England Team for Wales Match

I'm going to be ridiuclously optimistic on injuries, form and selection and hope against hope for this side to play Wales..


1 Corbisiero
2 Hartley
3 Cole
4 Palmer
5 Lawes
6 Robshaw (Dowson if Wood doesnt recover)
7 Wood (Robsahw if Wood doesnt recover)
8 Morgan
9 Youngs
10 Flood
11 Ashton
12 Barritt
13 Tuilagi
14 Sharples
15 Foden

Mullan/ Marler
Webber
Parling
Croft
Lee Dickson
Farrell
Strettle

I think this pack has a good number of ball carriers with sufficient mongrel and ruck clearing power.

The backline is nicely balanced with a brickwall centre pairing (who can pass and cut angles) and all players in their usual club spots.

Lethal back three.

The bench i think has real impact to come on and cope and impose ourselves on Wales even though they may have superior fitness (?) with love from Poland.

I have hedged my bets on Mullan v Marler. I would love Marler to come on and cause havoc but do we think his scrummaging is up to it vs what Wales offer? Rowntree will know one way or the other.

Strettle is benched because i think that his stepping is best used against tired legs.

Sharples is starting and will help form a back 3 that no fly half will want to kick to.

What do other people think about this?

p.s I look forward to the time if/when Attwood is deemed ready because i think a Lawes/Attwood lock partnership would be fairly tasty!

Good team but I'd switch around Strettle and Sharples

I think this is our best side no doubt and i would love to see this team starting HOWEVER....i fear SL will not throw Lawes, wood, flood, tuilagi straight into the starting line up especially if we beat italy.

I think the team will unfortunately be the same with Lawes, wood, flood, tuilagi on the bench the place of instead of Morgan, Parling, JTH, Brown.

I think after the Italy game SL's selection decsions will make or break his england career...if Dowson has another iffy game and he sticks with him instead of Morgan then i think that may be his head...i'm all for continuity but only continually picking the best players not sticking with out of form favourites like MJ did with borthwick, Moody and wilko.

We don't need our manager to be best friends with the players we need them to be respected and make unpopular decisions when necesary for the best interests of the team....its too early to tell how lancaster rolls but after the Italy game we will find out.

P.S Watched the Wasps LV cup game and Joe simpson at 9 was feffing electric...an absloute beaut of a solo try that screams international quality

Tad premature this article....the decent thing is to wait until the Italy match has concluded

sirtidychris

I agree with you entirely.

chequered jersey

another reason for sharples to start over strettle is that he has something of a kicking game.

p.p.s i forgot to say that i like Farrell on the bench covering 10, 12 and 13 and i like him as goal kicking insurance and as a possible closer if we get out in front by more than 7 with 20 to go.

hugehandoff

Nonsense! I have never been premature in my life! Wales game is the earliest we can hope to have some of our best players available AND Lancaster has already split this 6N into two sections in terms of captaincy and selection. ...... Scotland & Italy and then the rest.

But it would be Sharples first cap, starting against Wales as he's not in the 22 against Italy. I'd rather introduce him as a sub

Getting a bit ahead of yourself, wait and se how the team functions in this game first.

I would LOOOOOVE to see Sharples play against Wales.

have hedged my bets on Mullan v Marler. I would love Marler to come on and cause havoc but do we think his scrummaging is up to it vs what Wales offer? Rowntree will know one way or the other.

We'd be a tad stuffed if Cole went off injured. Mock Stevens ability to play loosehead if you want but he's still a better loosehead than any of our looseheads are tightheads. It's good to use the bench later in the game but it's there to cover injuries first and utilise as a tactical weapon second.

I also think you're being a tad harsh on Croft and a tad to nice to Palmer but that's just me.

formerly known as Sam wrote:

have hedged my bets on Mullan v Marler. I would love Marler to come on and cause havoc but do we think his scrummaging is up to it vs what Wales offer? Rowntree will know one way or the other.

