RugbyRebels

Mikey Brown wrote: ↑Tue Jan 14, 2025 12:26 pm Is this all the nailed-on selections?

1. Genge
2.
3. Stuart
4. Itoje
5. Martin
6.
7.
8.

9. Mitchell
10. Smith
11.
12.
13.
14. Freeman
15. Steward

I assume George will continue at 2 for now, you can make an argument for any of those guys really. My (probably unpopular) opinion is George should be on the bench. A calm head that can lock down the set piece if it's an issue (while the more dynamic options have the chance to impact things from the start) rather than bringing on a player at 60 minutes (probably alongside some less experienced props) and hoping they don't screw everything up.

Chessum v Hill v CCS - actually don't mind at all who wears 6. It'll probably be Tom Curry.

Been done to death now, but it's surely 7. Earl 8. Willis vs 8. Earl 20. Willis and a Curry to fill the vacant spot.

Sleightholme probably deserves to continue on the wing. Happy with any of the options though.

Centres. Ugh. Done to death as well. Stick Dingwall in there and hope he can make a difference.

TheDasher wrote: ↑Tue Jan 14, 2025 11:10 am

Mikey Brown wrote: ↑Tue Jan 14, 2025 11:00 am You're not convinced by Martin?! I know he hasn't hit the heights of that SA world cup game every time since, but he feels like just the partner we need for Itoje. As long as he can stay fit. I'd love to see more of those big hits we were seeing when he came through as a 6 though.

I'd go pretty similar with Chessum still being third choice lock, but realistically an option at 6.

George and Ford are both a bit past it, but I think their reliability and influence on a young squad is definitely still worth something.

Murley ahead of Ibitoye for me.

Feels like Pollock is winning the tyro/wildcard option for the last backrow spot at the moment.

I thought I was about to be convinced by Martin, and am hoping I still will be. I've just seen him be a bit quiet in the odd game since that SA game. He doesn't quite seem to have the same power with ball in hand as he does when melting people either. I love the tackling too, but I'm not sure fundamentally if the odd big hit close to a ruck is all it's cracked up to be. Underhill's tackles often seem to be really important hits. Maybe I'm talking rubbish. I like Martin and want him to succeed, just not sure he's 100% nailed on. Chessum is an excellent all round rugby player for me, looks such a natural at everything.

I hear you on George and Ford - I just think Borthers needs to be bold. We should be trying to win the world cup, win everything - these guys have been involved for a long time and just feel a bit tainted to me. I think we need to rip it up and move on. New people, more athletic people too maybe in the case of Jamie George.

By the way if I was Borthers I'd be calling Alfie Barbeary and telling him to become a Hooker by any means possible, or go a bit Rassie and tell him to cover both 8 and reserve/bench no 2. We need bold change if we're going to suddenly jump forward. Steve ain't got the minerals though methinks.

SixAndAHalf wrote: ↑Tue Jan 14, 2025 12:31 pm

TheDasher wrote: ↑Tue Jan 14, 2025 11:10 am

Mikey Brown wrote: ↑Tue Jan 14, 2025 11:00 am You're not convinced by Martin?! I know he hasn't hit the heights of that SA world cup game every time since, but he feels like just the partner we need for Itoje. As long as he can stay fit. I'd love to see more of those big hits we were seeing when he came through as a 6 though.

I'd go pretty similar with Chessum still being third choice lock, but realistically an option at 6.

George and Ford are both a bit past it, but I think their reliability and influence on a young squad is definitely still worth something.

Murley ahead of Ibitoye for me.

Feels like Pollock is winning the tyro/wildcard option for the last backrow spot at the moment.

I thought I was about to be convinced by Martin, and am hoping I still will be. I've just seen him be a bit quiet in the odd game since that SA game. He doesn't quite seem to have the same power with ball in hand as he does when melting people either. I love the tackling too, but I'm not sure fundamentally if the odd big hit close to a ruck is all it's cracked up to be. Underhill's tackles often seem to be really important hits. Maybe I'm talking rubbish. I like Martin and want him to succeed, just not sure he's 100% nailed on. Chessum is an excellent all round rugby player for me, looks such a natural at everything.

I hear you on George and Ford - I just think Borthers needs to be bold. We should be trying to win the world cup, win everything - these guys have been involved for a long time and just feel a bit tainted to me. I think we need to rip it up and move on. New people, more athletic people too maybe in the case of Jamie George.

By the way if I was Borthers I'd be calling Alfie Barbeary and telling him to become a Hooker by any means possible, or go a bit Rassie and tell him to cover both 8 and reserve/bench no 2. We need bold change if we're going to suddenly jump forward. Steve ain't got the minerals though methinks.

I like Martin but wonder whether he is the best partner for Itoje - I think combined they lack agility. I think Chessum and Itoje is a better pairing with Kpoku also coming through as a viable partner for Itoje by 2027. Then you have two big hitters in Martin and CCS coming off the bench which was a real area of weakness in the Six Nations.

Great shout on Barbeary that - Rassie would definitely do that and I think I'd use an EPS space to do it...!

