Comments on: An England team to take on South Africa

By: Don P

Don P — Tue, 30 Oct 2018 17:59:42 +0000

Stu, wouldn’t be so sure. If you take much of Steve’s team, with Hartley. Sinckler. Itoje, Kruis & Morgan in the pack, that’s still 5 seasoned internationals. Similarly, in the backs, if there’s Youngs, Ford, Farrell, Tui & a back 3 of May, Daly & Brown, then you have a full house of experience. I don’t nec think EJ will pick this selection& I wouldn’t go for all theses picks either. However. Potentially @ least, England could have 12 whom have international exp & only 3 whom don’t. Also, DA will be without 2 key play makers in their back line.

By: Don P

Don P — Tue, 30 Oct 2018 15:40:57 +0000

Tom, why would Brown, who you state lacks pace, be moved to the wing, where pace is essential, just in order to give Daly @ Watson exp @ f/back? Also, if Brown isn’t the long term solution @ 15, he’s been around for a pretty long time there don’t you think? Nxt Sat is a must win for England & it’s unlikely to be easier on the following one. Therefore, it’s not the time to drop yr rock & insert a relative novice @ the back. Last time this happened, Watson blew it. Most of yr other comments, Kruis apart, make sense though.

By: Stu

Stu — Tue, 30 Oct 2018 11:38:50 +0000

Personally I would play Ashton at 15,i thought he was great there in France and would like to see him given a go but maybe SA isn’t the time. This would see Daly to 13 alongside Tui and Cockanasiga in on the wing with May. I think we are going to get seriously bullied with a raw team and, as much as I don’t like the argument, see this as Ford’s achilles heel defending 10 which is why Farrelk moves across. On a poor day I think we will lose on penalty after penalty.

By: Tom

Tom — Tue, 30 Oct 2018 11:37:05 +0000

I like it and I like your reasoning.

I also like all of the comments as well. It’s nice to see fans who actually know what they’re talking about!

Personally, i’m getting the feeling Slade is not cut out for international level. Not just in South Africa but in all other games he’s made big mistakes and failed to shine. I don’t know if it’s deficiencies in his game (like Alex Goode) or a mentality issue (like Charlie Hodgson) .
I’m a big Joseph fan and with everyone fit would like Manu and him in the centres. I do also believe Daly’s best position is 13 though so with no Joseph, i’d like to see him there.
I disagree that Jones won’t drop Brown – he’s done it before. He knows he isn’t the long term answer due to age and (lack of) pace even though he does a good job now, which is why he moved him to wing to give Daly and watson experience at 15. I’d use Ashton as a wing and not a full back at International level.
I do fear that Jones has fallen into the trap of previous coaches – no real game plan or way to win unless you pick Manu or Teo in the centres.
I’d never have Farrell as captain – he might like to boss and shout at players but he has no idea how to speak to referees – screaming in their face clearly isn’t the answer. Launchbury if fit would be my pick. Kruis if not.
Totally agree on the Hartley/George selection – i think George is lucky to be in the squad at the moment.

By: steve

steve — Tue, 30 Oct 2018 11:26:15 +0000

I think we’ll get –
Moon, Hartley, Sinckler, Itoje, Kruis, Rhodes, Curry, Morgan, Youngs, Farrell, Ashton, Te’o, Tuilagi, May, Daly.
Moon is the more reliable scrummager so will get the nod over Hepburn. Hartley back in as captain is a no brainer (alas). TH is a toss up but Jones has favoured starting Sinckler and i dont think that will change.
Assuming Lawes isnt fit, the natural combination is Itoje and Kruis at lock.
Signs are that Rhodes will start at 6. Its not a selection i’m remotely happy about but he’s in the squad to play. Curry will keep the 7 shirt and Morgans physicality wins him a place over Mercer.
Youngs is Jones preferred 9 and Farrell is set to now play at 10 with Te’o and Tuilagi being available and odds on to start together at centre.
Ashton will come straight in I reckon. Much value in his experience and the fact he has hardly played wont count against him. Daly will surely continue at FB, which leaves May as the other winger.
Bench – Hepburn, Williams, George, Ewels, Mercer, Care, Ford, Nowell

By: Jacob

Jacob — Tue, 30 Oct 2018 10:28:23 +0000

I like the selection but I would make a few changes. Firstly I’d start Shields at 6. I think he’s our best World Cup option so we need to give him minutes. He hits hard, has a massive work rate and is a genuine line out option.

In the backs, I’d move Daly up to 13. JJ is too inconsistent, and Slade just isn’t doing it at the top level. Have his pace of Manu’s shoulder and we’ll see them tear it up.

Ashton played some great rugby at 15 so I’d shift him there with Nowell coming into the 14 shirt.

By: acee

acee — Tue, 30 Oct 2018 10:18:38 +0000

A nicely balanced back row Henry. My changes would be Williams in at 3 to bring ballast, Daly at centre ( there is no way EJ is going to drop Brown) and Launchers to partner Maro.
I’m not sure about dropping manu in at the deep end but I understand your selection of him.

By: Ten Ton Donut

Ten Ton Donut — Tue, 30 Oct 2018 09:43:36 +0000

Although this team isn’t quite what I would pick I can get on board with all of it apart from Farrell as Captain.