a more balanced side, tbh, with 3 backs on the bench. We've got 4 seriously good outside backs in May, Daly, Watson and Coka (when fully fit), it'd be such a shame for one of them to miss out.

Meanwhile, while we have 4 good locks, 1 of them is ruling himself out of contention, so would you pick Ewels on the bench? Or start him? Considering the general opinion of Ewels on here (I think he's very good, just it's a tough ask to be compared to Itoje), I think you'd all rather stick to having 1 lock on the bench (probably Launch) and 1 backrow (either Billy if we pick Willis to start or Willis).

Though knowing Eddie, we'll probably end up with Ludlam on the bench.

Oh, and I just realised...the England squad doesn't include any players older than me That's a bit depressing...lol Don't know how you've coped with that for so long!!!

[Mikey Brown]

I can't remember ever seeing 6:2 split looking like a move that pays off in any big way, except for the Saffas recently and they're pretty unique in their approach and lock stocks.

[Oakboy]

I can't remember ever seeing 6:2 split looking like a move that pays off in any big way, except for the Saffas recently and they're pretty unique in their approach and lock stocks.

Agreed but is there a danger of the SA success becoming the latest fashion? It must have affected Jones for him to follow it. Will he do it again and will anyone else?

To an extent it is all about having Billy V fully fit and on form - if that can ever again be the case. Hughes, as a 20st presence, did not work. Dombrandt appears not to fit the bill yet. I'd happily risk Willis, Underhill and Curry with any of the lighter guys on the bench but will Jones without having Lawes as extra cover?

[Mikey Brown]

Lawes is going to be starting at no. 5 surely?

[Puja]

I can't remember ever seeing 6:2 split looking like a move that pays off in any big way, except for the Saffas recently and they're pretty unique in their approach and lock stocks.

Agreed but is there a danger of the SA success becoming the latest fashion? It must have affected Jones for him to follow it. Will he do it again and will anyone else?

To an extent it is all about having Billy V fully fit and on form - if that can ever again be the case. Hughes, as a 20st presence, did not work. Dombrandt appears not to fit the bill yet. I'd happily risk Willis, Underhill and Curry with any of the lighter guys on the bench but will Jones without having Lawes as extra cover?

I am concerned that we're going to be in a situation where we're swamped with quick, athletic, breakdown merchants that could enable us to play a very different game and yet our 6 is going to continue to be an out-of-position big-tackling lock because that's what South Africa did when they beat us.

Best case scenario means that Ted Hill is guaranteed a place, worst case we force our backrow riches into two positions while the third is taken up by Courtney Lawes.

Puja

[Peej]

Launchbury is certainly playing well, so is probably in the mix.

Willis is currently being called "the most influential player in the premiership" by various pundits, which seems a bit strong. Though he surely has to be worth a shot against Italy?

[Banquo]

I can't remember ever seeing 6:2 split looking like a move that pays off in any big way, except for the Saffas recently and they're pretty unique in their approach and lock stocks.

with two smoking barrels?

[Scrumhead]

Launchbury is certainly playing well, so is probably in the mix.

Willis is currently being called "the most influential player in the premiership" by various pundits, which seems a bit strong. Though he surely has to be worth a shot against Italy?

I don’t think it’s a massive stretch. He’s usually Wasps’ best player or very close to being.

He’s massively influential in helping them execute their gameplan, whether that’s contributing to the continuity of their attack or generating turnover ball, which really suits their style of play.

The problem is this type of media hype is exactly what leads to Eddie going in another direction. It’s ridiculous, but there’s a body of evidence to suggest it’s true ...

[Tom Moore]

Who developed Tony Underwood?

Defensively, no one.

[BenHK]

I'd happily risk Willis, Underhill and Curry with any of the lighter guys on the bench but will Jones without having Lawes as extra cover?

Yeah, but which Curry? Ben has been playing seriously well since the restart - really do think he could get a call up.



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[Mellsblue]

Yep. I thought Ben outplayed Tom on Friday.

