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Scotland vs England - Sat 4.40pm
Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2026 2:34 pm
by Puja
England team to face Scotland: Steward; Roebuck, Freeman, Dingwall, Arundell; Ford, Mitchell; Genge, Cowan-Dickie, Heyes, Chessum, Itoje, Pepper, Underhill, Earl.
Replacements: George, Rodd, Davison, Coles, Pollock, Curry, Spencer, F Smith
Re: Scotland vs England - Sat 4.40pm
Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2026 2:51 pm
by Captainhaircut
Happy with that although I think I would have swapped Rodd for Genge. The front row bench is a bit lacking in impact and with LCD and Heyes starting, I think Rodd could go ok.
Rest looks alright and Fin on the bench for Marcus is possible a better fit if he can play 12. With Marcus on the bench, we’re a Dingwall injury away from an Earl-Freeman centre combo.
Re: Scotland vs England - Sat 4.40pm
Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2026 3:08 pm
by TheDasher
I'd understand swapping Rodd for Genge too, I think I'd rather that way around now.
I feel harsh saying it but I'm just not excited by Rodd. Is Iyogun injured? Might have gone Genge starting with Iyogun on the bench...
Back to our prop chat - I think a bench with Iyogun, George, Fasogbon/Sela on it might be more interesting...
Is Raffi Quirke injured again?
Re: Scotland vs England - Sat 4.40pm
Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2026 3:15 pm
by Puja
Interesting call to put George on the bench - suggests that LCD was ahead and George was promoted solely for captaincy reasons. Not unreasonable, but it does feel a bit harsh to drop George the week after, given how well he played.
Also interesting to see FSmith in at 23. Presumably the idea is that he can play 12 if needs must, but I'm not 100% keen on it. He's a better 10 than MSmith, but Marcus is the better cover on a 6:2 bench and also provides a point of difference and a game-breaker if we're 10 points down with 10 minutes to go.
Mind, last time I complained about us having an extraneous specialist 10 in the 23 shirt, it was the return of George Ford after injury and he's now our undisputed best 10 and probable best player, so what do I know?
Puja
Re: Scotland vs England - Sat 4.40pm
Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2026 3:20 pm
by Puja
TheDasher wrote: ↑Tue Feb 10, 2026 3:08 pm
I'd understand swapping Rodd for Genge too, I think I'd rather that way around now.
I feel harsh saying it but I'm just not excited by Rodd. Is Iyogun injured? Might have gone Genge starting with Iyogun on the bench...
Back to our prop chat - I think a bench with Iyogun, George, Fasogbon/Sela on it might be more interesting...
Is Raffi Quirke injured again?
Quirke played for the A-team, so I think he's fit, just not favoured.
I do think you're harsh on Rodd - he's a superb scrummager and gets around the pitch a lot. I think I want to see more than just this current burst of form from Iyogun before I'll join in the hype train - he's flattered to deceive before and, while it does look like he's really cracked on, I'd prefer seeing it long-term before trusting him to step up.
Just noticed Amashukeli is the referee, which is good news for the game in general. Weather forecast says Saturday should be the only sunny day in Scotland this spring, which also portends well for a good game (and which I think does favour us a little bit as well).
Puja
Re: Scotland vs England - Sat 4.40pm
Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2026 3:23 pm
by FKAS
Puja wrote: ↑Tue Feb 10, 2026 3:15 pm
Interesting call to put George on the bench - suggests that LCD was ahead and George was promoted solely for captaincy reasons. Not unreasonable, but it does feel a bit harsh to drop George the week after, given how well he played.
Also interesting to see FSmith in at 23. Presumably the idea is that he can play 12 if needs must, but I'm not 100% keen on it. He's a better 10 than MSmith, but Marcus is the better cover on a 6:2 bench and also provides a point of difference and a game-breaker if we're 10 points down with 10 minutes to go.
Mind, last time I complained about us having an extraneous specialist 10 in the 23 shirt, it was the return of George Ford after injury and he's now our undisputed best 10 and probable best player, so what do I know?
