EPS Watch / Player Form Thread

[Banquo]

It's a tough one. Thought Jonny May was having a storming start to the season then he did that pass to the floor and the memories came flooding back. Who do we pick on the wing if Daly is at 15? Nowell and Solomona? Can you imagine that combo in defence?

Nowell seemed to get a lot of plaudits for his performance on Sunday but his non-tackle on Johnson was on par with the worst I've seen of Goode/Mallinder/Goden in recent times.

Hadn't considered Woodward. Feels like we'd be heading further towards a XV where having been born in England is totally irrelevant.

Yes, I've surprised myself by not leaping all over that!

[Puja]

It's a tough one. Thought Jonny May was having a storming start to the season then he did that pass to the floor and the memories came flooding back. Who do we pick on the wing if Daly is at 15? Nowell and Solomona? Can you imagine that combo in defence?

Nowell seemed to get a lot of plaudits for his performance on Sunday but his non-tackle on Johnson was on par with the worst I've seen of Goode/Mallinder/Goden in recent times.

Hadn't considered Woodward. Feels like we'd be heading further towards a XV where having been born in England is totally irrelevant.

One terrible pass doesn't negate what else May's been showing. Some of his play in attack had been ridiculous. Same with Nowell really. We know that neither are a complete package - Nowell will miss the occasional tackle and May will have the occasional moment of outstanding clumsiness - but we pick them for what else they offer - footwork and half-breaks in solid defensive lines from Nowell and unbelievable finishing from May.

Solomona is not in the conversation for me at the moment. Yarde is, despite me having resolved to write him off after Argentina. He is really looking the business for Quins this season. I'd also want to look at Collins, maybe for Samoa.

Of course, this assumes Daly's at 15, which is unlikely. If Watson's fit, then Daly's on the wing. Happy to admit that I was wrong on that one.

Puja

[Mikey Brown]

Nowell misses crucial first up tackles practically every game, doesn't seem fashionable to acknowledge it though.

He does offer a lot though, his work in tight spaces is particularly valuable given our tendency to just shuffle the ball along the line pretty aimlessly.

I do think May has developed a lot and is a better player now than a few years back. But that moment just reminded how often his brain used to switch off entirely. I really hope he can keep it together because his pace is ludicrous and he's finally developed his finished to match.

11. Daly 14. May 15. Watson would have to be up there as one the fastest back-threes around.

[Banquo]

Nowell misses crucial first up tackles practically every game, doesn't seem fashionable to acknowledge it though.

He does offer a lot though, his work in tight spaces is particularly valuable given our tendency to just shuffle the ball along the line pretty aimlessly.

I do think May has developed a lot and is a better player now than a few years back. But that moment just reminded how often his brain used to switch off entirely. I really hope he can keep it together because his pace is ludicrous and he's finally developed his finished to match.

11. Daly 14. May 15. Watson would have to be up there as one the fastest back-threes around.

Er...I think I do it every time someone says he's 'world class', 'england's best winger' etc., along with suggesting his top end pace isn't all that (which causes some of his defensive issues against the best players, as he tends to sell himself and miss, especially early on). I agree he also brings a lot to the table.

And I'm glad folks are coming round to thinking Daly on the wing is a good thing for the long term; in truth, I also was sceptical 18 months ago, but I think he really helps to balance a back three as a wing.

[Oakboy]

And I'm glad folks are coming round to thinking Daly on the wing is a good thing for the long term; in truth, I also was sceptical 18 months ago, but I think he really helps to balance a back three as a wing.

I got something right for once, then!!!

[Banquo]

And I'm glad folks are coming round to thinking Daly on the wing is a good thing for the long term; in truth, I also was sceptical 18 months ago, but I think he really helps to balance a back three as a wing.

I got something right for once, then!!!

indeed, should have given you the credit for suggesting he switch there a fair while before it actually happened

[Mikey Brown]

Nowell misses crucial first up tackles practically every game, doesn't seem fashionable to acknowledge it though.

He does offer a lot though, his work in tight spaces is particularly valuable given our tendency to just shuffle the ball along the line pretty aimlessly.

I do think May has developed a lot and is a better player now than a few years back. But that moment just reminded how often his brain used to switch off entirely. I really hope he can keep it together because his pace is ludicrous and he's finally developed his finished to match.

11. Daly 14. May 15. Watson would have to be up there as one the fastest back-threes around.

Er...I think I do it every time someone says he's 'world class', 'england's best winger' etc., along with suggesting his top end pace isn't all that (which causes some of his defensive issues against the best players, as he tends to sell himself and miss, especially early on). I agree he also brings a lot to the table.

And I'm glad folks are coming round to thinking Daly on the wing is a good thing for the long term; in truth, I also was sceptical 18 months ago, but I think he really helps to balance a back three as a wing.

And have I ever accused you of being fashionable?

