amazing to think that we had the autumn internationals to test new combinations and new players (Willis, Hill, Freeman at 13), instead we're going to try them out on the 6 nations away to Ireland and home to France.
My worry is he goes with a back 3 of Freeman, Steward and Roebuck with Slade at 13. We'll seriously be lacking pace and I think that's the most likely selection SB will make
Yea, my worry too. I'd pretty much class Slade as a fly half now anyway as he's played most of the Exeter season there and Def isn't as muscular as he was a couple of years ago.
I would prefer to see a England starting 15 selected from the younger inform players - rather then experienced and favoured so called elites . So my starting 15 to build for the future is Opoku - Oghre - Stuart - Itoje - Batley - Clement - Willis - Pearson - Mitchell - M.Smith - S.Atkinson - Beard - H-Collins - Hodge - Roebuck . Though the likes of Ibitoye - Feyi-Waboso - Munga - A.Coles would be given a chance if not for injuries . Bench - Langdon - Baxter - Heyes - Martin - Chessum - Hill - Quirke - F.Smith - Freeman
That back row for England would be weak at the breakdown. Ideally it needs Ted Hill at 6 with a Curry off the bench. It depends on the game England want against Ireland who historically are deadly with their ruck speed and Gibson-Parks fast service
@jonnybaynham1689 in the Autumn our defence structure meant that we didn't compete at the breakdown at all. If they stick with that then players ability at the breakdown won't be considered
Really hope we call up another lock at least because Sykes is useless, much rather Cam Henderson from Tigers or Samuel from Glasgow. Richardson also injured now aswell, but obviously Townsend wouldn't dare call up the great Johnny Matthews
Better team with Raffi Quirke in it, he looks like the only guy with the ability to actually challenge Mitchell, he'd be great off the bench too. The back row options are seriously decent with Pollock in there now too, as good as Ben Curry's been I'd rather see Henry coming off the bench, the guy has something special, it's just obvious, not giving him minutes now is just time wasting.
Good news that Radwan and Blamire moving from Newcastle to hopefully get a bit more kudos. This could further strengthen what is shaping to be an exciting England squad and one with some longevity and depth. We can actually field a decent bench now. Can't wait for the 6N, it could be a cracker!
Very nice selection. However, I still think we have massive problems at centre. Borthwick is trying his best to find consistency but I don't think Beard or Slade are the solution. We need to try a completely new combination. Either; Will Butt at 12 and Lawrence and 13 OR Ojomoh 12 and Lawrence at 13 (if and when either of them make a squad). Lawrence is a starting centre but he needs help! Much like Earl was relied upon as THE ball carrier in the England team, Lawrence is also the only player in our backline who can get over the gainline in traffic. That is why I think Borthwick is considering Freddie as a wing in the second half. This will allow him to come off his wing and hit the line. Could be very effective. But I really like the look of Will Butt at 12, he is tall and rangy with the ability to offload, and then you release Lawrence! Not just use him as a battering ram at 12. He is not that sort of player. Equally, I am concerned by the form of Chessum and Martin, especially after the horrific defeat to Toulouse. That will definitely affect their confidence going into the 6Ns. Martin in particular is nowhere near the level we saw at the RWC. Saying that we don't really have anyone else. I hope I'm wrong but I see England as 4th place finishers in this years tournament. Scotland still look dangerous and I don't see us beating either Ireland or France. Could be yet another tough ride for England unfortunately, especially if Mitchell doesn't get back for Ireland. He is really the heartbeat of our backline and without him we look like a very mediocre team.
I think I would start Chessum at 6 just to allow Earl and Willis to play to their strengths (also SB loves his lineouts). Imagining a scary 6-2 split on the bench with Hill, CCS, and Ben Curry coming on. That’s the kind of impact that can win you games imo
I think 🏴 go TJ at 12, it is his best position he just doesn’t get much chance there cause Sione. Unluckily there’s Dylan Richardson out for the tournament as well
It's all about the defence I think. I hope England don't just go for the crazed rush every time Since Russell, Kinghorn, Hutchinson will just pass/kick over or round it. If England can scramble better they have a great chance.
