RugbyRebels

p/d wrote: ↑Sun Feb 09, 2025 9:49 am

Mellsblue wrote: ↑Sun Feb 09, 2025 9:23 am

p/d wrote: ↑Sun Feb 09, 2025 9:10 am

Was he

Yeah, I thought the same.

Can’t recall seeing CCS flowing locks

Banquo wrote: ↑Sun Feb 09, 2025 12:08 pm

Mikey Brown wrote: ↑Sun Feb 09, 2025 11:42 am

Oakboy wrote: ↑Sun Feb 09, 2025 11:07 am

We all know Slade is nearing the end of his international stint. It's simple: find a better 12 or leave him in. I've not been a fan of Lawrence but he has had two good 6N games. Fair enough. Leave him at 13 - for now. That might be unfortunate for other OC candidates but other than going 'all-Saints' with Dingwall/Freeman, what is a realistic alternative for the next three matches?

I agree with others that SB managed the bench well on the day. It was a relief to see him not go 'pre-conceived'. Of course, CCS and Randall having been superfluous leaves some likelihood of neither being in the next 23 and of a 5:3.

No realistic alternatives really at centre right now it feels. Maybe give Dingwall the Italy game, but I’d just wait until the summer to think about the centres much more. As long as Lawrence stops kicking it.

It’s promising that Borthwick actually stuck with his gut on whether certain subs needed to be used, or were a risk in such a tight game. That often seems to be the way once you get to knockout rugby, and this had a similar feel in how tight it was (if not the manner the teams were playing).

Feels harsh on Randall to be dropped now, but either he views this as a horses for courses thing and no big deal, or it’s made him realise he doesn’t actually trust Randall.

CCS seems to have been diminished to the same inconsistent, penalty magnet he was 2/3 years ago, as if all these massive moments for England in the last season just didn’t happen. I agree he’s got a lot to work on, but he’s 21, still a real weapon and I hope he is managed well.

I was trying to think who I’d actually want on the bench in a 5:3 but I’m note sure there’s another back that needs including ahead of a CCS/Burry combo in a 6:2. Isn’t it amazing that having a balanced starting backrow actually leaves you with room to either up the pace or up the ballast?

Agreed on CCS, to me he has a lot to offer,

Mikey Brown wrote: ↑Sun Feb 09, 2025 11:34 pm Jamie George highlights. Great stuff.

Which Tyler wrote: ↑Mon Feb 10, 2025 8:23 am

Mikey Brown wrote: ↑Sun Feb 09, 2025 11:34 pm Jamie George highlights. Great stuff.

Any way of making the link visible / useable?

ETA: Okay, I see the text for the link when quoting, but the board renders it useless - but allows it as a hyperlink
Here

FKAS wrote: ↑Mon Feb 10, 2025 9:45 am

Which Tyler wrote: ↑Mon Feb 10, 2025 8:23 am

Mikey Brown wrote: ↑Sun Feb 09, 2025 11:34 pm Jamie George highlights. Great stuff.

Any way of making the link visible / useable?

ETA: Okay, I see the text for the link when quoting, but the board renders it useless - but allows it as a hyperlink
Here

Someone has helpfully summarised it on that Reddit page.

"3 physical clear outs (5 total ruck involvements)

3 touches in open play (+1 at back of maul)

1 clean line break

1 dominant scrum on opposition put in

1 scrum pen on own put in

1st front row at every kick chase

4/4 line-out throws"

Puja wrote: ↑Mon Feb 10, 2025 10:39 am

FKAS wrote: ↑Mon Feb 10, 2025 9:45 am

Which Tyler wrote: ↑Mon Feb 10, 2025 8:23 am

Any way of making the link visible / useable?

ETA: Okay, I see the text for the link when quoting, but the board renders it useless - but allows it as a hyperlink
Here

Someone has helpfully summarised it on that Reddit page.

"3 physical clear outs (5 total ruck involvements)

3 touches in open play (+1 at back of maul)

1 clean line break

1 dominant scrum on opposition put in

1 scrum pen on own put in

1st front row at every kick chase

4/4 line-out throws"

I loved Dan's energy against Ireland - he carries with such dynamism and conviction that it belies his size and he's got excellent instincts for picking a gap and for making an offload. He really uses his pace by carrying full force.

However, it is hard to argue against that kind of substitute performance by George. Does he have the engine or the energy to bring that as a starter? I suspect possibly not anymore, but asking him to run hard for 20 minutes seems like it could be a very useful strategy for us going forwards. Might be an argument to keep LCD for Scotland and then put Dan in to start against Italy and Wales to see if he can cut it in the 2 shirt.

Puja

Banquo wrote: ↑Mon Feb 10, 2025 11:18 am

Puja wrote: ↑Mon Feb 10, 2025 10:39 am

FKAS wrote: ↑Mon Feb 10, 2025 9:45 am

Someone has helpfully summarised it on that Reddit page.

"3 physical clear outs (5 total ruck involvements)

3 touches in open play (+1 at back of maul)

1 clean line break

1 dominant scrum on opposition put in

1 scrum pen on own put in

1st front row at every kick chase

4/4 line-out throws"

I loved Dan's energy against Ireland - he carries with such dynamism and conviction that it belies his size and he's got excellent instincts for picking a gap and for making an offload. He really uses his pace by carrying full force.

However, it is hard to argue against that kind of substitute performance by George. Does he have the engine or the energy to bring that as a starter? I suspect possibly not anymore, but asking him to run hard for 20 minutes seems like it could be a very useful strategy for us going forwards. Might be an argument to keep LCD for Scotland and then put Dan in to start against Italy and Wales to see if he can cut it in the 2 shirt.