Puja
I like George on the bench, he brings a cool headed leadership later on in game and if we need a throw to go to the jumper 5m out late in the game with us needing a score he's the hooker I want throwing it.
Marcus was pretty awful off the bench Vs Wales. Break and a pass to a Welsh player, kicked it out on the full. Not really the impact the coaches would have wanted. Didn't expect him to be dropped mind.
Early team naming again, throwing down the gauntlet.
Re: Scotland vs England - Sat 4.40pm
Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2026 3:42 pm
by Mikey Brown
Why would better weather favour England over Scotland? Not that I don’t think England are strong favourites either way.
I really like George as a bench option. Alongside all the bomb squad noise it’s great to have another leader who can on alongside the less experienced guys and nail his basics/set-piece.
Fin Smith selection is a bit odd. I totally understand wanting to include him, but in what capacity? Sticking him at 12 doesn’t sound a million miles from having Farrell there, frankly, but maybe a worth a run out if the game is going that way.
Marcus is still in a weird position of trying to prove he’s a good enough fly-half by playing 20 minutes stints at fullback.
What is the plan if Steward goes down? Shuffle half the backline around and hope Fin can manage at 12?
Re: Scotland vs England - Sat 4.40pm
Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2026 3:46 pm
by Captainhaircut
I think if Steward went down it would probably be Freeman to full back and Earl to 13 (probably defending 12 with Dingwall defending 13).
I think that’s a better option than last weeks side where Dingwall getting injured would have left us with Earl at 12 and Freeman at 13. This week that would be Fin Smith at 12 which isn’t ideal but at least gives us a ball player at 12 and doesn’t hinder our entire attacking shape.
Re: Scotland vs England - Sat 4.40pm
Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2026 3:57 pm
by Puja
Mikey Brown wrote: ↑Tue Feb 10, 2026 3:42 pm
Why would better weather favour England over Scotland? Not that I don’t think England are strong favourites either way.
I'd generally say worse weather is likely to be an equaliser between two teams and the last thing England want is a low-scoring bunfight with their recent record at Murrayfield and with the crowd eager to get behind Scotland and against England. Mind, on the flip side, we've got a more powerful forward pack, so maybe a mudpit might favour us?
Mikey Brown wrote: ↑Tue Feb 10, 2026 3:42 pm
What is the plan if Steward goes down? Shuffle half the backline around and hope Fin can manage at 12?
I'd imagine it'd be Freeman to 15 (given he has played there this season, which puts him ahead of Arundell), FSmith (or Earl!) in at 12 and Dingwall across. It wouldn't be great in any respect, but it's better than doing any of the other possible manouevres.
Puja
Re: Scotland vs England - Sat 4.40pm
Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2026 4:19 pm
by TheDasher
Puja wrote: ↑Tue Feb 10, 2026 3:15 pm
Interesting call to put George on the bench - suggests that LCD was ahead and George was promoted solely for captaincy reasons. Not unreasonable, but it does feel a bit harsh to drop George the week after, given how well he played.
Also interesting to see FSmith in at 23. Presumably the idea is that he can play 12 if needs must, but I'm not 100% keen on it. He's a better 10 than MSmith, but Marcus is the better cover on a 6:2 bench and also provides a point of difference and a game-breaker if we're 10 points down with 10 minutes to go.
Mind, last time I complained about us having an extraneous specialist 10 in the 23 shirt, it was the return of George Ford after injury and he's now our undisputed best 10 and probable best player, so what do I know?
Puja
Sorry Puja, I'm not clashing with you on purpose. Do you think Ford is undisputedly our best 10? I don't agree. I think at the highest level he's a major concern in defence. He was absolutely wonderful against Wales but Wales were dreadful. I'd say if Finn Smith hadn't gone with the Lions and played in Argentina and the Autumn (more), we'd be waxing lyrical about him too... When we have less of the ball than the opposition, I think Ford can be a concern. And I am a Ford fan, I know the good things, the tactical kicking etc. I think Finn Smith is the absolute nuts though, I'll pin those colours to the mast.
