6 Nations Squad Announcement - 11:30am

[Stom]

Freeman
Roebuck
Steward
is awfully slow.

Not just slow, but boring (as much as I like Freeman).

I guess our head coach is trying to live up to one of his monikers, Simply Boring.

[FKAS]

Neither Freeman or Roebuck are quick wingers and they’re paired with a slow 15. It’s a slow back three.

Neither winger is rapid but they're still quick. As quick as Ireland are likely to field with Hansen and Lowe. Sleightholme and Murley are both edging towards the more rapid style of winger but neither is close to being as good in the air. Murley in particular would be targeted under the high ball by Ireland.

Against France in the second game we might well change things up.

You’re ignoring one third of the back three. Let’s agree to disagree.

Steward isn't fast, there's not much point debating that. He's developed into a very good link man this season, good strike runner and still strong under the high ball. All things needed in our backline. The alternative is Daly who lost the 15 shirt because he was anything but steady at the back.

[Stom]

Neither winger is rapid but they're still quick. As quick as Ireland are likely to field with Hansen and Lowe. Sleightholme and Murley are both edging towards the more rapid style of winger but neither is close to being as good in the air. Murley in particular would be targeted under the high ball by Ireland.

Against France in the second game we might well change things up.

You’re ignoring one third of the back three. Let’s agree to disagree.

Steward isn't fast, there's not much point debating that. He's developed into a very good link man this season, good strike runner and still strong under the high ball. All things needed in our backline. The alternative is Daly who lost the 15 shirt because he was anything but steady at the back.

You just think that...with Steward at FB, you could pick at least, maybe, 1 wing who offers an X factor rather than picking every single bloody player because he's good under the high ball in defence.

[jngf]

Woke up to the Today Programme hinting that 2 Curry’s and Chessum will start against Ireland - I really wished I’d overslept

[Oakboy]

You’re ignoring one third of the back three. Let’s agree to disagree.

Steward isn't fast, there's not much point debating that. He's developed into a very good link man this season, good strike runner and still strong under the high ball. All things needed in our backline. The alternative is Daly who lost the 15 shirt because he was anything but steady at the back.

You just think that...with Steward at FB, you could pick at least, maybe, 1 wing who offers an X factor rather than picking every single bloody player because he's good under the high ball in defence.

Maybe, Sleightholme's defensive lapses caused such thinking?

It would be interesting to see speed ratings for the backs in the squad over, say, 10, 30 and 50 metres. I'd be surprised if many beat Marcus over 10 and Slade over 50 (despite some accusing him of being slow). Quirke would take some beating at all three distances, I'd guess. You'd expect the wingers to be way out in front usually but these squad members?

[Mikey Brown]

Slade? Like Steward I think he’s got better top end pace than given credit for, but I would think comfortably still behind Sleightholme, Murley, IFW, Roebuck, Freeman, Smith, Lawrence, all the 9s and maybe even Curry/Earl/Hill.

A back three of Freeman, Roebuck, Steward isn’t horrendous in terms of pace, but none of them are flyers for their position. Roebuck is rightfully next in line, but I’d view him as competing for a similar role to Freeman.

It would be great to comfortably field Ireland’s kicks, but you’d like to think we’d give a bit more back on the counter attack.

[Stom]

Slade? Like Steward I think he’s got better top end pace than given credit for, but I would think comfortably still behind Sleightholme, Murley, IFW, Roebuck, Freeman, Smith, Lawrence, all the 9s and maybe even Curry/Earl/Hill.

A back three of Freeman, Roebuck, Steward isn’t horrendous in terms of pace, but none of them are flyers for their position. Roebuck is rightfully next in line, but I’d view him as competing for a similar role to Freeman.

It would be great to comfortably field Ireland’s kicks, but you’d like to think we’d give a bit more back on the counter attack.

Why? What has he done over Murley? Other than being 13cm taller?

[p/d]

Woke up to the Today Programme hinting that 2 Curry’s and Chessum will start against Ireland - I really wished I’d overslept

I recall the disappointment of Slade being picked after only one game back from injury, and now we plan to do the same with Chessum. One can only assume he looked at, what, standing behind the posts!!!

[Captainhaircut]

Telegraph reckon Curry x 2 and Earl in the back row. Chessum, CCS and Willis on bench.

Bit surprising so great it’s come out on Tuesday before the test so Ireland have plenty of time to adapt…

[Scrumhead]

Slade? Like Steward I think he’s got better top end pace than given credit for, but I would think comfortably still behind Sleightholme, Murley, IFW, Roebuck, Freeman, Smith, Lawrence, all the 9s and maybe even Curry/Earl/Hill.

A back three of Freeman, Roebuck, Steward isn’t horrendous in terms of pace, but none of them are flyers for their position. Roebuck is rightfully next in line, but I’d view him as competing for a similar role to Freeman.

It would be great to comfortably field Ireland’s kicks, but you’d like to think we’d give a bit more back on the counter attack.

Why? What has he done over Murley? Other than being 13cm taller?

