RugbyRebels

Its a tough call for SB. Whoever he picks at OC comes with its own drawbacks.

Does he persevere with Daly, bring back Slade, give Beard a debut or move Freeman in from the wing?

Wouldnt surprise me if he opted just to bring Slade back.

Anyone know when we find out?

Mellsblue wrote: ↑Wed Mar 12, 2025 8:58 am Anyone know when we find out?

That's one thing that's not leaked!

p/d wrote: ↑Wed Mar 12, 2025 6:55 am Is Freeman hinting at playing 13?

Is he hinting? Are you referring to something he has said?

Mikey Brown wrote: ↑Wed Mar 12, 2025 9:23 am

p/d wrote: ↑Wed Mar 12, 2025 6:55 am Is Freeman hinting at playing 13?

Is he hinting? Are you referring to something he has said?

Only something from the BBC website.

Anyhoo I’m really hoping we see Beard. Him and Dingwall must have spent the last 6 weeks practising together

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union ... lx945gexzo

"I have trained there and, in the week, I make sure I know I know all the roles there," Freeman told Rugby Union Weekly.

"It is definitely on the cards. That option is there."

Outside of the front row, I'd expect most/all players to be able to say that for a 2nd position. Whether that's Hill training at lock, Ford training at scrum half, Slade training at FH, Earl at IC, Lawrence at wing or Freeman at OC.

Anyone needs to know what they're doing in case they find themselves in the wrong position for a phase or two.
Every team trains on what to do if injury means shuffling, or a yellow card means stepping into a different position for 10 minutes; or even a planned experiment for the last 15 minutes of a game.

Now, it may well mean more than that; but it also may not.
Even if he's training there, I will still oppose starting any player in a position they haven't played 25+ matches at club level (including Marcus, for whom I think FB could become his position-of-best-fit IF he played there for a season).

Which Tyler wrote: ↑Wed Mar 12, 2025 10:36 am Outside of the front row, I'd expect most/all players to be able to say that for a 2nd position. Whether that's Hill training at lock, Ford training at scrum half, Slade training at FH, Earl at IC, Lawrence at wing or Freeman at OC.

Anyone needs to know what they're doing in case they find themselves in the wrong position for a phase or two.
Every team trains on what to do if injury means shuffling, or a yellow card means stepping into a different position for 10 minutes; or even a planned experiment for the last 15 minutes of a game.

Now, it may well mean more than that; but it also may not.
Even if he's training there, I will still oppose starting any player in a position they haven't played 25+ matches at club level (including Marcus, for whom I think FB could become his position-of-best-fit IF he played there for a season).

I understand your caution, but let’s not pretend it’s remotely similar to Ford at 9 or Lawrence on the wing, which would clearly be situations where a lot of things have gone wrong.

Northampton and England clearly see some sort of future there for him, but have been more in need on the wing.

I’d generally agree we want him to have a lot more gametime there, but it must have been a considerable part of his training for the last few campaigns because he’s been moved to 13 several times out of choice.

I think his potential there is so massive. With the Dingwall link, and other unconvincing centre options, I’d be willing to give it a go. I’d very happily see Beard get a shot, but can’t see it for this game.

FKAS wrote: ↑Wed Mar 12, 2025 10:27 am https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union ... lx945gexzo

"I have trained there and, in the week, I make sure I know I know all the roles there," Freeman told Rugby Union Weekly.

"It is definitely on the cards. That option is there."

Sounds more like he's touting it as an option that he can be flexible in and move to during a game, rather than him being likely to start there. Especially since the article also says: "Asked if he saw centre as a long-term positional switch, Freeman said 'not right now'."

I'm actually leaning towards the suspicion that we might see Beard catapulted into the starting lineup. It'd be a very Selects Brazenly sort of thing to do - he's not been afraid previously of chucking a young player in at the deep end if he rates them, plus he values training time highly and Dingwall/Beard has probably spent a lot of time as a combo in training this 6N (as well as having played the Australia A game together).

Puja

Telegraph says that Roebuck'll be in the starting XV.

