The Great Big England A Thread

[Oakboy]

Barbeary still looks like he ought to be something special but I suppose you could argue that Fisilau is currently more effective (with a more-rounded skill-set and with a higher ceiling)??

[Stom]

I still feel like Barbeary has gone from standout hooker to average back row…

[Banquo]

I still feel like Barbeary has gone from standout hooker to average back row…

yus

[Captainhaircut]

I still feel like Barbeary has gone from standout hooker to average back row…

100% and one thing Jones got right was telling him it was stupid. Why Wasps allowed it when they had Willis x 2 and Fisilau I have no idea.

The whole nonsense that he wanted to play back row as well. Aye, I bet all forwards fancy playing back row and I bet most backs wants to play 10. It doesn’t work like that does it.

[Puja]

I still feel like Barbeary has gone from standout hooker to average back row…

In fairness, he was a standout back row when he originally switched - he fell away after the run of injuries cost him huge amounts of learning and game-time and, possibly as pertinently, as teams learned to target him.

Also, I'm not sure there was ever real evidence of him being a standout hooker - he was incredibly well-rated and promising, but never actually played any adult rugby there. Plus part of the reason Wasps "allowed" the move was because his set piece work was so ropey. Feels like we're using the dream of what Barbeary was promised to be, when we're considering the hypothetical of him at hooker, and comparing that to the actual reality of him as a back row, when he very much might've ended up developing into a below average hooker who lost dynamism through having to scrummage and never did sort out his lineout yips. Some players just don't kick on, especially those who have a long run of debilitating injuries and have massive upheaval in being forced to move club and across the country.

Puja

[fivepointer]

I recall him being outstanding for Wasps in the back row.

Dont think he's ever come close to that kind of form playing for Bath.

[Which Tyler]

He was very good at 8 last year; but form has been... okay-at-best this season.
I don't know if that's being targetted, just having a dip, or carrying a niggle, or what it is.

[FKAS]

In the PRC? Has anyone but Exeter been putting out their first choice players?

Can’t say I’ve really followed the cup outside of the Quins game. We played a few senior players vs. Ealing at the weekend. Porter and Kenningham are probably the most likely candidates for the A squad, but Hammond might be an outside shot given the relative lack of locks? Possibly even Benson or Joseph.

If I were picking the team today, I’d probably go for:

1. Rodd
2. Langdon
3. Opoku-Fordjour
4. Hammond
5. Clark
6. T. Hill
7. Kenningham
8. Barbeary
9. Porter
10. C. Atkinson
11. Ibitoye (if fit) / Hassell-Collins
12. S. Atkinson
13. Beard
14. Cleaves
15. Carpenter

I’m working on the assumption that we can use players dropping down from the senior squad but probably unlikely to use players in the U20s? Otherwise I’d have picked Pollock at 7.

Joe Owen from Bristol I'd like to see given a go. He's looked very promising for Bristol this season, rangy and mobile. Big lad.

If OHC accepts the call up I'd start him over the other two listed, he's back in form and just punts back the possibility of Wales stealing him.

Orlando Bailey over Charlie Atkinson by preference as well.

[TheNomad]

I recall him being outstanding for Wasps in the back row.

Dont think he's ever come close to that kind of form playing for Bath.

Apparently he's a sucker for a night out - I can't confirm that, but that's what I heard

[Mellsblue]

HC: Lee Blackett
Attack Coach: Lee Blackett
Defence Coaxh: Haydn Thomas
Forwards Coach: Louis Deacon
Scrum Coach: Matt Ferguson.

[Puja]

Mapletoft staying with the U20s makes sense - interesting choice to have Louis Deacon on loan from the women's side. Ferguson's done a job with Northampton - wonder if they didn't want Catt back for some reason or if they're just seeking more different inputs each fixture.

Puja

[Mellsblue]

Mapletoft staying with the U20s makes sense - interesting choice to have Louis Deacon on loan from the women's side. Ferguson's done a job with Northampton - wonder if they didn't want Catt back for some reason or if they're just seeking more different inputs each fixture.

Puja

Fairly certain the rotating of coaches was the plan from the start.

[Scrumhead]

In the PRC? Has anyone but Exeter been putting out their first choice players?

Can’t say I’ve really followed the cup outside of the Quins game. We played a few senior players vs. Ealing at the weekend. Porter and Kenningham are probably the most likely candidates for the A squad, but Hammond might be an outside shot given the relative lack of locks? Possibly even Benson or Joseph.

If I were picking the team today, I’d probably go for:

1. Rodd
2. Langdon
3. Opoku-Fordjour
4. Hammond
5. Clark
6. T. Hill
7. Kenningham
8. Barbeary
9. Porter
10. C. Atkinson
11. Ibitoye (if fit) / Hassell-Collins
12. S. Atkinson
13. Beard
14. Cleaves
15. Carpenter

I’m working on the assumption that we can use players dropping down from the senior squad but probably unlikely to use players in the U20s? Otherwise I’d have picked Pollock at 7.

Joe Owen from Bristol I'd like to see given a go. He's looked very promising for Bristol this season, rangy and mobile. Big lad.

