Australia vs England - Third Test

[Timbo]

Factually, Lozowski plays and starts loads for Sarries. This year he was fit for 23 rounds of the regular prem season and started 21 of them. His last full season for Sarries prior to this one (minus the covid period and his loan) in 18/19 he started 26 games in all comps.

He picked up a muscle injury and was out for a month in April and when he came back Tomkins and Daly were established in a team that was winning every week, which is why he spent the last few games of the season on the bench.

Since his first game at 13 for Sarries in 17/18 51 of his 63 subsequent starts have been in the 13 shirt.

[FKAS]

If only he worked hard like Porter.

If only he was a few kilos heavier and liked to run through brick walls like Porter though that somewhat fell flat as the playmakers barely passed to him.

[FKAS]

He is not an 'exceptional' defender at 13 at international level, nor at club level imo. His one on one is ok, though he isn't that big, and his positional play is 'better' as you put it from a low base, and still gets exposed at intl level. He still bites in when he shouldn't.
I don't agree, as before, that Lozowski can't provide the direct running we need- he is genuinely quick, and hits good lines- you don't have to be of Manu proportions to be a 'direct runner'- its another thing folks get hung up on. But you are right....and I said exactly the same....that he isn't in the Sarries team enough to lay down a marker. Loz's issue is not establishing one position for himself- there, I've said that again

Funnily I agree on Daly, but he was after all the starting Lions test 13, and is pretty good there at prem level.

See I remember a younger Slade doing a man marking job on Manu and just chopping him low every time he got the ball. Not sure size is always a good representative of defence but 6ft4 and 15 and a half stone ain't exactly small. We'll have to agree to disagree on his defensive abilities.

Lozowski doesn't play direct for Sarries who use Tompkins/Daly/Morris in that role nor did he when he played in France. Lozowski's main attacking skill is his turn of pace and outside break. Which is why Sarries tend to line him up at 13. I like him as a player but it's easy to see why Eddie has overlooked him, there's not an obvious USP or a body of form that demands selection.

Thats why I said his one on one was ok, obviously.As you yourself said his positional play was `better'... which doesnt suggest its great now, and indicates it had been worse. Given positional ability in defence is key to 13, I dont get where you get that he is exceptional in defence. I just think he is not that great, so as you say, we wont agree.
On Sarries I pretty clearly said he cant past Tompkins, a very good 12. And he played 10 in France. My vew is that if we remain wedded to a second distributor at 12 then Loz would give you the running treat that Faz or Slade dont, cos hes quick. But as I also said at least twice, Eddie wont look at him whilst hes in and out of Sarries 23 with no fixed position. Just commenting on what I see as his strengths and how they could be used.

Possibly, though I think he'd need to play more at 12 for Sarries before that was taken on. As Timbo notes he mainly plays 13 which goes back to the issue of a lack of specialist 12s and Eddie being unlikely to pick a player similar to Slade who has the same positional problem. Slade having looked out of sorts at 12 but more comfortable with a bosh option at 12 and him at 13.

Realistically Eddie probably only had two players definitely penned in to his backline before the world cup and they are Farrell at 12 and Steward at 15. Will need something special to change his mind or injuries but we still looked naff in the 6N without the attacking anchor of Farrell.

[Danno]

Slade doing the old 'incredible through absence' trope a world of good.

He's solid, but his efforts in white have been, overall, average at best with a very occasional flash of brilliance

I dont think Porter's got it. Was worth a look, let's move on and get Marchant back there.

[Mellsblue]

If only he worked hard like Porter.

If only he was a few kilos heavier and liked to run through brick walls like Porter though that somewhat fell flat as the playmakers barely passed to him.

It’s ironic that Porter likes to run through brick walls in attack but acts like a turnstile in defence.

[FKAS]

If only he worked hard like Porter.

If only he was a few kilos heavier and liked to run through brick walls like Porter though that somewhat fell flat as the playmakers barely passed to him.

