Comments on: Rugby World Cup Stock Check: 360 days to go

By: Jacob

Jacob — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 12:20:54 +0000

Launchbury for me needs to stay at lock. He offers the physical presence as well as that work rate. Lawes offers the physical presence too, and can run the line out. For me, those two are first choice.

I like Attwood, but Parling edges him for me based on his leadership skills. In the last 20 minutes, to have a cool experienced head come on could be vital. Harsh on Attwood, and he would certainly be fourth in line if any were to be injured/seriously out of form.

By: Mike

Mike — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 10:39:59 +0000

I would not rule out playing Launchbury at 6, or as cover on the bench for both second and back row (as with Croft). His game at the moment is so much based around work rate and number of tackles etc. Often descriptions of his contribution sound like a 6.

Don’t forget how good Lawes has been both as a physical player and running the line out.

Really tough to pick between the three of them. And if Parling is playing well… Great to have the competition and depth, but not a decision I would want to make.

By: Pablito

Pablito — Tue, 23 Sep 2014 13:50:26 +0000

If Attwood can continually play at that level then he should be in the first 15 for England. The pack need a Retallick/Etzebeth style player and he looks he could fit that mould.

If it were my choice I’d play him with Launchbury

By: Rodgers

Rodgers — Tue, 23 Sep 2014 13:30:05 +0000

Think you’re right on the Bath players, after a performance like that you could name most of them as Going Up.. but of the ones not mentioned, I think Rokoduguni is an interesting one to consider. 4 tries in three games & solid in defense, even against the likes of Goneva who otherwise has been a destructive force this season.

There’s lots of names in the hat in terms of the players that have picked up caps, but versus Wade & Ashton, factor in Watson & Nowell out injured he can’t be too far out of the senior squad picture. with Yarde and May the only other two wings used in recent times, I’d be tempted to put a bet on him making the world cup squad next year.