Puja wrote: ↑Wed Mar 12, 2025 11:09 am I'm actually leaning towards the suspicion that we might see Beard catapulted into the starting lineup. It'd be a very Selects Brazenly sort of thing to do - he's not been afraid previously of chucking a young player in at the deep end if he rates them, plus he values training time highly and Dingwall/Beard has probably spent a lot of time as a combo in training this 6N (as well as having played the Australia A game together).

Puja

Fingers crossed your suspicion is correct. Beard or Freeman really had the edge on Slade or Daly.

The Steward/Freeman pairing can wait for the AI’s

francoisfou wrote: ↑Wed Mar 12, 2025 11:15 am Telegraph says that Roebuck'll be in the starting XV.

And saying he's replacing Sleightholme, interestingly, rather than because Freeman's moving inwards. That suggests MSmith at 15, Daly at 13, on the basis that it's being done to shore up our high-ball game after Sleightholme's struggles against Scotland and Italy.

Puja

This article is saying freeman is moving to 13.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union ... x-nations/

twitchy wrote: ↑Wed Mar 12, 2025 11:35 am This article is saying freeman is moving to 13.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union ... x-nations/

Hah - that's the same link that said he was replacing Sleightholme about 15 minutes ago! Evidently the Telegraph have got updated info from their source and done a dirty edit to embarrass me.

Puja

https://www.thetimes.com/sport/rugby-un ... -fr8w6w3m6

this is mad if even close to correct. Earl to 12, Slade to 13 is one option being mooted.

Mooted would certainly be the correct response.

p/d wrote: ↑Wed Mar 12, 2025 11:17 am

Puja wrote: ↑Wed Mar 12, 2025 11:09 am I'm actually leaning towards the suspicion that we might see Beard catapulted into the starting lineup. It'd be a very Selects Brazenly sort of thing to do - he's not been afraid previously of chucking a young player in at the deep end if he rates them, plus he values training time highly and Dingwall/Beard has probably spent a lot of time as a combo in training this 6N (as well as having played the Australia A game together).

Puja

Fingers crossed your suspicion is correct. Beard or Freeman really had the edge on Slade or Daly.

The Steward/Freeman pairing can wait for the AI’s

Daly was surprisingly good at 13 I thought- though he is a very skilful player, and still pretty quick, I've never much liked him at 13. How can you tell that Beard or Freeman HAD an edge on him, out of interest?

Mikey Brown wrote: ↑Wed Mar 12, 2025 11:57 am Mooted would certainly be the correct response.

Muted would be better

Puja wrote: ↑Wed Mar 12, 2025 11:27 am

francoisfou wrote: ↑Wed Mar 12, 2025 11:15 am Telegraph says that Roebuck'll be in the starting XV.

And saying he's replacing Sleightholme, interestingly, rather than because Freeman's moving inwards. That suggests MSmith at 15, Daly at 13, on the basis that it's being done to shore up our high-ball game after Sleightholme's struggles against Scotland and Italy.

Puja

Bit puzzled..what were Sleightholme's struggles? Didn't notice any v Italy tbh.

Banquo wrote: ↑Wed Mar 12, 2025 12:00 pm

Puja wrote: ↑Wed Mar 12, 2025 11:27 am

francoisfou wrote: ↑Wed Mar 12, 2025 11:15 am Telegraph says that Roebuck'll be in the starting XV.

And saying he's replacing Sleightholme, interestingly, rather than because Freeman's moving inwards. That suggests MSmith at 15, Daly at 13, on the basis that it's being done to shore up our high-ball game after Sleightholme's struggles against Scotland and Italy.

Puja

Bit puzzled..what were Sleightholme's struggles? Didn't notice any v Italy tbh.

Here's the article, now also saying that Freeman moves to centre!

Roebuck to start with Freeman shifting to centre in another bold Borthwick call
Exclusive: Sale Sharks wing in first XV for first time for crunch Six Nations finale against Wales with Tommy Freeman handed position change

Daniel Schofield


Roebuck has won three caps, but all have come as a replacement and the rangy wing has never previously featured in a Six Nations matchday squad.

But Telegraph Sport understands that Borthwick, who dropped Marcus Smith last week, is prepared to give the 24-year-old his full debut in the cauldron of the Principality Stadium.