It’s ironic that Porter likes to run through brick walls in attack but acts like a turnstile in defence.

Not seen the entire game just highlights. Looks like he was given the same task as last weekend where he flies out the line quick to shut off the Wallabies going wide. Australia just took advantage of that fact and isolated him in the defensive line. A more experienced centre might have adjusted earlier but from the radio sounded like he had a better second half.

He's normally a reliable defender at Prem level, positioning not a strong point necessarily as he's a utility back but tackling is good. Be a bit of a wake up call about the step up to international level for him.

Four runs in two tests doesn't really give him much chance to show what he can do ball in hand. Shame as he might not get a chance again pre world cup.

[Mellsblue]

If only he was a few kilos heavier and liked to run through brick walls like Porter though that somewhat fell flat as the playmakers barely passed to him.

It’s ironic that Porter likes to run through brick walls in attack but acts like a turnstile in defence.

Not seen the entire game just highlights. Looks like he was given the same task as last weekend where he flies out the line quick to shut off the Wallabies going wide. Australia just took advantage of that fact and isolated him in the defensive line. A more experienced centre might have adjusted earlier but from the radio sounded like he had a better second half.

He's normally a reliable defender at Prem level, positioning not a strong point necessarily as he's a utility back but tackling is good. Be a bit of a wake up call about the step up to international level for him.

Four runs in two tests doesn't really give him much chance to show what he can do ball in hand. Shame as he might not get a chance again pre world cup.

The system did leave him isolated - though, how much is on the system and how much on his decision making we’ll never know - but he still missed regulation one on one tackles and lacked the speed of footwork in tight spaces to react to late changes of angle etc.
He doesn’t look up to it athletically to me even if he does become more accustomed to systems and the likes of Kerevi and Koroibete. Is he even first choice for Leicester if all are fit?

[Banquo]

Factually, Lozowski plays and starts loads for Sarries. This year he was fit for 23 rounds of the regular prem season and started 21 of them. His last full season for Sarries prior to this one (minus the covid period and his loan) in 18/19 he started 26 games in all comps.

He picked up a muscle injury and was out for a month in April and when he came back Tomkins and Daly were established in a team that was winning every week, which is why he spent the last few games of the season on the bench.

Since his first game at 13 for Sarries in 17/18 51 of his 63 subsequent starts have been in the 13 shirt.

Fair enough, my mistake (s). Still like him more at 12 though

[FKAS]

It’s ironic that Porter likes to run through brick walls in attack but acts like a turnstile in defence.

Not seen the entire game just highlights. Looks like he was given the same task as last weekend where he flies out the line quick to shut off the Wallabies going wide. Australia just took advantage of that fact and isolated him in the defensive line. A more experienced centre might have adjusted earlier but from the radio sounded like he had a better second half.

He's normally a reliable defender at Prem level, positioning not a strong point necessarily as he's a utility back but tackling is good. Be a bit of a wake up call about the step up to international level for him.

Four runs in two tests doesn't really give him much chance to show what he can do ball in hand. Shame as he might not get a chance again pre world cup.

The system did leave him isolated - though, how much is on the system and how much on his decision making we’ll never know - but he still missed regulation one on one tackles and lacked the speed of footwork in tight spaces to react to late changes of angle etc.
He doesn’t look up to it athletically to me even if he does become more accustomed to systems and the likes of Kerevi and Koroibete. Is he even first choice for Leicester if all are fit?

12 starts at 13 for Tigers over two and a bit seasons where he's been top flight pro rugby. He's mostly played wing but moved more into centre this season. I suspect he'll be the starting 13 next season alongside Kelly as that was the combination Borthwick seemed to favour before Kelly's injury. The call up was probably a bit early really but if he learns and comes back better then it might be worth it. He's still quite raw currently.

