RugbyRebels

Scrumhead wrote:

Puja wrote:Not really sure what the point of having Ryan Mills there is. I would've placed him safely in the "never will be" pile and leapt straight to an U20s name like Malins.

Interesting that Harrison is there ahead of Nathan Catt. Would suggest that he is lined up for the 17 shirt vs the BaaBaas behind whichever of Genge and Mullan is unavailable. Did anyone else notice that Harrison played 3 for Sale against Leicester? Was that an in extremis selection or is he being groomed to move across?

Puja

I'm not sure I'd consign Mills to the 'never will be' pile yet. He's not 25 until the end of the month so still has plenty of time on his side and when he's been given game time, he's delivered for Worcester. I'd argue his form has been one of the biggest factors in Worcester's resurgence under Gold.

He's expressed a preference for playing 12 next season and if he shows up well playing week-in, week-out in that second-playmaker role, he could be a useful option to have in/around the EPS mix. IMO, he's effectively competing with Slade, Francis and Mallinder. He's not in Slade's class, but Slade still needs to nail down a position, Francis will likely be playing at 10 and despite Mallinder's obvious potential, he still has glaring weaknesses in his game that may take longer than a couple of seasons to solve.

I agree with you re. Catt. Perhaps he didn't impress last time he was called in to camp? It seems as the Rokoduguni's also slipped behind Humphreys and Attwood behind Spencer. Ellis' call-up doesn't really balance it out for Bath.

I'm also slightly surprised that Ribbans didn't get a call. I imagine Eddie likes the look of him.

Shame for any Newcastle players too after the season they've had.

Banquo wrote:

Scrumhead wrote:

Puja wrote:Not really sure what the point of having Ryan Mills there is. I would've placed him safely in the "never will be" pile and leapt straight to an U20s name like Malins.

Interesting that Harrison is there ahead of Nathan Catt. Would suggest that he is lined up for the 17 shirt vs the BaaBaas behind whichever of Genge and Mullan is unavailable. Did anyone else notice that Harrison played 3 for Sale against Leicester? Was that an in extremis selection or is he being groomed to move across?

Puja

I'm not sure I'd consign Mills to the 'never will be' pile yet. He's not 25 until the end of the month so still has plenty of time on his side and when he's been given game time, he's delivered for Worcester. I'd argue his form has been one of the biggest factors in Worcester's resurgence under Gold.

He's expressed a preference for playing 12 next season and if he shows up well playing week-in, week-out in that second-playmaker role, he could be a useful option to have in/around the EPS mix. IMO, he's effectively competing with Slade, Francis and Mallinder. He's not in Slade's class, but Slade still needs to nail down a position, Francis will likely be playing at 10 and despite Mallinder's obvious potential, he still has glaring weaknesses in his game that may take longer than a couple of seasons to solve.

I agree with you re. Catt. Perhaps he didn't impress last time he was called in to camp? It seems as the Rokoduguni's also slipped behind Humphreys and Attwood behind Spencer. Ellis' call-up doesn't really balance it out for Bath.

I'm also slightly surprised that Ribbans didn't get a call. I imagine Eddie likes the look of him.

Shame for any Newcastle players too after the season they've had.

Seems clear that in the majority of cases, Eddie has skipped the 23-30 year olds who haven't already established themselves in looking to Argentina; hence Puja's 'surprise' over Mills- who I also think is a good player and will make a good fist of 12.

Scrumhead wrote:Re. the Newcastle players I was primarily thinking about Wilson (Mark not David obviously) and Watson.

Green and Welch are underrated IMO but I wouldn't pick either ahead of the players who have been selected.

Apparently the Northampton players were not in contention either due to their play-off. Harrison, Haywood and Ribbans were the only players in with a shout though I'd imagine?

p/d wrote:At 6ways yesterday, not sure I'd want Mills in an England shirt

Banquo wrote:

p/d wrote:At 6ways yesterday, not sure I'd want Mills in an England shirt

The tweed jacket then?

Mellsblue wrote:The BBC will broadcast live television coverage of England's tour to Argentina in June.


Coverage details:

10 June: First Test from 20:00-22:30 BST on BBC Two

17 June: Second Test from 20:00-22:30 BST on BBC Two

Mellsblue wrote:Rory Teague resigns from his position as England's skills coach to move to Bordeaux Begles. He leaves after the Arg tour.

Digby wrote:

Mellsblue wrote:Rory Teague resigns from his position as England's skills coach to move to Bordeaux Begles. He leaves after the Arg tour.

Looks a good move for Teague, hard to say if he's been a success with England

Banquo wrote:

Digby wrote:

Mellsblue wrote:Rory Teague resigns from his position as England's skills coach to move to Bordeaux Begles. He leaves after the Arg tour.

Looks a good move for Teague, hard to say if he's been a success with England

which pretty much says he hasn't!

Digby wrote:

Banquo wrote:

Digby wrote:
Looks a good move for Teague, hard to say if he's been a success with England

which pretty much says he hasn't!

I think it's much too early to say either way. And our attack still seems a bit weird from selection onward, and that really isn't all him. He's highly thought of it seems, so mostly I'm pleased he's going to be doing more day to day coaching

Mellsblue wrote:Jones says that Hartley can be captain at the World Cup if he continues to improve and keeps his hunger.......

Mikey Brown wrote:now he's looking at some really green youngsters.

Timbo wrote:Big Dave Ewers apparently out for 6 months or so. His knees seem a bit buggered.

TheNomad wrote:Kieran Treadwell's just been called up by Ireland...shame for us, but good luck to him. I guess we're not short of locks at any rate.