France v England

[Which Tyler]

A thread to discuss selection (I don't think I'd change anything here) etc, and keep other threads a little closer to being on topic

[Puja]

I'd be tempted to swap our props around again.

Yes, I know, it's not the sexiest of selection discussions, but I am concerned about Genge starting against the French and their scrum. He's actually a very good scrummaging prop, but what he's not is a good defensive scrummaging prop. He's always looking for the angle to attack, which is great against a lot of players, but when he's outclassed (cf RWC semi-final), he leaves himself so open to counter-attacks. I think I'd rather have Marler, who knows how to lock the legs and tough it out long enough to get the ball back, and save Genge for coming on against the young French lads who he might be able to screw up with his attacking moves.

The question then becomes, do we keep the pairings together and have Stuart for Cole? Seems unfair, as Cole has been one of our best players this 6N (yes, I know, but it's true. His work-rate's been immense, especially for a septuagenarian), but Seemingly Balderdash has tended to prefer the combo of a scrummager and a loose player working together this 6N, especially since the problems we had with not mixing and matching vs SA. Stuart's a very different kettle of fish to Sinckler, but does Brittlenose trust Genge/Stuart against the French brigade de l'explosion?

Puja

[FKAS]

does Brittlenose trust Genge/Stuart against the French brigade de l'explosion?

Does Severely Backward want to remove a carrier from the starting pack as well? Genge's stats ball in hand Vs Ireland were good, considering he took on a lot of carrying into heavy traffic he averaged 2m per carry for 7 carries and beat three defenders (also made a couple of passes). Between them Marler and Cole managed 2 carries for 2m (both Marler) and one pass (Cole). That's quite the drop off in attacking production the rest of the pack will have to pick up.

I agree re Genge and the scrum, he likes to attack he's not a defensive scrummager.

[Banquo]

I'd be tempted to swap our props around again.



Puja

Harsh making Genge play tight head.

[Banquo]

IFW FFS!!

[Insouciant]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/68543663

IFW ruled out with concussion symptoms spotted on Monday. Massive shame for him, and us tbh, - he's looked very good with the chances he's been given. Logic suggests Daly will come back in, but perhaps Furbank will move to the wing with Steward as full back.

[Banquo]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/68543663

IFW ruled out with concussion symptoms spotted on Monday. Massive shame for him, and us tbh, - he's looked very good with the chances he's been given. Logic suggests Daly will come back in, but perhaps Furbank will move to the wing with Steward as full back.

please god no, Furbank has zero time on the wing to my knowledge, and Steward to wing is a no no as well. You are going to be up against either Penaud who is world class going forward, or B-B who is steppy and rapid.

Daly I'd hope- that gives you Mr Impact on the bench possibly , or 6:2 probably

[p/d]

FFS finally get a good balance with the wide boys and bosh.

Roebuck straight in…… I hope

[Puja]

Balls. Still it could be worse - could be Mitchell again.

Very well done to the lad for doing the right thing. Got to be tempting to try to power through after your first start, having just ousted the experienced guy and having a chance to nail down the shirt, but much better for him to rest that brain, especially if he's planning on using it later for doctoring.

Puja

[Puja]

Roebuck straight in…… I hope

Would be a brave call, verging on lunacy, to call up someone with no international experience, into a defensive system that relies heavily on the wings, for an away game in Paris against a very talented French side. I'm not exactly thrilled at the idea of a Daly recall, but he is the logical and safe option.

I'll be honest, I've not really seen anything from Roebuck to make me convinced that he is a massive impact option himself.

Puja

[Oakboy]

Has there been news on Fin's fitness?

[fivepointer]

Great pity not to have CCS or IFW available.

Suspect Roots will come into the 23 and Daly will get to start on the wing.

I wouldnt change the props.

[FKAS]

Roebuck straight in…… I hope

Would be a brave call, verging on lunacy, to call up someone with no international experience, into a defensive system that relies heavily on the wings, for an away game in Paris against a very talented French side. I'm not exactly thrilled at the idea of a Daly recall, but he is the logical and safe option.

I'll be honest, I've not really seen anything from Roebuck to make me convinced that he is a massive impact option himself.

Puja

The game is in Lyon so Roebuck turning up in Paris won't be much use for anything bar sightseeing.

I like Roebuck he's big and quick, decent kick chase game. Bit like a poor man's Freeman. Would have got perfectly in the world cup strategy not so sure about how we're playing now. Trying to replace IFW would be a miserable task as well because he's been excellent for us.