If OHC accepts the call up I'd start him over the other two listed, he's back in form and just punts back the possibility of Wales stealing him.

Orlando Bailey over Charlie Atkinson by preference as well.

Owen is an excellent shout. I confess to having never heard of him before this season but I’ve been impressed every time I’ve seen him.

10 is tough for the wrong reasons. Atkinson and Bailey are decent players but I don’t see either ever being in contention for a senior cap.

@Stom - way too early for Waghorn. He’s had 2 or 3 games for Quins.

Seb Atkinson, Ojomoh, Hartley and Woodward should all be a good way ahead in that particular queue.

[Epaminondas Pules]

Barbeary was only a theoretical standout hooker. Was head and shoulders above the competition at age grade, though to be fair Sam Riley was also very destructive at age grade. It doesn’t always translate into adult rugby. As FP said he looked very promising in the backrow initially but had a horrible run of injuries. He’s not kicked on fully yet but he’s not exactly old and there’s absolutely time yet.

[FKAS]

Can’t say I’ve really followed the cup outside of the Quins game. We played a few senior players vs. Ealing at the weekend. Porter and Kenningham are probably the most likely candidates for the A squad, but Hammond might be an outside shot given the relative lack of locks? Possibly even Benson or Joseph.

If I were picking the team today, I’d probably go for:

1. Rodd
2. Langdon
3. Opoku-Fordjour
4. Hammond
5. Clark
6. T. Hill
7. Kenningham
8. Barbeary
9. Porter
10. C. Atkinson
11. Ibitoye (if fit) / Hassell-Collins
12. S. Atkinson
13. Beard
14. Cleaves
15. Carpenter

I’m working on the assumption that we can use players dropping down from the senior squad but probably unlikely to use players in the U20s? Otherwise I’d have picked Pollock at 7.

Joe Owen from Bristol I'd like to see given a go. He's looked very promising for Bristol this season, rangy and mobile. Big lad.

If OHC accepts the call up I'd start him over the other two listed, he's back in form and just punts back the possibility of Wales stealing him.

Orlando Bailey over Charlie Atkinson by preference as well.

Owen is an excellent shout. I confess to having never heard of him before this season but I’ve been impressed every time I’ve seen him.

10 is tough for the wrong reasons. Atkinson and Bailey are decent players but I don’t see either ever being in contention for a senior cap.

@Stom - way too early for Waghorn. He’s had 2 or 3 games for Quins.

Seb Atkinson, Ojomoh, Hartley and Woodward should all be a good way ahead in that particular queue.

Same on Owen. Bristol fans were a bit forlorn when Batley got injured (understandably as he was tearing up trees) but then out of seemingly nowhere comes a rangy athletic lock who suits their style perfectly. Could do with adding a bit more physicality but the point of the A squad is development.

You're right I don't see Bailey or Atkinson challenging the Smiths for England recognition. Bailey I see is a flyhalf that can operate at Prem level and who if he got away from Bath would see more game time. Atkinson just doesn't have the kicking game for 10 and would be better off shifting to 12 or 15 and becoming and exceptional second playmaker in a backline.

[swindonbri]

Arthur Clark won't be in contention unfortunately, he came back injured from the England camp needing an op. Up to 10 weeks out reportedly

[TheNomad]

Seb Atkinson, Ojomoh, Hartley and Woodward should all be a good way ahead in that particular queue.

What are people's thoughts on Hartley - he obviously had a nasty injury, but clearly has potential.

I haven't seen him all that much, so would welcome people's views

[fivepointer]

Seb Atkinson, Ojomoh, Hartley and Woodward should all be a good way ahead in that particular queue.

What are people's thoughts on Hartley - he obviously had a nasty injury, but clearly has potential.

I haven't seen him all that much, so would welcome people's views

He's very good. Missed a lot of game time due to injury but with a decent run behind him he could break through.

Agree completely about Joe Owen. Thought he had something the first time i saw him. His clubmate, James Dun, is an unheralded player who seldom is less than highly effective. Better than Tizard to my mind.

[Puja]

Arthur Clark won't be in contention unfortunately, he came back injured from the England camp needing an op. Up to 10 weeks out reportedly

What a crying shame. Hopefully he'll get back fit and firing for the tail end of the season.

Puja

[Mikey Brown]

I don't know why this alwayd seems to be on Reddit before anywhere else, but there you go.



Capstick seems an odd one. Looks like a backrow playing lock for Exeter, even when they have big lumps at 6 and 7. With only Tizard and Lockett there it seems like he's a second row in this squad?

[Danno]

Not bad

[Mikey Brown]

I guess I'll go and find an even bigger version of the squad list.

[Mikey Brown]

Also who is Luke Green? Another lock maybe?

[Mellsblue]

Anyone know who’s in the A Squad etc etc

[fivepointer]

Seb Atkinson's omission just baffles me.

Some interesting calls. Kloska, Green, Haffar, Lockett and Capstick are unexpected forward call ups and Hodge and Woodward I didnt see coming.

Good to see Hendy and Elliott included.

I imagine the team will contain a few of the main squad players who dont make the Scotland matchday 23.