Re: Scotland vs England - Sat 4.40pm
Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2026 4:20 pm
by TheDasher
Puja wrote: ↑Tue Feb 10, 2026 3:20 pm
TheDasher wrote: ↑Tue Feb 10, 2026 3:08 pm
I'd understand swapping Rodd for Genge too, I think I'd rather that way around now.
I feel harsh saying it but I'm just not excited by Rodd. Is Iyogun injured? Might have gone Genge starting with Iyogun on the bench...
Back to our prop chat - I think a bench with Iyogun, George, Fasogbon/Sela on it might be more interesting...
Is Raffi Quirke injured again?
Quirke played for the A-team, so I think he's fit, just not favoured.
I do think you're harsh on Rodd - he's a superb scrummager and gets around the pitch a lot. I think I want to see more than just this current burst of form from Iyogun before I'll join in the hype train - he's flattered to deceive before and, while it does look like he's really cracked on, I'd prefer seeing it long-term before trusting him to step up.
Just noticed Amashukeli is the referee, which is good news for the game in general. Weather forecast says Saturday should be the only sunny day in Scotland this spring, which also portends well for a good game (and which I think does favour us a little bit as well).
Puja
Is Rodd a superb scrummager? I'm not saying he's not btw.
Re: Scotland vs England - Sat 4.40pm
Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2026 4:38 pm
by Puja
TheDasher wrote: ↑Tue Feb 10, 2026 4:19 pm
Puja wrote: ↑Tue Feb 10, 2026 3:15 pm
Interesting call to put George on the bench - suggests that LCD was ahead and George was promoted solely for captaincy reasons. Not unreasonable, but it does feel a bit harsh to drop George the week after, given how well he played.
Also interesting to see FSmith in at 23. Presumably the idea is that he can play 12 if needs must, but I'm not 100% keen on it. He's a better 10 than MSmith, but Marcus is the better cover on a 6:2 bench and also provides a point of difference and a game-breaker if we're 10 points down with 10 minutes to go.
Mind, last time I complained about us having an extraneous specialist 10 in the 23 shirt, it was the return of George Ford after injury and he's now our undisputed best 10 and probable best player, so what do I know?
Puja
Sorry Puja, I'm not clashing with you on purpose. Do you think Ford is undisputedly our best 10? I don't agree. I think at the highest level he's a major concern in defence. He was absolutely wonderful against Wales but Wales were dreadful. I'd say if Finn Smith hadn't gone with the Lions and played in Argentina and the Autumn (more), we'd be waxing lyrical about him too... When we have less of the ball than the opposition, I think Ford can be a concern. And I am a Ford fan, I know the good things, the tactical kicking etc. I think Finn Smith is the absolute nuts though, I'll pin those colours to the mast.
I'd be disappointed if you didn't clash with me - I have so many opinions that I'm sure some of them must be wrong!
On his current run across the last year or so, I would say Ford is our best 10. Was reading an article today which said that Ford makes his distribution decisions at an average of 1.2 metres from the tackler, compared to the 2.5-metre average for other Test fly-halves. He is so, so talented at making late decisions, making the right decisions, and executing them with such high percentages. I genuinely think he's the best 10 in the world on current form.
That being said, I don't think FSmith is a massive distance behind him and it wouldn't take a huge drop in Ford form for him to overtake. I also don't think MSmith is too far being FSmith either - we are utterly blessed with riches at 10.
TheDasher wrote: ↑Tue Feb 10, 2026 4:20 pmIs Rodd a superb scrummager? I'm not saying he's not btw.
He's not a destructive attacking scrummager like Genge or Marler, but he is a very good defensive scrummager. I remember that coming-of-age performance in 2021 where he and Blamire were brought in, with one cap between them, and held the front row of Nyakani, Mbonambi and Nche for our win against South Africa.
Puja
Re: Scotland vs England - Sat 4.40pm
Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2026 5:26 pm
by Oakboy
Ford is one of the best passers of a rugby ball. He also CAN move well ball-in hand. I always wonder why he never runs with it and why he kicks so much. IMO, he's under-selling himself game-on-game.