[FKAS]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/68543663

IFW ruled out with concussion symptoms spotted on Monday. Massive shame for him, and us tbh, - he's looked very good with the chances he's been given. Logic suggests Daly will come back in, but perhaps Furbank will move to the wing with Steward as full back.

I mean the bat shit crazy move would be to go 11. Furbank, 14. Freeman 15. Smith with Manu and Steward coming onto the bench.

Furbank can do his best Daly impersonation.

[Banquo]

Roebuck straight in…… I hope

verging on lunacy,

I've not really seen anything from Roebuck to make me convinced that he is a massive impact option himself.

Puja

well yes.

[Banquo]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/68543663

IFW ruled out with concussion symptoms spotted on Monday. Massive shame for him, and us tbh, - he's looked very good with the chances he's been given. Logic suggests Daly will come back in, but perhaps Furbank will move to the wing with Steward as full back.

I mean the bat shit crazy move would be to go 11. Furbank, 14. Freeman 15. Smith with Manu and Steward coming onto the bench.

urghh

[Mikey Brown]

I agree with not throwing someone new in to this current system bla bla bla but this is also where it feels a bit weird that nobody else gets any game time during this 6 nations period.

A big shame for him but he’s shown enough not to simply drop off the radar by the summer.

[Which Tyler]

Bugger!

Please select an actual wing on the wing. I'd actually be tempted with Muir - not because I think he's the next best option; but he's been with the squad, learning the systems, and as an olympic medalist, he's less likely to be over-awed by the occasion.
Also, of course, club bias.

[p/d]

Roebuck straight in…… I hope

verging on lunacy,

I've not really seen anything from Roebuck to make me convinced that he is a massive impact option himself.

Puja

well yes.

Well, no

Selecting a winger to what , play on the wing, is lunacy because you don’t rate him.

[TheDasher]

verging on lunacy,

I've not really seen anything from Roebuck to make me convinced that he is a massive impact option himself.

Puja

well yes.

Well, no

Selecting a winger to what , play on the wing, is lunacy because you don’t rate him.

Has to be Daly I think. Would rather Steward on the wing than Furbank 100%, cross field kicks, carrying in their 22 etc at least he'd have some major strong points playing there... But it has to be Daly and will be. To be honest I'd be all for giving Coka a go - I think when he's fit and confident he can do some of what IFW can do. But he's not in the squad. So Daly or Steward.

[Puja]

verging on lunacy,

I've not really seen anything from Roebuck to make me convinced that he is a massive impact option himself.

Puja

well yes.

Well, no

Selecting a winger to what , play on the wing, is lunacy because you don’t rate him.

It's not the selecting of Roebuck in general, it's selecting him for his first cap in a system he has no experience in, when there's an experienced international winger who has already played 3 games this championship also available.

It's more than possible that you're seeing something in Roebuck that I haven't yet - what's making you look at him and go, "Fuck experience and team cohesion - this man **needs** to play"? That's a genuine question; I'd like to know what is exceptional about him.

Puja

[FKAS]

Has Coka got the discipline to play in this blitz defence? I'd like England to have another look at Murley in the summer if he can put together a run of form, injury free to the end of the season. Possibly OHC and Radwan could be in the mix as well if they find good form.

Muir and Roebuck feel like good team choices but maybe lack the individual spark that IFW brought.

[16th man]

Think we need a full audit of the last few week's threads to identify who is responsible for cursing IFW first.

[Puja]

Think we need a full audit of the last few week's threads to identify who is responsible for cursing IFW first.

I blame Furbank.

Puja

[p/d]

well yes.

Well, no

Selecting a winger to what , play on the wing, is lunacy because you don’t rate him.

It's not the selecting of Roebuck in general, it's selecting him for his first cap in a system he has no experience in, when there's an experienced international winger who has already played 3 games this championship also available.

It's more than possible that you're seeing something in Roebuck that I haven't yet - what's making you look at him and go, "Fuck experience and team cohesion - this man **needs** to play"? That's a genuine question; I'd like to know what is exceptional about him.

Puja

I have not said ‘he needs to play’. I simply said he would be my choice to replace IFW. Yes he is more like Freeman than IFW but I don’t have a problem with that. He is a strong lad who can make metres in traffic, very good under the high ball with solid defence. I’m pretty certain he has been learning the system during his lengthy time in camp and SB must see something in him that fits the bigger picture.

I would also suggest Muir as an option.

But hey-ho you are probably right and another cap will get wasted on Daly.