[Scrumhead]

Maybe on Friday, but Tom has been brilliant in every game I’ve watched since the restart. He is an absolute beast.

That’s not taking anything away from Ben and I’d happily have him in he squad, but I wouldn’t drop Tom to bring him in.

I don’t think we can underestimate the value of Tom’s test experience either. I don’t doubt Ben could get there, but right now, I don’t think it’s a like-for-like comparison.

[Puja]

Maybe on Friday, but Tom has been brilliant in every game I’ve watched since the restart. He is an absolute beast.

That’s not taking anything away from Ben and I’d happily have him in he squad, but I wouldn’t drop Tom to bring him in.

I don’t think we can underestimate the value of Tom’s test experience either. I don’t doubt Ben could get there, but right now, I don’t think it’s a like-for-like comparison.

I agree on all points. I don't think there's a chasm between them, but Tom has been superb since the Prem restart and he is a proven international.

Crying shame that Eddie's weirdness means we haven't developed Ben the same way.

Puja

[Mellsblue]

I can’t see why there isn’t room for both. We are at the start of 12 months of rugby and about to play in a somewhat meaningless comp. Plenty of room for rest and rotation.

[Digby]

Yep. I thought Ben outplayed Tom on Friday.

That was my impression, but I'm aware I was marking Tom down for his hair so maybe it's closer than I thought

[BenHK]

I can’t see why there isn’t room for both. We are at the start of 12 months of rugby and about to play in a somewhat meaningless comp. Plenty of room for rest and rotation.

I agree, but who would not make the cut in order for Ben to be included? Underhill? Willis? Billy? Dombrandt? Is the EPS still restricted on numbers this year, bearing in mind the sheer number of games planned in such a condensed period?

Being a Sale fan, I'm obviously biased, but kind of surprised Jono Ross hasn't been called up yet either?

[Stom]

I can’t see why there isn’t room for both. We are at the start of 12 months of rugby and about to play in a somewhat meaningless comp. Plenty of room for rest and rotation.

I agree, but who would not make the cut in order for Ben to be included? Underhill? Willis? Billy? Dombrandt? Is the EPS still restricted on numbers this year, bearing in mind the sheer number of games planned in such a condensed period?

Being a Sale fan, I'm obviously biased, but kind of surprised Jono Ross hasn't been called up yet either?

Ross is no better than Ted Hill and is South African.

You can fit them both in the squad, just drop Ludlum

[Mellsblue]

I can’t see why there isn’t room for both. We are at the start of 12 months of rugby and about to play in a somewhat meaningless comp. Plenty of room for rest and rotation.

I agree, but who would not make the cut in order for Ben to be included? Underhill? Willis? Billy? Dombrandt? Is the EPS still restricted on numbers this year, bearing in mind the sheer number of games planned in such a condensed period?

Being a Sale fan, I'm obviously biased, but kind of surprised Jono Ross hasn't been called up yet either?

Ross is no better than Ted Hill and is South African.

You can fit them both in the squad, just drop Ludlum

With regards EPS size, I think Eddie does what he wants. I’d say some experimentation, and therefore rotation, would be the best bet this autumn, for a number of reasons, but Jones is quoted as saying that he views these tests as must win.

[Mellsblue]

Yep. I thought Ben outplayed Tom on Friday.

I'm aware I was marking Tom down for his hair

Can’t argue with this logic.

[Puja]

I can’t see why there isn’t room for both. We are at the start of 12 months of rugby and about to play in a somewhat meaningless comp. Plenty of room for rest and rotation.

I agree, but who would not make the cut in order for Ben to be included? Underhill? Willis? Billy? Dombrandt? Is the EPS still restricted on numbers this year, bearing in mind the sheer number of games planned in such a condensed period?

Being a Sale fan, I'm obviously biased, but kind of surprised Jono Ross hasn't been called up yet either?

TCurry, BCurry, JWillis, Underhill, BillyV, Dombrandt. 6 back rows isn't that many to have in an extended squad - it's only 3 times the number in a Leicester XXIII.