We'd be a tad stuffed if Cole went off injured. Mock Stevens ability to play loosehead if you want but he's still a better loosehead than any of our looseheads are tightheads. It's good to use the bench later in the game but it's there to cover injuries first and utilise as a tactical weapon second.

I also think you're being a tad harsh on Croft and a tad to nice to Palmer but that's just me.

I don't think he's being harsh to Croft- if he comes on after 60 minutes when the Welsh forwards are tired he can run them off the park. Before then, he's not going to beat Warbs in the rucks (neither is Robshaw or even Wood probably I'll admit, but they are better equipped to cope) and I'd like a more physical 6 than Croft to deal with the power of Lydiate, Jones at lock and Faletau. Tipuric showed what a fresh, fast, talented back rower can do when brought on against more tired opponents last week

Palmer is an excellent lock who does all the primary jobs of a second rower but who can also run and pass....something sadly lacking in a lot of our players!

Croft
He is out of form and doesnt fit. He is a luxury we cannot currently afford. He is better used against tired legs and he can cover second row at a push.

Hell maybe with some of our versatile forwards we can make room for 2 props on the bench..

I do stand corrected on the need for prop who covers both sides though otherwise.

Fair point on Tipuric but the idea that a pacey forward like Croft is a luxuary is simply rubbish if we intend to play the way we did against Scotland. Croft's pace and height made him actually very handy at making sure some of the English punts down field were reclaimed by England or at least forced heavy tactical kicking losses on the Scots. In a game where we had little possession and relied on a kicking game he was a massive bonus because of his kick chase and lineout ability. No other English forward can touch him for speed so if we are going to continue with a heavy kicking game then he is a must have selection.

Now if we play a different kind of rugby, more akin to Saints style for instance then, yes, Croft would be a bit of a luxuary but at the moment he is doing well.

i agree with the comments with regards to simpson, he needs to be involved. he plays behind a weak pack at wasps i would love to see what he can do with a decent set of forwards ahead of him

Croft needs to eat more pies!

formerly known as Sam wrote:Fair point on Tipuric but the idea that a pacey forward like Croft is a luxuary is simply rubbish if we intend to play the way we did against Scotland. Croft's pace and height made him actually very handy at making sure some of the English punts down field were reclaimed by England or at least forced heavy tactical kicking losses on the Scots. In a game where we had little possession and relied on a kicking game he was a massive bonus because of his kick chase and lineout ability. No other English forward can touch him for speed so if we are going to continue with a heavy kicking game then he is a must have selection.

Now if we play a different kind of rugby, more akin to Saints style for instance then, yes, Croft would be a bit of a luxuary but at the moment he is doing well.

I really really hope we don't kick the ball too much to a back 3 of Halfpenny, Cuthbert and North. Kicking out of hand is going to have to be well executed. Maybe Croft's chases would be useful in that case, but I'd rather not even give them the chance to catch the ball.

sirtidychris wrote:P.S Watched the Wasps LV cup game and Joe simpson at 9 was feffing electric...an absloute beaut of a solo try that screams international quality

He once tackled Henson, he must be brilliant.

Stuck on the bench this weekend.

As far as the propping thing, Stevens is a good tighthead and a poor loose head...after his world cup performance at LH i'm surprised he is still there because it looks like SL will take corbs off at 60 minutes and not Dan cole.
If England want a utility prop then perhaps Paul Doran Jones is the better bet in the scrums as he's got a bit more size to him and can hold his own on either side.

Original selection would be a bit harsh on Hodgson - starting 10 to not even in the squad??

Triangulation wrote:sirtidychris

I agree with you entirely.

chequered jersey

another reason for sharples to start over strettle is that he has something of a kicking game.

p.p.s i forgot to say that i like Farrell on the bench covering 10, 12 and 13 and i like him as goal kicking insurance and as a possible closer if we get out in front by more than 7 with 20 to go.

hugehandoff

Nonsense! I have never been premature in my life! Wales game is the earliest we can hope to have some of our best players available AND Lancaster has already split this 6N into two sections in terms of captaincy and selection. ...... Scotland & Italy and then the rest.

