Squad named

[Banquo]

looks like a lot of new combos to start.

Has Faz started outside JVP before?

[SDHoneymonster]

29 seems a large amount to retain - could be that, for all the talk of clarity, there might still be a few decisions yet to be made.

[Mellsblue]

Supposedly, Isiekwe has been running at 6 in training…

Doesn’t matter who gets what shirt



As long as a 6 plays at 6 and a 12 at 12

Eddie would’ve played two 6s at 12. I miss him already.

[Banquo]

29 seems a large amount to retain - could be that, for all the talk of clarity, there might still be a few decisions yet to be made.

fitness in George`s case...

quite a few back rows still kicking about

[FKAS]

29 seems a large amount to retain - could be that, for all the talk of clarity, there might still be a few decisions yet to be made.

Or they need enough bodies in training for the next few days.

[Scrumhead]

Starting B Curry over Willis, or even Earl, is just bizarre

Ben Curry's form recently, particularly in the Prem, has been outstanding. Overshadowing his brother.

Willis had to be released back to Toulouse last weekend. Perhaps missing the time on camp for that has ended up counting against him with Curry in such good form.

Yep. I think that’s pretty likely re. Willis.

I’m not disappointed to see Ben Curry, but I am disappointed Willis isn’t included as I’d hoped to see them in tandem. With the back row options we have, it’s infuriating that we’re more than likely going to see a lock at 6 again Even more so considering how Scotland have targeted the breakdown in all our recent encounters.

Less fussed about Earl and I imagine it’s a shoot-out between him and Simmonds for the 20 shirt.

[p/d]

Supposedly, Isiekwe has been running at 6 in training…

Doesn’t matter who gets what shirt



As long as a 6 plays at 6 and a 12 at 12

Eddie would’ve played two 6s at 12. I miss him already.

Or planning to deploy Hill or Ribbans at 6. I really don’t miss him

[Banquo]

Starting B Curry over Willis, or even Earl, is just bizarre

Ben Curry's form recently, particularly in the Prem, has been outstanding. Overshadowing his brother.

Willis had to be released back to Toulouse last weekend. Perhaps missing the time on camp for that has ended up counting against him with Curry in such good form.

Yep. I think that’s pretty likely re. Willis.

I’m not disappointed to see Ben Curry, but I am disappointed Willis isn’t included as I’d hoped to see them in tandem. With the back row options we have, it’s infuriating that we’re more than likely going to see a lock at 6 again Even more so considering how Scotland have targeted the breakdown in all our recent encounters.

Less fussed about Earl and I imagine it’s a shoot-out between him and Simmonds for the 20 shirt.

Ludlam still knocking about....

[SDHoneymonster]

Starting B Curry over Willis, or even Earl, is just bizarre

Ben Curry's form recently, particularly in the Prem, has been outstanding. Overshadowing his brother.

Willis had to be released back to Toulouse last weekend. Perhaps missing the time on camp for that has ended up counting against him with Curry in such good form.

Yep. I think that’s pretty likely re. Willis.

I’m not disappointed to see Ben Curry, but I am disappointed Willis isn’t included as I’d hoped to see them in tandem. With the back row options we have, it’s infuriating that we’re more than likely going to see a lock at 6 again Even more so considering how Scotland have targeted the breakdown in all our recent encounters.

Less fussed about Earl and I imagine it’s a shoot-out between him and Simmonds for the 20 shirt.

Sinfield pretty much confirming as much RE: Willis in the Telegraph article. The fact he wasn't able to train yesterday after playing at the weekend was the issue. Now we're in the international window he's got more time around the squad hasn't he? I believe he only has to be released back to Toulouse on the fallow weekends.

[SDHoneymonster]

Ben Curry's form recently, particularly in the Prem, has been outstanding. Overshadowing his brother.

Willis had to be released back to Toulouse last weekend. Perhaps missing the time on camp for that has ended up counting against him with Curry in such good form.

Yep. I think that’s pretty likely re. Willis.

I’m not disappointed to see Ben Curry, but I am disappointed Willis isn’t included as I’d hoped to see them in tandem. With the back row options we have, it’s infuriating that we’re more than likely going to see a lock at 6 again Even more so considering how Scotland have targeted the breakdown in all our recent encounters.

