RWC squad for 2027

[Which Tyler]

I believe the squad size is 33 again for 2027.
How many names do we think are inked in? how many up for grabs between multiple players? Who would you pick / think SB will pick? who would be "on alert"?

[Which Tyler]

I think we can ink in:
LHP: Genge, Baxter
HK: LCD, George (unless he falls of a cliff with age)
THP: Stuart, Heyes
LK: Itoje, Chessum, Martin, Coles
BR: TCurry, Earl, Pollock

SH: Mitchell
FH: FSmith, Ford
CE: Dingwall, Lawrence
B3: IFW, Freeman, Roebuck, Furbank, Steward
UB: M Smith, Daly

Behind them:
LHP: Rodd v Obano are probably favourites
HK: gods alone, but Dan has had most time invested in him. Will Tuipulotu be ready by then? otherwise we're looking at Oghre, Blamire, Langdon...
THP: AOF is in pole position for 3rd choice, but Fasogbon and Sela may have a thing or two to say about that.
LK: those 4 should be enough, with the likes of Isiekwe, Ewels, Batley, Sodeke and Bamber fighting to be first reserve
BR: As opposed to hooker, this is a bugger to pick because of so many class players. I wouldn't go without Underhill or CCS, BCurry and Pepper probably fighting for one place, or maybe all4 of those fighting for just 2 places?

SH: We'll want 3 of them, currently, that's perm 2 from JvP, Spencer and Quirke, none of whom are convincing. Is there time for a Carr-Smith, McParland or even a Friday or Bracken to step up? Or maybe a recall for Randall.
FH: with Ford, Smith and Smith, no need to look further - Farrell the obvious break-glass-in-case-of-emergency, then the likes of Benson, Worsley or Donoghue who might make a challenge as backup.
CE: SAtkinson is next in line, with Ojomoh behind him. Slade is hanging around like a bad smell - but I'm not sure any of those 3 are nailed on for the RWC squad. There's also the likes of Maas-White and Woodward getting some experience, or Hartley awaiting a return from injury.
B3: TBH, I think the above is fine, but there's a long queue fighting to be the favoured backup. Even Steward may not be nailed on if Carpenter gets and takes a chance. Back 3 is also (always) the most likely position for a bolter to come from nowhere - like Calourhi, for example.

[FKAS]

Given Martin's injury issues I'm not sure he can be inked in yet. Coles is impressive but I could see him overtaken in Simple Ballast's mind should a more heavy duty option become available and in form.

Daly will be about 35 by the time of the next world cup, feels unlikely a wing/OC/fullback utility option is going to make it at that age even if he is doing well now.

I'd imagine we'll be keen to develop around 40 reliable, regular players and select from there. We are getting there but hooker and 9 are areas of concern. Should JvP and Quirke both stop breaking and finding consistent form then a lot of concern would be reduced at 9.

[fivepointer]

HK: gods alone, but Dan has had most time invested in him. Will Tuipulotu be ready by then?

I think there's a very strong argument for fast tracking him. I'd get him in the 6N squad.

[FKAS]

Kepu Tuipolotu will be 22 by the next world cup, about the right age to be third choice impact option behind a couple of experienced options. About the same age Theo Dan was at the last world cup.

[Oakboy]

HK: gods alone, but Dan has had most time invested in him. Will Tuipulotu be ready by then?

I think there's a very strong argument for fast tracking him. I'd get him in the 6N squad.

Agreed. Get him in camp with LCD and George. If he can't learn from those two I'd be astounded.