I am a paid up member of the Cadan Murley fan club. However, he’s never played a test match. Roebuck doesn’t have much test experience to call upon but in his appearances to date he’s looked immediately at home. Now you could argue that a couple of late appearances against well beaten Japanese sides isn’t the best barometer, but he’s done all that could be asked of him.

When their domestic form is pretty much even, that tiny bit of text experience could be the difference maker.

[Scrumhead]

Telegraph reckon Curry x 2 and Earl in the back row. Chessum, CCS and Willis on bench.

Bit surprising so great it’s come out on Tuesday before the test so Ireland have plenty of time to adapt…

Well the England camp under Borthwick hasn’t been particularly leaky. We’ve seen leaked sides before now that haven’t been correct.

I wouldn’t take it as gospel that this is the lineup.

There’s also the possibility that incorrect info is being deliberately leaked.

[Mellsblue]

A back three of Freeman, Roebuck, Steward isn’t horrendous in terms of pace, but none of them are flyers for their position. Roebuck is rightfully next in line, but I’d view him as competing for a similar role to Freeman.

It would be great to comfortably field Ireland’s kicks, but you’d like to think we’d give a bit more back on the counter attack.

This is exactly my point. Thank you for making it better than i did. There’s a complete lack of balance and (sorry to be a broken record) it’s a selection that worries about the oppo rather than making the oppo worry about us.

I’ve broken my own rule of not commenting until the team is confirmed so, of course, Slow Backthree will actually select Ibotye, Sleightholme and RICH LANE!!!

[Mellsblue]

Telegraph reckon Curry x 2 and Earl in the back row. Chessum, CCS and Willis on bench.

Bit surprising so great it’s come out on Tuesday before the test so Ireland have plenty of time to adapt…

I take it all back. Savant Brilliance as a selector is taking it to a level never seen before. It’s simply not enough to just select a balanced back three of the pack and a balanced back three in the backs, he’s selected a balanced six across both units. Smaller, pacy loosies to complement a taller, slower back three.

[Mikey Brown]

Slade? Like Steward I think he’s got better top end pace than given credit for, but I would think comfortably still behind Sleightholme, Murley, IFW, Roebuck, Freeman, Smith, Lawrence, all the 9s and maybe even Curry/Earl/Hill.

A back three of Freeman, Roebuck, Steward isn’t horrendous in terms of pace, but none of them are flyers for their position. Roebuck is rightfully next in line, but I’d view him as competing for a similar role to Freeman.

It would be great to comfortably field Ireland’s kicks, but you’d like to think we’d give a bit more back on the counter attack.

Why? What has he done over Murley? Other than being 13cm taller?

I am a paid up member of the Cadan Murley fan club. However, he’s never played a test match. Roebuck doesn’t have much test experience to call upon but in his appearances to date he’s looked immediately at home. Now you could argue that a couple of late appearances against well beaten Japanese sides isn’t the best barometer, but he’s done all that could be asked of him.

When their domestic form is pretty much even, that tiny bit of text experience could be the difference maker.

Yeah. Exactly this. I meant that Roebuck has done about as much as he could with his appearances so far and was favoured ahead of Murley previously, so I’m not surprised if he is next cab off the rank in Borthwick’s mind.

I would love to see Murley get a go, but it requires a bit more bravery and commitment to (counter) attacking at the expense of having another fullback-esque presence in the air. That’s not to diminish what Roebuck does as a runner/finisher, but I think Murley offers more spark and ability to pop up in midfield.

[Mellsblue]

Neither winger is rapid but they're still quick. As quick as Ireland are likely to field with Hansen and Lowe. Sleightholme and Murley are both edging towards the more rapid style of winger but neither is close to being as good in the air. Murley in particular would be targeted under the high ball by Ireland.

Against France in the second game we might well change things up.

You’re ignoring one third of the back three. Let’s agree to disagree.

Steward isn't fast, there's not much point debating that. He's developed into a very good link man this season, good strike runner and still strong under the high ball. All things needed in our backline. The alternative is Daly who lost the 15 shirt because he was anything but steady at the back.

We’re debating whether the back three is slow so including one third of the unit in the debate is relevant. If Furbank were at 15 or Sleightholme at 11 then I wouldn’t be saying it’s a slow back three…
Thank you for restating for the hundredth time what Steward’s obvious strengths are.

[francoisfou]

Telegraph reckon Curry x 2 and Earl in the back row. Chessum, CCS and Willis on bench.

Bit surprising so great it’s come out on Tuesday before the test so Ireland have plenty of time to adapt…

When will Severely Blinkered see that Willis and Hill need to start - far too late, it would seem

[p/d]

Telegraph reckon Curry x 2 and Earl in the back row. Chessum, CCS and Willis on bench.

Bit surprising so great it’s come out on Tuesday before the test so Ireland have plenty of time to adapt…

When will Severely Blinkered see that Willis and Hill need to start - far too late, it would seem

Without sounding like a broken record Willis should have been in the AI 23 ahead of Dombrandt. The fact that he wasn’t leaves us (apparently) scared of starting him in the big boys sandpit

[FKAS]

Slade? Like Steward I think he’s got better top end pace than given credit for, but I would think comfortably still behind Sleightholme, Murley, IFW, Roebuck, Freeman, Smith, Lawrence, all the 9s and maybe even Curry/Earl/Hill.

