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APV1 says...

@ Centre12 - Hear! Hear! For one reason or another, there were many players overlooked or cast out by MJ, to the detriment of them personally and England rugby as a whole. Armitage, Kennedy, Allen, Tait, etc.

And I do think that Armitage only left because it was made clear to him that he'd never get to play. So why not go and get paid to play elsehere and make the most of the opportunities available?

But with SL at the helm, those "special circumstances" rules should come back into play. Some players have missed their "window", but England is about to miss the opportunity to get one of the best 7s in the world back in the white jersey.

Posted 15:22 29th May 2012

Centre12 says...

@melkdave

Can you confirm that there has been dialogue between Lancaster and Armitge and his involvement in the Top 14 play off's is the only reason that he is not in contention??? It fustrates me when the likes of Flutey, Hape and Fourie are eligible to play for England but when you have got an England qualified player who has learnt all is rugby in England and played most of his rugby in England is overlooked because of he is playing in another country because the previous manager ignored his potential.

Surely Armitage's situation is a "special circumstance" because he only chose to move abroad because with MJ in charge there would have been no way he would have added to his 5 previous caps??

Posted 14:26 29th May 2012

rugby_rockstar says...

I'm pleased to see the Toulon boss offering to release him. Top14 teams can be really irritating as far as release dates go. If Burt does pick steffan I won't expect any club v country disputes given that the DOR is pushing for his inclusion in the EPS.

Posted 12:27 29th May 2012

ArmchairGeneral says...

Where I dissagree is when he says touring S.Af is not the B all and end all. Having the best players in the squad and doing everything to win that tour is the best development possible for WC. If Armitage is most likely the best 7 he needs as many games with his England teammates as possible. A missed England cap when fit and in poll position: if that's no the B all and end all what is? This is the next game: that is the B all and end all. Here's hoping Toulon drop out and Stefan hops on the plane as soon as poss. Jonny, do England a favor and scuff a few kicks will you?

Posted 11:16 29th May 2012

Headhunter99 says...

Clever piece of psychology and man management by Laporte, by commenting like this he encourages and applauds Armitage's International expectations. In the same breath he is praising him for consistant level of performance for Toulon.

I expect Armitage to reward Laporte's belief in him with either one or two massive performances in the remaining play off games.

Posted 10:51 29th May 2012

Lucasrg says...

Indeed....he is pretty consistent and can run the ball like few in th English pack...gotta be in the squad. if not It could be my first thought against SL...will see

Posted 19:39 28th May 2012

chris33910 says...

I love the way the French tv commentators regularly confuse Bastareaud with Armitage. Same haircut, same build, same acceleration and it takes 2 tacklers to bring them down !

Posted 18:33 28th May 2012

pierredelot1 says...

We haven't had a great and true openside since Backey packed his bags, so lets hope. I somehow think that Woods will be in there too. He epitomises quiet grafting blindsides who get things done, wouldn't dare compare him to Richard Hill but he does have time. Dowson is stopgap man, sadly for him but he just was ignored for too long.

Posted 18:23 28th May 2012

jamesliveinhope says...

agree with the sentiment but he went to France knowing the rules and I feel that, if he wants to play for England, he needs to come back to England. I understand the "special circumstances" rule but he needs to be x more special that the incumbent before his selection would be justified. His lack of availability for the SA tour is a case in point.

I made the remark about Geordan Murphy being better than any other Irish full back but not better enough for the coach to step outside of the "pet" relationship that the IRFU has with the provinces.

Posted 17:23 28th May 2012

melkdave says...

Couldnt have said it better myself S.Armitage is on fire and most probibly one of the top 7s in world rugby atm..SL did tell him though it was only his involment in the Top 14 playoffs which stopped him being selected.Come the aurtum i expect he will be in the squad ,and what a backrow England could have then Robshaw -Armitage -Morgon and Dowson covering ,Balanced and all great ball carriers offloaders and runners,and battlers at the breakdown

Posted 16:29 28th May 2012

NHsaints says...

Agreed...if he continues on this form it would be pointless for SL to ignore him...

Posted 16:21 28th May 2012

APV1 says...

Hear! Hear!

I don't like to agree with the French, as a matter of principle, but on this occassion he's absolutely right. ;-)

Posted 16:19 28th May 2012

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