England No.5 going forwards?

[Mellsblue]

Would we need a different No. 5 if going backwards?

[Scrumhead]

I find it really odd that there are so many calls (not just here) to fast track 20 year olds into the national side in the last 5ish years.

I sort of understand that the results were dire so let's make some changes, but half of that was down to a coach at the end of his rope followed by one out of his depth. Swapping some forwards around to play the kids instead years before they're ready is very deckchairs+titanic

The reason is we have a dearth of older talent making any sort of truly convincing claim for that tight head lock berth imo - I’d actually (even) look at reintroducing Launchbury given the limitations of other options.

Sorry to say this but the Harlequins version of Launchbury is a shadow of the Wasps one. He was an excellent player, he isn’t now though.

Sodeke is nowhere near test rugby yet but he was an infinitely better suggestion than the Launchbury of today.

[Which Tyler]

I find it really odd that there are so many calls (not just here) to fast track 20 year olds into the national side in the last 5ish years.

I sort of understand that the results were dire so let's make some changes, but half of that was down to a coach at the end of his rope followed by one out of his depth. Swapping some forwards around to play the kids instead years before they're ready is the definition of mismanagement / self-sabotage

FTFY

[Captainhaircut]

We have Itoje, Chessum and Martin with Coles and Ewels being ok back up.

I think Clark and Lockett will be the next 2 to put their hands up. Clark coming up 24 and looking ready physically. Lockett coming up 23 and will probably put a bit of timber on this summer.

Kpoku and Sodeke a bit away yet.