England vs Japan - Sunday

[Puja]

So, what do we reckon? Same team again if Curry and the lawyer manage to get him downgraded to a yellow?

Puja

[p/d]

Perhaps. Just one tactical change, Daly given more kicking duties.

[Mellsblue]

So, what do we reckon? Same team again if Curry and the lawyer manage to get him downgraded to a yellow?

Puja

Yep but if (when, imo) Cuzza is banned I reckon we just start with 14 to avoid the rigmarole of the inevitable red.

[fivepointer]

Minimal changes. If fit, i'd bring Sinckler back in. If Curry is banned, Willis to start.

[Puja]

Minimal changes. If fit, i'd bring Sinckler back in. If Curry is banned, Willis to start.

Good call - Cole did pretty well on Saturday, but I don't think he's the correct horse for the course of playing the fast-moving Japanese side.

Any feelings on BillyV coming back into the XXIII? I hope to all the gods that he's not straight in at 8 - I just don't see him and Lawes functioning together in the same back row.

Puja

[16th man]

Lawes being captain does impose a bit of rigidity on what we can do, so I reckon it will be a straight swap in of Willis to start at 7, or Earl moving up there for Ludlum to come in at 8, with Willis on the bench.

No point mucking about too much outside that, so we can try to get a bit of cohesion going in the backline ahead of the inevitable spanner (in all senses) being chucked into the works when Farrell comes back available.

[Oakboy]

I think SB has to make a statement. Simply, select what he believes is his best available team for this match and stick to it. That could reasonably mean not picking Farrell, Vunipola or Curry at any stage unless injury demands it, regardless of suspensions.

It will be interesting to see what SB does with his three FHs. Ford has earned the right to start and he has shown that he is best suited in terms of managing the game with Mitchell at 9, Care at 21 and Smith at 22. He does not need Youngs or Farrell interfering at any point.

[Mellsblue]

Lawes being captain does impose a bit of rigidity on what we can do, so I reckon it will be a straight swap in of Willis to start at 7, or Earl moving up there for Ludlum to come in at 8, with Willis on the bench.

No point mucking about too much outside that, so we can try to get a bit of cohesion going in the backline ahead of the inevitable spanner (in all senses) being chucked into the works when Farrell comes back available.

Yep, my initial thought was put Ludlam in at 6 (Curry with Willis at 7 if the former isn’t banned) but then realised Lawes will still be captain and he was pretty immense on Sat, albeit against very different oppo to what we’ll face this weekend.

[p/d]

I am going out on a limb to assume SB will select the starting XV he feels best to beat Japan. I imagine he will find it hard to tinker too much with the back row, as he will be looking to build on Earls kicking game and Lawes' work rate. Just bringing Willis in for Curry would be the 'sensible' option.

Still cannot see where our attacking threat is coming from outside of Ford. But I would be starting Arundel.

[Oakboy]

I am going out on a limb to assume SB will select the starting XV he feels best to beat Japan. I imagine he will find it hard to tinker too much with the back row, as he will be looking to build on Earls kicking game and Lawes' work rate. Just bringing Willis in for Curry would be the 'sensible' option.

Still cannot see where our attacking threat is coming from outside of Ford. But I would be starting Arundel.

On your last sentence, I suspect circumstances will prevail. Luck has put Ford in the driving seat that he would not have expected to occupy. SB reacted well to Farrell's absence by selecting Mitchell/Care thus removing Youngs's influence too.

I'd not be surprised if an injury affects the other backs to good advantage. Someone out/someone else in leading to the attack clicking could be the way of it. Lucky generals etc.

[Puja]

I am going out on a limb to assume SB will select the starting XV he feels best to beat Japan. I imagine he will find it hard to tinker too much with the back row, as he will be looking to build on Earls kicking game and Lawes' work rate. Just bringing Willis in for Curry would be the 'sensible' option.

Still cannot see where our attacking threat is coming from outside of Ford. But I would be starting Arundel.

Depends what we're planning on doing. If we're kick-chasing, then May is one of the best at that (and very good underneath the return bombardment) and Daly's not too shabby. Don't see the point in Arundell if we're not planning on using him with ball in hand, and especially not on the wing which isn't his best position. I'd rather put Steward and May on the wings to chase box-kicks and then have Arundell given leave to counter-attack with loosely returned kicks.

Puja

[p/d]

Depends what we're planning on doing. If we're kick-chasing, then May is one of the best at that (and very good underneath the return bombardment) and Daly's not too shabby. Don't see the point in Arundell if we're not planning on using him with ball in hand, and especially not on the wing which isn't his best position. I'd rather put Steward and May on the wings to chase box-kicks and then have Arundell given leave to counter-attack with loosely returned kicks.

Puja

I know that is probably right. And yet I would still pick young Henry over any of the back 3

[rjjb]

I am going out on a limb to assume SB will select the starting XV he feels best to beat Japan. I imagine he will find it hard to tinker too much with the back row, as he will be looking to build on Earls kicking game and Lawes' work rate. Just bringing Willis in for Curry would be the 'sensible' option.

