Team for Italy

[p/d]

Backum or lockum

LockAm, surely

yes...ludLAM FFFFFFFSSSSSSSSSSSS

and not Launchberry while we are at it.

What about descent

[Banquo]

LockAm, surely

yes...ludLAM FFFFFFFSSSSSSSSSSSS

and not Launchberry while we are at it.

What about descent

I didn't want to shame you publicly, but there you go.

[Mellsblue]

LockAm, surely

yes...ludLAM FFFFFFFSSSSSSSSSSSS

and not Launchberry while we are at it.

What about descent

[p/d]

And while we are about it who is Jack Lewis

[francoisfou]

I’d like Borthwick to bring in Jack Lewis at 7. He’s been outstanding for Toulouse recently and I’m convinced would have had a heavy influence on yesterday’s game at HQ. Will Dan Kelly be fit for selection, and if so, will Borthwick have the balls to sack Farrell? He’s going to be dropped one of these days, so why not now ?

Ffs. What have I been drinking? Jack Willis!

[TheNomad]

Willis should play. Farrell should not. Mako should not - maybe VRR instead

Otherwise I think the direction of travel is fine

[p/d]

I’d like Borthwick to bring in Jack Lewis at 7. He’s been outstanding for Toulouse recently and I’m convinced would have had a heavy influence on yesterday’s game at HQ. Will Dan Kelly be fit for selection, and if so, will Borthwick have the balls to sack Farrell? He’s going to be dropped one of these days, so why not now ?

Ffs. What have I been drinking? Jack Willis!

I see he scored yesterday, any reports on how he played at 8

[francoisfou]

I’d like Borthwick to bring in Jack Lewis at 7. He’s been outstanding for Toulouse recently and I’m convinced would have had a heavy influence on yesterday’s game at HQ. Will Dan Kelly be fit for selection, and if so, will Borthwick have the balls to sack Farrell? He’s going to be dropped one of these days, so why not now ?

Ffs. What have I been drinking? Jack Willis!

I see he scored yesterday, any reports on how he played at 8

From what I’ve read, he played well and used his power to cross for a try. Toulouse supporters are insisting that the club do whatever it takes to keep him.

[p/d]

I’d like Borthwick to bring in Jack Lewis at 7. He’s been outstanding for Toulouse recently and I’m convinced would have had a heavy influence on yesterday’s game at HQ. Will Dan Kelly be fit for selection, and if so, will Borthwick have the balls to sack Farrell? He’s going to be dropped one of these days, so why not now ?

Ffs. What have I been drinking? Jack Willis!

Still no Daniels from Banquo then…….

[Beasties]

Ffs. What have I been drinking? Jack Willis!

I see he scored yesterday, any reports on how he played at 8

From what I’ve read, he played well and used his power to cross for a try. Toulouse supporters are insisting that the club do whatever it takes to keep him.

It’s taken them a while. I get why he’s not been picked for Eng so far, but sounds like they want to pick him before too much longer. Outrageous injury luck but maybe he’s gonna time his run into the team finally. As well as Ludlam played, and he did, Willis in an upgrade on any other Eng backrow. Would love to see his brother too with T Curry. Dare I dream?

[Banquo]

And while we are about it who is Jack Lewis

Its a jngf ism for Jack Lewis Moody the ultimate 6.75.

[francoisfou]

I see he scored yesterday, any reports on how he played at 8

From what I’ve read, he played well and used his power to cross for a try. Toulouse supporters are insisting that the club do whatever it takes to keep him.

It’s taken them a while. I get why he’s not been picked for Eng so far, but sounds like they want to pick him before too much longer. Outrageous injury luck but maybe he’s gonna time his run into the team finally. As well as Ludlam played, and he did, Willis in an upgrade on any other Eng backrow. Would love to see his brother too with T Curry. Dare I dream?

Yes, you do! Brother Tom has impressed at No8 for Bordeaux/Bègles, and with Jack and TC at wing forward, the future’s bright.

[Oakboy]

Will we see substantial improvement without totally shedding the old guard - George, Mako, Itoje, Youngs Farrell etc.? Accepting that it would be a radical step, likely only to occur after the RWC, I don't see how SB can change as much as he wants/needs to change if old habits remain. At some point the team will have to go backwards before going forwards.

[Banquo]

Will we see substantial improvement without totally shedding the old guard - George, Mako, Itoje, Youngs Farrell etc.? Accepting that it would be a radical step, likely only to occur after the RWC, I don't see how SB can change as much as he wants/needs to change if old habits remain. At some point the team will have to go backwards before going forwards.

shedding Itoje...old guard. ok....

[Beasties]

Glad to see the back of Hill, Chessum looks a natural. Him and Ribbans sharing duties is an upgrade on Hill, who I never warmed to in any way.

[Banquo]

Tricky for old Storthers- there were some good attacks first half, esp Malins second try, which was accurate work through phases...but good stuff more than offset by bad defence from midfield backs, crappy decisions in attack (aforementioned chip kicks and grubbers), inaccurate ruck work and handling, and discipline. The midfield was predictably toothless once the scots worked out they could just let the loop just happen and just drift (we did do a couple of inside balls tbf); just compare our midfield impact compared to the other three teams, even Wales had some midfield impact. Frankly old Manu might have been a better pick.

