England No.5 going forwards?

[jngf]

I think there is a bit of a question mark over the England no.5 tight head lock berth in the run up to next RWC.

Assuming Itoje is the ongoing Captain / loosehead lock going forward - pairing him with Chessum at 5 seems the reliable/safety first option that I expect Busty Bin will plump for, non injury permitting and whilst I do think Chessum’s carrying game is a much better balance than other options e.g. Martin coupled with Itoje, to me there seems a bit of a lack of that intidimating power and scaryness to England’s second row and I’m not sure it will quite do the job against the Boks or French in the final analysis. Any thoughts?

[Danno]

I think you could just stick these questions in the EPS form thread

[Which Tyler]

Didn't you ask this same question last weekend?

[jngf]

Didn't you ask this same question last weekend?

No - didn’t you read it?

[FKAS]

Didn't you ask this same question last weekend?

That was "we need an alternative to Itoje", now it's Chessum isn't scary enough and George Martin doesn't carry (odd take).

Not sure I understand the issue. We've got three good locks with a range of skills. We could do with a fourth, whether Coles or Clark can step up. Kpoku returning ahead of the world cup could very much help that. Not many have his size and mobility.

[jngf]

Didn't you ask this same question last weekend?

That was "we need an alternative to Itoje", now it's Chessum isn't scary enough and George Martin doesn't carry (odd take).

Not sure I understand the issue. We've got three good locks with a range of skills. We could do with a fourth, whether Coles or Clark can step up. Kpoku returning ahead of the world cup could very much help that. Not many have his size and mobility.

What’s odd about that take? Have you actually ever watched a test match where he’s made an impactful carry?

[FKAS]

Didn't you ask this same question last weekend?

That was "we need an alternative to Itoje", now it's Chessum isn't scary enough and George Martin doesn't carry (odd take).

Not sure I understand the issue. We've got three good locks with a range of skills. We could do with a fourth, whether Coles or Clark can step up. Kpoku returning ahead of the world cup could very much help that. Not many have his size and mobility.

What’s odd about that take? Have you actually ever watched a test match where he’s made an impactful carry?

Yep. Tends to be over the gain line in the tight to start momentum as opposed to barnstorming. Which is a bit of a shame because he can offer more than that. Perhaps if he could stay fit and put a run of games together.