[Banquo]

See I remember a younger Slade doing a man marking job on Manu and just chopping him low every time he got the ball. Not sure size is always a good representative of defence but 6ft4 and 15 and a half stone ain't exactly small. We'll have to agree to disagree on his defensive abilities.

Lozowski doesn't play direct for Sarries who use Tompkins/Daly/Morris in that role nor did he when he played in France. Lozowski's main attacking skill is his turn of pace and outside break. Which is why Sarries tend to line him up at 13. I like him as a player but it's easy to see why Eddie has overlooked him, there's not an obvious USP or a body of form that demands selection.

Thats why I said his one on one was ok, obviously.As you yourself said his positional play was `better'... which doesnt suggest its great now, and indicates it had been worse. Given positional ability in defence is key to 13, I dont get where you get that he is exceptional in defence. I just think he is not that great, so as you say, we wont agree.
On Sarries I pretty clearly said he cant past Tompkins, a very good 12. And he played 10 in France. My vew is that if we remain wedded to a second distributor at 12 then Loz would give you the running treat that Faz or Slade dont, cos hes quick. But as I also said at least twice, Eddie wont look at him whilst hes in and out of Sarries 23 with no fixed position. Just commenting on what I see as his strengths and how they could be used.

Possibly, though I think he'd need to play more at 12 for Sarries before that was taken on. As Timbo notes he mainly plays 13 which goes back to the issue of a lack of specialist 12s and Eddie being unlikely to pick a player similar to Slade who has the same positional problem. Slade having looked out of sorts at 12 but more comfortable with a bosh option at 12 and him at 13.

Realistically Eddie probably only had two players definitely penned in to his backline before the world cup and they are Farrell at 12 and Steward at 15. Will need something special to change his mind or injuries but we still looked naff in the 6N without the attacking anchor of Farrell.

Well yes, but thanks to Timbo for correcting my perception on his being a starter for Sarries.

[Banquo]

If only he was a few kilos heavier and liked to run through brick walls like Porter though that somewhat fell flat as the playmakers barely passed to him.

It’s ironic that Porter likes to run through brick walls in attack but acts like a turnstile in defence.

Not seen the entire game just highlights. Looks like he was given the same task as last weekend where he flies out the line quick to shut off the Wallabies going wide. Australia just took advantage of that fact and isolated him in the defensive line. A more experienced centre might have adjusted earlier but from the radio sounded like he had a better second half.

He's normally a reliable defender at Prem level, positioning not a strong point necessarily as he's a utility back but tackling is good. Be a bit of a wake up call about the step up to international level for him.

Four runs in two tests doesn't really give him much chance to show what he can do ball in hand. Shame as he might not get a chance again pre world cup.

As said during the game and after, the system was wrong the previous week and wrong this week, and was made worse this week by Oz having prepared for it and loads of tackles being missed this week by Porter and Smith (and by Porter and Faz last week). It was a half hearted blitz, but wasn't clear who was leading it- Smith was flying out, Porter a bit behind him, and Faz not with them from time to time. Aussies were given easy yards in both games.

[Banquo]

Not seen the entire game just highlights. Looks like he was given the same task as last weekend where he flies out the line quick to shut off the Wallabies going wide. Australia just took advantage of that fact and isolated him in the defensive line. A more experienced centre might have adjusted earlier but from the radio sounded like he had a better second half.

He's normally a reliable defender at Prem level, positioning not a strong point necessarily as he's a utility back but tackling is good. Be a bit of a wake up call about the step up to international level for him.

Four runs in two tests doesn't really give him much chance to show what he can do ball in hand. Shame as he might not get a chance again pre world cup.

The system did leave him isolated - though, how much is on the system and how much on his decision making we’ll never know - but he still missed regulation one on one tackles and lacked the speed of footwork in tight spaces to react to late changes of angle etc.
He doesn’t look up to it athletically to me even if he does become more accustomed to systems and the likes of Kerevi and Koroibete. Is he even first choice for Leicester if all are fit?

