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International Test Matches
Summer tours - England
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<blockquote data-quote="Which Tyler" data-source="post: 1041578" data-attributes="member: 73592"><p>Then I think you're still being harsh.</p><p>Harsh to consider Cipriani uncompetitive, harsh to discount the 3 FHs likely to be busy with the U20s, and harsh to expect a club to have a senior FH actively challenging the likes of Biggar, Wier or Jackson.</p><p></p><p>I understand your point, I just disagree that England doesn't have much depth at FH - we have 2 50+ cap internationals who will be fine beyond the next RWC, a 3rd international quality player who largely missed the boat due to the indiscretions of youth, a 4th who just wasn't as consistent as the other 3, a 5th international quality FH who's on his last legs as a pro, the 3 youngsters unavailable due to club commitments the 1 youngster included, and the 3 youngsters who still qualify for U20s rugby.</p><p>That's 12 FHs, with 3 in their 30s, 2 established options in their late 20s, 4 in their early 20s and 3 more in the U20s (all at clubs where they're currently learning from senior internationals).</p><p>I see that as good depth and a good age distribution.</p><p></p><p>The positions that are more competitive are few, and generally challenging to 2 places in a XV (lock, flank, wing). Just as a random example - who are we talking about as 12th choice prop, on either side?</p><p>I'm far more worried about depth at 12 and 9 - but then, I'm also worried about quality at the top for those positions.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Which Tyler, post: 1041578, member: 73592"] Then I think you're still being harsh. Harsh to consider Cipriani uncompetitive, harsh to discount the 3 FHs likely to be busy with the U20s, and harsh to expect a club to have a senior FH actively challenging the likes of Biggar, Wier or Jackson. I understand your point, I just disagree that England doesn't have much depth at FH - we have 2 50+ cap internationals who will be fine beyond the next RWC, a 3rd international quality player who largely missed the boat due to the indiscretions of youth, a 4th who just wasn't as consistent as the other 3, a 5th international quality FH who's on his last legs as a pro, the 3 youngsters unavailable due to club commitments the 1 youngster included, and the 3 youngsters who still qualify for U20s rugby. That's 12 FHs, with 3 in their 30s, 2 established options in their late 20s, 4 in their early 20s and 3 more in the U20s (all at clubs where they're currently learning from senior internationals). I see that as good depth and a good age distribution. The positions that are more competitive are few, and generally challenging to 2 places in a XV (lock, flank, wing). Just as a random example - who are we talking about as 12th choice prop, on either side? I'm far more worried about depth at 12 and 9 - but then, I'm also worried about quality at the top for those positions. [/QUOTE]
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