Triangulation

Can you give me the friday Euro and saturday main lottery numbers

How can you know if you guys will pick up any injuries during your NEXT match

ps well you have been premature this time laddy

Now what about the Italy match ............. whats your forecast?

a bit harsh on hodgson bathmad?

you've all gone soft in the head.

Were not selecting to be nice here lads. C'mon!

I have always been a supporter of CH and i felt that he was ridiculously cast aside post nz.

Alas he no longer offers the running threat that he once did. Additionally he no longer is relied upon for goalkicking.

Flood does. Flood is ahead of him.
Farrell is emerging as an excellent goal kicking YOUNG fly half.

CH - so long and thanks for all the fish.

Simpson seems too hit and miss, needs to work on his defence and kicking. And pull his socks up (literally).

a tad premature this thread-you saes have'nt played at the Std Olimpico yet.Best wait and see I would suggest.

Strettle has unfinished business with Wales. Last time he played he tore them apart in the first virtually single handedly. Different players - but he'll be up for it.

ahhh-will be very interesting to see Mr Strettle if he comes up against a certain G.North-his "unfinished business" could well remain that.

Not playing Wales for a couple of weeks yet.

noswaith dda View !!

How do senghenydd

What team will face Wales if Italy win, the team above will look like a desperation move and unlikely to happen! Flood was sent back to his club this weekend, I must admit I would have Flood ahead to Hodgson!

glamorganalun wrote:What team will face Wales if Italy win, the team above will look like a desperation move and unlikely to happen! Flood was sent back to his club this weekend, I must admit I would have Flood ahead to Hodgson!

Flood- that's what I said.

It was suggested by an English chum of mine that not all is well at Leicester - any rumours out there?

ChequeredJersey wrote:

formerly known as Sam wrote:

have hedged my bets on Mullan v Marler. I would love Marler to come on and cause havoc but do we think his scrummaging is up to it vs what Wales offer? Rowntree will know one way or the other.

We'd be a tad stuffed if Cole went off injured. Mock Stevens ability to play loosehead if you want but he's still a better loosehead than any of our looseheads are tightheads. It's good to use the bench later in the game but it's there to cover injuries first and utilise as a tactical weapon second.

I also think you're being a tad harsh on Croft and a tad to nice to Palmer but that's just me.

I don't think he's being harsh to Croft- if he comes on after 60 minutes when the Welsh forwards are tired he can run them off the park. Before then, he's not going to beat Warbs in the rucks (neither is Robshaw or even Wood probably I'll admit, but they are better equipped to cope) and I'd like a more physical 6 than Croft to deal with the power of Lydiate, Jones at lock and Faletau. Tipuric showed what a fresh, fast, talented back rower can do when brought on against more tired opponents last week

But the Welsh forwards are probably nearly just as fit as the English backs, they will last a lot longer than 60 mins.

munkian wrote:

ChequeredJersey wrote:

formerly known as Sam wrote:

have hedged my bets on Mullan v Marler. I would love Marler to come on and cause havoc but do we think his scrummaging is up to it vs what Wales offer? Rowntree will know one way or the other.

We'd be a tad stuffed if Cole went off injured. Mock Stevens ability to play loosehead if you want but he's still a better loosehead than any of our looseheads are tightheads. It's good to use the bench later in the game but it's there to cover injuries first and utilise as a tactical weapon second.

I also think you're being a tad harsh on Croft and a tad to nice to Palmer but that's just me.

I don't think he's being harsh to Croft- if he comes on after 60 minutes when the Welsh forwards are tired he can run them off the park. Before then, he's not going to beat Warbs in the rucks (neither is Robshaw or even Wood probably I'll admit, but they are better equipped to cope) and I'd like a more physical 6 than Croft to deal with the power of Lydiate, Jones at lock and Faletau. Tipuric showed what a fresh, fast, talented back rower can do when brought on against more tired opponents last week

But the Welsh forwards are probably nearly just as fit as the English backs, they will last a lot longer than 60 mins.

