Team for Italy

[Oakboy]

Small thing I suppose. If we had VRR and Ribbans plus a fit LCD and Curry then probably not a conversation we would be having

True. I simply don't think that bench will do for the visit to Wales. Let's hope there is no 'it's only Italy' thinking behind the selection.

I actually think SB is focused on the XV. Looking at this 6n to get ‘his’ first team settled, which from the out would have included Willis and Slade. As for the bench, that will sort itself over time.

For what it is worth my starting front row for today would have been VRR, Walker & Cole.

I'd always start with Marler at LH.

[Puja]

For what it is worth my starting front row for today would have been VRR, Walker & Cole.

That is utterly, utterly baffling to me. Genge and Sinckler were a massive part of what went right for England against Scotland and it's not an exaggeration to say that, if they'd stayed on for another 10 minutes, we'd likely have won. Cole against Scotland was... there, I guess, and I think one scrum penalty has led a lot of people into thinking he was effective when it was really his sole contribution. I like VRR, but we have zero basis to believe that he can translate this season's form to the international stage, or even that this season's form is a permanent uptick in performance rather than form - certainly not enough to displace an experienced international who is also in excellent form.

As for Walker, George overthrowing two lineout throws (out of 14, I think?) does not make Walker a more reliable lineout thrower and it's not like Walker's form in the loose has been banging down the door demanding selection. There is a reason why he didn't come on in a tight game - he's there as the second best fit option, not because he's an international quality player.

Puja

[p/d]

For what it is worth my starting front row for today would have been VRR, Walker & Cole.

That is utterly, utterly baffling to me. Genge and Sinckler were a massive part of what went right for England

Puja

Christ on a bike. I wasn’t suggesting that our starting 3 aren’t our first choice. They would be for me every day of the week (well, LCD/George up for debate). It was a comment based on how ineffectual the bench looks, as such to make the bench forwards look to have a genuine impact they would need swapping round … even then I have no idea why Mako is in the 23

[Mellsblue]

For what it is worth my starting front row for today would have been VRR, Walker & Cole.

it's not an exaggeration to say that, if they'd stayed on for another 10 minutes, we'd likely have won.

Puja

Stephen Jones gives Puja his phone back

[Puja]

For what it is worth my starting front row for today would have been VRR, Walker & Cole.

That is utterly, utterly baffling to me. Genge and Sinckler were a massive part of what went right for England

Puja

Christ on a bike. I wasn’t suggesting that our starting 3 aren’t our first choice. They would be for me every day of the week (well, LCD/George up for debate). It was a comment based on how ineffectual the bench looks, as such to make the bench forwards look to have a genuine impact they would need swapping round … even then I have no idea why Mako is in the 23

Oh thank gods. I was worried for you. I have seen that front row touted by people on twitter (with some saying Mako should start!) and I was worried you'd suffered some kind of head injury or been possessed by the ghost of Clive Woodward.

For what it is worth my starting front row for today would have been VRR, Walker & Cole.

it's not an exaggeration to say that, if they'd stayed on for another 10 minutes, we'd likely have won.

Puja

Stephen Jones gives Puja his phone back

I stand by it. It was a tight game of fine margins - if we delay taking Curry, Sinckler, and Genge off, then we look nowhere near as toothless and likely extend our lead instead of Isiekwe and Mako bouncing impotently off the Scots defence. It was a massive momentum swing in the match.

Puja

[Mellsblue]

I stand by it. It was a tight game of fine margins - if we delay taking Curry, Sinckler, and Genge off, then we look nowhere near as toothless and likely extend our lead instead of Isiekwe and Mako bouncing impotently off the Scots defence. It was a massive momentum swing in the match.

Puja

Without their gps stats I guess we’ll never know.

[Danno]

I'd misplaced the knowledge that Faz is starting at 10. Re-realising this has intensified my hangover no end.

[Danno]

Woodward: "he can show the world what a great 10 he is"

On-screen statistic: "37% of games Farrell started at 10 were lost"

[Banquo]

Woodward: "he can show the world what a great 10 he is"

On-screen statistic: "37% of games Farrell started at 10 were lost"

Yep- we win more often when he starts at 12.


Because someone else is at 10, notably Ford.

[Mellsblue]

Woodward: "he can show the world what a great 10 he is"

On-screen statistic: "37% of games Farrell started at 10 were lost"

“England finally have a specialist 10”, says Woodward with a straight.

[Mellsblue]

Fark me. Anything less than 100% kicking, 0 missed tackles, 5 tries, 8 assists and a cure for cancer and Farrell will not have lived up to the build up he’s getting here.

[Banquo]

ffs

[loudnconfident]

Not another,10 minute scrum...

[Danno]

KADAB...

[Banquo]

clog hands so far

[Banquo]

fckin scrums

[Puja]

Are we just not doing putting the ball in straight anymore? Varney's pointing directly towards his number 8.

Puja

[Mr Mwenda]

Wow, this ten minutes compares poorly with some of yesterday's fare...

[Banquo]

legit kadab

[Banquo]

Are we just not doing putting the ball in straight anymore? Varney's pointing directly towards his number 8.

Puja

ridiculous innit

[Danno]

KADAB...

ARRRRRRGGGHHH

[Banquo]

great drill

[Mr Mwenda]

I feel I should ask what kadab means before it becomes too established.

Good for you, Willis

[JellyHead]

That was interesting, it looked like slade told farrel to kick to the corner and farrel didn't look convinced

[Mr Mwenda]

Worked it out. Steward with borderline kadab?

Poor Lamarro, some venom from itoje there.