A back three of Freeman, Roebuck, Steward isn’t horrendous in terms of pace, but none of them are flyers for their position. Roebuck is rightfully next in line, but I’d view him as competing for a similar role to Freeman.

It would be great to comfortably field Ireland’s kicks, but you’d like to think we’d give a bit more back on the counter attack.

Why? What has he done over Murley? Other than being 13cm taller?

Scored as many tries this season, better scoring ratio last season. Same age, more physical and better in the air.

[FKAS]

You’re ignoring one third of the back three. Let’s agree to disagree.

Steward isn't fast, there's not much point debating that. He's developed into a very good link man this season, good strike runner and still strong under the high ball. All things needed in our backline. The alternative is Daly who lost the 15 shirt because he was anything but steady at the back.

We’re debating whether the back three is slow so including one third of the unit in the debate is relevant. If Furbank were at 15 or Sleightholme at 11 then I wouldn’t be saying it’s a slow back three…
Thank you for restating for the hundredth time what Steward’s obvious strengths are.

Yeah but I disputed the assertion the wingers were slow. You realised you were wrong and pivoted.

[FKAS]

Telegraph reckon Curry x 2 and Earl in the back row. Chessum, CCS and Willis on bench.

Bit surprising so great it’s come out on Tuesday before the test so Ireland have plenty of time to adapt…

When will Severely Blinkered see that Willis and Hill need to start - far too late, it would seem

Without sounding like a broken record Willis should have been in the AI 23 ahead of Dombrandt. The fact that he wasn’t leaves us (apparently) scared of starting him in the big boys sandpit

Reporter Adam Hathaway reporting this morning that TWillis is going to be in the 23 for the weekend. Hopefully starting but if not then at least some bench impact.

[p/d]

When will Severely Blinkered see that Willis and Hill need to start - far too late, it would seem

Without sounding like a broken record Willis should have been in the AI 23 ahead of Dombrandt. The fact that he wasn’t leaves us (apparently) scared of starting him in the big boys sandpit

Reporter Adam Hathaway reporting this morning that TWillis is going to be in the 23 for the weekend. Hopefully starting but if not then at least some bench impact.

That is good news. Would have been interesting which way SB would have gone if Dombrandt wasn't injured

[Puja]

So, to summarise, we so far have definitive confirmation that Slightly Bemusing is selecting: 6. Chessum, 7. Earl, 8. TCurry, and also 6. Chessum, 7. TCurry, 8. Earl, and also 6. Chessum, 7. BCurry, 8. TCurry, and also 6. TCurry, 7. BCurry, 8. Earl.

Anyone else feel like maybe it's not worth shouting at Strangely Beleaguered for what Mail/Ruck.co.uk's predicted selections are, given that they all appear to be guesses so far?

Puja

[p/d]

So, to summarise, we so far have definitive confirmation that Slightly Bemusing is selecting: 6. Chessum, 7. Earl, 8. TCurry, and also 6. Chessum, 7. TCurry, 8. Earl, and also 6. Chessum, 7. BCurry, 8. TCurry, and also 6. TCurry, 7. BCurry, 8. Earl.

Anyone else feel like maybe it's not worth shouting at Strangely Beleaguered for what Mail/Ruck.co.uk's predicted selections are, given that they all appear to be guesses so far?

Puja

Well if I was Cunningham-South I’d be shouting. The b**tards couldn’t be arsed to even throw him a bone of hope!

[jngf]

So, to summarise, we so far have definitive confirmation that Slightly Bemusing is selecting: 6. Chessum, 7. Earl, 8. TCurry, and also 6. Chessum, 7. TCurry, 8. Earl, and also 6. Chessum, 7. BCurry, 8. TCurry, and also 6. TCurry, 7. BCurry, 8. Earl.

Anyone else feel like maybe it's not worth shouting at Strangely Beleaguered for what Mail/Ruck.co.uk's predicted selections are, given that they all appear to be guesses so far?

Puja

Whilst it’s lovely on one level that the Curry brothers (may) get to start a test together if accurate it smacks of sentimentality on the part of Smudger Bouffant and whilst I’m prepared to see how he does in this 6 Nations, doesn’t bode well - I’d even have Earl starting at 8 in preference and you all know how lukewarm I am about that in itself.

[Mellsblue]

Steward isn't fast, there's not much point debating that. He's developed into a very good link man this season, good strike runner and still strong under the high ball. All things needed in our backline. The alternative is Daly who lost the 15 shirt because he was anything but steady at the back.

We’re debating whether the back three is slow so including one third of the unit in the debate is relevant. If Furbank were at 15 or Sleightholme at 11 then I wouldn’t be saying it’s a slow back three…
Thank you for restating for the hundredth time what Steward’s obvious strengths are.

Yeah but I disputed the assertion the wingers were slow. You realised you were wrong and pivoted.

lol. You’re right. You disputed it, the scales suddenly fell from my eyes and I realised that Freeman and Roebuck were faster than I thought.