"Nearly"? If not fitter! Time will tell. Much water to pass under the bridge before us Britons take on you Saxons!

Can't wait

Welsh forewards are never tired.

Get your excuses in early English fans, a bad loss is on the cards in Italy tomorrow.

Totallybiasedscarlet wrote:

munkian wrote:

ChequeredJersey wrote:

formerly known as Sam wrote:

have hedged my bets on Mullan v Marler. I would love Marler to come on and cause havoc but do we think his scrummaging is up to it vs what Wales offer? Rowntree will know one way or the other.

We'd be a tad stuffed if Cole went off injured. Mock Stevens ability to play loosehead if you want but he's still a better loosehead than any of our looseheads are tightheads. It's good to use the bench later in the game but it's there to cover injuries first and utilise as a tactical weapon second.

I also think you're being a tad harsh on Croft and a tad to nice to Palmer but that's just me.

I don't think he's being harsh to Croft- if he comes on after 60 minutes when the Welsh forwards are tired he can run them off the park. Before then, he's not going to beat Warbs in the rucks (neither is Robshaw or even Wood probably I'll admit, but they are better equipped to cope) and I'd like a more physical 6 than Croft to deal with the power of Lydiate, Jones at lock and Faletau. Tipuric showed what a fresh, fast, talented back rower can do when brought on against more tired opponents last week

But the Welsh forwards are probably nearly just as fit as the English backs, they will last a lot longer than 60 mins.

"Nearly"? If not fitter! Time will tell. Much water to pass under the bridge before us Britons take on you Saxons!

Can't wait

I'm Welsh you Turk git

munkian wrote:

Totallybiasedscarlet wrote:

munkian wrote:

ChequeredJersey wrote:

formerly known as Sam wrote:

have hedged my bets on Mullan v Marler. I would love Marler to come on and cause havoc but do we think his scrummaging is up to it vs what Wales offer? Rowntree will know one way or the other.

We'd be a tad stuffed if Cole went off injured. Mock Stevens ability to play loosehead if you want but he's still a better loosehead than any of our looseheads are tightheads. It's good to use the bench later in the game but it's there to cover injuries first and utilise as a tactical weapon second.

I also think you're being a tad harsh on Croft and a tad to nice to Palmer but that's just me.

I don't think he's being harsh to Croft- if he comes on after 60 minutes when the Welsh forwards are tired he can run them off the park. Before then, he's not going to beat Warbs in the rucks (neither is Robshaw or even Wood probably I'll admit, but they are better equipped to cope) and I'd like a more physical 6 than Croft to deal with the power of Lydiate, Jones at lock and Faletau. Tipuric showed what a fresh, fast, talented back rower can do when brought on against more tired opponents last week

But the Welsh forwards are probably nearly just as fit as the English backs, they will last a lot longer than 60 mins.

"Nearly"? If not fitter! Time will tell. Much water to pass under the bridge before us Britons take on you Saxons!

Can't wait

I'm Welsh you Turk git

And the Cymru (Welsh) are the descendants of the Prydeinwyr (Britons). Would you like a history lesson?

Fight fight fight

BigTrevsbigmac wrote:Fight fight fight

Keep it for Twickenham

I mean I like George North, but Chris Ashton has his moments too. Which is better? There's only one way to find out ....

Totallybiasedscarlet wrote:

BigTrevsbigmac wrote:Fight fight fight

Keep it for Twickenham

I mean I like George North, but Chris Ashton has his moments too. Which is better? There's only one way to find out ....

But surely that would be a fight between 2 Saxons

BigTrevsbigmac wrote:

Totallybiasedscarlet wrote:

BigTrevsbigmac wrote:Fight fight fight

Keep it for Twickenham

I mean I like George North, but Chris Ashton has his moments too. Which is better? There's only one way to find out ....

