AlanS says...

Yawn discussion. Keep Farrell and Flood in the team please. Utterly boring combination and excel only if there are lots of penalties to kick. At least Tuilagi out gives an opportunity to find a little creativity.....but no doubt it will be Flood, Farrell and Barritt. Yawn........

Posted 19:22 28th January 2013

TVaddict says...

(Since there are two similar articles I'm just going to post the same comment on both)

It's a great shame Tuilagi is injured as we wanted as much continuity as possible going into this, but as others have mentions we have to learn to put together an attack without him.

As for the line up I think we all agree that Farrell deserves to start at 10. Although I wouldn't mind Twelvetrees starting at 12 and Barritt moving to 13, I'd prefer JJ simply to replay Tuilagi at 14. That is simply because I think it would set a bad message to the team that you can play your part, train hard, but ultimately be by passed by someone performing at the same level. So I'd have Flood and Twelvetrees on the bench so that you have the potential to bring on the old Leicester 9, 10, 12 combo (Youngs would be on the bench too).

How about this for an interesting idea. Start with 10) Farrell, 12) Barritt, 13) JJ and have Twelvetrees on the bench as fly-half cover (but with the intention that Farrell will play the full 80 mins). This gives us the option of having an exciting winger option on the bench like Biggs or Wade. We could even end the match with a back line of 10) Farrell, 11) Biggs, 12) Twelvetrees, 13) Barritt, 14) JJ, 15) Brown. Which to me looks much more potent in attack and still very solid in defence. Unlikely to happen, but an interesting thought perhaps looking to the future more.

Posted 17:58 28th January 2013

FISH says...

@AVP1 the funny thing is you seem to think your opinion is somehow better or worth more.... funny, especially seeing as you are just a schlub sitting behind a computer screen hahaha

Posted 16:20 28th January 2013

ArmchairGeneral says...

Apv1: I reckon Farrell 10, Barritt 12, Jonathon Joe 13. Flood and 12trees bench.

Carpelone: I rarely fail to consider an upset for England but my first reaction to your post was to laugh out loud. Arrogant bloody English ay?

Posted 15:53 28th January 2013

APV1 says...

@ Frooschman - Barritt and JJ, eh? We'll see.

@ FISH - with rugby knowledge like yours, your opion isn't worth a pinch of cat sh!te.

@ carpelone - I think you're right, there will be a lot of upset Scotish fans come Saturday evening...

Posted 15:19 28th January 2013

carpelone says...

I smell an upset here.

Posted 13:44 28th January 2013

FISH says...

one mediocre centre out and i'm sure they have an equally mediocore one waiting in the wings to replace him.....hardly a blow in my opinion.....but thats just my opinion

Posted 13:22 28th January 2013

Frooschman says...

I guess I now get my wish of seeing what Jonathan Joseph can do in the 13 shirt! Get well soon Manu.

Posted 12:46 28th January 2013