Re: Scotland vs England - Sat 4.40pm
Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2026 5:54 pm
by Stom
Oakboy wrote: ↑Tue Feb 10, 2026 5:26 pm
Ford is one of the best passers of a rugby ball. He also CAN move well ball-in hand. I always wonder why he never runs with it and why he kicks so much. IMO, he's under-selling himself game-on-game.
IMO, that's what makes him great. It's not about him, it's never about him. He just sees the game and sees how he can create the best opportunity for us to score more points than the opposition, and then has the skills to put us into that position.
Dasher was worried about his defense...he's an excellent defender. He has one of the best tackle completion rates of a 10 we've had. He doesn't make dominant tackles, but that's not his job. He gets players down when needed, and has great positioning.
I think he's pretty much the perfect 10 for the players we have available. And unlike Puja, I don't think Fin Smith is close to him. Nor Marcus for that matter, but at least he brings a big point of difference.
Ford just sees the game many phases in advance.
Re: Scotland vs England - Sat 4.40pm
Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2026 6:30 pm
by p/d
Oakboy wrote: ↑Tue Feb 10, 2026 5:26 pm
Ford is one of the best passers of a rugby ball. He also CAN move well ball-in hand. I always wonder why he never runs with it and why he kicks so much. IMO, he's under-selling himself game-on-game.
He is as boring as f**k Dors.
Farrell’s mistimed late hits and swinging arm bring more excitement.
Re: Scotland vs England - Sat 4.40pm
Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2026 6:39 pm
by TheDasher
Stom wrote: ↑Tue Feb 10, 2026 5:54 pm
Oakboy wrote: ↑Tue Feb 10, 2026 5:26 pm
Ford is one of the best passers of a rugby ball. He also CAN move well ball-in hand. I always wonder why he never runs with it and why he kicks so much. IMO, he's under-selling himself game-on-game.
IMO, that's what makes him great. It's not about him, it's never about him. He just sees the game and sees how he can create the best opportunity for us to score more points than the opposition, and then has the skills to put us into that position.
Dasher was worried about his defense...he's an excellent defender. He has one of the best tackle completion rates of a 10 we've had. He doesn't make dominant tackles, but that's not his job. He gets players down when needed, and has great positioning.
I think he's pretty much the perfect 10 for the players we have available. And unlike Puja, I don't think Fin Smith is close to him. Nor Marcus for that matter, but at least he brings a big point of difference.
Ford just sees the game many phases in advance.
I love Ford, he's a phenomenal talent and controls the game - long may it continue. But he's not an excellent defender come on! He gets absolutely slapped out the way like a cat flap fairly often in the prem let's be honest.
Great player though and loving his current form.
Re: Scotland vs England - Sat 4.40pm
Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2026 6:39 pm
by FKAS
Got to agree with Puja, we are blessed with 10s currently. The main concern going into the 6N is "who's fourth choice?" I can't remember us having such riches previously. Billy Searle pretty much answered the fourth choice debate as well.
I'm never that fussed about a 10s defence, it's a nice to have more than it is an essential trait. As long as they aren't rolling out the white flag and waving through the opposition ball carriers I'm happy. Be a speed bump if required.
Ford in this form is pretty much imperious (the fact he's never been in a Lions tour is simply criminal). F Smith in top form would push him but he's not. Marcus is struggling for form and feels very much the third choice at the minute anyway.
Ford did used to run more but after previous achillies issues he's lost a yard of pace so only tends to go when it's definitely on. Whilst the legs have lost a yard the mind is ever sharper and he's got so much experience at the highest level he's seen it all he's just pulling strings. Right now he's the ideal option for us with a fairly young and inexperienced backline around him.
Re: Scotland vs England - Sat 4.40pm
Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2026 6:41 pm
by FKAS
TheDasher wrote: ↑Tue Feb 10, 2026 6:39 pm
Stom wrote: ↑Tue Feb 10, 2026 5:54 pm
Oakboy wrote: ↑Tue Feb 10, 2026 5:26 pm
Ford is one of the best passers of a rugby ball. He also CAN move well ball-in hand. I always wonder why he never runs with it and why he kicks so much. IMO, he's under-selling himself game-on-game.