But surely that would be a fight between 2 Saxons

Really, a Cymro Cymraeg (welsh speaker) from Ynys Mon (Anglesey)? You boys are just jealous

Everybody is jealous of me

Totallybiasedscarlet wrote:

munkian wrote:

Totallybiasedscarlet wrote:

munkian wrote:

ChequeredJersey wrote:

formerly known as Sam wrote:

have hedged my bets on Mullan v Marler. I would love Marler to come on and cause havoc but do we think his scrummaging is up to it vs what Wales offer? Rowntree will know one way or the other.

We'd be a tad stuffed if Cole went off injured. Mock Stevens ability to play loosehead if you want but he's still a better loosehead than any of our looseheads are tightheads. It's good to use the bench later in the game but it's there to cover injuries first and utilise as a tactical weapon second.

I also think you're being a tad harsh on Croft and a tad to nice to Palmer but that's just me.

I don't think he's being harsh to Croft- if he comes on after 60 minutes when the Welsh forwards are tired he can run them off the park. Before then, he's not going to beat Warbs in the rucks (neither is Robshaw or even Wood probably I'll admit, but they are better equipped to cope) and I'd like a more physical 6 than Croft to deal with the power of Lydiate, Jones at lock and Faletau. Tipuric showed what a fresh, fast, talented back rower can do when brought on against more tired opponents last week

But the Welsh forwards are probably nearly just as fit as the English backs, they will last a lot longer than 60 mins.

"Nearly"? If not fitter! Time will tell. Much water to pass under the bridge before us Britons take on you Saxons!

Can't wait

I'm Welsh you Turk git

And the Cymru (Welsh) are the descendants of the Prydeinwyr (Britons). Would you like a history lesson?

Before you wiki me to death, I meant you quoted me and called me English

munkian wrote:

Totallybiasedscarlet wrote:

munkian wrote:

Totallybiasedscarlet wrote:

munkian wrote:

ChequeredJersey wrote:

formerly known as Sam wrote:

have hedged my bets on Mullan v Marler. I would love Marler to come on and cause havoc but do we think his scrummaging is up to it vs what Wales offer? Rowntree will know one way or the other.

We'd be a tad stuffed if Cole went off injured. Mock Stevens ability to play loosehead if you want but he's still a better loosehead than any of our looseheads are tightheads. It's good to use the bench later in the game but it's there to cover injuries first and utilise as a tactical weapon second.

I also think you're being a tad harsh on Croft and a tad to nice to Palmer but that's just me.

I don't think he's being harsh to Croft- if he comes on after 60 minutes when the Welsh forwards are tired he can run them off the park. Before then, he's not going to beat Warbs in the rucks (neither is Robshaw or even Wood probably I'll admit, but they are better equipped to cope) and I'd like a more physical 6 than Croft to deal with the power of Lydiate, Jones at lock and Faletau. Tipuric showed what a fresh, fast, talented back rower can do when brought on against more tired opponents last week

But the Welsh forwards are probably nearly just as fit as the English backs, they will last a lot longer than 60 mins.

"Nearly"? If not fitter! Time will tell. Much water to pass under the bridge before us Britons take on you Saxons!

Can't wait

I'm Welsh you Turk git

And the Cymru (Welsh) are the descendants of the Prydeinwyr (Britons). Would you like a history lesson?

Before you wiki me to death, I meant you quoted me and called me English

I understand why you got upset. There's no need for anyone to be called english

Diolch !

Aren't forwards fitter than back anyway? That's certainly been my experience. Rucking is a lot more tiring than standing there

munkian wrote:

ChequeredJersey wrote:

formerly known as Sam wrote:

have hedged my bets on Mullan v Marler. I would love Marler to come on and cause havoc but do we think his scrummaging is up to it vs what Wales offer? Rowntree will know one way or the other.

We'd be a tad stuffed if Cole went off injured. Mock Stevens ability to play loosehead if you want but he's still a better loosehead than any of our looseheads are tightheads. It's good to use the bench later in the game but it's there to cover injuries first and utilise as a tactical weapon second.

I also think you're being a tad harsh on Croft and a tad to nice to Palmer but that's just me.