Theres a lot to think about, not entirely due to 4 brand new units (a factor for sure).

[Timbo]

Brief re-watch;
Ben Curry was good with a couple of mishaps, lots there to work with.
This was one of Smith’s best games for England, for the first time he didn’t look totally marginalised. Nick Evans being involved hopefully making him feel more comfortable with the game plan.
At some point (soon) Borthwick is going to bin off Farrell & Youngs. I’m sure of it. Don’t think Eddie would have. Faz might muddle through to the World Cup, but Youngs will be gone before.

[Banquo]

Brief re-watch;
Ben Curry was good with a couple of mishaps, lots there to work with.
This was one of Smith’s best games for England, for the first time he didn’t look totally marginalised. Nick Evans being involved hopefully making him feel more comfortable with the game plan.
At some point (soon) Borthwick is going to bin off Farrell & Youngs. I’m sure of it. Don’t think Eddie would have. Faz might muddle through to the World Cup, but Youngs will be gone before.

I didn't like the way that as the game went on Faz was basically playing fly half- at the start of the game, it was much more orthodox and as a consequence looked effective; more often than not second half, Smith was getting the ball as a second distributor with eff all going on around him and the scots just waited to see what he'd do and shut it down.

The second half stats would have you wondering how it was even close, let alone losing.

[Oakboy]

Will we see substantial improvement without totally shedding the old guard - George, Mako, Itoje, Youngs Farrell etc.? Accepting that it would be a radical step, likely only to occur after the RWC, I don't see how SB can change as much as he wants/needs to change if old habits remain. At some point the team will have to go backwards before going forwards.

shedding Itoje...old guard. ok....

I thought you'd bite. IMO, Itoje is still one of our best locks individually without being the outstanding player that he was a few years back. BUT, now that he is not outstanding and with his tendency to concede penalties rising again, he should not be an automatic pick. Maybe, he even needs a start or two from the bench to get him back in the right frame of mind.

Early on, 5th or 6th minute?, he had a run near the Scottish line that made me sit up. The old bite seemed to be back. Then, he faded away.

In terms of the team's future, there needs to be a shedding of bad habits. I think the two props, Genge and Sinckler are back on the right track and a good influence. I hope Itoje will be too but I have doubts. There should never be doubts about a player that good.

[Epaminondas Pules]

I’d bench Itoje. I think he needs a kick up the arse to be frank. He was pretty crap by his standards yesterday really. Totally outplayed by Chessum. Looking at the game anyone who didn’t know would’ve said Chessum was the one with world class potential, not Itoje.

[Banquo]

Will we see substantial improvement without totally shedding the old guard - George, Mako, Itoje, Youngs Farrell etc.? Accepting that it would be a radical step, likely only to occur after the RWC, I don't see how SB can change as much as he wants/needs to change if old habits remain. At some point the team will have to go backwards before going forwards.

shedding Itoje...old guard. ok....

I thought you'd bite.

sly old dog . Even not at best his lineout , restarts and tackling make him key.

[Banquo]

I’d bench Itoje. I think he needs a kick up the arse to be frank. He was pretty crap by his standards yesterday really. Totally outplayed by Chessum. Looking at the game anyone who didn’t know would’ve said Chessum was the one with world class potential, not Itoje.

I wouldnt- his crap is better than mosts good, and we have too few quality intls to deliberately lose one. Plus as good as Chessum was, having experienced quality alongside has to helpful. Not who'd start ahead of him anyway to match his skills?

All that said, for a bright lad, he can do very dim stuff.

[Which Tyler]

I'd be tempted to drop Itoje for a match or two.
About like Billy 4 years ago - he's playing poorly by his standards, but is still the best option for the shirt.
A kick up the arse now could see much better performances in the Autumn.

I'm not sure If risk it, but I'd definitely be tempted.

[Banquo]

I'd be tempted to drop Itoje for a match or two.
About like Billy 4 years ago - he's playing poorly by his standards, but is still the best option for the shirt.
A kick up the arse now could see much better performances in the Autumn.

I'm not sure If risk it, but I'd definitely be tempted.

well a- who would one start in his place, and b- in discussions about who to drop, Itoje wouldnt be near the top of my list.

Looking at Italy now, our backs defence needs to be somewhat better!!

[Timbo]

I’d bench Itoje. I think he needs a kick up the arse to be frank. He was pretty crap by his standards yesterday really. Totally outplayed by Chessum. Looking at the game anyone who didn’t know would’ve said Chessum was the one with world class potential, not Itoje.

I wouldnt- his crap is better than mosts good, and we have too few quality intls to deliberately lose one. Plus as good as Chessum was, having experienced quality alongside has to helpful. Not who'd start ahead of him anyway to match his skills?

All that said, for a bright lad, he can do very dim stuff.

What if Big Courts was fit?