Team v Scotland - Announced!

[Danno]

As an aside, I’m still somewhat uncomfortable with the ‘new normal’ of agreeing with Oakboy

The world really has tilted on its axis …

Ah, seriously, just for once - our fundamental disagreement involved Jones. He has now gone. Whatever our differences then, our interest in 'everything rugby' now involves a new England coaching regime. Let's just start afresh. It is a joy to be optimistic whatever turns out to be the case.

(Even if it seems strange . . . . )

You 2 better cut it out by the weekend I'm feeling uncomfortable

[FKAS]

I enjoyed reading this: https://www.rugbypass.com/news/steve-bo ... gland-axe/

The quotes re. Marchant and Lawrence are exactly what I want to hear.

I quite liked the bit where he says he's picked the team for the Scotland game but not the team for next weekend. Creating the competition in training for selection will only serve England well.

[p/d]

Strauss talked about tackling Wildebeest, OHC discusses nail painting …… times have changed.

[Oakboy]

Strauss talked about tackling Wildebeest, OHC discusses nail painting …… times have changed.

I immediately thought of you when I saw OHC's red and white nails. Some of the close quarters banter will be interesting. In fact, thinking of squad training, we now finally know why Marler was not in.

[Margin_Walker]

That raised a smile when I saw that. OHC is a quirky guy and not much of your typical rugby player off the pitch.

He's fairly quiet, but clearly has enough self confidence to carry that stuff off in a changing room environment and deal with the banter.

[Mr Mwenda]

I enjoyed reading this: https://www.rugbypass.com/news/steve-bo ... gland-axe/

The quotes re. Marchant and Lawrence are exactly what I want to hear.

I quite liked the bit where he says he's picked the team for the Scotland game but not the team for next weekend. Creating the competition in training for selection will only serve England well.

Celebrating hard work on the training paddock also plays to Farrell's strengths rackon.

[FKAS]

I enjoyed reading this: https://www.rugbypass.com/news/steve-bo ... gland-axe/

The quotes re. Marchant and Lawrence are exactly what I want to hear.

I quite liked the bit where he says he's picked the team for the Scotland game but not the team for next weekend. Creating the competition in training for selection will only serve England well.

Celebrating hard work on the training paddock also plays to Farrell's strengths rackon.

Possibly, also creates the atmosphere of needing to earn a shirt though. Farrell is the type of guy who trains really hard but that is the tone you want from your captain and senior players. You'll have Fin Smith in camp going, "that's the standard, I've got to go beyond that". Borthwick cutting the 7 he did was probably a real message to the guys about the importance of bringing the effort in training. You want Johnny Hill at home stewing on the fact Ribbans/Isekwe have nudged him out the squad. He should back in next week and be chomping at the bit.

[Banquo]

I quite liked the bit where he says he's picked the team for the Scotland game but not the team for next weekend. Creating the competition in training for selection will only serve England well.

Celebrating hard work on the training paddock also plays to Farrell's strengths rackon.

Possibly, also creates the atmosphere of needing to earn a shirt though. Farrell is the type of guy who trains really hard but that is the tone you want from your captain and senior players. You'll have Fin Smith in camp going, "that's the standard, I've got to go beyond that". Borthwick cutting the 7 he did was probably a real message to the guys about the importance of bringing the effort in training. You want Johnny Hill at home stewing on the fact Ribbans/Isekwe have nudged him out the squad. He should back in next week and be chomping at the bit.

This is really no different from what any good coach does, even Eddie. Though setting the tone early is probably a good thing.

[p/d]

Strauss talked about tackling Wildebeest, OHC discusses nail painting …… times have changed.

I immediately thought of you when I saw OHC's red and white nails. Some of the close quarters banter will be interesting. In fact, thinking of squad training, we now finally know why Marler was not in.

Genge commenting on Sinfield is, well, typical Genge. Alongside the odd comment by Itoje it sounds a buzzing camp!!

Even the REPLACEMENTS are probably fired up

Scotland by 10

[Banquo]

Strauss talked about tackling Wildebeest, OHC discusses nail painting …… times have changed.

I immediately thought of you when I saw OHC's red and white nails. Some of the close quarters banter will be interesting. In fact, thinking of squad training, we now finally know why Marler was not in.

a buzzing camp!!

stay off the snowballs

[p/d]

I immediately thought of you when I saw OHC's red and white nails. Some of the close quarters banter will be interesting. In fact, thinking of squad training, we now finally know why Marler was not in.

a buzzing camp!!

stay off the snowballs

Aaah….. I miss Diggers and his sundown tipple

[loudnconfident]

That raised a smile when I saw that. OHC is a quirky guy and not much of your typical rugby player off the pitch.

He's fairly quiet, but clearly has enough self confidence to carry that stuff off in a changing room environment and deal with the banter.

Being 6'4" and 100kg probably helps!

[Mikey Brown]

That raised a smile when I saw that. OHC is a quirky guy and not much of your typical rugby player off the pitch.

He's fairly quiet, but clearly has enough self confidence to carry that stuff off in a changing room environment and deal with the banter.

Being 6'4" and 100kg probably helps!

