Scotland v England Sat 24 Feb 4.45pm

[FKAS]

Charlie Morgan in the Telegraph says that Slade's in there because of his familiarity with switching to the blitz defence (as Exeter moved that way at the start of the season) and I have to say it's a reasonable call on that basis. Slade with ball in hand has been bang average (and that's being kind to him), but Slade in defence has been very, very good. In attack, I'd absolutely be having Lawrence at 13, but I'm not sure I want him in that pivotal defensive role when he's not had experience in this defensive system.

Puja

Makes sense. Would be nice to see Slade bring some of his Exeter form to England.

Had to check the decade on this post.

I'd have agreed last season but this season he's played really well for Chiefs, it's been his best form in years.

[Banquo]

I have no problem with Lawrence at 12. We are clearly trying to tie in defenders and create more opportunities out wide. Ding & Dong have been really poor carrying and our conversion rate from line breaks is way down on what it was at the WC.

Only injury, an exodus to France and Gloucester failing to submit available players left us with a short term solution

Lawrence hardly ever plays 12 and looks much less effective there. Dingers hasn’t been asked to do any carrying, but what he has done has been effective if not spectacular. Slade isn’t someone you want carrying either- so as before I don’t think a Fordingslade combo especially a good one; I’d have gone Fordinglaw but Slade apparently just shaded it. Hope Lawrence goes well and they mix it up so he gets a bit of space to work in.

Not sure why you think keeping Slade at 13 will help with line break conversion- why do you think we have been ‘failing’ there, not that we have made that many!

[Banquo]

On paper the line up from 9-15 looks a step forward, especially if Lawrence hits the ground running. But going through moves on the training field is no substitute for game time together, so expect to see plenty of intent mixed with forced errors. Scotland are going to be a really tough nut to crack and our defence will be the key.

Yep. Defensively, might the personnel changes help? Furbank's leadership experience this season and Lawrence's physicality could give an extra edge.

Lawrence will have his hands full with Tuipulotu, he'll do well to keep him quiet, for a big guy he's good hands and skills. I'd probably prefer us to have kept Dingwall at 12 and Lawrence gone into 13 but Borthwick seems to like more experience than that.

I think Furbank will be of more use when we have the ball. There's plenty of experience in the backline and leadership not really an issue. Might have been more useful if we'd gone Dingwall and Lawrence.

I think the first half might be a tough watch as we look to wear Scotland down. Furbank's kicking and hopefully his playmaking skills should be more key to that. Need to move the pack around get them struggling so we can turn the screw second half.

Yup- though I'm not really sure why you wouldn't want Steward for this sort of fixture, and esp as he'd actually looked better ball in hand v Wales. Does make me laugh that there's always tinkering with the backs, whilst some forward issues don't get addressed.

[Oakboy]

It's interesting that everyone is talking like Slade and Lawrence have not been the centre pairing before. I thought last year they looked the best unit we have had for ages. Sometimes all the theories need shelving if players just fit with each other.

This selection by SB is excellent, IMO. Resisting the urge to pick Tuilagi has elevated SB in my estimation. Long-term I expect Freeman to own the 13 shirt and I think Lawrence needs to see 12 as his international future. For now, picking all three of Slade, Lawrence and Freeman is the right development path. Furbank should complement that trio if he can perform to current par.

Once we have more mercurial options at 9 and 10 and a livelier wing than the current Daly our future back division could be the real deal. Let's face it, there have been weaknesses in it for 20 years+. I think we can turn the corner at last.

[Banquo]

I think we can turn the corner at last.

lol

[Oakboy]

. . . . whilst some forward issues don't get addressed.

Does SB have the capacity to do much with current fitness/availability?

I think he is picking the best four props available. George is not the player in the loose that he was but having decided on him as captain he has to pick him - shades of Hartley and Farrell!!

Our best available 2nd row is Itoje + Chessum or Martin.

I doubt that any of the current back row will be regulars in a year's time. What should he change now, though? Roots is solid at the basics and gives a reliable line-out option. Earl at 8 is OK and bulking up may have harmed his prospects at 7. Underhill is not the player he was but who could step in and be significantly better? J Willis could but he's out of it. Continuity of the unit is (arguably) marginally better than changing it with what's available in the squad.