Meanwhile, Freeman will also make his first Test start in the No 13 shirt to replace Ollie Lawrence who suffered a ruptured Achilles in the 47-24 victory against Italy.

Borthwick is expected to announce his team on Wednesday afternoon with England needing to beat Wales, who are on losing run of 16 Test matches, to remain in title contention for the final round of Six Nations matches.

Roebuck came into the Six Nations as one of the Premiership’s form wings, scoring nine tries in 12 games. He is a similar model of wing to Tommy Freeman and possesses an excellent high-ball ability, which is likely to come into sharp focus against Wales.

Born in Inverness in Scotland but growing up in the Wirral, Roebuck was dual-qualified until he made his England debut against Japan in Tokyo last year, making a scintillating break with his very first touch in international rugby. Further replacement appearances came in the autumn against South Africa and Japan again where he registered his first try.

While the injury to Immanuel Feyi-Waboso did create a vacancy on the wing, Ollie Sleightholme was preferred, and with Borthwick opting for a split of six forwards and two backs there was no way for Roebuck to get into the matchday squad.

The ruptured achilles suffered by Lawrence against Italy has necessitated shuffling of the backline and provided the opening Roebuck has been waiting for.

Even in spite of Wales’ losing record, it is a big call by Borthwick to hand Roebuck a first start in the most hostile of environments where several promising England careers have stalled and been sent into reverse. Yet Roebuck does not lack for confidence and it is a testament to his character that Borthwick is prepared to throw him into the deep end of international rugby.

Long-term Freeman plan brought forward

Equally significant is Freeman’s shift to outside centre, which has always been mooted as a long-term project but has been expedited by Lawrence’s injury.

Freeman has been in outstanding form on the wing for England and could match France wing Philippe Bernat-Salles’ feat of scoring in every round of the Six Nations if he crosses against Wales.



He would benefit from an in-built understanding with Saints half-backs Alex Mitchell and Fin Smith as well as inside centre Fraser Dingwall, who came into the starting XV against Italy.

“I have trained there and, in the week, I make sure I know I know all the roles there,” Freeman told the BBC Rugby Union Weekly podcast. “It is definitely on the cards. That option is there.”

England are a point behind France and one ahead of Ireland in the table going into the final round of matches, although Les Bleus boast a far superior points difference.

Hence their most realistic route to the title is to beat Wales with a bonus point and hope that Scotland spring a major surprise on France in Paris.

Banquo wrote: ↑Wed Mar 12, 2025 12:00 pm

Puja wrote: ↑Wed Mar 12, 2025 11:27 am

francoisfou wrote: ↑Wed Mar 12, 2025 11:15 am Telegraph says that Roebuck'll be in the starting XV.

And saying he's replacing Sleightholme, interestingly, rather than because Freeman's moving inwards. That suggests MSmith at 15, Daly at 13, on the basis that it's being done to shore up our high-ball game after Sleightholme's struggles against Scotland and Italy.

Puja

Bit puzzled..what were Sleightholme's struggles? Didn't notice any v Italy tbh.

Italy hung 2 or 3 high balls up specifically to his wing and I don't think he cleanly retained any of them. Scotland did the same - clearly there's been video analysis showing it's better to target him than Freeman (highly paid analysts to pick that one!) and he's currently not coping. I'd say it's unfair to criticise, on the basis that some of the kicks and the chases have been superb and practically no-one could defend them (against Scotland especially), but it would've been the only explanation for Roebuck replacing Sleightholme that I could see.

As it turns out, moot point as the Telegraph retracted their rumour.

Puja

Puja wrote: ↑Wed Mar 12, 2025 12:25 pm

Banquo wrote: ↑Wed Mar 12, 2025 12:00 pm

Puja wrote: ↑Wed Mar 12, 2025 11:27 am

And saying he's replacing Sleightholme, interestingly, rather than because Freeman's moving inwards. That suggests MSmith at 15, Daly at 13, on the basis that it's being done to shore up our high-ball game after Sleightholme's struggles against Scotland and Italy.

Puja

Bit puzzled..what were Sleightholme's struggles? Didn't notice any v Italy tbh.

