New and Improved EPS Watch/Player Form Thread

[Stom]

Agreed. He's only 24, so room to evolve as a player, but I'm not seeing signs of it in his locker as of yet. He might evolve with more game time in the Exeter team, especially with how they look to play, but he's not an international candidate IMO.

to try the bloody knob.

we did it over a 100 times with Faz, in fairness

Oh, I miss the like function already.

[Puja]

Isn't that kinda the point of discussion boards?
We discuss our own opinions, whilst not having any pressure whatsoever of standing or falling based on them (excepting the Premiership predictions thread, of course)

True, but I'm just tickled by the confidence of, "If he disagrees with me on this, he's a failure as a selector." I'm no Roots partisan, but I can't say I've seen enough bad about him to be that confident that he's an Oakboy-confidence-ending level mistake.

Oh, I miss the like function already.

Apparently, it was the like button that's been banjaxing the board of late. Some issue with phpBB being garbage and not being able to cope with us liking stuff.

Puja

[Captainhaircut]

So we lost Hepburn, Hurd and Reed in the latest embarrassing Scotland raid. No one lost to Wales. Reed annoying as I think he could step up but guess we’ll be nabbing IFW ourselves to offset.

Means we should be able to get Dingwall, Smith, Roebuck and Warr tied down in this window for the next 3 years. Need to get Tuima and CCS as well, plus anyone else we don’t even know about.

[Banquo]

So we lost Hepburn, Hurd and Reed in the latest embarrassing Scotland raid. No one lost to Wales. Reed annoying as I think he could step up but guess we’ll be nabbing IFW ourselves to offset.

Means we should be able to get Dingwall, Smith, Roebuck and Warr tied down in this window for the next 3 years. Need to get Tuima and CCS as well, plus anyone else we don’t even know about.

alec hepburn? jeez that's odd.

[Mikey Brown]

It's pretty odd as a Scotland fan too I've got to say. Not a big Hepburn fan and hadn't even considered we'd be looking at him. Reed looks fine? Fast but not noticed much else. No idea who Hurd is.

[Puja]

It's pretty odd as a Scotland fan too I've got to say. Not a big Hepburn fan and hadn't even considered we'd be looking at him. Reed looks fine? Fast but not noticed much else. No idea who Hurd is.

Leicester's third choice tighthead. He's a decent scrummager and has kicked on very well this season, but I'm astounded that he's being looked at as an international right now.

He's not much of a poach, given he's played Scotland U20s and hasn't had any other countries at age-group.

Hepburn is wild though. He's had 1 start and 4 subs appearances for Exeter this season, which suggests that you've gone and got Exeter's third choice at prop as well. Not exactly high-quality talent.

Puja

[twitchy]

Jamie George, the Saracens hooker, will be named as England captain for the upcoming Six Nations on Wednesday.

The 33-year-old will lead a squad that is expected to contain a number of uncapped players, with the Exeter Chiefs duo of Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Ethan Roots in contention for their first call-ups.

Meanwhile, it is understood that both Luke Cowan-Dickie and Henry Slade have earned returns to a group of 35 that will prepare for the opening game against Italy in Rome on February 3.

Steve Borthwick, the England head coach, relied heavily on George during last year’s World Cup and will need to lean on experience again following the international retirements of Courtney Lawes, Ben Youngs, Jonny May and Mako Vunipola, as well as Owen Farrell’s decision to step away from Test duty ahead of a possible move to Racing 92.

Ellis Genge, who captained Leicester Tigers to the 2022 Premiership title under the stewardship of Borthwick, was strongly considered but his build-up has been compromised by a hamstring injury.

There is also scope for Borthwick to refresh his team, particularly across the back three. Feyi-Waboso, who was born in Cardiff and represented Wales at Under-18 level, was volunteered as a potential debutant earlier this month and has attended a preliminary camp. Absent from the Wales squad picked on Tuesday (see below), the 21-year-old appears to have been fast-tracked by Borthwick.



Bath will contribute a healthy contingent and Will Muir, the former England Sevens wing, is known to have impressed. Ben Spencer is likely to be rewarded for his consistency at scrum-half, with Jack van Poortvliet not quite ready to return from the ankle injury that ruled him out of the World Cup.

