Australia v England - second test

[Stom]

Wow.

As always, a couple of good things and a couple of wtf. Marchant is surely injured. There’s no other explanation. Informally that might explain Willis, so he might get 2 minutes…sigh

[Mikey Brown]

Can’t wait for Care to come on just as Smith gets replaced by Arundel, giving us 10. Farrell 12. Porter 13. Nowell. At least might give Farrell some more direct options outside.

[Banquo]

If I could make one change after the 1st test, it would be to dump Farrell or Smith. If I had two changes I'd start LCD at 2. I reckon I'd be on about option seven or eight before I'd drop Marchant.

Three changes Lawes wouldn't be anywhere near the back row.

I agree. Plus the (c) would be after Genge’s name

Harsh. Oh, you mean captain.

[Banquo]

Dingwall rolled an ankle so wasn’t available even if in consideration. Assume Marchant crocked too and likely Coka tbh. Good to see JVP start and Freeman

That doesn't gel with Jones saying, "We have decided to make changes in our backline, they were tough calls but we feel they will strengthen the team."

I'd still like to know how much 'we' goes into the decisions!0

Dingwall has definitely rolled an ankle

Very odd canning Marchant. Even Coka wasn't bad tbh.

[Puja]

I can only think with some of these that there's injuries or COVID that we're not aware of. Or of course it is Eddie. Marchant is the one that sticks out like a sore thumb.

I'm choosing to believe that Marchant caught Covid off May. It's about the only reason for dropping him that I can stomach

Same. Utterly bananas if he's carrying the can for the first test. Quite apart from anything else, it's not like Porter's any quicker than him to satisfy Eddie's desire for more speed in the backline.

Puja

[Oakboy]

Jones seems to jack up the pressure on himself to win game by game. I can't take on board the possibility of going 0-2 down to Aus. Maybe resignations will become infectious. One can only hope.

[p/d]

Apart from sticking with the Smith/Farrell axis and deeming Hill's behaviour acceptable I have no problem with this line up.

This tour is all about giving these young lads game time, so starting Porter, JVP and Freeman all good in my book. Willis, Arundell featuring on a forwarded loaded bench is also good.

Looking forward to it.

[FKAS]

I can only think with some of these that there's injuries or COVID that we're not aware of. Or of course it is Eddie. Marchant is the one that sticks out like a sore thumb.

I'm choosing to believe that Marchant caught Covid off May. It's about the only reason for dropping him that I can stomach

Same. Utterly bananas if he's carrying the can for the first test. Quite apart from anything else, it's not like Porter's any quicker than him to satisfy Eddie's desire for more speed in the backline.

Puja

Might help the constant call for a direct carrying threat in midfield though particularly as the excuse for any Smith off game is that he has a hard carrying centre at Quins though that's a tough act for anybody to follow. Porter looks likely to be Tigers go to 13 next season so be interesting to see how he does here, he'll have to be on his toes defensively.

[Oakboy]

Assuming that Jones retains the Smith/Farrell combo come what may, is Porter not auditioning for the spot of 4th choice 13 behind Tuilagi, Slade and Marchant? I'd have thought winning this next game was slightly more important.

[FKAS]

Assuming that Jones retains the Smith/Farrell combo come what may, is Porter not auditioning for the spot of 4th choice 13 behind Tuilagi, Slade and Marchant? I'd have thought winning this next game was slightly more important.

Given Manu's fitness makes him 50/50 most of the time and that the Farrell/Slade midfield combination is awful we really do need to look at another option.

[Raggs]

If Porters hard running works well, it may free the wings up for more pace. If he's powerful in the breakdown as well, that's just a bonus. It could be that Porter moves to 2nd choice behind Tuilagi.

[Oakboy]

Assuming that Jones retains the Smith/Farrell combo come what may, is Porter not auditioning for the spot of 4th choice 13 behind Tuilagi, Slade and Marchant? I'd have thought winning this next game was slightly more important.

Given Manu's fitness makes him 50/50 most of the time and that the Farrell/Slade midfield combination is awful we really do need to look at another option.

Oh, I agree, but does Jones?

[p/d]

Assuming that Jones retains the Smith/Farrell combo come what may, is Porter not auditioning for the spot of 4th choice 13 behind Tuilagi, Slade and Marchant? I'd have thought winning this next game was slightly more important.

Given Manu's fitness makes him 50/50 most of the time and that the Farrell/Slade midfield combination is awful we really do need to look at another option.

Oh, I agree, but does Jones?

Also will add that I think Farrell is being eased out prior to WC. Serving a role to bring on Smith & co before losing out to Slade/Manu/Dingwall etc.

[Oakboy]

Given Manu's fitness makes him 50/50 most of the time and that the Farrell/Slade midfield combination is awful we really do need to look at another option.

Oh, I agree, but does Jones?

Also will add that I think Farrell is being eased out prior to WC. Serving a role to bring on Smith & co before losing out to Slade/Manu/Dingwall etc.

Wishful thinking? You think Farrell and Lawes will both go? I don't like Genge as captain if that's where that is going.

