Team v Scotland - Announced!

[FKAS]

I love that we’re so used to a combination of 10s/13s there that calling him “a 12 at 12” is now considered overhyping.

This playing a player in their preferred position thing will never work out. Steward's a big lad that can kick, Steward for 12.

Re Earl packing down at 6, him and Ludlam are pretty interchangeable on the flanks so don't think it matters to much.

I don't think I've seen Earl defend the blindside from a scrum, could be wrong (and that really does matter). After a couple of phases it doesn't matter so much I agree, as much as their skills being complimentary; Curry I think does more grunt work at the breakdown, so there is that.

and, you were suggesting Steward could be moved to centre iirc

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.dailym ... No-12.html

The Steward reference was a somewhat obscure piss take of the above article where SCW suggests he's the long term answer.

[Banquo]

This playing a player in their preferred position thing will never work out. Steward's a big lad that can kick, Steward for 12.

Re Earl packing down at 6, him and Ludlam are pretty interchangeable on the flanks so don't think it matters to much.

I don't think I've seen Earl defend the blindside from a scrum, could be wrong (and that really does matter). After a couple of phases it doesn't matter so much I agree, as much as their skills being complimentary; Curry I think does more grunt work at the breakdown, so there is that.

and, you were suggesting Steward could be moved to centre iirc

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.dailym ... No-12.html

The Steward reference was a somewhat obscure piss take of the above article where SCW suggests he's the long term answer.

....and you backed it up by referencing his lufbra days iirc....'an interesting experiment' or summat

What about Earl packing down on the blindside- has he done it before?

[FKAS]

I don't think I've seen Earl defend the blindside from a scrum, could be wrong (and that really does matter). After a couple of phases it doesn't matter so much I agree, as much as their skills being complimentary; Curry I think does more grunt work at the breakdown, so there is that.

and, you were suggesting Steward could be moved to centre iirc

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.dailym ... No-12.html

The Steward reference was a somewhat obscure piss take of the above article where SCW suggests he's the long term answer.

....and you backed it up by referencing his lufbra days iirc....'an interesting experiment' or summat

that would fit perfectly with the normal way of thinking for England as he played 13 at Loughborough University.

[Stom]

It’s more the idea that playing Kelly will be problem solved. There have been numerous players look great in the Prem but fail at international level.

Very true but when your defence had a gaping hole due to the actions of the 12 that isn't really a 12 you really want to see the guy that's a solid defender at 12 given a go. Kelly is also young enough to spend time developing, much like England are doing with Smith who looks phenomenal at Prem level but average at international level (so far).

I wouldn’t say smith has been average, more up and down.

He needs to be shot of Farrell

[fivepointer]

Just rewatched the game.
i thought Chessum was very good on Saturday. I now think we was outstanding. Ludlam wasnt far behind.
We played some really good stuff in the 1st half. Both Malins tries were first class, notably the second that featured multiple ball carriers and distributors. Genge's score was nearly as good. Forthright, purposeful runners, well supported with the ball being moved smartly.
After this score (on 47 minutes) our attack never functioned as well.
We didnt see players moving on to the ball at pace and at times we lost all shape.
Smith tried his best to galvanise our attack but he needs runners off him and that wasnt happening. Youngs coming on for JVP didnt help us one jot.
The subs generally were a downgrade, bar Earl who really did look full of beans. Made some good runs and had an energy that others lacked.
The other subs disappointed. None more so than Isiekwe who added nothing and could hardly raise a gallop. Cole won a scrum penalty but never featured outside of that and Vunipola looks shot as a top international player. Lawrence had a couple of carries, likewise Watson but neither made much of a mark.
itoje has come in for a bit of stick and it was noticeable he faded quite badly in the last quarter. Dont know if he was carrying a knock but he looked pretty spent.
For all our failings you have to hand it to Scotland for a job very well done. They defended very well, kept their discipline and committed very few errors. They turned the screw (at about 60 minutes) at the right time as we looked to be flagging.

[Banquo]

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.dailym ... No-12.html

The Steward reference was a somewhat obscure piss take of the above article where SCW suggests he's the long term answer.

....and you backed it up by referencing his lufbra days iirc....'an interesting experiment' or summat

that would fit perfectly with the normal way of thinking for England as he played 13 at Loughborough University.

And 10 as you also told us.

[FKAS]

....and you backed it up by referencing his lufbra days iirc....'an interesting experiment' or summat

that would fit perfectly with the normal way of thinking for England as he played 13 at Loughborough University.

And 10 as you also told us.

school days but he's becoming more qualified by the second.

[Puja]

that would fit perfectly with the normal way of thinking for England as he played 13 at Loughborough University.

And 10 as you also told us.

school days but he's becoming more qualified by the second.

Do you know who else played 10 in school? That's right - Jesus Christ Brad Barritt.

Puja

[Spiffy]

And 10 as you also told us.

school days but he's becoming more qualified by the second.

Do you know who else played 10 in school? That's right - Jesus Christ Brad Barritt.

Puja

I think the Italy/France game was the first time that a commentator failed to remind us that 6'8" French lock Flament played fly half for Loughborough fifths (unless I missed it - I was trying to tune out Dewi Morris.)

[Which Tyler]

I think the Italy/France game was the first time that a commentator failed to remind us that 6'8" French lock Flament played fly half for Loughborough fifths (unless I missed it - I was trying to tune out Dewi Morris.)

You missed it, they did bring it up

[Mellsblue]

[Banquo]

combo of intent (they were definitely looking to do Malins 2nd try, running round a defence in effect), poor decision making, and a lack of strike running imo.

and if that's ruck speed...that's quite the issue/