SixAndAHalf wrote: ↑Tue Jan 14, 2025 12:31 pm

TheDasher wrote: ↑Tue Jan 14, 2025 11:10 am

Mikey Brown wrote: ↑Tue Jan 14, 2025 11:00 am You're not convinced by Martin?! I know he hasn't hit the heights of that SA world cup game every time since, but he feels like just the partner we need for Itoje. As long as he can stay fit. I'd love to see more of those big hits we were seeing when he came through as a 6 though.

I'd go pretty similar with Chessum still being third choice lock, but realistically an option at 6.

George and Ford are both a bit past it, but I think their reliability and influence on a young squad is definitely still worth something.

Murley ahead of Ibitoye for me.

Feels like Pollock is winning the tyro/wildcard option for the last backrow spot at the moment.

I thought I was about to be convinced by Martin, and am hoping I still will be. I've just seen him be a bit quiet in the odd game since that SA game. He doesn't quite seem to have the same power with ball in hand as he does when melting people either. I love the tackling too, but I'm not sure fundamentally if the odd big hit close to a ruck is all it's cracked up to be. Underhill's tackles often seem to be really important hits. Maybe I'm talking rubbish. I like Martin and want him to succeed, just not sure he's 100% nailed on. Chessum is an excellent all round rugby player for me, looks such a natural at everything.

I hear you on George and Ford - I just think Borthers needs to be bold. We should be trying to win the world cup, win everything - these guys have been involved for a long time and just feel a bit tainted to me. I think we need to rip it up and move on. New people, more athletic people too maybe in the case of Jamie George.

By the way if I was Borthers I'd be calling Alfie Barbeary and telling him to become a Hooker by any means possible, or go a bit Rassie and tell him to cover both 8 and reserve/bench no 2. We need bold change if we're going to suddenly jump forward. Steve ain't got the minerals though methinks.

I like Martin but wonder whether he is the best partner for Itoje - I think combined they lack agility. I think Chessum and Itoje is a better pairing with Kpoku also coming through as a viable partner for Itoje by 2027. Then you have two big hitters in Martin and CCS coming off the bench which was a real area of weakness in the Six Nations.

Great shout on Barbeary that - Rassie would definitely do that and I think I'd use an EPS space to do it...!

Mikey Brown wrote: ↑Tue Jan 14, 2025 12:37 pm

SixAndAHalf wrote: ↑Tue Jan 14, 2025 12:31 pm

TheDasher wrote: ↑Tue Jan 14, 2025 11:10 am

I thought I was about to be convinced by Martin, and am hoping I still will be. I've just seen him be a bit quiet in the odd game since that SA game. He doesn't quite seem to have the same power with ball in hand as he does when melting people either. I love the tackling too, but I'm not sure fundamentally if the odd big hit close to a ruck is all it's cracked up to be. Underhill's tackles often seem to be really important hits. Maybe I'm talking rubbish. I like Martin and want him to succeed, just not sure he's 100% nailed on. Chessum is an excellent all round rugby player for me, looks such a natural at everything.

I hear you on George and Ford - I just think Borthers needs to be bold. We should be trying to win the world cup, win everything - these guys have been involved for a long time and just feel a bit tainted to me. I think we need to rip it up and move on. New people, more athletic people too maybe in the case of Jamie George.

By the way if I was Borthers I'd be calling Alfie Barbeary and telling him to become a Hooker by any means possible, or go a bit Rassie and tell him to cover both 8 and reserve/bench no 2. We need bold change if we're going to suddenly jump forward. Steve ain't got the minerals though methinks.

I like Martin but wonder whether he is the best partner for Itoje - I think combined they lack agility. I think Chessum and Itoje is a better pairing with Kpoku also coming through as a viable partner for Itoje by 2027. Then you have two big hitters in Martin and CCS coming off the bench which was a real area of weakness in the Six Nations.

Great shout on Barbeary that - Rassie would definitely do that and I think I'd use an EPS space to do it...!

That's fair that Martin isn't the lightest on his feet. He's been caught out a few times being a lone forward drifting out from the ruck. Not sure if that's just our defensive setup leaving holes though. I guess I wanted to see a partner closer to Skelton/Kruis for Itoje and Martin offers a lot more grunt than Chessum. Chessum is a fantastic all round player though, who can really slot in either role.

jngf wrote: ↑Tue Jan 14, 2025 12:44 pm

SixAndAHalf wrote: ↑Tue Jan 14, 2025 12:31 pm

TheDasher wrote: ↑Tue Jan 14, 2025 11:10 am

I thought I was about to be convinced by Martin, and am hoping I still will be. I've just seen him be a bit quiet in the odd game since that SA game. He doesn't quite seem to have the same power with ball in hand as he does when melting people either. I love the tackling too, but I'm not sure fundamentally if the odd big hit close to a ruck is all it's cracked up to be. Underhill's tackles often seem to be really important hits. Maybe I'm talking rubbish. I like Martin and want him to succeed, just not sure he's 100% nailed on. Chessum is an excellent all round rugby player for me, looks such a natural at everything.

