England 2024/25

[TRF_Olyy]

I don't like having zero FH cover, even against T2 sides. If Ford had gone down in the first half today I doubt we win

Yeah, fair point - I was just trying to think how we fit Ojomoh in (though theoretically he could cover 10 in an emergency)

I think it's inevitable IFW plays (wouldn't be surprised to see him start tbh) otherwise I'd say Ford and Ojomoh bench, Atkinson covering 15 from the pitch and Beard covering wing

 

[BPM]

Did Northmore actually fail a HIA or was it simply too late in the game for him to return? It also looked like he was trying stretch off some cramp before he went off.

Either way, it would be a shame for him to ruled out after a very decent debut.

Centre is a real dilemma TBH, I want to see Ojomoh and Beard get some game time but I'm also keen for Atkinson to continue at 12 given how well he's played. He's looked so accomplished that it's easy to forget he only made his debut last week.

One option I’d consider is starting Atkinson with Ojomoh at 13 and then moving Ojomoh to 12 with Beard at 13 later in the game.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Did Northmore actually fail a HIA or was it simply too late in the game for him to return? It also looked like he was trying stretch off some cramp before he went off.

Good point, he went off at 70 and a HIA is a max of 10mins so he could've passed after like 8mins but no time to get back on the pitch

One option I'd consider is starting Atkinson with Ojomoh at 13 and then moving Ojomoh to 12 with Beard at 13 later in the game.

Wouldn't be against that at all tbf, be played 13 more than 12 this season and was in real good from there during the run in

 

[Which Tyler]

Good point, he went off at 70 and a HIA is a max of 10mins so he could've passed after like 8mins but no time to get back on the pitch

Min of 10 minutes isn't it?
To stop it being rushed and incomplete to get the player back on.

Also interesting that it was Underhill sent back on, rather than Spencer or Muir - or CCS/Dombrandt (did either make it onto the pitch?)

You'd think a back to replace a back would be the obvious choice (especially Muir). You'd also think that if you're sending a backrow out to cover centre, you'd rather someone fresh thnpan someone who'd already played 60 minutes

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Minnof 10 minutes isn't it?
To stop it being rushed and incomplete to get the player back on.

That does make a lot more sense

 

[LIONSxv]

Did Northmore actually fail a HIA or was it simply too late in the game for him to return? It also looked like he was trying stretch off some cramp before he went off.

Either way, it would be a shame for him to ruled out after a very decent debut.

Centre is a real dilemma TBH, I want to see Ojomoh and Beard get some game time but I'm also keen for Atkinson to continue at 12 given how well he's played. He's looked so accomplished that it's easy to forget he only made his debut last week.

One option I'd consider is starting Atkinson with Ojomoh at 13 and then moving Ojomoh to 12 with Beard at 13 later in the game.

For me I'd leave Atkinson at 12 and start Ojomoh at 13. He is a 12 imo but at least he gets to taste test rugby

It would be a mistake to start rotating a 12 who could be a long term answer to a decade old issue

 

[Ddanno]

For me I'd leave Atkinson at 12 and start Ojomoh at 13. He is a 12 imo but at least he gets to taste test rugby

It would be a mistake to start rotating a 12 who could be a long term answer to a decade old issue

Sorry to make everyone feel old, but two decades.

 

[Jimbo]

can Roebuck play 15? I really want him included as a regular starter, but not at the expense of IFW or Freeman. With Furbanks current injury woes 15 is the worrying spot for the back 3, it might not be as balanced as it could be with no out and out Gas but not slow either, very physical and aerially sound.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

can Roebuck play 15?

No, he's never played there

Freeman started out at 15 before settling at wing but I wouldn't move either of them - just let them battle it out and elevate each other
Though with Muir starting both Argentina games maybe SB is looking at a Roebuck/Freeman partnership for the future?
A Murley/Roebuck wing partnership would be way more similar to a presumed first choice of IFW/Freeman

I'm hoping Carpenter starts vs USA to increase our FB stocks

 

[LIONSxv]

Sorry to make everyone feel old, but two decades.

Manu should of played 12 when he was initially fit. Otherwise it's back to Greenwood

 

[Duck a l'Orange]

No idea what you're all talking about, Billy Twelvetrees was a complete player who would have ended the empty 12 shirt streak had he not been cruelly overlooked.

 

[BrokenWing]

22 games is hardly overlooked

 

[Ddanno]

No idea what you're all talking about, Billy Twelvetrees was a complete player who would have ended the empty 12 shirt streak had he not been cruelly afflicted with a savage case of brainfartitis

 

[Geordie]

No idea what you're all talking about, Billy Twelvetrees was a complete player who would have ended the empty 12 shirt streak had he not been cruelly overlooked.

Ah Billy was the identikit for 12.
Excellent passing,
Big Unit 6'3,
Fast
Huge boot
But he just couldn't put it together consistently enough.

 

[Ragey Erasmus]

Ah Billy was the identikit for 12.
Excellent passing,
Big Unit 6'3,
Fast
Huge boot
But he just couldn't put it together consistently enough.

Even had it in his name...

 

[Geordie]

Even had it in his name...

He sure did!

Plus 36...

 

[mikebrownsauce1512]

I feel like England are in a really good spot now and going forward. Our depth is starting to look really good.

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

I feel like England are in a really good spot now and going forward. Our depth is starting to look really good.

Certainly more grounds for optimism than in some time. Let’s see if the coaching team can harness it. Behind the scrum there’s talent but not too much top level experience.

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

Itoje saying he’s planning to retire at 35 which is late 2029. Didn’t specify, but that sounds like from all rugby rather than the international game.

Think I’ve said it here before but I think internationally he’ll call it quits after the 27 RWC, especially if that goes well.

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Itoje saying he's planning to retire at 35 which is late 2029. Didn't specify, but that sounds like from all rugby rather than the international game.

Think I've said it here before but I think internationally he'll call it quits after the 27 RWC, especially if that goes well.

Highly doubt he retires in 2 years time from internationals he’s only 30.

Obviously depends on his fitness but I could see him targeting the next B&I lions tour would he be the first player to do 4 tours?