12 starts at 13 for Tigers over two and a bit seasons where he's been top flight pro rugby. He's mostly played wing but moved more into centre this season. I suspect he'll be the starting 13 next season alongside Kelly as that was the combination Borthwick seemed to favour before Kelly's injury. The call up was probably a bit early really but if he learns and comes back better then it might be worth it. He's still quite raw currently.

Hung out to dry by the system and not experienced enough to cope with it would be my summary- he looks bit leaden footed and ended up front on feet planted which is tricky to recover from....technical work would help.
What defensive system do Tigers run in the backs from 1st phase.

[Mellsblue]

Not seen the entire game just highlights. Looks like he was given the same task as last weekend where he flies out the line quick to shut off the Wallabies going wide. Australia just took advantage of that fact and isolated him in the defensive line. A more experienced centre might have adjusted earlier but from the radio sounded like he had a better second half.

He's normally a reliable defender at Prem level, positioning not a strong point necessarily as he's a utility back but tackling is good. Be a bit of a wake up call about the step up to international level for him.

Four runs in two tests doesn't really give him much chance to show what he can do ball in hand. Shame as he might not get a chance again pre world cup.

The system did leave him isolated - though, how much is on the system and how much on his decision making we’ll never know - but he still missed regulation one on one tackles and lacked the speed of footwork in tight spaces to react to late changes of angle etc.
He doesn’t look up to it athletically to me even if he does become more accustomed to systems and the likes of Kerevi and Koroibete. Is he even first choice for Leicester if all are fit?

12 starts at 13 for Tigers over two and a bit seasons where he's been top flight pro rugby. He's mostly played wing but moved more into centre this season. I suspect he'll be the starting 13 next season alongside Kelly as that was the combination Borthwick seemed to favour before Kelly's injury. The call up was probably a bit early really but if he learns and comes back better then it might be worth it. He's still quite raw currently.

So, Loz supposedly doesn’t play enough for Sarries to be in the selection convo for England but Porter has been selected despite barely playing 13…

[Mikey Brown]

I have no issue with Porter being looked at on recent form, maybe fairly inexperienced but he was starting a lot at centre for Tigers as they won the Premiership. It just didn’t make sense the way he was used. Brought in for a far superior defender in order to carry through traffic and then (like Marchant) never really given the ball.

I figure Eddie just doesn’t rate Lozowski anymore, regardless of his selection for Sarries.

[FKAS]

The system did leave him isolated - though, how much is on the system and how much on his decision making we’ll never know - but he still missed regulation one on one tackles and lacked the speed of footwork in tight spaces to react to late changes of angle etc.
He doesn’t look up to it athletically to me even if he does become more accustomed to systems and the likes of Kerevi and Koroibete. Is he even first choice for Leicester if all are fit?

12 starts at 13 for Tigers over two and a bit seasons where he's been top flight pro rugby. He's mostly played wing but moved more into centre this season. I suspect he'll be the starting 13 next season alongside Kelly as that was the combination Borthwick seemed to favour before Kelly's injury. The call up was probably a bit early really but if he learns and comes back better then it might be worth it. He's still quite raw currently.

So, Loz supposedly doesn’t play enough for Sarries to be in the selection convo for England but Porter has been selected despite barely playing 13…

Porter had a USP that we otherwise didn't have. We lack players who will carry hard into contact. Had Kelly not been injured he would have had more games at 13 but got moved into 12 to cover.

As Mikey says the issue for both Porter and Marchant was that our attack seemed to involve not passing them the ball. We might as well just put our quickest openside at 13 and be done with it.

Comparing Porter and Lozowski isn't apples for apples.

[Mellsblue]

12 starts at 13 for Tigers over two and a bit seasons where he's been top flight pro rugby. He's mostly played wing but moved more into centre this season. I suspect he'll be the starting 13 next season alongside Kelly as that was the combination Borthwick seemed to favour before Kelly's injury. The call up was probably a bit early really but if he learns and comes back better then it might be worth it. He's still quite raw currently.