[Epaminondas Pules]

I can only think with some of these that there's injuries or COVID that we're not aware of. Or of course it is Eddie. Marchant is the one that sticks out like a sore thumb.

I'm choosing to believe that Marchant caught Covid off May. It's about the only reason for dropping him that I can stomach

That one befuddles me. I know he only got 6 attacking touches, but what he did looked nice.

[Mellsblue]

Given Manu's fitness makes him 50/50 most of the time and that the Farrell/Slade midfield combination is awful we really do need to look at another option.

Oh, I agree, but does Jones?

Also will add that I think Farrell is being eased out prior to WC. Serving a role to bring on Smith & co before losing out to Slade/Manu/Dingwall etc.

I’ll have whatever you’re having.

[FKAS]

Assuming that Jones retains the Smith/Farrell combo come what may, is Porter not auditioning for the spot of 4th choice 13 behind Tuilagi, Slade and Marchant? I'd have thought winning this next game was slightly more important.

Given Manu's fitness makes him 50/50 most of the time and that the Farrell/Slade midfield combination is awful we really do need to look at another option.

Oh, I agree, but does Jones?

I'm presuming it's the reason he's trialling Porter. Get a new more physical versatility option that can help solve problem positions. At some point got to find out if Porter can mix it at this level.

[Mellsblue]

[TheDasher]

As others have said, hopefully he has an excuse with Marchant, but I don't think he does, I think he just wants someone better at running through things. Marchant was good vs South Africa, the one positive (for memory) against France, so he deserves better if dropped.

Arundell is making headlines around the world for his cameo last week, but now we pick Freeman to start instead of him, why? I'd pick him.

I'd also pick Willis. The benefit to England of a fit Willis is absolutely huge - a genuine turnover specialist...

[twitchy]

[Puja]

As others have said, hopefully he has an excuse with Marchant, but I don't think he does, I think he just wants someone better at running through things. Marchant was good vs South Africa, the one positive (for memory) against France, so he deserves better if dropped.

Arundell is making headlines around the world for his cameo last week, but now we pick Freeman to start instead of him, why? I'd pick him.

I'd also pick Willis. The benefit to England of a fit Willis is absolutely huge - a genuine turnover specialist...

I'll forgive him being cautious with Arundell, who has started three adult matches in his whole career. Freeman's not exactly a slouch - he more than deserves a shot.

Puja

[TheDasher]

As others have said, hopefully he has an excuse with Marchant, but I don't think he does, I think he just wants someone better at running through things. Marchant was good vs South Africa, the one positive (for memory) against France, so he deserves better if dropped.

Arundell is making headlines around the world for his cameo last week, but now we pick Freeman to start instead of him, why? I'd pick him.

I'd also pick Willis. The benefit to England of a fit Willis is absolutely huge - a genuine turnover specialist...

I'll forgive him being cautious with Arundell, who has started three adult matches in his whole career. Freeman's not exactly a slouch - he more than deserves a shot.

Puja

I like Freeman, I'm glad he's involved. But we should be really going after this game - Arundell was immense when he came on, I don't have great worries about him on the wing positionally or with the high ball etc. If you can play 20 minutes on intl rugby incredibly well, I think it's worth having a longer look. Eddie needs to take some drastic action to turn our fortunes around imv.

[Banquo]

As others have said, hopefully he has an excuse with Marchant, but I don't think he does, I think he just wants someone better at running through things. Marchant was good vs South Africa, the one positive (for memory) against France, so he deserves better if dropped.

Arundell is making headlines around the world for his cameo last week, but now we pick Freeman to start instead of him, why? I'd pick him.

I'd also pick Willis. The benefit to England of a fit Willis is absolutely huge - a genuine turnover specialist...

I'll forgive him being cautious with Arundell, who has started three adult matches in his whole career. Freeman's not exactly a slouch - he more than deserves a shot.

Puja

I like Freeman, I'm glad he's involved. But we should be really going after this game - Arundell was immense when he came on, I don't have great worries about him on the wing positionally or with the high ball etc. If you can play 20 minutes on intl rugby incredibly well, I think it's worth having a longer look. Eddie needs to take some drastic action to turn our fortunes around imv.

Not sure Arundell v Freeman is the key debate in turning our fortunes round tbh. Both are bloody good players, Freeman has more experience on the wing than Arundell. But other issues are more important.

[Adam_P]

I hope we get to see an Arundell, Freeman and Steward back three at some point on Saturday. Could be beautiful - all out gas with Arundell, smart hard lines from Freeman and a solid rock at 15

[p/d]

Oh, I agree, but does Jones?

Also will add that I think Farrell is being eased out prior to WC. Serving a role to bring on Smith & co before losing out to Slade/Manu/Dingwall etc.

Wishful thinking? You think Farrell and Lawes will both go? I don't like Genge as captain if that's where that is going.

I do think Farrell will go. Like Hartley before him. Lawes I just do not rate as a captain, and certainly outside the best back row options. Great player though.