Slade and Cowan-Dickie were two more to miss that tournament. The former was overlooked in selection, while the latter was battling nerve damage to his neck. Since then, Slade has been a leading light in a resurgent Exeter side, while Cowan-Dickie has proved his fitness for Sale Sharks.

Northampton Saints are expected to be recognised for their Premiership-topping campaign to date. As many as 10 of Phil Dowson’s team have been in contact with Borthwick, with uncapped centre Fraser Dingwall, who also qualifies to represent Scotland, thought to have made the Six Nations squad.

Fin Smith will be included as a fly-half option while Ollie Sleightholme, another Saint, is understood to be earmarked for the England A fixture against Portugal next month.

[Banquo]

Jamie George, the Saracens hooker, will be named as England captain for the upcoming Six Nations on Wednesday.

The 33-year-old will lead a squad that is expected to contain a number of uncapped players, with the Exeter Chiefs duo of Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Ethan Roots in contention for their first call-ups.

Meanwhile, it is understood that both Luke Cowan-Dickie and Henry Slade have earned returns to a group of 35 that will prepare for the opening game against Italy in Rome on February 3.

Steve Borthwick, the England head coach, relied heavily on George during last year’s World Cup and will need to lean on experience again following the international retirements of Courtney Lawes, Ben Youngs, Jonny May and Mako Vunipola, as well as Owen Farrell’s decision to step away from Test duty ahead of a possible move to Racing 92.

Ellis Genge, who captained Leicester Tigers to the 2022 Premiership title under the stewardship of Borthwick, was strongly considered but his build-up has been compromised by a hamstring injury.

There is also scope for Borthwick to refresh his team, particularly across the back three. Feyi-Waboso, who was born in Cardiff and represented Wales at Under-18 level, was volunteered as a potential debutant earlier this month and has attended a preliminary camp. Absent from the Wales squad picked on Tuesday (see below), the 21-year-old appears to have been fast-tracked by Borthwick.



Bath will contribute a healthy contingent and Will Muir, the former England Sevens wing, is known to have impressed. Ben Spencer is likely to be rewarded for his consistency at scrum-half, with Jack van Poortvliet not quite ready to return from the ankle injury that ruled him out of the World Cup.

Slade and Cowan-Dickie were two more to miss that tournament. The former was overlooked in selection, while the latter was battling nerve damage to his neck. Since then, Slade has been a leading light in a resurgent Exeter side, while Cowan-Dickie has proved his fitness for Sale Sharks.

Northampton Saints are expected to be recognised for their Premiership-topping campaign to date. As many as 10 of Phil Dowson’s team have been in contact with Borthwick, with uncapped centre Fraser Dingwall, who also qualifies to represent Scotland, thought to have made the Six Nations squad.

Fin Smith will be included as a fly-half option while Ollie Sleightholme, another Saint, is understood to be earmarked for the England A fixture against Portugal next month.

Itoje really doesn't want to be skipper, does he.

[Mikey Brown]

He's too busy slacking.

[Captainhaircut]

If LCD is picked over Langdon, that is fairly poor given the form of the two.

[Puja]

George seems like the obvious pick. He's guaranteed his place (given his closest competitor can't even oust him from the club shirt yet), experienced, respected, not a colossal twat to referees - we could do a lot worse.

Good to hear so many from Northampton have been tapped up, both from a form perspective and from a style of play perspective. Sleightholme's a good shout for the A-team - not 100% sure he's a full international in waiting, but he has been in belting form and we could do a lot worse.

Puja

[fivepointer]

Yeah, George is the logical option as skipper.

LCD will be a lucky boy to be picked.

Disappointed to lose out on Reed, who i think is a serious talent. I think we can bear the loss of Hurd and Hepburn.

[Banquo]

George seems like the obvious pick. He's guaranteed his place (given his closest competitor can't even oust him from the club shirt yet), experienced, respected, not a colossal twat to referees - we could do a lot worse.

Good to hear so many from Northampton have been tapped up, both from a form perspective and from a style of play perspective. Sleightholme's a good shout for the A-team - not 100% sure he's a full international in waiting, but he has been in belting form and we could do a lot worse.

Puja

Sleightholme is always in decent form, til he limps off injured again....he is a talent, but a terrible sick note.

[Banquo]

George seems like the obvious pick. He's guaranteed his place (given his closest competitor can't even oust him from the club shirt yet), experienced, respected, not a colossal twat to referees - we could do a lot worse.