So, Loz supposedly doesn’t play enough for Sarries to be in the selection convo for England but Porter has been selected despite barely playing 13…

Porter had a USP that we otherwise didn't have. We lack players who will carry hard into contact. Had Kelly not been injured he would have had more games at 13 but got moved into 12 to cover.

As Mikey says the issue for both Porter and Marchant was that our attack seemed to involve not passing them the ball. We might as well just put our quickest openside at 13 and be done with it.

Comparing Porter and Lozowski isn't apples for apples.

You argued that Loz shouldn’t be picked because he wasn’t a regular* but backed Porter despite him not playing centre regularly. I was pointing out your flawed logic. I’m aware they’re completely different players.

*Timbo has stated Loz’s appearance stats and it seems he he does play very regularly.

[Oakboy]

All these selection decisions are judgement calls. Jones is the one making them and I think there is little evidence that he listens much to what others think. Borthwick just might be an exception but I have seen no evidence to confirm it.

It's as if Jones likes being controversial and keeping everyone guessing. He has spoken about not revealing plans which could be true at one extreme or an indication that he hasn't a clue at the other.

He has 'only' ever had results to offer. Very rarely has the England team impressed with style of rugby though they have had dominant wins where criticising the 'prettiness of play' was sidelined by tries scored on the back of having physically subdued opponents. That can be attractive in its own way.

I think there are enough selection options to draw together a very competitive outfit. My concern, even making every conceivable allowance for Jones, would be the time remaining. To win (or get close to winning) the RWC needs more cohesion and togetherness than his team has shown at any point since 2019.

Has he finalised his backs' selection so that he can use the AIs and 6N to streamline systems without chopping and changing players? That remains to be seen.

[FKAS]

So, Loz supposedly doesn’t play enough for Sarries to be in the selection convo for England but Porter has been selected despite barely playing 13…

Porter had a USP that we otherwise didn't have. We lack players who will carry hard into contact. Had Kelly not been injured he would have had more games at 13 but got moved into 12 to cover.

As Mikey says the issue for both Porter and Marchant was that our attack seemed to involve not passing them the ball. We might as well just put our quickest openside at 13 and be done with it.

Comparing Porter and Lozowski isn't apples for apples.

You argued that Loz shouldn’t be picked because he wasn’t a regular* but backed Porter despite him not playing centre regularly. I was pointing out your flawed logic. I’m aware they’re completely different players.

*Timbo has stated Loz’s appearance stats and it seems he he does play very regularly.

Banquo said he didn't play enough, I said he got dropped for the big games at the end of the season and wasn't different enough from what we have in Slade or Farrell to make a USP for selection.

[Banquo]

Porter had a USP that we otherwise didn't have. We lack players who will carry hard into contact. Had Kelly not been injured he would have had more games at 13 but got moved into 12 to cover.

As Mikey says the issue for both Porter and Marchant was that our attack seemed to involve not passing them the ball. We might as well just put our quickest openside at 13 and be done with it.

Comparing Porter and Lozowski isn't apples for apples.

You argued that Loz shouldn’t be picked because he wasn’t a regular* but backed Porter despite him not playing centre regularly. I was pointing out your flawed logic. I’m aware they’re completely different players.

*Timbo has stated Loz’s appearance stats and it seems he he does play very regularly.

Banquo said he didn't play enough, I said he got dropped for the big games at the end of the season and wasn't different enough from what we have in Slade or Farrell to make a USP for selection.

We were both wrong then and you did also say he didn't play enough at 12 for Sarries to warrant selection (which I also said).

[Mellsblue]

Porter had a USP that we otherwise didn't have. We lack players who will carry hard into contact. Had Kelly not been injured he would have had more games at 13 but got moved into 12 to cover.