I hear you on George and Ford - I just think Borthers needs to be bold. We should be trying to win the world cup, win everything - these guys have been involved for a long time and just feel a bit tainted to me. I think we need to rip it up and move on. New people, more athletic people too maybe in the case of Jamie George.

By the way if I was Borthers I'd be calling Alfie Barbeary and telling him to become a Hooker by any means possible, or go a bit Rassie and tell him to cover both 8 and reserve/bench no 2. We need bold change if we're going to suddenly jump forward. Steve ain't got the minerals though methinks.

I like Martin but wonder whether he is the best partner for Itoje - I think combined they lack agility. I think Chessum and Itoje is a better pairing with Kpoku also coming through as a viable partner for Itoje by 2027. Then you have two big hitters in Martin and CCS coming off the bench which was a real area of weakness in the Six Nations.

Great shout on Barbeary that - Rassie would definitely do that and I think I'd use an EPS space to do it...!

Though if you were in Barbeary’s position would you genuinely want to inflict all that extra physical toll on yourself of having to play in front row having experienced all the joy of being a loosie (albeit an extremely tight one )?

jngf wrote: ↑Tue Jan 14, 2025 12:49 pm

Mikey Brown wrote: ↑Tue Jan 14, 2025 12:37 pm

SixAndAHalf wrote: ↑Tue Jan 14, 2025 12:31 pm

I like Martin but wonder whether he is the best partner for Itoje - I think combined they lack agility. I think Chessum and Itoje is a better pairing with Kpoku also coming through as a viable partner for Itoje by 2027. Then you have two big hitters in Martin and CCS coming off the bench which was a real area of weakness in the Six Nations.

Great shout on Barbeary that - Rassie would definitely do that and I think I'd use an EPS space to do it...!

That's fair that Martin isn't the lightest on his feet. He's been caught out a few times being a lone forward drifting out from the ruck. Not sure if that's just our defensive setup leaving holes though. I guess I wanted to see a partner closer to Skelton/Kruis for Itoje and Martin offers a lot more grunt than Chessum. Chessum is a fantastic all round player though, who can really slot in either role.

I think the best lock pairings always have an intimidating edge to them and that for me is Martin’s USP - Chessum and Itoje combined aren’t going to scare anyone to nearly the same extent though obviously they are superior atheletes to the former. I certainly never got the point of playing Martin at 6 and he’s not the most mobile for that role.

fivepointer wrote: ↑Tue Jan 14, 2025 1:02 pm There are a few very good calls. Bringing Heyes back, getting Hill and Willis in, along with Murley. Itoje as captain I like as we can start easing out George.
Think Obano is a bit unlucky, so too Langdon and the failure to get Atkinson or Ojomoh in the squad is a real letdown.
Dombrandt probably a bit lucky and i'm not sure Daly has much to offer at this level now.

Mikey Brown wrote: ↑Tue Jan 14, 2025 12:26 pm Is this all the nailed-on selections?

1. Genge
2.
3. Stuart
4. Itoje
5. Martin
6.
7.
8.

9. Mitchell
10. Smith
11.
12.
13.
14. Freeman
15. Steward

p/d wrote: ↑Tue Jan 14, 2025 1:38 pm I can only assume Oakboy is still lost in some erotic stupor after reading of Itoje’s elevation to captain.

Willis and Hill. Excellent
Would have gambled on Quirke over JVP
Dombrandt and Slade. We should have moved on.
No Pollock. Disappointing.
No Atkinson. Given up being disappointed by that.

p/d wrote: ↑Tue Jan 14, 2025 1:38 pm I can only assume Oakboy is still lost in some erotic stupor after reading of Itoje’s elevation to captain.

Willis and Hill. Excellent
Would have gambled on Quirke over JVP
Dombrandt and Slade. We should have moved on.
No Pollock. Disappointing.
No Atkinson. Given up being disappointed by that.

TheDasher wrote: ↑Tue Jan 14, 2025 1:09 pm

jngf wrote: ↑Tue Jan 14, 2025 12:44 pm

SixAndAHalf wrote: ↑Tue Jan 14, 2025 12:31 pm

I like Martin but wonder whether he is the best partner for Itoje - I think combined they lack agility. I think Chessum and Itoje is a better pairing with Kpoku also coming through as a viable partner for Itoje by 2027. Then you have two big hitters in Martin and CCS coming off the bench which was a real area of weakness in the Six Nations.

Great shout on Barbeary that - Rassie would definitely do that and I think I'd use an EPS space to do it...!

Though if you were in Barbeary’s position would you genuinely want to inflict all that extra physical toll on yourself of having to play in front row having experienced all the joy of being a loosie (albeit an extremely tight one )?

Maybe but his best chance of playing for his country would probably have been to play at 2 I'd imagine... Or keep his eye in at least...

Mikey Brown wrote: ↑Tue Jan 14, 2025 4:07 pm Has Chessum even played a game yet?

Mikey Brown wrote: ↑Tue Jan 14, 2025 4:07 pm Has Chessum even played a game yet?