Puja

enjoyed his pitchside sardonicism when he was chatting with the commentary team.

[Oakboy]

I'd prefer the captain to be a regular 80 minuter.

[Which Tyler]

Unfortunately, George is a regular 80 minuter

[Mellsblue]

The little bit of me that died with the Barbeary kick chase nonsense has been reborn with this news. I bloody love Jamie George.

[Mikey Brown]

The little bit of me that died with the Barbeary kick chase nonsense has been reborn with this news. I bloody love Jamie George.

I’m happy for him and he’s probably the best option, he is insanely hard-working and consistent, but it’s hard not to think this may be us doubling down on never giving any other hooker much of a chance.

Maybe he’ll be a 60 minute captain. I don’t know. That always feels odd though.

[Mellsblue]

The little bit of me that died with the Barbeary kick chase nonsense has been reborn with this news. I bloody love Jamie George.

I’m happy for him and he’s probably the best option, he is insanely hard-working and consistent, but it’s hard not to think this may be us doubling down on never giving any other hooker much of a chance.

Maybe he’ll be a 60 minute captain. I don’t know. That always feels odd though.

Yep. A short term appointment, hopefully

[FKAS]

I'd prefer the captain to be a regular 80 minuter.

I don't think it's such a big requirement, there will be a leadership group. The halfbacks and pack leader will be doing a fair bit of talking as well. The captain needs to lead by example and not annoy the ref.

Kolisi and Cane finished one world cup game between them at the world cup (admittedly Cane did get red carded in the final) for instance.

[p/d]

I'd prefer the captain to be a regular 80 minuter.

I’m still for pick the side then pick the captain on a game by game basis.

[Timbo]

George seems like the obvious pick. He's guaranteed his place (given his closest competitor can't even oust him from the club shirt yet), experienced, respected, not a colossal twat to referees - we could do a lot worse.

Good to hear so many from Northampton have been tapped up, both from a form perspective and from a style of play perspective. Sleightholme's a good shout for the A-team - not 100% sure he's a full international in waiting, but he has been in belting form and we could do a lot worse.

Puja

Sleightholme is always in decent form, til he limps off injured again....he is a talent, but a terrible sick note.

I’ve always been a big fan of Sleightholme. Injuries have been a problem, but he also seems to just slip under the radar for some reason. Strange considering he’s one of the fastest players in the whole league & has an excellent try scoring record.

[Banquo]

George seems like the obvious pick. He's guaranteed his place (given his closest competitor can't even oust him from the club shirt yet), experienced, respected, not a colossal twat to referees - we could do a lot worse.

Good to hear so many from Northampton have been tapped up, both from a form perspective and from a style of play perspective. Sleightholme's a good shout for the A-team - not 100% sure he's a full international in waiting, but he has been in belting form and we could do a lot worse.

Puja

Sleightholme is always in decent form, til he limps off injured again....he is a talent, but a terrible sick note.

injuries have been a problem,

bit understated

[FKAS]

George seems like the obvious pick. He's guaranteed his place (given his closest competitor can't even oust him from the club shirt yet), experienced, respected, not a colossal twat to referees - we could do a lot worse.

Good to hear so many from Northampton have been tapped up, both from a form perspective and from a style of play perspective. Sleightholme's a good shout for the A-team - not 100% sure he's a full international in waiting, but he has been in belting form and we could do a lot worse.

Puja

Sleightholme is always in decent form, til he limps off injured again....he is a talent, but a terrible sick note.

I’ve always been a big fan of Sleightholme. Injuries have been a problem, but he also seems to just slip under the radar for some reason. Strange considering he’s one of the fastest players in the whole league & has an excellent try scoring record.

He's a good finisher but tends to hug the touchline and keep the width. A lot of the other Saints back three players come looking for work so seem to have more touches which is possibly why he slips under the radar compared to the others.

[Slater582]

So we lost Hepburn, Hurd and Reed in the latest embarrassing Scotland raid. No one lost to Wales. Reed annoying as I think he could step up but guess we’ll be nabbing IFW ourselves to offset.

Means we should be able to get Dingwall, Smith, Roebuck and Warr tied down in this window for the next 3 years. Need to get Tuima and CCS as well, plus anyone else we don’t even know about.

Townsend approached Hepburn in the Summer of 2022 but he wasn't ready to commit.