Puja

Judging by the dents Scotland made in the Irish lineout, I'd think you'd want George to start, and work hard on changing up the lineout drills from the France game.

Oakboy wrote: ↑Mon Feb 10, 2025 11:45 am

Banquo wrote: ↑Mon Feb 10, 2025 11:18 am

Puja wrote: ↑Mon Feb 10, 2025 10:39 am

I loved Dan's energy against Ireland - he carries with such dynamism and conviction that it belies his size and he's got excellent instincts for picking a gap and for making an offload. He really uses his pace by carrying full force.

However, it is hard to argue against that kind of substitute performance by George. Does he have the engine or the energy to bring that as a starter? I suspect possibly not anymore, but asking him to run hard for 20 minutes seems like it could be a very useful strategy for us going forwards. Might be an argument to keep LCD for Scotland and then put Dan in to start against Italy and Wales to see if he can cut it in the 2 shirt.

Puja

Judging by the dents Scotland made in the Irish lineout, I'd think you'd want George to start, and work hard on changing up the lineout drills from the France game.

There is also a risk with having George on the bench should the starting hooker get injured early on. I know that applies to all front row bench men (and you don't pick your bench as injury cover etc. etc.) but as a general rule they all need to be good for 70 minutes, just in case, IMO.

Oakboy wrote: ↑Mon Feb 10, 2025 11:45 am

Banquo wrote: ↑Mon Feb 10, 2025 11:18 am

Puja wrote: ↑Mon Feb 10, 2025 10:39 am

I loved Dan's energy against Ireland - he carries with such dynamism and conviction that it belies his size and he's got excellent instincts for picking a gap and for making an offload. He really uses his pace by carrying full force.

However, it is hard to argue against that kind of substitute performance by George. Does he have the engine or the energy to bring that as a starter? I suspect possibly not anymore, but asking him to run hard for 20 minutes seems like it could be a very useful strategy for us going forwards. Might be an argument to keep LCD for Scotland and then put Dan in to start against Italy and Wales to see if he can cut it in the 2 shirt.

Puja

Judging by the dents Scotland made in the Irish lineout, I'd think you'd want George to start, and work hard on changing up the lineout drills from the France game.

There is also a risk with having George on the bench should the starting hooker get injured early on. I know that applies to all front row bench men (and you don't pick your bench as injury cover etc. etc.) but as a general rule they all need to be good for 70 minutes, just in case, IMO.

Puja wrote: ↑Mon Feb 10, 2025 10:39 am

FKAS wrote: ↑Mon Feb 10, 2025 9:45 am

Which Tyler wrote: ↑Mon Feb 10, 2025 8:23 am

Any way of making the link visible / useable?

ETA: Okay, I see the text for the link when quoting, but the board renders it useless - but allows it as a hyperlink
Here

Someone has helpfully summarised it on that Reddit page.

"3 physical clear outs (5 total ruck involvements)

3 touches in open play (+1 at back of maul)

1 clean line break

1 dominant scrum on opposition put in

1 scrum pen on own put in

1st front row at every kick chase

4/4 line-out throws"

I loved Dan's energy against Ireland - he carries with such dynamism and conviction that it belies his size and he's got excellent instincts for picking a gap and for making an offload. He really uses his pace by carrying full force.

However, it is hard to argue against that kind of substitute performance by George. Does he have the engine or the energy to bring that as a starter? I suspect possibly not anymore, but asking him to run hard for 20 minutes seems like it could be a very useful strategy for us going forwards. Might be an argument to keep LCD for Scotland and then put Dan in to start against Italy and Wales to see if he can cut it in the 2 shirt.

Puja

Puja wrote: ↑Mon Feb 10, 2025 3:38 pm There are two weeks between the games, mind. I would expect Russell and Fagerson back fine and wouldn't be surprised if Graham made it back in time as well.

Puja

Oakboy wrote: ↑Mon Feb 10, 2025 8:27 pm

Puja wrote: ↑Mon Feb 10, 2025 3:38 pm There are two weeks between the games, mind. I would expect Russell and Fagerson back fine and wouldn't be surprised if Graham made it back in time as well.

Puja

I hate the gap weeks even more now.

francoisfou wrote: ↑Mon Feb 17, 2025 5:41 pm It’s said that France wing, Damian Penaud, has been axed for next weekend’s 6N fixture away to Italy. Galthié wasn’t impressed with his lack of commitment and sharpness against England. It’s true that he had one or two costly lapses of concentration, which for a player of his calibre, may have been forgiven in the past providing he plays to his potential in the next game.
Gaël Fickou is rumoured to be a replacement in Rome.

Puja wrote: ↑Mon Feb 17, 2025 6:08 pm

francoisfou wrote: ↑Mon Feb 17, 2025 5:41 pm It’s said that France wing, Damian Penaud, has been axed for next weekend’s 6N fixture away to Italy. Galthié wasn’t impressed with his lack of commitment and sharpness against England. It’s true that he had one or two costly lapses of concentration, which for a player of his calibre, may have been forgiven in the past providing he plays to his potential in the next game.
Gaël Fickou is rumoured to be a replacement in Rome.

Very harsh! He wasn't at his best, but he was coming back from a very long time out with injury, wasn't he? Seems hard to drop him for not being sharp when Galthie was the one to drop him straight back into the starting XV without any game time.

Puja