I agree on Daly though. I think Eddie almost sees him as a fullback-esque winger in the sense NZ often have a Smith/Dagg/Jane/NMS type. Odd really as he hasn't so much back-three experience, but it's balance as you say, and a fantastic kicking option.

[Banquo]

Nowell misses crucial first up tackles practically every game, doesn't seem fashionable to acknowledge it though.

He does offer a lot though, his work in tight spaces is particularly valuable given our tendency to just shuffle the ball along the line pretty aimlessly.

I do think May has developed a lot and is a better player now than a few years back. But that moment just reminded how often his brain used to switch off entirely. I really hope he can keep it together because his pace is ludicrous and he's finally developed his finished to match.

11. Daly 14. May 15. Watson would have to be up there as one the fastest back-threes around.

Er...I think I do it every time someone says he's 'world class', 'england's best winger' etc., along with suggesting his top end pace isn't all that (which causes some of his defensive issues against the best players, as he tends to sell himself and miss, especially early on). I agree he also brings a lot to the table.

And I'm glad folks are coming round to thinking Daly on the wing is a good thing for the long term; in truth, I also was sceptical 18 months ago, but I think he really helps to balance a back three as a wing.

And have I ever accused you of being fashionable?

I agree on Daly though. I think Eddie almost sees him as a fullback-esque winger in the sense NZ often have a Smith/Dagg/Jane/NMS type. Odd really as he hasn't so much back-three experience, but it's balance as you say, and a fantastic kicking option.

Harsh, I thought my workday chinos were rather fetching. Daly is genuinely speedy, has shown he can finish, and his roaming off the wing as an extra centre has been underused imo- and a great range boot, to boot. Be nice to see him, Watson, and AN Other in the back three, hopefully with JJ at 13, and Teo at 12. Dream on.

[Tom Moore]

Cool, pick a name out of a hat from Daly/Nowell/Slade/Mallinder. I mean I'm slow and rubbish and Watson is a winger anyway.

You're mssing the obvious - Banahan played 15 for Bath, so he's the sensible choice.

Not really sure who our next cap off the rank is for 15 if they're both out (which is pessimistic from what I understand of Watson). Do we go next best specialist full-back, which is the unappealing prospect of Haley, or go for the Adam Ashley-Cooper approach of the next best player who can fit in there, which would be Slade or Daly.

Frankly, if I were Harry Mallinder, I'd be chivvying dad to give me a run at full-back. It's his favoured position and it would take him out of the frontline defence, which would mitigate his cowardice in front on tackles. He's good at side-on amd covering, he's got a big boot and a turn of pace - I wouldn't mind giving him a go there for England.

Puja

Think Goode would have something to say about Haley being the next best specialist 15.

On Mallinder, I wouldn't like to thrust him in as an England full back on the basis his tackling is ok in some circumstances, he's quickish and has a big boot. Be nice to see him play there a lot first as seems his wish, before not minding giving him a go for England.

Watson likely fit, but this is where Eddies' lions selection statement looks like it will be (have to be) forgotten

Alex Goode shouldn't be allowed an opinion on any aspect of international rugby.

There's an argument he shouldn't even be allowed to watch it.

[Banquo]

You're mssing the obvious - Banahan played 15 for Bath, so he's the sensible choice.

Not really sure who our next cap off the rank is for 15 if they're both out (which is pessimistic from what I understand of Watson). Do we go next best specialist full-back, which is the unappealing prospect of Haley, or go for the Adam Ashley-Cooper approach of the next best player who can fit in there, which would be Slade or Daly.

Frankly, if I were Harry Mallinder, I'd be chivvying dad to give me a run at full-back. It's his favoured position and it would take him out of the frontline defence, which would mitigate his cowardice in front on tackles. He's good at side-on amd covering, he's got a big boot and a turn of pace - I wouldn't mind giving him a go there for England.

Puja

Think Goode would have something to say about Haley being the next best specialist 15.

On Mallinder, I wouldn't like to thrust him in as an England full back on the basis his tackling is ok in some circumstances, he's quickish and has a big boot. Be nice to see him play there a lot first as seems his wish, before not minding giving him a go for England.

Watson likely fit, but this is where Eddies' lions selection statement looks like it will be (have to be) forgotten

Alex Goode shouldn't be allowed an opinion on any aspect of international rugby.

There's an argument he shouldn't even be allowed to watch it.

That notwithstanding, he's been the most effective eqp 15 in the AP for some while...although I tend to agree

[Tom Moore]

Think Goode would have something to say about Haley being the next best specialist 15.

On Mallinder, I wouldn't like to thrust him in as an England full back on the basis his tackling is ok in some circumstances, he's quickish and has a big boot. Be nice to see him play there a lot first as seems his wish, before not minding giving him a go for England.

Watson likely fit, but this is where Eddies' lions selection statement looks like it will be (have to be) forgotten

Alex Goode shouldn't be allowed an opinion on any aspect of international rugby.

