meneer says...

Have to feel for Flood, only ever used as the back up man. For years England have been waiting for Wilkinson to over come his injuries and get back to his best, always Wilko first choice no matter what. Farrell is seen as the new man & all the hype that goes with it. Farrell played no worse than Tuilangi and definitely not as poorly as Dan Cole, so why is he axed when the team should back him and build his confidence. As for Flood, where does he stand now - will he keep his spot? Poor decision and I predict Englands search for a world class flyhalf will continue for some time. Perhaps somewhat like the nostalgic view on the 1966 soccer world cup, England will continue to look back at Wilko/Jonno & 2003.

Posted 12:14 14th June 2012

markmassive says...

Did Stuart Lancaster read my post about Tuilagi? haaa he does surprise me with his selections because this would be my first choice backline. I think Flood should start and I believe Tuilagi and Joseph will be a great center partnership.

I'm still not convinced by either Parling or Botha, they are both full of effort and endeavor but to be world class in the second row you need to be nasty. And unfortunately I dont think either fall into that category.

Posted 11:57 14th June 2012

Jediboy says...

This looks better to me but still not the first choice starting 15. Joseph deserves his chance and England really need a better centre pairing. Hope this works.

I'm expecting more from Ashton and Srettle, both need to step it up.

Now England have a better idea f wha to expect in SA, I'd like to see us match the intensity of SA. Here's hoping.

Posted 11:17 14th June 2012

jestnation says...

Interesting side but I just don't see Manu as a modern 12. Yes he has the bulk to smash through but his distribution skills and ability to read a game are at best unproven.

If Flood's on his game and flinging mispasses and long balls around and bringing the back three into play then it could be great. If don't then the only way JJ and Foden are going to get the ball is by shooting Manu with a tranquiliser gun.

The team seems to be selected around the fact that we were competitive at the break down in the first half last week and I guess the plan is for Manu and Morgan to take the ball into contact, Robshaw and TJ to secure ball and get the strike runners into the game from later phases. I hope it works.

Posted 11:14 14th June 2012

philb87 says...

This side looks far more balanced than the one picked for the first test.

The first test team was built to take on the Springboks physically but came off second best, so a change of tack was needed.

As for Farrell, he has some great qualities....nerves of steel, strong defence and accurate goal kicking but if England want to play an expansive game he is not the right option. His distribution skills have proven not up to this level in the last few games. If they want to play a kicking game a la Morne steyn then he's fine but I don't think that's the way forward.

Flood and Joseph should add some intelligence to the backline. I'm optimistic. Would certainly like to see George Ford in the 10 shirt eventually though. i feel he's the one to get it purring. he takes the ball on flat on attack (like Flood) but seems a more natural footballer.

There is an intersting article on the whole fly/half centre issue for England on Dumptackle rugby blog for anyone interested.

Posted 11:13 14th June 2012

melkdave says...

Personnally i would have also started with Dickson ,but i can understand why they have stuck with Youngs.Lets just hope England are prepard for the running intensity shown ,last weekend by the bokkes ,and the other SH teams.The higher tempo ,shown by the SH teams even if only for 40 mins ,made a massive differance to them wining .Better 1st up tackaling needed ,and hopefully more invention in attack ,from the NH teams imo,if they are to prevaile this weekend

Posted 10:55 14th June 2012