IMO, that's what makes him great. It's not about him, it's never about him. He just sees the game and sees how he can create the best opportunity for us to score more points than the opposition, and then has the skills to put us into that position.
Dasher was worried about his defense...he's an excellent defender. He has one of the best tackle completion rates of a 10 we've had. He doesn't make dominant tackles, but that's not his job. He gets players down when needed, and has great positioning.
I think he's pretty much the perfect 10 for the players we have available. And unlike Puja, I don't think Fin Smith is close to him. Nor Marcus for that matter, but at least he brings a big point of difference.
Ford just sees the game many phases in advance.
I love Ford, he's a phenomenal talent and controls the game - long may it continue. But he's not an excellent defender come on! He gets absolutely slapped out the way like a cat flap fairly often in the prem let's be honest.
Great player though and loving his current form.
He rarely gets slapped out the way, he generally clings on for dear life until someone can come and help him out. Loses ground certainly but holds on and stops the offload.
Re: Scotland vs England - Sat 4.40pm
Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2026 6:42 pm
by TheDasher
p/d wrote: ↑Tue Feb 10, 2026 6:30 pm
Oakboy wrote: ↑Tue Feb 10, 2026 5:26 pm
Ford is one of the best passers of a rugby ball. He also CAN move well ball-in hand. I always wonder why he never runs with it and why he kicks so much. IMO, he's under-selling himself game-on-game.
He is as boring as f**k Dors.
Farrell’s mistimed late hits and swinging arm bring more excitement.
Bloody right. Hard Northern bastard running at people with his arms glued to his sides, in our 22, in the final moments of games. Those were the days. Not retreating fast enough due to mouthing off and ultimately losing us the WC semi final is a particular happy memory.
Re: Scotland vs England - Sat 4.40pm
Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2026 6:43 pm
by TheDasher
FKAS wrote: ↑Tue Feb 10, 2026 6:41 pm
TheDasher wrote: ↑Tue Feb 10, 2026 6:39 pm
Stom wrote: ↑Tue Feb 10, 2026 5:54 pm
IMO, that's what makes him great. It's not about him, it's never about him. He just sees the game and sees how he can create the best opportunity for us to score more points than the opposition, and then has the skills to put us into that position.
Dasher was worried about his defense...he's an excellent defender. He has one of the best tackle completion rates of a 10 we've had. He doesn't make dominant tackles, but that's not his job. He gets players down when needed, and has great positioning.
I think he's pretty much the perfect 10 for the players we have available. And unlike Puja, I don't think Fin Smith is close to him. Nor Marcus for that matter, but at least he brings a big point of difference.
Ford just sees the game many phases in advance.
I love Ford, he's a phenomenal talent and controls the game - long may it continue. But he's not an excellent defender come on! He gets absolutely slapped out the way like a cat flap fairly often in the prem let's be honest.
Great player though and loving his current form.
He rarely gets slapped out the way, he generally clings on for dear life until someone can come and help him out. Loses ground certainly but holds on and stops the offload.
Clings on for dear life while being dragged along for 20 yards yes!
Cracking when in possession though.
Re: Scotland vs England - Sat 4.40pm
Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2026 6:44 pm
by TheDasher
Puja wrote: ↑Tue Feb 10, 2026 4:38 pm
TheDasher wrote: ↑Tue Feb 10, 2026 4:19 pm
Puja wrote: ↑Tue Feb 10, 2026 3:15 pm
Interesting call to put George on the bench - suggests that LCD was ahead and George was promoted solely for captaincy reasons. Not unreasonable, but it does feel a bit harsh to drop George the week after, given how well he played.
Also interesting to see FSmith in at 23. Presumably the idea is that he can play 12 if needs must, but I'm not 100% keen on it. He's a better 10 than MSmith, but Marcus is the better cover on a 6:2 bench and also provides a point of difference and a game-breaker if we're 10 points down with 10 minutes to go.
Mind, last time I complained about us having an extraneous specialist 10 in the 23 shirt, it was the return of George Ford after injury and he's now our undisputed best 10 and probable best player, so what do I know?