Don’t understand your logic of having Spencer on the bench if Mitchell is fit. You don’t want to bring a slower 9 off the bench. You want to inject pace into the game against heavy legs, surely. If England want to play a fast attacking game then you need Randall on the bench. And of course he was already in the squad. If Mitchell isn’t fit then you might start Spencer. Or am I missing something?
Cannot go with Earl at 7, we need a jackaller because they are strong at the breakdown, defo go with Willis at 8, would love to see Pollock at 7 but don't believe Borthwick would be brave enough
V worthy selection. Personally, I like a jackler at 7 as turnovers are such a momentum shifter. Pollock a starter instead of Earl for me. Also, I’d start with Freeman.
Rae is a much better TH than Hurd, regularly plays and helps Edinburgh having the best scrum in the URC by penalties gained. Although all he can do is scrum...
Applaud Any Backrow Combination even with the Current call ups….Second Row awesome….Front Row look great too promising… Weaknesses Everytime SLADE is playing,Dingwall not big enough…Lawrence Beard for sure 👌….Ben Spencer?
I know the news was likely announced after this video was recorded but Arron Reed has been called up and Dylan Richardson out too with more replacements likely at the start of next week, presumably Sam Skinner or Cameron Henderson for Cummings and another 12 to replace Sione 👍. I'd actually go with the team you went with but put Harrison in for Richardson and swap Hutchinson and McDowall, mainly because he plays with Jones at Glasgow.
Pollock needs time. He's still growing into his body and isn't ready for this level of intensity yet. He's definitely one for next years 6N , if he keeps developing his game and experience.
I have just read that Eddie Jones is going to be a pundit on ITV - England management have enough trouble with Woodward without Eddie causing further problems . Nothing against Eddie whatsoever but if I were SB I would boycott ITV .
I don't 'agree' with myself, but based on the limited options I see it as the highest percentage chance of working. The alternative is fin at 10 and Marcus at 15 which has merits but risks as well. A no win situation
England ball handling skills our not good enough to win the six nations some of English players are the over rated and coaching system doesn't suit the players . Ireland will win comfortably in Dublin to much skill Scotland do have chance to win a triple Crown 👑 its about time they did with quality they have🏉🧐
I don't know that Murley and Spencer are good enough to play international rugby and Beard is too inexperienced to start against Ireland. You really don't get how good Freeman is do you? If Mitchell isn't fit I fear for England. Spencer looked completely out of his depth when he came on against NZ.
I’d like to have seen Pollock at 6, he’s good enough so why wait get him on the pitch! Stewart too slow for an international 15 so should be George Hendy along with Gabriel Itoye and Murley on the wings what a back three that would be! Conservatism needs to end!
amazing to think that we had the autumn internationals to test new combinations and new players (Willis, Hill, Freeman at 13), instead we're going to try them out on the 6 nations away to Ireland and home to France.
I still think we’ll be fine without Tuipulotu. However it has slightly derailed the hype train which isn’t meant to happen until February 1st
My worry is he goes with a back 3 of Freeman, Steward and Roebuck with Slade at 13. We'll seriously be lacking pace and I think that's the most likely selection SB will make
Yea, my worry too. I'd pretty much class Slade as a fly half now anyway as he's played most of the Exeter season there and Def isn't as muscular as he was a couple of years ago.
Roebuck has pace, size and a step. Freeman and Steward are sloooooow though
I would be delighted to see that as the England 23, would barely change a thing
I would prefer to see a England starting 15 selected from the younger inform players - rather then experienced and favoured so called elites . So my starting 15 to build for the future is Opoku - Oghre - Stuart - Itoje - Batley - Clement - Willis - Pearson - Mitchell - M.Smith - S.Atkinson - Beard - H-Collins - Hodge - Roebuck . Though the likes of Ibitoye - Feyi-Waboso - Munga - A.Coles would be given a chance if not for injuries .
Bench - Langdon - Baxter - Heyes - Martin - Chessum - Hill - Quirke - F.Smith - Freeman
England team spot on imo
Unfortunately can't see Borthwick dropping Slade
1. Genge
2. Cowan-Dickie
3. Stuart
4. Itoje
5. Chessum
6. Cunningham-South
7. Earl
8. Willis
9. Mitchell (if fit)/Spencer
10. M.Smith
11. Murley
12. Dingwall
13. Lawrence
14. Roebuck
15. Steward
16. Dan
17. Rodd
18. Opoku-Fourdjour
19. Martin
20. B.Curry
21. Randall
22. Slade
23. Freeman
Freeman doesn't deserve to be dropped.
