Comments on: England squad streamlined ahead of Samoa clash

By: Benjit

Benjit — Wed, 19 Nov 2014 17:01:46 +0000

I know. Better try record than Brad too!

By: Pablito

Pablito — Wed, 19 Nov 2014 16:02:04 +0000

You know its bad when selecting Banahan starts to seem like a reasonable idea…

By: Benjit

Benjit — Wed, 19 Nov 2014 13:34:09 +0000

I just don’t see where Barritt fits in with this strategy? Neither a kicking option or distributor at 12 or a power bosh merchant at 13? And if that is the strategy why not pick Burrell who is fit clearly, or if we’re really desperate.. Banahan!

By: Stu

Stu — Wed, 19 Nov 2014 13:20:59 +0000

Clearly Tuilagi is our 13 option going forward but when injured we have no real like for like replacement, so why are we not looking for a different option rather than a poor imitation? Why don’t we have plan b of pace and footwork at 13?

By: Pablito

Pablito — Wed, 19 Nov 2014 12:27:48 +0000

Depressing

By: Jacob

Jacob — Wed, 19 Nov 2014 09:10:39 +0000

Pretty depressing that we haven’t seen slightly more experimentation. Farrell/Barritt together really doesn’t fill me with excitement. Both can do a job in either position but together it doesn’t look too good.

Is Burrell fit? Would have thought (pre-media leak on Monday) that he’d be in before Barritt.

Can’t blame him for not playing Eastmond if he hasn’t trained all week, especially as he hasn’t trained the week before because of a knock. Hopefully let him train at Bath and come back in for Australia.

Really hope Haskell starts. He’s exactly what we need at the moment, but I still expect to see him on the bench with Wood starting.

By: R120

R120 — Wed, 19 Nov 2014 08:22:29 +0000

The worst center combination available to the English, out of all the players available to them, and they go for it, really is crazy. That’s not a slight on Farrell and Barrit individually, just the combination in those positions.

By: simon scantlebury

simon scantlebury — Tue, 18 Nov 2014 23:14:13 +0000

The other 6N teams select players based in France.Clearly they want to select the best team they can but SL is so keen on protecting Robshaw that he can’t expose him to the challenge of Armitage.Result we have identikit at 6and 7.The number one role of a coach is to select the best players and the right combination-SL could do a lot better.The retention of Farrell is myopic.

By: Benjit

Benjit — Tue, 18 Nov 2014 20:43:03 +0000

Hmm. Trying to work out whether Farrell and Barritt is a worse combination than 12t and Tomkins last year?

Well I can hardly see this being much of a try fest, though I live in hope.

By: Dr Boo

Dr Boo — Tue, 18 Nov 2014 20:33:22 +0000

I wonder why Barritt is retained, Eastmond has been sent back, and this could have been the perfect chance to test Joseph. But 12t can also play 12 & 13. Hopefully Haskell actually plays as a flanker and not a 8.

By: Benjit

Benjit — Tue, 18 Nov 2014 20:15:37 +0000

So the BEST case scenario for the centres is 12t and Barritt with Farrell on the bench? Jeez. WORST case and MOST likely scenario is Farrell and Barritt with 12t on the the bench, no doubt to replace Ford so that Farrell can close out the match. Oh dear God. Shades of Argentina in 2006.

And what’s the betting that Wood retains his starting place despite 2 poor performances.

I wonder how the likes of Cipriani, Myler, Burrell, Slade, Joseph, Daly, Clark, Fraser, Ewers feel towards the current England selection policy. Fair? Meritocratic? Based on form and talent. What a crock of sh*t.

By: Andrew

Andrew — Tue, 18 Nov 2014 19:42:47 +0000

If Eastmond was concussed then he not eligable to play as two games in a row. I’m suprised that Burrell hasnt walked back into the squad. Propper 13 and 36 at 12 (not great but its a combo that has been used before). I have a feeling that this means Farrell will play 12 with Ford at 10. I’m a Sarries man and a huge supporter of young Farrell but he needs more time to get back into the swing since being injured. i still think he is a fine flyhalf and will be a great asset to England in the future but right now he should be dropped and Cips called up. I know that cant really happen but it is what should have happened. Myler is in fine form also and could be benched. It’s a shame as the midfield in the WC will (injury not effecting) Tuilagi/Burrell Eastmond/Burges. Just how its going to be. Cips should be in the WC squad and Ford starting with Farrell a third option.

Enough about Armitage – He aint coming, everyone should get over it.