I don't think he's being harsh to Croft- if he comes on after 60 minutes when the Welsh forwards are tired he can run them off the park. Before then, he's not going to beat Warbs in the rucks (neither is Robshaw or even Wood probably I'll admit, but they are better equipped to cope) and I'd like a more physical 6 than Croft to deal with the power of Lydiate, Jones at lock and Faletau. Tipuric showed what a fresh, fast, talented back rower can do when brought on against more tired opponents last week

But the Welsh forwards are probably nearly just as fit as the English backs, they will last a lot longer than 60 mins.

[i]

ChequeredJersey wrote:Aren't forwards fitter than back anyway? That's certainly been my experience. Rucking is a lot more tiring than standing there

munkian wrote:

ChequeredJersey wrote:

formerly known as Sam wrote:

have hedged my bets on Mullan v Marler. I would love Marler to come on and cause havoc but do we think his scrummaging is up to it vs what Wales offer? Rowntree will know one way or the other.

We'd be a tad stuffed if Cole went off injured. Mock Stevens ability to play loosehead if you want but he's still a better loosehead than any of our looseheads are tightheads. It's good to use the bench later in the game but it's there to cover injuries first and utilise as a tactical weapon second.

I also think you're being a tad harsh on Croft and a tad to nice to Palmer but that's just me.

I don't think he's being harsh to Croft- if he comes on after 60 minutes when the Welsh forwards are tired he can run them off the park. Before then, he's not going to beat Warbs in the rucks (neither is Robshaw or even Wood probably I'll admit, but they are better equipped to cope) and I'd like a more physical 6 than Croft to deal with the power of Lydiate, Jones at lock and Faletau. Tipuric showed what a fresh, fast, talented back rower can do when brought on against more tired opponents last week

But the Welsh forwards are probably nearly just as fit as the English backs, they will last a lot longer than 60 mins.

[i]

Definitely not in my team!

probably nearly just as

Curiosity: Is there one word for this in Welsh?

Triangulation wrote:I'm going to be ridiuclously optimistic on injuries, form and selection and hope against hope for this side to play Wales..


1 Corbisiero
2 Hartley
3 Cole
4 Palmer
5 Lawes
6 Robshaw (Dowson if Wood doesnt recover)
7 Wood (Robsahw if Wood doesnt recover)
8 Morgan
9 Youngs
10 Flood
11 Ashton
12 Barritt
13 Tuilagi
14 Sharples
15 Foden

Mullan/ Marler
Webber
Parling
Croft
Lee Dickson
Farrell
Strettle

I think this pack has a good number of ball carriers with sufficient mongrel and ruck clearing power.

The backline is nicely balanced with a brickwall centre pairing (who can pass and cut angles) and all players in their usual club spots.

Lethal back three.

The bench i think has real impact to come on and cope and impose ourselves on Wales even though they may have superior fitness (?) with love from Poland.

I have hedged my bets on Mullan v Marler. I would love Marler to come on and cause havoc but do we think his scrummaging is up to it vs what Wales offer? Rowntree will know one way or the other.

Strettle is benched because i think that his stepping is best used against tired legs.

Sharples is starting and will help form a back 3 that no fly half will want to kick to.

What do other people think about this?

p.s I look forward to the time if/when Attwood is deemed ready because i think a Lawes/Attwood lock partnership would be fairly tasty!

Your team looks similar to the England last time they played Wales.

15 Ben Foden

14 Matthew Banahan

13 Mike Tindall

12 Shontayne Hape

11 Mark Cueto

10 Toby Flood

9 Richard Wigglesworth

1 Alex Corbisiero

2 Steve Thompson

3 Dan Cole

4 Louis Deacon

5 Courtney Lawes

6 Tom Wood

7 Hendre Fourie

8 Nick Easter

Replacements

16 Lee Mears

17 Matt Stevens

18 Tom Palmer

19 James Haskell

20 Daniel Care

21 Charlie Hodgson

22 Delon Armitage
http://m.guardian.co.uk/sport/2011/aug/13/wales-england-world-cup-warm-up?cat=sport&type=article

When was the last time you saw a creative English team? Sharples, May, Hopper et al will never be selected.