Really like your england starring xv. Hoping Borthwick doesn't play chessum at 6 as well given we have such good back genuine row options
It would be great to see Pollock in an England shirt - maybe against Italy or Wales? Might have a chance.
That back row for England would be weak at the breakdown. Ideally it needs Ted Hill at 6 with a Curry off the bench. It depends on the game England want against Ireland who historically are deadly with their ruck speed and Gibson-Parks fast service
@jonnybaynham1689 in the Autumn our defence structure meant that we didn't compete at the breakdown at all. If they stick with that then players ability at the breakdown won't be considered
Tom Willis is underrated over the ball
Really hope we call up another lock at least because Sykes is useless, much rather Cam Henderson from Tigers or Samuel from Glasgow. Richardson also injured now aswell, but obviously Townsend wouldn't dare call up the great Johnny Matthews
I really like this team. There is no way Borthwick is this brave with selection though
Better team with Raffi Quirke in it, he looks like the only guy with the ability to actually challenge Mitchell, he'd be great off the bench too.
The back row options are seriously decent with Pollock in there now too, as good as Ben Curry's been I'd rather see Henry coming off the bench, the guy has something special, it's just obvious, not giving him minutes now is just time wasting.
Yeah, he's a beast. Throw him in with the big boys and see how he gets on. I suspect he'll do well
Good news that Radwan and Blamire moving from Newcastle to hopefully get a bit more kudos. This could further strengthen what is shaping to be an exciting England squad and one with some longevity and depth. We can actually field a decent bench now. Can't wait for the 6N, it could be a cracker!
I don't think you can have Willis. Hill and CCS in the squad and not go 6-2 as you need a back up open side.
Very nice selection. However, I still think we have massive problems at centre. Borthwick is trying his best to find consistency but I don't think Beard or Slade are the solution. We need to try a completely new combination. Either; Will Butt at 12 and Lawrence and 13 OR Ojomoh 12 and Lawrence at 13 (if and when either of them make a squad). Lawrence is a starting centre but he needs help! Much like Earl was relied upon as THE ball carrier in the England team, Lawrence is also the only player in our backline who can get over the gainline in traffic. That is why I think Borthwick is considering Freddie as a wing in the second half. This will allow him to come off his wing and hit the line. Could be very effective. But I really like the look of Will Butt at 12, he is tall and rangy with the ability to offload, and then you release Lawrence! Not just use him as a battering ram at 12. He is not that sort of player.
Equally, I am concerned by the form of Chessum and Martin, especially after the horrific defeat to Toulouse. That will definitely affect their confidence going into the 6Ns. Martin in particular is nowhere near the level we saw at the RWC. Saying that we don't really have anyone else.
I hope I'm wrong but I see England as 4th place finishers in this years tournament. Scotland still look dangerous and I don't see us beating either Ireland or France. Could be yet another tough ride for England unfortunately, especially if Mitchell doesn't get back for Ireland. He is really the heartbeat of our backline and without him we look like a very mediocre team.
Champions of England supply only one starter (and he maybe out injured). Crazy.
Tbf, it hasn't been a great season for Saints so far, although looks like they're starting to click again.
I think I would start Chessum at 6 just to allow Earl and Willis to play to their strengths (also SB loves his lineouts). Imagining a scary 6-2 split on the bench with Hill, CCS, and Ben Curry coming on. That’s the kind of impact that can win you games imo
Looks a decent England team.
I think 🏴 go TJ at 12, it is his best position he just doesn’t get much chance there cause Sione. Unluckily there’s Dylan Richardson out for the tournament as well
Always fun to pick the names but how do england break their scotland rut, 4 games in a row. What tactics are needed to neutralise them?
It's all about the defence I think. I hope England don't just go for the crazed rush every time Since Russell, Kinghorn, Hutchinson will just pass/kick over or round it. If England can scramble better they have a great chance.
