England

lawynd says...

@ArmchairGeneral - Marler or Corbisiero isn't a call I'd make, I'd give them forty minutes each to be honest. The former needs experience, the latter is coming back from injury still.

Botha over Parling is bonkers, not only is Parling far superior to any of our other locks at the lineout he also makes the most tackles and, arguably, carries better. Hopefully we'll have Lawes back for the autumn internationals and a few others will have put their hands up but currently, Parling is head and shoulders above any of our other second row options.

Haskell has done nothing this season in a Highlanders shirt or on tour except getting sin-binned regularly. He doesn't deserve the blindside shirt, let alone have the talent to fill it on current form. Johnson has played well in both games so far, why does he lose his place?

Dowson isn't an openside. Never has been, never will be, and has also produced nothing in an England shirt no matter how many chances he's been given. Give Carl Fearns a run, he deserves it after his performance mid-week.

That left-wing spot is wasted on Tuilagi - he's a centre. We've got nothing to lose at this point by giving Wade a shot, or by playing Foden there and bringing in Goode at full-back, who has looked promising when he has played. Manu, if he makes the team, should only be considered at centre; I'd partner him and Joseph again, personally. I like the idea of May playing on the right-wing though!

Posted 09:37 21st June 2012

APV1 says...

@ markmassive - I well-admit my blue-bland-and-white bias and agree that Attwood didn't shine. But neither did anyone at Bath, more's the pity. He's raw and technically missing some aspects. He's also partnered with Caldwell, who's no slouch. But because of that he can be moulded into a fine 2nd Row. He's got all of the basics and some great aggression. With new coaches and a new front row at bath, we might see him come to the fore...

Posted 15:24 19th June 2012

lawynd says...

For the chaps wanting someone a bit bulkier and nastier to partner a lineout technician, beyond the obvious candidates, how about:

Ed Slater, Leicester - currently a bit too abrasive at times, but a decent lineout option, a hard tackler and a nuisance at the breakdown.

George Kruis, Saracens - I've not seen too much of him but he's a big lad and pretty quick too.

George Skivington, Irish - hopefully he'll get far more game time for the Exiles than he did at Leicester, he's a pretty destructive runner and steals more than his fair share of ball at lineout and breakdown.

Posted 12:32 19th June 2012

APV1 says...

Corbs will start, with Marler on the bench, I reckon. Otherwise you could be right.

I'd rather see Abendanon on the bench, depending how he fares today.

I think a 2nd row of Lawes and Attwood would have the necessary bulk, skill and bite. I appreciate that they're both learning their trade, so technically they're still a bit short. But that can be taught. I like their aggression and would like to see them paired up in a white shirt.

Posted 12:03 19th June 2012

Frank81 says...

@ markmassive - I agree. We need one nasty second row to compliment a more technically gifted second row. Maybe Dave Attwood eventually, although he needs a big season with Bath. Struggling for others to be honest, any other ones are coming towards the end of their careers. Maybe Kris Chesney?!

Posted 08:57 19th June 2012

NHsaints says...

I still don't see how steffon armitage isn't in the squad...and I'd take the selections in the midweek to mean that Care will probably be starting as will Waldrom...I would however be surprised if Haskell makes the cut unless Robshaw is out.

Posted 19:38 18th June 2012

fozza says...

MarkMassive I'd say we have our fair share in Tom Palmer and Courtney Lawes. Palmer in particular is a big unit with some good skills. Would've liked to have seen Lawes out there for this tour.

Posted 17:26 18th June 2012

ArmchairGeneral says...

Wish the Armitage brothers were at that wedding instead of Abendinon!!

Posted 16:43 18th June 2012