The bench options are pretty good.

CSS to start? That's about the only option till better players are brought into the squad.

[FKAS]

Once we have more mercurial options at 9 and 10

No thanks.

Mercurial - subject to sudden or unpredictable changes of mood or mind.

Generally I'd agree, Ford is a stop gap. A very good stop gap but a stop gap none the less. Care well his continued selection is depressing, his best days finished about five years ago but with JvP and Mitchell injured as well as Quirke's inability to stay fit for more than three months at a time we are struggling for 9s. Not like there's any emerging as certain selections from age grade, though Nye Thomas is potentially one. Shame that Warr seems to be throwing his lot in with Scotland as the rumour is he's on their stand by list in case of injury.

[Banquo]

. . . . whilst some forward issues don't get addressed.

Does SB have the capacity to do much with current fitness/availability?

I think he is picking the best four props available. George is not the player in the loose that he was but having decided on him as captain he has to pick him - shades of Hartley and Farrell!!

Our best available 2nd row is Itoje + Chessum or Martin.

I doubt that any of the current back row will be regulars in a year's time. What should he change now, though? Roots is solid at the basics and gives a reliable line-out option. Earl at 8 is OK and bulking up may have harmed his prospects at 7. Underhill is not the player he was but who could step in and be significantly better? J Willis could but he's out of it. Continuity of the unit is (arguably) marginally better than changing it with what's available in the squad.

The bench options are pretty good.

CSS to start? That's about the only option till better players are brought into the squad.

Lots of back rows kicking about, which is the prime issue. We don’t have enough carrying or dynamism in the pack and we do have options in Dombrandt and Mercer, plus Ben Curry still has summat to offer in the right pack.

[Mikey Brown]

Yeah I still can’t shake this feeling that Ben Curry can offer at least a significant proportion of what Tom did, if we just give him a bit more of a chance. Given we might not even see Tom play for England again it seems like it would be worth a punt.

It will be interesting to see what happens at Quins if CCS manages to break his way in to the England side. He’s mostly been rotating in and out at 6 so far. Him and Dombrandt compliment eachother quite well at club level. I do hope he gets another good run off the bench.

How long is J Willis is France again?

[Stom]

Once we have more mercurial options at 9 and 10

No thanks.

Mercurial - subject to sudden or unpredictable changes of mood or mind.

Generally I'd agree, Ford is a stop gap. A very good stop gap but a stop gap none the less. Care well his continued selection is depressing, his best days finished about five years ago but with JvP and Mitchell injured as well as Quirke's inability to stay fit for more than three months at a time we are struggling for 9s. Not like there's any emerging as certain selections from age grade, though Nye Thomas is potentially one. Shame that Warr seems to be throwing his lot in with Scotland as the rumour is he's on their stand by list in case of injury.

I would actually disagree a bit on Care there. He had some amazing games, and was integral to the way Quins played, but right now he's been playing some really good, solid rugby. His pass is generally accurate, he doesn't snipe as much as he used to, but he's a much better organizer and less prone to brain farts.

I'd say Care is a form pick.

Although I do agree with the sentiment. If everyone was fit, he shouldn't be getting a look in.

[Stom]

Yeah I still can’t shake this feeling that Ben Curry can offer at least a significant proportion of what Tom did, if we just give him a bit more of a chance. Given we might not even see Tom play for England again it seems like it would be worth a punt.

It will be interesting to see what happens at Quins if CCS manages to break his way in to the England side. He’s mostly been rotating in and out at 6 so far. Him and Dombrandt compliment eachother quite well at club level. I do hope he gets another good run off the bench.

How long is J Willis is France again?

I guess it depends how Kenningham comes back from injury. RobshawMKII was looking very good, and if he can continue where he left off, there will be some decisions to be made.

[francoisfou]

How long is J Willis is France again?

I think he’s committed to Toulouse until the end of next season.

[Oakboy]

. . . . whilst some forward issues don't get addressed.