Don’t understand your logic of having Spencer on the bench if Mitchell is fit. You don’t want to bring a slower 9 off the bench. You want to inject pace into the game against heavy legs, surely. If England want to play a fast attacking game then you need Randall on the bench. And of course he was already in the squad. If Mitchell isn’t fit then you might start Spencer. Or am I missing something?
Spencer is actually rapid, I think he can play quick if instructed to
Cannot go with Earl at 7, we need a jackaller because they are strong at the breakdown, defo go with Willis at 8, would love to see Pollock at 7 but don't believe Borthwick would be brave enough
I take you're point, as I was eliding to, it is a risk with Earl at 7. Jack Willis would be ideal!
@rugbyanalyst Earl naturally plays 7 with Willis at 8 for saras, though.
V worthy selection. Personally, I like a jackler at 7 as turnovers are such a momentum shifter. Pollock a starter instead of Earl for me. Also, I’d start with Freeman.
That would be a bold call, Pollock is the future...is that future in two weeks? Maybe
Rae is a much better TH than Hurd, regularly plays and helps Edinburgh having the best scrum in the URC by penalties gained. Although all he can do is scrum...
Thanks for the info
Applaud Any Backrow Combination even with the Current call ups….Second Row awesome….Front Row look great too promising…
Weaknesses Everytime SLADE is playing,Dingwall not big enough…Lawrence Beard for sure 👌….Ben Spencer?
I know the news was likely announced after this video was recorded but Arron Reed has been called up and Dylan Richardson out too with more replacements likely at the start of next week, presumably Sam Skinner or Cameron Henderson for Cummings and another 12 to replace Sione 👍. I'd actually go with the team you went with but put Harrison in for Richardson and swap Hutchinson and McDowall, mainly because he plays with Jones at Glasgow.
What are JVPs attributes? What do they like about him?
I guess he's got an all round game, but not sure any part of it is top quality
Rodd, LCD, Heyes
Itoje, Martin,
Hill, T Willis, Pollock
Mitchell, F Smith,
Steward Beard, Roebuck, Sleightholme
Freeman
Bench: Baxter, Dan, Opoku-Fojdour, Chessum, Earl, Randall, M Smith, Murley
Pollock needs time. He's still growing into his body and isn't ready for this level of intensity yet.
He's definitely one for next years 6N , if he keeps developing his game and experience.
Freeman at 15 and steward at 12? Surely you'd want to swap those 2? Great lineup otherwise, although I'd take Theo Dan over LCD any day.
Richardson out too
I have just read that Eddie Jones is going to be a pundit on ITV - England management have enough trouble with Woodward without Eddie causing further problems . Nothing against Eddie whatsoever but if I were SB I would boycott ITV .
Sorry but can't agree with your choice of Steward at 15. You yourself has said he is not quick enough on numerous occasions.
I don't 'agree' with myself, but based on the limited options I see it as the highest percentage chance of working. The alternative is fin at 10 and Marcus at 15 which has merits but risks as well. A no win situation
I would of loved to see Hendy at 15 but i think he's injured atm
England ball handling skills our not good enough to win the six nations some of English players are the over rated and coaching system doesn't suit the players . Ireland will win comfortably in Dublin to much skill Scotland do have chance to win a triple Crown 👑 its about time they did with quality they have🏉🧐
I don’t really get the whole assumption that Spencer doesn’t play fast tbh, I watch most Bath games and can comfortably confirm that this is not true.
Yup I have faith he is international quality. He just needs to grasp this chance with a big performance
Your selection will be way off.
I don't know that Murley and Spencer are good enough to play international rugby and Beard is too inexperienced to start against Ireland. You really don't get how good Freeman is do you? If Mitchell isn't fit I fear for England. Spencer looked completely out of his depth when he came on against NZ.
My comment removed again. God knows why, nothing controversial, no bad language,etc.
Why Rich?
I can't remember TBH. Occasionally I do just tap the wrong icon. Please do try again.
I’d like to have seen Pollock at 6, he’s good enough so why wait get him on the pitch! Stewart too slow for an international 15 so should be George Hendy along with Gabriel Itoye and Murley on the wings what a back three that would be! Conservatism needs to end!