Malins moving to 15, England back three, and lots of Furbank

[Banquo]

I must have missed that because I feel like this is new for me.

And it's interesting how differently we see Furbank. Because I see his lack of pace and feel like he's Goode mkII. And that's not what I would want in my FB. Maybe that's also my bias creeping in as my biggest rugby watching years were spent with Mike Brown as Quins' FB, and I very much liked the way he hit the line, compared to Goode/Furbank, who hit it closer in, and perhaps look to bring others into play a bit more.

It's also interesting that this has stemmed out of Malins moving to play FB, when I see him as having that converted FH skillset to allow him to hit the line at IC effectively, but he's also got the pace to run those lovely lines between the OC and wings.

Furbank does not lack pace or running ability. Nothing like Goode either, imo almost opposite strengths and weaknesses. Furbank plies his attacking trade out wide so I am puzzled all round

I'm getting confused now...

also puzzled by your characterisation of Brown, who spent an awful lot of attacking time hitting it up close in, and wasn't exactly renowned for his gas; he did become quick enough for intl rugby after a long period working in his speed.

[Oakboy]

Does a balanced RWC squad need a player who can play FH or FB? If so, might a spot be between Malins and Furbank?

[Oakboy]

Furbank does not lack pace or running ability. Nothing like Goode either, imo almost opposite strengths and weaknesses. Furbank plies his attacking trade out wide so I am puzzled all round

I'm getting confused now...

also puzzled by your characterisation of Brown, who spent an awful lot of attacking time hitting it up close in, and wasn't exactly renowned for his gas; he did become quick enough for intl rugby after a long period working in his speed.

Let's face it, even Jones was confused about Brown - thought he was a winger!!

[Banquo]

I'm getting confused now...

also puzzled by your characterisation of Brown, who spent an awful lot of attacking time hitting it up close in, and wasn't exactly renowned for his gas; he did become quick enough for intl rugby after a long period working in his speed.

Let's face it, even Jones was confused about Brown - thought he was a winger!!

of all the things he's done, that was one of the oddest.

[Banquo]

Does a balanced RWC squad need a player who can play FH or FB? If so, might a spot be between Malins and Furbank?

yes or no, depends on rest of squad. Malins would need to get a bit more time there if so- as above, I think its his more likely to be his best position.

[Oakboy]

Does a balanced RWC squad need a player who can play FH or FB? If so, might a spot be between Malins and Furbank?

yes or no, depends on rest of squad. Malins would need to get a bit more time there if so- as above, I think its his more likely to be his best position.

Squads must contain some compromises. We are back to the constant debate about Farrell at 10/12 and Tuilagi fit or not. Will Jones include Smith, Farrell and Ford? Or, will he look for a 3rd (back-up) FH some other way?

Furbank as FB or FH appears to have been considered anyway.

In a way (not that I wish it), maybe the only way forward is if Farrell and Tuilagi are both ruled out by injury long-term, forcing a re-think. It happened for a time with Slade/Marchant getting a game or so. I liked that pairing, at least to the point of wanting to see it for 4 or 5 games. Then Slade got injured - confirming the need for versatility in selection planning.

[Mikey Brown]

I just struggle with anybody playing flyhalf as a part-time/alternate position. Just can’t see either option getting meaningful, consistent gametime at 10 for their clubs, as much as it’s great to have back 3 options who can cover there in an emergency. Do either kick at goal at all?

[Mellsblue]

He’s had five caps, including one at 10 and one off the bench. His first two were in very heavy rain which is a nightmare for any 15, especially one whose strengths lie in attack.
They’re both exactly the same age so the time to improve on weaknesses should be similar. Furbank is still pretty new to the position having, to the best of my knowledge, played 10 or 12 throughout his junior career so his major weakness, positioning, will only improve. I fear Porter’s heavy/slow feet in d will only get heavier/slower.
Anyway we’ve been over this ad nauseam so I’ll leave it there.

I must have missed that because I feel like this is new for me.

And it's interesting how differently we see Furbank. Because I see his lack of pace and feel like he's Goode mkII. And that's not what I would want in my FB. Maybe that's also my bias creeping in as my biggest rugby watching years were spent with Mike Brown as Quins' FB, and I very much liked the way he hit the line, compared to Goode/Furbank, who hit it closer in, and perhaps look to bring others into play a bit more.

It's also interesting that this has stemmed out of Malins moving to play FB, when I see him as having that converted FH skillset to allow him to hit the line at IC effectively, but he's also got the pace to run those lovely lines between the OC and wings.

I am puzzled all round

Make that two of us.

[Mellsblue]

I just struggle with anybody playing flyhalf as a part-time/alternate position. Just can’t see either option getting meaningful, consistent gametime at 10 for their clubs, as much as it’s great to have back 3 options who can cover there in an emergency. Do either kick at goal at all?

Could be useful for the easier pool matches but, yeah, you wouldn’t want it in the knockout rounds or the difficult pool matches.

Re kicking. According to statbunker :
Furbank (for Saints):
Pens = 3 of 5
Cons = 12 of 15
Malins (for Sarries & Brizzle):
Pens = 23 of 27
Cons = 17 of 35 (quite the dif in % between pens and cons!)

[Banquo]

I just struggle with anybody playing flyhalf as a part-time/alternate position. Just can’t see either option getting meaningful, consistent gametime at 10 for their clubs, as much as it’s great to have back 3 options who can cover there in an emergency. Do either kick at goal at all?

agreed. We don't need to, either.

[Mellsblue]

#daly4england

[Banquo]

#daly4england

@11

[Oakboy]

I just struggle with anybody playing flyhalf as a part-time/alternate position. Just can’t see either option getting meaningful, consistent gametime at 10 for their clubs, as much as it’s great to have back 3 options who can cover there in an emergency. Do either kick at goal at all?

agreed. We don't need to, either.

Quite. Will you tell Jones? I'm only wittering about this because I can see him omitting Ford from the WC squad because he has Smith, Farrell and a part-timer.

[Oakboy]

#daly4england

@11

Yes, agreed. I'd pick Steward at 15 and whichever of May/Watson was in better form at 14. Other wing choices would have to get past that line-up on regular performance merit or miss out.

[Mikey Brown]

Where is May anyway? Has he been playing? Been a bizarre period for him what feels like very shortly after being the best wing in the world.

[Puja]

Where is May anyway? Has he been playing? Been a bizarre period for him what feels like very shortly after being the best wing in the world.

Just came back from his latest injury in the PRC midweek.

Puja