Puja
Sorry Puja, I'm not clashing with you on purpose. Do you think Ford is undisputedly our best 10? I don't agree. I think at the highest level he's a major concern in defence. He was absolutely wonderful against Wales but Wales were dreadful. I'd say if Finn Smith hadn't gone with the Lions and played in Argentina and the Autumn (more), we'd be waxing lyrical about him too... When we have less of the ball than the opposition, I think Ford can be a concern. And I am a Ford fan, I know the good things, the tactical kicking etc. I think Finn Smith is the absolute nuts though, I'll pin those colours to the mast.
I'd be disappointed if you didn't clash with me - I have so many opinions that I'm sure some of them must be wrong!
On his current run across the last year or so, I would say Ford is our best 10. Was reading an article today which said that Ford makes his distribution decisions at an average of 1.2 metres from the tackler, compared to the 2.5-metre average for other Test fly-halves. He is so, so talented at making late decisions, making the right decisions, and executing them with such high percentages. I genuinely think he's the best 10 in the world on current form.
That being said, I don't think FSmith is a massive distance behind him and it wouldn't take a huge drop in Ford form for him to overtake. I also don't think MSmith is too far being FSmith either - we are utterly blessed with riches at 10.
TheDasher wrote: ↑Tue Feb 10, 2026 4:20 pmIs Rodd a superb scrummager? I'm not saying he's not btw.
He's not a destructive attacking scrummager like Genge or Marler, but he is a very good defensive scrummager. I remember that coming-of-age performance in 2021 where he and Blamire were brought in, with one cap between them, and held the front row of Nyakani, Mbonambi and Nche for our win against South Africa.
Puja
I think Bevan Rodd played for England at 21 interestingly... 30 something senior games under his large belt.
Re: Scotland vs England - Sat 4.40pm
Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2026 7:42 pm
by Mellsblue
Re Ford’s running game. Read an interview with him in The Times last week and he basically says he’s had it coached out of him/not been setup to do it since he left Bath.
Re: Scotland vs England - Sat 4.40pm
Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2026 8:10 am
by Oakboy
Mellsblue wrote: ↑Tue Feb 10, 2026 7:42 pm
Re Ford’s running game. Read an interview with him in The Times last week and he basically says he’s had it coached out of him/not been setup to do it since he left Bath.
Wow. That is horrendous. Just one small break per game gives the opposition defenders a headache wondering. As it is they just charge him. For all his so-called game management, he does NOT always play what's in front of him based on that admission. Why would coaches want to restrict the breadth of his game? That's what I would pick him for.
I suppose his acceptance of those restrictions gels with his subordination to Farrell for all those games. Why did he not tell the coaches to fuck off as Russell would do?
Re: Scotland vs England - Sat 4.40pm
Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2026 8:19 am
by Mikey Brown
Russell doesn’t really run much anymore either, sadly, but I think that’s just part of building a team so heavily around a particular distributor being available.
Broadly agree Ford is fantastic, but it’s silly to completely overlook his yards conceded in defence. Frustrating at times in his choice of play, but he’s just following orders and that’s what gets you selected.
Re: Scotland vs England - Sat 4.40pm
Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2026 9:00 am
by Which Tyler
Coaches got spooked by him getting ragdolled in a tackle when his support hadn't read his move; especially with shithousery then keeping him out of the next couple of phases even if he did manage to retain possession. Additional to the A] Farrell doesn't get ragdolled, and B] Farrell doesn't even think about going himself unless the defence has opened like the Red Sea because everyone knows he doesn't go himself.
It's... not exactly news, given that we've been talking about it for the best part of a decade.
A bit like his aborted attempt to rid himself of the "defensive weakness" label by trying to go high and knock carriers back, which saw him get bounced by Nathan Hughes 3-4 times in one match, confirming the myth that he's a poor defender.
IIRC around then, his "tackles completed" stat was a good 10-12% better than "defensive monster" Owen - better to give up 1-2m in the tackle, and bring your man down, than simply not bring your man down, or be in completely the wrong place to even attempt a tackle.