Italy hung 2 or 3 high balls up specifically to his wing and I don't think he cleanly retained any of them. Scotland did the same - clearly there's been video analysis showing it's better to target him than Freeman (highly paid analysts to pick that one!) and he's currently not coping. I'd say it's unfair to criticise, on the basis that some of the kicks and the chases have been superb and practically no-one could defend them (against Scotland especially), but it would've been the only explanation for Roebuck replacing Sleightholme that I could see.

As it turns out, moot point as the Telegraph retracted their rumour.

Puja

I'm getting really confused over alleged weaknesses under hoisted box kicks, when its been said that the dupont rule makes it much much harder for the receiver to take it cleanly given a good chaser. I'm not sure I remember him making any howlers tbf. I'm not sure 'its clearly some video analysis' either, but I'd need to think about why/if a left wing would be more targeted than a right wing. Similar to Captain Haircut's comment about a left wing getting less passes....that's pretty illogical if true (as most players pass much better right to left, and historically left wings tend to score more tries-- possibly an urban myth though ). It may simply be how play has flowed.

If I were thinking about dropping Sleightholme, it would be more about his defence and communication in defence....tho imo that's more about the centres talking to the wing....ie don't bite in, you numpty, I have him covered.....and his occasional lack of composure eg the kick that defnitely didn't lead to a Scotland try.

Banquo wrote: ↑Wed Mar 12, 2025 11:57 am

Mikey Brown wrote: ↑Wed Mar 12, 2025 11:57 am Mooted would certainly be the correct response.

Muted would be better

I’m not sure what was happening to my brain when I wrote that, but yeah that’s the sentiment.

What did you make of Daly’s defence at 13?

Banquo wrote: ↑Wed Mar 12, 2025 12:34 pm

Puja wrote: ↑Wed Mar 12, 2025 12:25 pm

Banquo wrote: ↑Wed Mar 12, 2025 12:00 pm

Bit puzzled..what were Sleightholme's struggles? Didn't notice any v Italy tbh.

Italy hung 2 or 3 high balls up specifically to his wing and I don't think he cleanly retained any of them. Scotland did the same - clearly there's been video analysis showing it's better to target him than Freeman (highly paid analysts to pick that one!) and he's currently not coping. I'd say it's unfair to criticise, on the basis that some of the kicks and the chases have been superb and practically no-one could defend them (against Scotland especially), but it would've been the only explanation for Roebuck replacing Sleightholme that I could see.

As it turns out, moot point as the Telegraph retracted their rumour.

Puja

I'm getting really confused over alleged weaknesses under hoisted box kicks, when its been said that the dupont rule makes it much much harder for the receiver to take it cleanly given a good chaser. I'm not sure I remember him making any howlers tbf. I'm not sure 'its clearly some video analysis' either, but I'd need to think about why/if a left wing would be more targeted than a right wing. Similar to Captain Haircut's comment about a left wing getting less passes....that's pretty illogical if true (as most players pass much better right to left, and historically left wings tend to score more tries-- possibly an urban myth though ). It may simply be how play has flowed.

If I were thinking about dropping Sleightholme, it would be more about his defence and communication in defence....tho imo that's more about the centres talking to the wing....ie don't bite in, you numpty, I have him covered.....and his occasional lack of composure eg the kick that defnitely didn't lead to a Scotland try.

I think you're arguing against a point that I'm not making here. I'm not saying he's making howlers or that I would drop him for high ball deficiences, but that, when presented with the news story that he was being dropped for Roebuck, high ball deficiencies seemed the most likely reason, considering he's struggled this 6N and, if MSmith was to come back into 15 who has also struggled under high balls, it might make sense to have 2 strong catching wingers to ameliorate that. As it turns out, the Telegraph was wrong, so I was speculating about the justification of a decision that turned out to be entirely fictional.

I wasn't making some attack on Sleightholme - I even specifically said the same thing that you opened with, that criticism would be unfair as the chasers have been excellent. On the video analysis comment, of course people are going to plan to kick to the wing that doesn't have Freeman on it, because catching is one of his strengths!

Puja