Does SB have the capacity to do much with current fitness/availability?

I think he is picking the best four props available. George is not the player in the loose that he was but having decided on him as captain he has to pick him - shades of Hartley and Farrell!!

Our best available 2nd row is Itoje + Chessum or Martin.

I doubt that any of the current back row will be regulars in a year's time. What should he change now, though? Roots is solid at the basics and gives a reliable line-out option. Earl at 8 is OK and bulking up may have harmed his prospects at 7. Underhill is not the player he was but who could step in and be significantly better? J Willis could but he's out of it. Continuity of the unit is (arguably) marginally better than changing it with what's available in the squad.

The bench options are pretty good.

CSS to start? That's about the only option till better players are brought into the squad.

Lots of back rows kicking about, which is the prime issue. We don’t have enough carrying or dynamism in the pack and we do have options in Dombrandt and Mercer, plus Ben Curry still has summat to offer in the right pack.

Mercer is not in the squad. If the other two were pulling up trees in training presumably they'd get a sniff. I don't like the current back row but until the squad changes I just can't see how it can be significantly improved. Some time on Saturday we might see it substantially changed with Martin at 6 and CSS at 8 perhaps? I'd not be too bothered if they started in those shirts but, marginally, what SB has done is probably better for THIS match.

Longer-term, I'd argue that T Willis, Mercer and Fisilau are all better 8s than Earl. I retain doubts about Dombrandt. The fact is that Earl has the shirt and he'll keep it till somebody with fitness, form and availability takes it from him.

The same applies to Underhill at 7 and Roots at 6.

[Banquo]

Does SB have the capacity to do much with current fitness/availability?

I think he is picking the best four props available. George is not the player in the loose that he was but having decided on him as captain he has to pick him - shades of Hartley and Farrell!!

Our best available 2nd row is Itoje + Chessum or Martin.

I doubt that any of the current back row will be regulars in a year's time. What should he change now, though? Roots is solid at the basics and gives a reliable line-out option. Earl at 8 is OK and bulking up may have harmed his prospects at 7. Underhill is not the player he was but who could step in and be significantly better? J Willis could but he's out of it. Continuity of the unit is (arguably) marginally better than changing it with what's available in the squad.

The bench options are pretty good.

CSS to start? That's about the only option till better players are brought into the squad.

Lots of back rows kicking about, which is the prime issue. We don’t have enough carrying or dynamism in the pack and we do have options in Dombrandt and Mercer, plus Ben Curry still has summat to offer in the right pack.

Mercer is not in the squad. If the other two were pulling up trees in training presumably they'd get a sniff. I don't like the current back row but until the squad changes I just can't see how it can be significantly improved. Some time on Saturday we might see it substantially changed with Martin at 6 and CSS at 8 perhaps? I'd not be too bothered if they started in those shirts but, marginally, what SB has done is probably better for THIS match.

Longer-term, I'd argue that T Willis, Mercer and Fisilau are all better 8s than Earl. I retain doubts about Dombrandt. The fact is that Earl has the shirt and he'll keep it till somebody with fitness, form and availability takes it from him.

The same applies to Underhill at 7 and Roots at 6.

Mercer not being in the squad is self inflicted. I'd prefer CCS or Martin at 6 to Roots; Underhill shouldn't there. Pearson/Curry both should be ahead of him.

As I said, fannying around with the backs whilst the forwards have issues is the norm, unfortunately. Might cut some slack given improved ruck speed, but we need some dynamic carrying to capitalise on that.

On your 'we've turned the corner bit'....I laughed because that seemed almost entirely based on a future centre partnership that hasn't yet played together, with one out of position and the other having had all of 5? games there. And then finding a new half back partnership, a new left and right winger and settling on a 15 . Then we come to the pack....

[Mikey Brown]

I really just want to see Martin focus on being a tight-head lock. Let Chessum, Isiekwe and Itoje fight it out over who gets to fanny around pretending to be a flanker if it comes to it.

[Banquo]

I really just want to see Martin focus on being a tight-head lock. Let Chessum, Isiekwe and Itoje fight it out over who gets to fanny around pretending to be a flanker if it comes to it.

