Work ons for Spruce Bringsteen

[Oakboy]

It is comforting to find out that he's played 10 more recently than his Wasps days, but I'm still a little bit nervous about the idea of having a part-time fly-half as our international 10 in the case of a first minute injury.

Puja

He started the European final Vs Tigers at 10 before being replaced by Pollard on about 60 mins, you might remember that one.

No, I don't recall that game. Don't think it even exists.

So, we're talking about just about 2 years since his last game at 10?

Puja

My memory is pretty awful. Did Lozowski not play at 10 for quite a few games at the start of last season when both Farrell and Goode were injured? I seem to remember lots of praise for his performances, especially his handling skills and the threat he posed when he ran with the ball.

[Puja]

He started the European final Vs Tigers at 10 before being replaced by Pollard on about 60 mins, you might remember that one.

No, I don't recall that game. Don't think it even exists.

So, we're talking about just about 2 years since his last game at 10?

Puja

My memory is pretty awful. Did Lozowski not play at 10 for quite a few games at the start of last season when both Farrell and Goode were injured? I seem to remember lots of praise for his performances, especially his handling skills and the threat he posed when he ran with the ball.

My memory is awful too, so this may be the most pointless internet argument of all time. If that's the case, then I partially withdraw my complaint - I'd still not thrilled about him being our 2nd 10, but at least he'd have recent experience.

Anyone able to verify one way or the other?

Puja

[FKAS]

Watched some premiership rugby for first time for ages yesterday. What struck me is how good the players are. It seems the key skill from an England coach point of viewing is picking and sticking with a cohort. Not an easy thing to do. Fewer options might make life easier.

There's good options for England but few of them play together as units. Take centre for example, the only EQ first choice centre partnership is Kelly and Porter (and they've been for together for about three games in the last 12 months), the other centre combos have at least one non-EQ in there (admittedly this might change now Devoto is back). It's the same at flanker, lock and halfback.

Re Lozowski he started two games at 10 last season for Sarries both early on and both were wins Vs Quins and Bristol.

[Puja]

Watched some premiership rugby for first time for ages yesterday. What struck me is how good the players are. It seems the key skill from an England coach point of viewing is picking and sticking with a cohort. Not an easy thing to do. Fewer options might make life easier.

I worry they look good because the standard is lower and the pressure is less. You see players like Gopperth and Brown playing into their 90s and you wonder if it's because of better conditioning and sports science or if the league has just dropped in quality along with them.

Puja

[Puja]

Re Lozowski he started two games at 10 last season for Sarries both early on and both were wins Vs Quins and Bristol.

Last season or this season?

Puja

[Which Tyler]

Loz last started at FH in October 2021
https://all.rugby/player/alex-lozowski

Some pointless questions are easily solved.

[badback]

Watched some premiership rugby for first time for ages yesterday. What struck me is how good the players are. It seems the key skill from an England coach point of viewing is picking and sticking with a cohort. Not an easy thing to do. Fewer options might make life easier.

I worry they look good because the standard is lower and the pressure is less. You see players like Gopperth and Brown playing into their 90s and you wonder if it's because of better conditioning and sports science or if the league has just dropped in quality along with them.

Puja

True…

[Spiffy]

Watched some premiership rugby for first time for ages yesterday. What struck me is how good the players are. It seems the key skill from an England coach point of viewing is picking and sticking with a cohort. Not an easy thing to do. Fewer options might make life easier.

Not sure they are that good. Keep your eye on the passing skills or lack of. How often have you seen this : - Attacking team kicks the ball wide and deep; it is fielded by a player (usually a wing); he throws it inside to a team mate with a better kicking angle (usually a full back); the pass is delivered to (or above) the receiver's head or knees, despite the passer being under no pressure at all. Sometimes the receiver actually has to leap up with outstretched arms to catch it. I see this in every game I watch.
Not to mention all the forward passes, passes behind the receiver's body, passes directly into touch, no-look passes, poorly weighted passes (too fast/slow etc..)
And all that before we get into tackling etc..........

[fivepointer]

The Premiership can be very good. You can see some very good players, skilful play, good tries and some genuine ambition. But it is variable. There are a number of pretty ordinary players and inconsistent teams, which can lead to close games and upsets but doesnt necessarily mean the overall quality is very high.

[fivepointer]

England Men head coach Steve Borthwick has appointed Felix Jones to join his coaching team from 2024.

Following a playing career that saw him represent Ireland 13 times between 2007 and 2015, Felix was an assistant coach for three years at Munster, before joining South Africa as an assistant coach in 2019.

"Our immediate focus is on preparation for the Rugby World Cup 2023," said Borthwick.

"We are continuing to build our programme to be in a position to compete to be world champions once again. At the same time, I also want to ensure we are preparing for long term success for this England team, and I am excited that a coach as talented as Felix is joining next year.

"Felix has been competing at the top of world rugby during his four years with South Africa and will bring invaluable experience to our set up. Like with Aled Walters, Felix was an integral part of the team that won the Rugby World Cup in 2019.

"Together with Richard Wigglesworth and Kevin Sinfield, we are putting in place a coaching team who have spent their careers at the highest level competing for trophies. That is exactly what we want for this England team."

Richard Wigglesworth, Assistant Coach and Aled Walters, Head of Strength and Conditioning will join Head Coach Steve Borthwick and Defence Coach Kevin Sinfield at the end of the Premiership season. Recruitment is now underway for a new forwards coach and additional specialist coaches will be brought in to support the England team during the preparation for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

[FKAS]

Jones is an interesting addition. He did a summer tour with Schmidt and Ireland and has worked with SA. Knows about attack on the international stage.

[Mikey Brown]

Is that the formal announcement of Evans and Cockerill getting booted? I know Evans was only agreed to be temporary, but that’s Cockers done too?

[francoisfou]

Is that the formal announcement of Evans and Cockerill getting booted? I know Evans was only agreed to be temporary, but that’s Cockers done too?

Coockerill had already committed himself to Montpellier as forwards coach a month or two ago.