Less fussed about Earl and I imagine it’s a shoot-out between him and Simmonds for the 20 shirt.

Ludlam still knocking about....

Ludlam was arguably England's best player in Edinburgh last year playing at 6. Ludlam, Curry and whoever trains better out of Simmonds or Dombrandt with Earl on the bench seems a goer.

[Banquo]

Yep. I think that’s pretty likely re. Willis.

I’m not disappointed to see Ben Curry, but I am disappointed Willis isn’t included as I’d hoped to see them in tandem. With the back row options we have, it’s infuriating that we’re more than likely going to see a lock at 6 again Even more so considering how Scotland have targeted the breakdown in all our recent encounters.

Less fussed about Earl and I imagine it’s a shoot-out between him and Simmonds for the 20 shirt.

Ludlam still knocking about....

Ludlam was arguably England's best player in Edinburgh last year playing at 6. Ludlam, Curry and whoever trains better out of Simmonds or Dombrandt with Earl on the bench seems a goer.

wouldnt be amazed to see Isiekwe or Chessum at 6, with Ribbans starting tbh...very revealing this first pick..

[Mikey Brown]

Uncapped identical twin of world class, 50 cap Lion set to finally get a shot for England. It shouldn’t seem so shocking should it?

[Puja]

Uncapped identical twin of world class, 50 cap Lion set to finally get a shot for England. It shouldn’t seem so shocking should it?

A pedant would note that he does have one cap for England, but you're right that it's bizarre he's only been picked once, when all the Lions were away. I still stand by my theory that Eddie saw identical twins and decided to see what happened if he picked one at random and told the other one they weren't good enough.

Puja

[Danno]

looks like a lot of new combos to start.

Has Faz started outside JVP before?

Does it matter? He won't keep up.

[Stom]

Heard somewhere else that Willis is in fact injured…

[Banquo]

Heard somewhere else that Willis is in fact injured…

Times-

Willis was cut from the England squad on Tuesday, with the fact he plays his club rugby in France a factor in the decision. The former Wasps flanker, 26, moved to Toulouse after his old club went bust and only has managed to train with Steve Borthwick’s England three times over the past ten days.

Willis is a victim of the system. He is eligible for England selection, with the RFU invoking the “exceptional circumstances” ruling for players who are abroad, due to Wasps’ demise. However, as he had to return to Toulouse to face Montpellier in the Top 14 on Sunday night at 9pm, he was only permitted to watch Monday’s training back in Bagshot.

“It has been such a close, tough call for us, we have some unbelievable players in that position,” Kevin Sinfield, the England defence coach, said of their back-row selection.

“Jack is going to be a huge part of us going forward and he is outstanding. Unfortunately we have only had him for three sessions, really, and that has made it difficult with selection for him but he has shown us absolutely what a great player he is.
“I know his situation is tricky at the moment. Hopefully for the next seven or eight weeks we have more opportunity to have him in camp. Then we’ll see.”

[Banquo]

Uncapped identical twin of world class, 50 cap Lion set to finally get a shot for England. It shouldn’t seem so shocking should it?

A pedant would note that he does have one cap for England, but you're right that it's bizarre he's only been picked once, when all the Lions were away. I still stand by my theory that Eddie saw identical twins and decided to see what happened if he picked one at random and told the other one they weren't good enough.

Puja

TBH the Ben Curry for England bandwagon on this board has been pretty non existent til Tom was injured, so I'm not sure its that bizarre- as we notably have our fingers on the pulse . He's had a few injuries and til this season was in and out of Sale's starting lineup, and there have been a lot of good players in front of him. Looking back at posts, he seems to have had an iffy 2021/22 season too; but he's been rewarded for putting in a great run of games this season.

[Mikey Brown]

Heard somewhere else that Willis is in fact injured…

Times-

Willis was cut from the England squad on Tuesday, with the fact he plays his club rugby in France a factor in the decision. The former Wasps flanker, 26, moved to Toulouse after his old club went bust and only has managed to train with Steve Borthwick’s England three times over the past ten days.