As Mikey says the issue for both Porter and Marchant was that our attack seemed to involve not passing them the ball. We might as well just put our quickest openside at 13 and be done with it.

Comparing Porter and Lozowski isn't apples for apples.

You argued that Loz shouldn’t be picked because he wasn’t a regular* but backed Porter despite him not playing centre regularly. I was pointing out your flawed logic. I’m aware they’re completely different players.

*Timbo has stated Loz’s appearance stats and it seems he he does play very regularly.

Banquo said he didn't play enough, I said he got dropped for the big games at the end of the season and wasn't different enough from what we have in Slade or Farrell to make a USP for selection.

You posted ‘having been in and out the Sarries side’ which I took to meant that you thought he wasn’t a regular. What did you mean by that. He also didn’t get dropped for the big games at the end of the season according to Timbo, who has always seemed to know his onions, but just picked up a niggle/minor injury at the wrong time.
Loz is significantly quicker than Farrell or Slade - quick enough to play on the wing if needs be - and would more closely match Marchant’s skill set who started the tour as first choice before doing goodness knows what.
I think Porter’s USPs were being fit and being coached by Borthwick, plus Dingwall getting injured and the only other option being a 19 year old.

[Epaminondas Pules]

The system did leave him isolated - though, how much is on the system and how much on his decision making we’ll never know - but he still missed regulation one on one tackles and lacked the speed of footwork in tight spaces to react to late changes of angle etc.
He doesn’t look up to it athletically to me even if he does become more accustomed to systems and the likes of Kerevi and Koroibete. Is he even first choice for Leicester if all are fit?

12 starts at 13 for Tigers over two and a bit seasons where he's been top flight pro rugby. He's mostly played wing but moved more into centre this season. I suspect he'll be the starting 13 next season alongside Kelly as that was the combination Borthwick seemed to favour before Kelly's injury. The call up was probably a bit early really but if he learns and comes back better then it might be worth it. He's still quite raw currently.

Hung out to dry by the system and not experienced enough to cope with it would be my summary- he looks bit leaden footed and ended up front on feet planted which is tricky to recover from....technical work would help.
What defensive system do Tigers run in the backs from 1st phase.

System aside he missed some bad one on one tackles, as you say through poor positioning. That's individual rather than system. Missing ten tackles in two games is a poor return.

I know he's a rookie, but (even as a Tigers fan) he looked a significant step down in terms of capability and quality.

[Banquo]

12 starts at 13 for Tigers over two and a bit seasons where he's been top flight pro rugby. He's mostly played wing but moved more into centre this season. I suspect he'll be the starting 13 next season alongside Kelly as that was the combination Borthwick seemed to favour before Kelly's injury. The call up was probably a bit early really but if he learns and comes back better then it might be worth it. He's still quite raw currently.

Hung out to dry by the system and not experienced enough to cope with it would be my summary- he looks bit leaden footed and ended up front on feet planted which is tricky to recover from....technical work would help.
What defensive system do Tigers run in the backs from 1st phase.

System aside he missed some bad one on one tackles, as you say through poor positioning. That's individual rather than system. Missing ten tackles in two games is a poor return.

I know he's a rookie, but (even as a Tigers fan) he looked a significant step down in terms of capability and quality.

Yeah, sorry, I said earlier that system issues (and there were big ones) were compounded by individual errors; he wasn't alone, Faz missed many in the second test, Smith a load on Saturday. Some of their errors were a consequence of the system too- it was a poor defensive system against any side, let alone one like Oz.

[FKAS]

You argued that Loz shouldn’t be picked because he wasn’t a regular* but backed Porter despite him not playing centre regularly. I was pointing out your flawed logic. I’m aware they’re completely different players.

*Timbo has stated Loz’s appearance stats and it seems he he does play very regularly.

Banquo said he didn't play enough, I said he got dropped for the big games at the end of the season and wasn't different enough from what we have in Slade or Farrell to make a USP for selection.