There's an argument he shouldn't even be allowed to watch it.

That notwithstanding, he's been the most effective eqp 15 in the AP for some while...although I tend to agree

Agree completely on the AP side of the argument. Just that, in my view, his innumerable failures at international level should eliminate him from contention permanently.

[Digby]

Which is a bit different to he shouldn't have an opinion

[Banquo]

Alex Goode shouldn't be allowed an opinion on any aspect of international rugby.

There's an argument he shouldn't even be allowed to watch it.

That notwithstanding, he's been the most effective eqp 15 in the AP for some while...although I tend to agree

Agree completely on the AP side of the argument. Just that, in my view, his innumerable failures at international level should eliminate him from contention permanently.

well they aren't innumerable, really

[Tom Moore]

Which is a bit different to he shouldn't have an opinion

Context: "Alex Goode might have something to say about that."

Interpretation: Alex Goode would have an opinion on anyone else thinking they were ahead of him in the line for the 15 shirt.

My viewpoint: Alex Goode doesn't have the right to an opinion on full back play at international level as it pertains to his place in the line, because he has been indescribably bad in his most recent competitive appearances. So bad in fact, that he forfeits any right to views (or indeed viewership) on international rugby in its totality.

[Timbo]

"Indescribably bad" is over egging the pudding somewhat imo.

[Timbo]

Anyway, Brown's ankle not too bad apparently. Should be fine for England and Watson is also fit...so yeah.

[Mr Mwenda]

Anyway, Brown's ankle not too bad apparently. Should be fine for England and Watson is also fit...so yeah.

Beautiful.

[Digby]

Which is a bit different to he shouldn't have an opinion

Context: "Alex Goode might have something to say about that."

Interpretation: Alex Goode would have an opinion on anyone else thinking they were ahead of him in the line for the 15 shirt.

My viewpoint: Alex Goode doesn't have the right to an opinion on full back play at international level as it pertains to his place in the line, because he has been indescribably bad in his most recent competitive appearances. So bad in fact, that he forfeits any right to views (or indeed viewership) on international rugby in its totality.

If Goode isn't allowed an opinion that leaves maybe 10 people in the country who are

[Banquo]

Which is a bit different to he shouldn't have an opinion

Context: "Alex Goode might have something to say about that."

Interpretation: Alex Goode would have an opinion on anyone else thinking they were ahead of him in the line for the 15 shirt.

My viewpoint: Alex Goode doesn't have the right to an opinion on full back play at international level as it pertains to his place in the line, because he has been indescribably bad in his most recent competitive appearances. So bad in fact, that he forfeits any right to views (or indeed viewership) on international rugby in its totality.

If Goode isn't allowed an opinion that leaves maybe 10 people in the country who are

suspect the tongue has actually passed through the cheek

[Digby]

Context: "Alex Goode might have something to say about that."

Interpretation: Alex Goode would have an opinion on anyone else thinking they were ahead of him in the line for the 15 shirt.

My viewpoint: Alex Goode doesn't have the right to an opinion on full back play at international level as it pertains to his place in the line, because he has been indescribably bad in his most recent competitive appearances. So bad in fact, that he forfeits any right to views (or indeed viewership) on international rugby in its totality.

If Goode isn't allowed an opinion that leaves maybe 10 people in the country who are

suspect the tongue has actually passed through the cheek

Actually I was wondering just how far down my opinion ranked under such system

[Puja]

Anyway, Brown's ankle not too bad apparently. Should be fine for England and Watson is also fit...so yeah.

A furious and frenzied debate about a catastrophe that has turned out not to actually exist. Gods, I love this place.

Puja

[kk67]

If Goode isn't allowed an opinion that leaves maybe 10 people in the country who are

suspect the tongue has actually passed through the cheek

Actually I was wondering just how far down my opinion ranked under such system

That occurred to me as well. I'm always surprised that RR's is mostly down on him. I don't watch as much AP as most of you but he has always seemed pretty useful.

+1 for Daly's left boot. His kicking from hand is artwork.

[Digby]

Anyway, Brown's ankle not too bad apparently. Should be fine for England and Watson is also fit...so yeah.

A furious and frenzied debate about a catastrophe that has turned out not to actually exist. Gods, I love this place.

Puja

Question stands apart from Brown's ankle.

[Beasties]

Ignore Timbo's post, I was enjoying the debate. He's such a killjoy.

[Tom Moore]

If Goode isn't allowed an opinion that leaves maybe 10 people in the country who are

suspect the tongue has actually passed through the cheek

Actually I was wondering just how far down my opinion ranked under such system

Above Alex Goode's. Given that you, to the best of my knowledge, have never turned custodianship of the England 15 shirt into a spectacular bed-sh**ting contest.

And well above mine, given that the mere mention of his name appears to turn me into an absolute raving lunatic.