Willis is a victim of the system. He is eligible for England selection, with the RFU invoking the “exceptional circumstances” ruling for players who are abroad, due to Wasps’ demise. However, as he had to return to Toulouse to face Montpellier in the Top 14 on Sunday night at 9pm, he was only permitted to watch Monday’s training back in Bagshot.

“It has been such a close, tough call for us, we have some unbelievable players in that position,” Kevin Sinfield, the England defence coach, said of their back-row selection.

“Jack is going to be a huge part of us going forward and he is outstanding. Unfortunately we have only had him for three sessions, really, and that has made it difficult with selection for him but he has shown us absolutely what a great player he is.
“I know his situation is tricky at the moment. Hopefully for the next seven or eight weeks we have more opportunity to have him in camp. Then we’ll see.”

I like the way Sinfield talks. It’s like he’s a real human? Positive stuff on Willis too.

I’ve been banging the Ben Curry drum for a while, thought-leader and trend-setter that I am.

Is that largely me being unable to tell the difference except for when Ben does wicked chip kicks? Partly. I don’t think being in rotation at Sale with the backrow stocks they have available is that much of a condemnation either, but fair point on his form having really picked up recently.

[Banquo]

Heard somewhere else that Willis is in fact injured…

Times-

Willis was cut from the England squad on Tuesday, with the fact he plays his club rugby in France a factor in the decision. The former Wasps flanker, 26, moved to Toulouse after his old club went bust and only has managed to train with Steve Borthwick’s England three times over the past ten days.

Willis is a victim of the system. He is eligible for England selection, with the RFU invoking the “exceptional circumstances” ruling for players who are abroad, due to Wasps’ demise. However, as he had to return to Toulouse to face Montpellier in the Top 14 on Sunday night at 9pm, he was only permitted to watch Monday’s training back in Bagshot.

“It has been such a close, tough call for us, we have some unbelievable players in that position,” Kevin Sinfield, the England defence coach, said of their back-row selection.

“Jack is going to be a huge part of us going forward and he is outstanding. Unfortunately we have only had him for three sessions, really, and that has made it difficult with selection for him but he has shown us absolutely what a great player he is.
“I know his situation is tricky at the moment. Hopefully for the next seven or eight weeks we have more opportunity to have him in camp. Then we’ll see.”

I like the way Sinfield talks. It’s like he’s a real human? Positive stuff on Willis too.

I’ve been banging the Ben Curry drum for a while, thought-leader and trend-setter that I am.

Is that largely me being unable to tell the difference except for when Ben does wicked chip kicks? Partly. I don’t think being in rotation at Sale with the backrow stocks they have available is that much of a condemnation either, but fair point on his form having really picked up recently.

In fairness, I did find your Ben Curry drumbeat in March 2022 but Scrumhead shot you down, so I didn't want to bring that trauma back.

[Puja]

Uncapped identical twin of world class, 50 cap Lion set to finally get a shot for England. It shouldn’t seem so shocking should it?

A pedant would note that he does have one cap for England, but you're right that it's bizarre he's only been picked once, when all the Lions were away. I still stand by my theory that Eddie saw identical twins and decided to see what happened if he picked one at random and told the other one they weren't good enough.

Puja

TBH the Ben Curry for England bandwagon on this board has been pretty non existent til Tom was injured, so I'm not sure its that bizarre- as we notably have our fingers on the pulse . He's had a few injuries and til this season was in and out of Sale's starting lineup, and there have been a lot of good players in front of him. Looking back at posts, he seems to have had an iffy 2021/22 season too; but he's been rewarded for putting in a great run of games this season.

I think it's more that, as soon as Eddie capped Tom, Ben was abruptly dead to him, despite them being very, very similar players back then (and despite the original selection being Ben over Tom before an injury). Tom has since gone on to become a better player, but that is understandable given his experience in the international setup, plus the mental health difference of Ben having it reinforced over and over that Tom was "the better one". I'm pretty confident that, if Eddie had put the same energy into both twins, we'd have two exceptional international players rn.

Still, Ben has pushed through and, as you've said, come back with nigh irresistible form this season, so maybe he'll be better for it jn the long run?

Puja

[Banquo]

A pedant would note that he does have one cap for England, but you're right that it's bizarre he's only been picked once, when all the Lions were away. I still stand by my theory that Eddie saw identical twins and decided to see what happened if he picked one at random and told the other one they weren't good enough.

