There is plenty of depth in England’s front five, and although the starting locks and props are not obvious, any combination of these players should be decent enough.
Loading ... Loading ... Loading ...I’ve split this differently to normal, because there are a few different options for whom will play where, particularly with the Tom Curry / Sam Underhill 6/7 combination that featured against Ireland. I haven’t bothered adding an option without Billy Vunipola at Number 8, but it will be interesting to see the results here.
Loading ...No, I haven’t got this wrong – these really are the only options at 9.
Loading ...Again in the midfield there are a number of different possibilities, with George Ford having started all three warm-up games at fly-half so far, instead of captain Owen Farrell.
Loading ...There are lots of different wing and full-back combinations too, but I’ve set Anthony Watson as a full-back rather than list out all of the different permutations, which may or may not be the best thing to do.
Loading ... Loading ...Please spread the word and let’s encourage as many votes as we can. It’s worryingly tricky to predict what the preferred lineup will be!
Need another midfield option please:
Farrell, Tuilagi, Daily
I thought about that, but I can’t see it happening, nor do I think it would be hugely popular in the voting. I might be wrong on the latter!
I went for Wilson/Curry/Billy but I think Curry/Underhill/Billy is just as valid, depending on the opposition.
There are also options in the midfield which you would select based on opponent
Ford Farrell Tuilagi to get it wide early and beat the blitz
Farell Tuilagi Slade where you need to hold the inside defenders and earn the right to go wide
Back three should be combined as I would go for 11. May 14. Watson 15. Daly
Its a case of what EJ wants to use as his starting game because the choice of back row will determine the midfield and vice versa.By starting with the Kamikazi twins it makes more sense to use Ford at 10 as the play will be faster and England can attack up on the gain line.
If however he wants the extra security of Wilson it makes more sense to bring in Slade or JJ as the axis of attack will move further out.
It will depend on how EJ wants to use Manu-its a question of balance,Manu is not really a 12 but is not as good defensively at13 as Slade and miles behind JJ.
If Mako plays no part against Italy on friday, should he be included in the squad?
Too late he is included in the squad it has been announced there are no take backs
Not if his injury recurs surely?
Same question regarding Ruaridh McConnochie!
Nowell must be behind anyone in fitness and he’s going. It’s worth the risk on him and Mako, not so much on McConnochie.
I disagree, simply because (here we go again), the make up of the squad is wrong. Marler has been allocated the role of covering both sides of the scrum. If mako goes to Nippon and then either breaks down in training or has a recurrence of his hammy problem we will have one experienced loose head and Genge.
If Cole or Sincks get crocked we will be up shit creek in a barbed wire canoe. Yes, Moon could be called up but we could still potentially be a prop down if any one cops a serious knock.
Too late now but it’s obvious he won’t get game time in Japan. it’s questionable whether Francis will too. We could have had another prop and a proper back rower, not a converted lock.
Why is my post not sticking?
By popular demand?
If I ignore you too Rob, will you go away? Oops!
England selection
Interesting consensus concerning b/row, whereby most opted for Underhill, Curry & BV which was the adventureous pick. This contrasted with the more conservative choice of the acknowledged slow passing Youngs @ 1/2back. Likewise, with the fly1/2 & midfield of Farrell, Tui & Slade, although I exempt the latter somewhat from this opinion. The rest of the team mostly picked itself. I had Wilson in as a specialist 6, Heinz for his speed & accurate pass & Ford, Farrell & Tui as the inside b/line. Ford has more variety than Farrell, who is in for his goal kicking (he’s also captain) & Tui for his heft. Hard on Slade who might actually be the better 13 for his guile.. & defence. Also, with Watson @ 15, no place for Daly? Midfield could also have Daly, Slade or Tui @ 13? Of course team selection likely depends on whom the opposition is. Dare say some different choices if England were playing SA rather than Tonga? Also, this consensus team is one which Eddie probably won’t pick. See Youngs & Daly nailed on in EJ’s team for a start. Also unsure about outside 1/2, midfield. 1st up, possibly Ford, Farrell, Tui (or Slade)?
Thanks
Forgot. I also went for Nowell over Coka. Bit surprised others differed. Nowell should be fit, otherwise he’d have been left behind. A better all rounder. Coka going backwards v 1/4, 1/2 final opponents?