I'd never heard him speak before but he seems refreshingly not-rugby, if that makes sense? Obviously I'm biased and all aboard the Murley train, Watson is class when at the top of his game and I think Freeman is probably a more rounded/complete player than OHC too? But if we're going to embrace his running talent, and use him somewhat like Irish do, it'll be really exciting to see what he can do.

I enjoyed this.



Not that it means anything but OHC, Freeman, Steward would be an enormous back three.

[p/d]

Farrell with his so called ‘big shot’ at around 1.50

[Mikey Brown]

Boomfaaa!

[Puja]

The one name I’m pleased not to see in the squad is Finishers…… he has been pants over the last few years.

Saw this, thought of you: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/ ... light-fire

And as for finishers, “there will be the starting team and the replacements,” said Borthwick. “I don’t get too obsessed with things that I don’t think add value to the side.”

Puja

[Mellsblue]

That shows a lot of promise for the future and English rugby is in safe hands. Did you see how accurate his pass was to Arundell…

[p/d]

The one name I’m pleased not to see in the squad is Finishers…… he has been pants over the last few years.

Saw this, thought of you: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/ ... light-fire

And as for finishers, “there will be the starting team and the replacements,” said Borthwick. “I don’t get too obsessed with things that I don’t think add value to the side.”

Puja

I knew it was more than just his smouldering good looks

[Puja]

That raised a smile when I saw that. OHC is a quirky guy and not much of your typical rugby player off the pitch.

He's fairly quiet, but clearly has enough self confidence to carry that stuff off in a changing room environment and deal with the banter.

Being 6'4" and 100kg probably helps!

I'd never heard him speak before but he seems refreshingly not-rugby, if that makes sense? Obviously I'm biased and all aboard the Murley train, Watson is class when at the top of his game and I think Freeman is probably a more rounded/complete player than OHC too? But if we're going to embrace his running talent, and use him somewhat like Irish do, it'll be really exciting to see what he can do.

I enjoyed this.



Not that it means anything but OHC, Freeman, Steward would be an enormous back three.

Have you got the video of him speaking? I'd be interested to hear.

He's mostly seemed to have sorted it out this season, but that video did show quite a few occasions of the thing that's always worried me about his game - that he puts the blinkers on when he sees an opportunity and would rather take on the player than make the pass that would be simpler/higher percentage. Good instinct if he's good enough to make it, but it's cost Irish before and I am a little worried that the higher quality he'll face at international level might catch him out and he'll back himself when he'd be better passing.

Having said that, he has been highly impressive this season and seems to've got much better at opening his eyes to other players when he's made a break, so hopefully not an issue. That video (going across several seasons of highlights) just reminded me of it.

Puja

[Mikey Brown]

Yeah that was definitely something I'd seen from him that made me question how he might step up to the next level, just being oblivious to where his team mates are. Reminds me a bit of Van der Merwe in that sense, where being so good at running means it often doesn't matter (in the moment) that you didn't spot the easy pass.

I assumed the nail painting chat above was in reference to the latest England weekly hype video thing. I think that's where I saw it?

[Banquo]

Being 6'4" and 100kg probably helps!

I'd never heard him speak before but he seems refreshingly not-rugby, if that makes sense? Obviously I'm biased and all aboard the Murley train, Watson is class when at the top of his game and I think Freeman is probably a more rounded/complete player than OHC too? But if we're going to embrace his running talent, and use him somewhat like Irish do, it'll be really exciting to see what he can do.

I enjoyed this.



Not that it means anything but OHC, Freeman, Steward would be an enormous back three.

Have you got the video of him speaking? I'd be interested to hear.

He's mostly seemed to have sorted it out this season, but that video did show quite a few occasions of the thing that's always worried me about his game - that he puts the blinkers on when he sees an opportunity and would rather take on the player than make the pass that would be simpler/higher percentage. Good instinct if he's good enough to make it, but it's cost Irish before and I am a little worried that the higher quality he'll face at international level might catch him out and he'll back himself when he'd be better passing.

Having said that, he has been highly impressive this season and seems to've got much better at opening his eyes to other players when he's made a break, so hopefully not an issue. That video (going across several seasons of highlights) just reminded me of it.

Puja

I like wingers who back themselves one on one, but yes. Hopefully there will be enough communication and support with him when he makes a break.

Not sure he is 6ft 4in tho.

[Mikey Brown]

Is that any less realistic than most other player stats?

[Danno]

Strauss talked about tackling Wildebeest, OHC discusses nail painting …… times have changed.

I immediately thought of you when I saw OHC's red and white nails. Some of the close quarters banter will be interesting. In fact, thinking of squad training, we now finally know why Marler was not in.

Genge commenting on Sinfield is, well, typical Genge. Alongside the odd comment by Itoje it sounds a buzzing camp!!

Even the REPLACEMENTS are probably fired up

Scotland by 10

Thank gawd that term has been jettisoned. If someone could have a word with Matson....

[Banquo]

Is that any less realistic than most other player stats?

looking at him yes, but what of it anyway?

[Mikey Brown]

I... don't know? I thought you were the one who brought it up. I'm pretty confused to be honest.

Looks like a big lad to me though.