Puja

TBH the Ben Curry for England bandwagon on this board has been pretty non existent til Tom was injured, so I'm not sure its that bizarre- as we notably have our fingers on the pulse . He's had a few injuries and til this season was in and out of Sale's starting lineup, and there have been a lot of good players in front of him. Looking back at posts, he seems to have had an iffy 2021/22 season too; but he's been rewarded for putting in a great run of games this season.

I think it's more that, as soon as Eddie capped Tom, Ben was abruptly dead to him, despite them being very, very similar players back then (and despite the original selection being Ben over Tom before an injury). Tom has since gone on to become a better player, but that is understandable given his experience in the international setup, plus the mental health difference of Ben having it reinforced over and over that Tom was "the better one". I'm pretty confident that, if Eddie had put the same energy into both twins, we'd have two exceptional international players rn.

Still, Ben has pushed through and, as you've said, come back with nigh irresistible form this season, so maybe he'll be better for it jn the long run?

Puja

Hardly fair to blame Eddie, when Ben hasn't been able to concrete himself into the Sale team over that period.

[Stom]

Heard somewhere else that Willis is in fact injured…

Times-

Willis was cut from the England squad on Tuesday, with the fact he plays his club rugby in France a factor in the decision. The former Wasps flanker, 26, moved to Toulouse after his old club went bust and only has managed to train with Steve Borthwick’s England three times over the past ten days.

Willis is a victim of the system. He is eligible for England selection, with the RFU invoking the “exceptional circumstances” ruling for players who are abroad, due to Wasps’ demise. However, as he had to return to Toulouse to face Montpellier in the Top 14 on Sunday night at 9pm, he was only permitted to watch Monday’s training back in Bagshot.

“It has been such a close, tough call for us, we have some unbelievable players in that position,” Kevin Sinfield, the England defence coach, said of their back-row selection.

“Jack is going to be a huge part of us going forward and he is outstanding. Unfortunately we have only had him for three sessions, really, and that has made it difficult with selection for him but he has shown us absolutely what a great player he is.
“I know his situation is tricky at the moment. Hopefully for the next seven or eight weeks we have more opportunity to have him in camp. Then we’ll see.”

Yes, I have now discovered it was a misunderstanding.

Hopefully Jack will return, as I think he’s potentially our best flanker.

[fivepointer]

A pedant would note that he does have one cap for England, but you're right that it's bizarre he's only been picked once, when all the Lions were away. I still stand by my theory that Eddie saw identical twins and decided to see what happened if he picked one at random and told the other one they weren't good enough.

Puja

TBH the Ben Curry for England bandwagon on this board has been pretty non existent til Tom was injured, so I'm not sure its that bizarre- as we notably have our fingers on the pulse . He's had a few injuries and til this season was in and out of Sale's starting lineup, and there have been a lot of good players in front of him. Looking back at posts, he seems to have had an iffy 2021/22 season too; but he's been rewarded for putting in a great run of games this season.

I think it's more that, as soon as Eddie capped Tom, Ben was abruptly dead to him, despite them being very, very similar players back then (and despite the original selection being Ben over Tom before an injury). Tom has since gone on to become a better player, but that is understandable given his experience in the international setup, plus the mental health difference of Ben having it reinforced over and over that Tom was "the better one". I'm pretty confident that, if Eddie had put the same energy into both twins, we'd have two exceptional international players rn.

Still, Ben has pushed through and, as you've said, come back with nigh irresistible form this season, so maybe he'll be better for it jn the long run?

Puja

Tbf Ben has missed a lot of rugby through injury. He's seldom strung games together so making a case hasnt been easy. This season he is fit and regular game time has shown what a terrific player he is.

[Oakboy]

If the back row is Ludlam, B Curry, Dombrandt (?) as rumoured will it get the better of the Scottish one?

[Mikey Brown]

I quite like the look of that backrow, though I think I would still take the Scottish one, marginally.

I don’t think any guesses at who wins the breakdown battle with so many other variables (and 24 other players on the pitch) would really be worth much. They’re all good over the ball though and the work-rate of that flanker pairing might even make up for Mr Blobby at 8.