Ludlam, Hill, and Mercer are unlucky to miss out, but I'd say 5 of those are the form players and the 6th is BillyV who does have credit in the bank.

I don't see what Jono Ross offers that we don't already have in a very crowded field. Can you enlighten me as to what you see that's worth dropping any of the above 9 for?

Puja

[Mellsblue]

I can’t see why there isn’t room for both. We are at the start of 12 months of rugby and about to play in a somewhat meaningless comp. Plenty of room for rest and rotation.

I agree, but who would not make the cut in order for Ben to be included? Underhill? Willis? Billy? Dombrandt? Is the EPS still restricted on numbers this year, bearing in mind the sheer number of games planned in such a condensed period?

Being a Sale fan, I'm obviously biased, but kind of surprised Jono Ross hasn't been called up yet either?

TCurry, BCurry, JWillis, Underhill, BillyV, Dombrandt. 6 back rows isn't that many to have in an extended squad - it's only 3 times the number in a Leicester XXIII.

Ludlam, Hill, and Mercer are unlucky to miss out, but I'd say 5 of those are the form players and the 6th is BillyV who does have credit in the bank.

I don't see what Jono Ross offers that we don't already have in a very crowded field. Can you enlighten me as to what you see that's worth dropping any of the above 9 for?

Puja

I'd imagine Wilson will be in there as well. If only to get him some game time. Given we have the BaaBaas, Italy and the 8N, there’s plenty of opportunity to spread the workload.

I’d also add Simmonds in to the mix.

[Puja]

I agree, but who would not make the cut in order for Ben to be included? Underhill? Willis? Billy? Dombrandt? Is the EPS still restricted on numbers this year, bearing in mind the sheer number of games planned in such a condensed period?

Being a Sale fan, I'm obviously biased, but kind of surprised Jono Ross hasn't been called up yet either?

TCurry, BCurry, JWillis, Underhill, BillyV, Dombrandt. 6 back rows isn't that many to have in an extended squad - it's only 3 times the number in a Leicester XXIII.

Ludlam, Hill, and Mercer are unlucky to miss out, but I'd say 5 of those are the form players and the 6th is BillyV who does have credit in the bank.

I don't see what Jono Ross offers that we don't already have in a very crowded field. Can you enlighten me as to what you see that's worth dropping any of the above 9 for?

Puja

I'd imagine Wilson will be in there as well. If only to get him some game time. Given we have the BaaBaas, Italy and the 8N, there’s plenty of opportunity to spread the workload.

I’d also add Simmonds in to the mix.

I had actually forgotten Simmonds. Good god what a time to be alive and discussing back row selection.

I hadn't forgotten Mark Wilson though. Great player, but I'm not sure where he fits in amongst all the other talent around - I think he might struggle to play.

Puja

[Banquo]

I agree, but who would not make the cut in order for Ben to be included? Underhill? Willis? Billy? Dombrandt? Is the EPS still restricted on numbers this year, bearing in mind the sheer number of games planned in such a condensed period?

Being a Sale fan, I'm obviously biased, but kind of surprised Jono Ross hasn't been called up yet either?

TCurry, BCurry, JWillis, Underhill, BillyV, Dombrandt. 6 back rows isn't that many to have in an extended squad - it's only 3 times the number in a Leicester XXIII.

Ludlam, Hill, and Mercer are unlucky to miss out, but I'd say 5 of those are the form players and the 6th is BillyV who does have credit in the bank.

I don't see what Jono Ross offers that we don't already have in a very crowded field. Can you enlighten me as to what you see that's worth dropping any of the above 9 for?

Puja

I'd imagine Wilson will be in there as well. If only to get him some game time. Given we have the BaaBaas, Italy and the 8N, there’s plenty of opportunity to spread the workload.

I’d also add Simmonds in to the mix.

Compared to relying on Robshaw, Tom Wood and the Hask, these are indeed heady days , no disrespect intended.