England v Fiji

[Scrumhead]

I thought the locks were pretty good TBH. Itoje is world class so will always make a difference, but I’m not sure I understand why you’re flagging it as a concern based upon yesterday’s game?

[Oakboy]

I thought the locks were pretty good TBH. Itoje is world class so will always make a difference, but I’m not sure I understand why you’re flagging it as a concern based upon yesterday’s game?

I was looking for confirmation of what I thought I saw - sometimes it's hard to be objectively reflective on a single viewing. To me the pairing was adequate against Fiji at set piece. Against a NZ scrum or lineout, I'd have concerns. In the loose, I thought they were found wanting a bit which I'd have expected to be their stronger suit.

[fivepointer]

The locks were fine. Coles has definitely taken a step up and looks an accomplished international player now.

[FKAS]

Your opinion (not that I am disagreeing) makes Farrell at 12 for the 6N all too likely. I'm starting to think that Marcus at 10 is the best way to go.

You fancy a Marcus 10 and Ice Man 12 combi for the 6N? Bold call that one.

No, you misinterpret my thoughts. I want Marcus at 10 to avoid having Farrell at 12. Dingwall is not adding anything constructive or surprising. As a steady link between Marcus and Freeman he might be adequate. I would have kept the Saints group together for this match but SB stuck Lawrence in. Now, with Fin having underwhelmed and Mitchell having a mediocre game, we need a real spark and it could come from Marcus at 10.

Lawrence is a bit of an enigma. Many applaud his selection as a 'real 13' but I don't see it. He has played well for England but at 12. Alongside Slade's great hands it was an OK partnership. I'd pick neither at centre now though I would still consider Slade at FB while Furbank is unavailable.

Atkinson was lauded but he always looked to have daft mistakes in his make-up. Woodward's omission from the A squad was a glaring mistake. Ojomoh was disappointing v NZ A.

So, at 12: Dingwall, Atkinson, Lawrence, Slade, Ojomoh, Earl? Or bloody Farrell? I think it could be him if SB picks Ford or Fin at 10. Just don't suggest I want it.

Selecting England's tactically weakest flyhalf isn't a recipe for not having Farrell in there. We could really do with Marcus following Mitchell's example and working hard on his tactical game.

I thought Fin Smith was fine yesterday. Difficult against a Fiji side that'll rearrange your ribs at any opportunity and when your centres aren't giving you much in the way of options. I think we'll go back to Ford for NZ, 12 is an issue. Lawrence has tended to defend at 12 and attack at 13 irrelevant of what number is on his back. We could do that again with Freeman alongside him. Be limited in terms of distribution but if Marcus is going to be at 15 that would help mitigate that particular issue. NZ left Jordan alone at the back for much of the Scotland game, if they do the same against England we will target that.

[twitchy]

Telegraph saying Daly in contention for NZ.