I think Martin looks fine at 6 tbh- happy to stand corrected by the Tigers gang, but he looks a better 6 than Chessum for intl level. I wouldn't go near Itoje at 6. I'd prefer CCS got the gig though, and interesting that Pearson is playing 6 for the 'a' team.

[FKAS]

I really just want to see Martin focus on being a tight-head lock. Let Chessum, Isiekwe and Itoje fight it out over who gets to fanny around pretending to be a flanker if it comes to it.

I think Martin looks fine at 6 tbh- happy to stand corrected by the Tigers gang, but he looks a better 6 than Chessum for intl level. I wouldn't go near Itoje at 6. I'd prefer CCS got the gig though, and interesting that Pearson is playing 6 for the 'a' team.

Martin appears to add more power from the tighthead lock position at scrum time would be the only thing I'd say about switching him out to 6. Chessum is the better lineout jumper. They both get round the park well and have a good work rate. Chessum perhaps covers the ground quicker and Martin hits a bit harder.

[Banquo]

I really just want to see Martin focus on being a tight-head lock. Let Chessum, Isiekwe and Itoje fight it out over who gets to fanny around pretending to be a flanker if it comes to it.

I think Martin looks fine at 6 tbh- happy to stand corrected by the Tigers gang, but he looks a better 6 than Chessum for intl level. I wouldn't go near Itoje at 6. I'd prefer CCS got the gig though, and interesting that Pearson is playing 6 for the 'a' team.

Martin appears to add more power from the tighthead lock position at scrum time would be the only thing I'd say about switching him out to 6. Chessum is the better lineout jumper. They both get round the park well and have a good work rate. Chessum perhaps covers the ground quicker and Martin hits a bit harder.

fair enough, horses for courses....I was just reflecting on Chessum's defence in the wide open spaces

[Mellsblue]

Wherever Martin played in the RWC semi is where he should stay imo. He was immense. Have Chessum/Martin on the bench and have no drop off in quality when the replacement comes on. Plus I’m sick and tired of a lock at 6.

[Banquo]

Wherever Martin played in the RWC semi is where he should stay imo. He was immense. Have Chessum/Martin on the bench and have no drop off in quality when the replacement comes on. Plus I’m sick and tired of a lock at 6.

5 it is then

[Puja]

I really just want to see Martin focus on being a tight-head lock. Let Chessum, Isiekwe and Itoje fight it out over who gets to fanny around pretending to be a flanker if it comes to it.

I think Martin looks fine at 6 tbh- happy to stand corrected by the Tigers gang, but he looks a better 6 than Chessum for intl level. I wouldn't go near Itoje at 6. I'd prefer CCS got the gig though, and interesting that Pearson is playing 6 for the 'a' team.

You are correct in saying that he is a better 6 than Chessum for international level, but that is very much asking the wrong question. If we *have* to play one at 6, then it should be Martin. However, what we should be doing is continuing our exciting new experiment that we're trying of playing a flanker at flanker and having the locks play at lock.

Puja

[Danno]

Makes sense. Would be nice to see Slade bring some of his Exeter form to England.

Had to check the decade on this post.

I'd have agreed last season but this season he's played really well for Chiefs, it's been his best form in years.

Oh for sure, it's a saying almost as old as the board is all.

[p/d]

Wherever Martin played in the RWC semi is where he should stay imo. He was immense. Have Chessum/Martin on the bench and have no drop off in quality when the replacement comes on. Plus I’m sick and tired of a lock at 6.

Exactly

[Mellsblue]

Wherever Martin played in the RWC semi is where he should stay imo. He was immense. Have Chessum/Martin on the bench and have no drop off in quality when the replacement comes on. Plus I’m sick and tired of a lock at 6.

5 it is then

Bugger. Could’ve sworn it was 12 and all our problems were solved

[p/d]

It will be interesting to see what happens at Quins if CCS manages to break his way in to the England side. He’s mostly been rotating in and out at 6 so far. Him and Dombrandt compliment eachother quite well at club level. I do hope he gets another good run off the bench.

Would have been good to see the pair starting tomorrow.