Still cannot see where our attacking threat is coming from outside of Ford. But I would be starting Arundel.

Depends what we're planning on doing. If we're kick-chasing, then May is one of the best at that (and very good underneath the return bombardment) and Daly's not too shabby. Don't see the point in Arundell if we're not planning on using him with ball in hand, and especially not on the wing which isn't his best position. I'd rather put Steward and May on the wings to chase box-kicks and then have Arundell given leave to counter-attack with loosely returned kicks.

Puja

What's the point of him being in the squad then?

[Banquo]

I am going out on a limb to assume SB will select the starting XV he feels best to beat Japan. I imagine he will find it hard to tinker too much with the back row, as he will be looking to build on Earls kicking game and Lawes' work rate. Just bringing Willis in for Curry would be the 'sensible' option.

Still cannot see where our attacking threat is coming from outside of Ford. But I would be starting Arundel.

Depends what we're planning on doing. If we're kick-chasing, then May is one of the best at that (and very good underneath the return bombardment) and Daly's not too shabby. Don't see the point in Arundell if we're not planning on using him with ball in hand, and especially not on the wing which isn't his best position. I'd rather put Steward and May on the wings to chase box-kicks and then have Arundell given leave to counter-attack with loosely returned kicks.

Puja

What's the point of him being in the squad then?

good question- suspect he's also woefully rusty.

[Banquo]

I am going out on a limb to assume SB will select the starting XV he feels best to beat Japan. I imagine he will find it hard to tinker too much with the back row, as he will be looking to build on Earls kicking game and Lawes' work rate. Just bringing Willis in for Curry would be the 'sensible' option.

Still cannot see where our attacking threat is coming from outside of Ford. But I would be starting Arundel.

In fairness, Tuilagi showed he can still get over the gainline...and, um....

[Danno]

Tackle bags don't hold themselves. Owen needs a face to run at.

[Stom]

I'd be tempted to bring Sinck in if fit, yes, plus if Curry misses out then Willis to come in. Other than that, as is, please.

[Mellsblue]

Owen needs a face to run at.

Does that make him Howling Mad Murdock?

[FKAS]

I'd go Ludlam should/when Curry be unavailable. Give us more carrying ability and plenty of work rate.

Sinckler for Cole on the starting line up, as I think we need the mobility though Cole looked way more comfortable at this level in a defence that was organised.

Japan didn't look that good against Chile, hopefully that bodes well.

[Scrumhead]

Minimal changes. If fit, i'd bring Sinckler back in. If Curry is banned, Willis to start.

Good call - Cole did pretty well on Saturday, but I don't think he's the correct horse for the course of playing the fast-moving Japanese side.

Any feelings on BillyV coming back into the XXIII? I hope to all the gods that he's not straight in at 8 - I just don't see him and Lawes functioning together in the same back row.

Puja

This was my immediate thought … I’d stick with the same starting XV and if Curry is banned, swap in Willis or Ludlam. Sadly, I’m almost certain Billy comes straight back in.

[Puja]

Japan didn't look that good against Chile, hopefully that bodes well.

I have a horrible suspicion that they were testing out moves for us and treating large parts as opposed training. Lots of funky lineout moves that only make sense if you're looking to avoid tangling with a big dull pack.

Puja

[p/d]

Minimal changes. If fit, i'd bring Sinckler back in. If Curry is banned, Willis to start.

Good call - Cole did pretty well on Saturday, but I don't think he's the correct horse for the course of playing the fast-moving Japanese side.

Any feelings on BillyV coming back into the XXIII? I hope to all the gods that he's not straight in at 8 - I just don't see him and Lawes functioning together in the same back row.

Puja

This was my immediate thought … I’d stick with the same starting XV and if Curry is banned, swap in Willis or Ludlam. Sadly, I’m almost certain Billy comes straight back in.

Think you might be right.

[Danno]

Japan didn't look that good against Chile, hopefully that bodes well.

I have a horrible suspicion that they were testing out moves for us and treating large parts as opposed training. Lots of funky lineout moves that only make sense if you're looking to avoid tangling with a big dull pack.

Puja

They haven't been good for a couple of years (yes, yes, I know). If Ford is still allowed to pull the strings and we actually try to boss the breakdown and lineout a bit, I remain hopeful.

Still think we should have been fielding double Curry with Willis on the bench at this point, but EJ knew "better".

[padprop]

I’d be tempted to bench/ drop George. I fear if he gets injured any hope of a decent run is over. Problem is that Walker/ Dan arent the most reliable back ups.

[Puja]

I’d be tempted to bench/ drop George. I fear if he gets injured any hope of a decent run is over. Problem is that Walker/ Dan arent the most reliable back ups.

I like the theory, and I also like the idea of getting match-time into Dan and it'd probably be fine... However, I think it might be a bit cocky to rest our most valuable player for a game that we weren't confident about winning a week ago.

Puja