You posted ‘having been in and out the Sarries side’ which I took to meant that you thought he wasn’t a regular. What did you mean by that. He also didn’t get dropped for the big games at the end of the season according to Timbo, who has always seemed to know his onions, but just picked up a niggle/minor injury at the wrong time.
Loz is significantly quicker than Farrell or Slade - quick enough to play on the wing if needs be - and would more closely match Marchant’s skill set who started the tour as first choice before doing goodness knows what.
I think Porter’s USPs were being fit and being coached by Borthwick, plus Dingwall getting injured and the only other option being a 19 year old.

Yes I was thinking end of the season for in and out the squad, should have been clearer. As Timbo points out that was partially through injury but he's not key enough to immediately bring back in ahead of the player who got done by Steward for Tigers first try. He is quick enough to play on the wing but another player who prefers to play at 13 and attack outside of his opposite number just puts him up against a load of players with more caps.

Porter's USP got him in the squad. Dingwall's injury opened the door and he didn't do that well. Shame but sometimes that's how it goes. Dingwall and Porter's selection showed Eddie was looking for a centre to straighten the line and offer a more direct threat.

As I've said I like Lozowski as a player, I thought he might be a 19 option for Tigers before we signed Pollard, but it's a tough ask to get into the squad when there's more experienced guys offering similar options to you unless you are in outstanding form.

[Mellsblue]

Banquo said he didn't play enough, I said he got dropped for the big games at the end of the season and wasn't different enough from what we have in Slade or Farrell to make a USP for selection.

You posted ‘having been in and out the Sarries side’ which I took to meant that you thought he wasn’t a regular. What did you mean by that. He also didn’t get dropped for the big games at the end of the season according to Timbo, who has always seemed to know his onions, but just picked up a niggle/minor injury at the wrong time.
Loz is significantly quicker than Farrell or Slade - quick enough to play on the wing if needs be - and would more closely match Marchant’s skill set who started the tour as first choice before doing goodness knows what.
I think Porter’s USPs were being fit and being coached by Borthwick, plus Dingwall getting injured and the only other option being a 19 year old.

Yes I was thinking end of the season for in and out the squad, should have been clearer. As Timbo points out that was partially through injury but he's not key enough to immediately bring back in ahead of the player who got done by Steward for Tigers first try. He is quick enough to play on the wing but another player who prefers to play at 13 and attack outside of his opposite number just puts him up against a load of players with more caps.

Porter's USP got him in the squad. Dingwall's injury opened the door and he didn't do that well. Shame but sometimes that's how it goes. Dingwall and Porter's selection showed Eddie was looking for a centre to straighten the line and offer a more direct threat.

As I've said I like Lozowski as a player, I thought he might be a 19 option for Tigers before we signed Pollard, but it's a tough ask to get into the squad when there's more experienced guys offering similar options to you unless you are in outstanding form.

So he didn’t immediately usurp a seasoned international and twice Lion, hardly damning... unlike being done on the outside by Steward. Not that it should be a surprise to anyone who has watched numerous games with Daly at 13. Maybe Loz was still nursing his injury and wasn’t 100%. Who knows. Certainly neither of us.
My comment about Lozowski’s pace was in reference to his skill set in relation to Marchant, the first choice OC, not me stating his best or preferred position. Who are these load of players with more caps that were available for the series?
We’ll have to disagree on Porters USP, and I’ll stick to my list in my previous post.
I’d also say no EQP offers Loz’s skill set. For me, he’s Slade but quicker and with more dominant tackling. Not that he’s ever fully turned that in to the form that demands a test recall. He’s certainly a better player than Porter.

[pandion]

I've come to the conclusion that Eddie is sticking to double 10 no matter what so it doesn't matter. Unless Faz gets injured he'll continue to play in a position that's not his best trying to partner a 10 who needs a very different 12 and is currently out of his depth.