Freddie Burns

Hi guys, I'm new to the whole 606v2 thing after being a big fan of the old 606 site.

Anyway, I was wondering what people think of Freddie Burns.
He's been in fantastic form recently and I believe he deserves a start at 10 this autumn.
Is he anyone else's 1st choice? Or is most people's preference Flood with Farrell covering 10/12
He's on fire at the moment

Flood is our best flyhalf and also I feel massively underated by most England fans. Freddie burns is a huge talent however bar a run of injuries I worry he will stay in the Saxons squad. Owen Farrell is the incumbent and what with his dad in the coaching set up he is going to be hard to dislodge. Farrell has the head, attitude, defense and kicking game but lacks the attacking flair really needed at the top level, personally I would like to see burns given a go.

I would start Flood, but i would have Burns on the bench for the Fiji game to give him 20-25 mins. If he looks ok...consider him on the bench for the next game aswell.

We have a problem at FH. Flood is probably most fans first choice...but who is the back up or indeed main challenger....

He deserves some game time against Fiji, I'd also rate him above Farrell.

Hersh,has Heathcote been playing?

Nope. back soon I hope.

Flood has to be first choice. On song and behind a winning pack he can orchestrate gain line running rugby - witness the great start against Wales in 2011, I think it was. He's fit, and clear first choice.

Backup? Farrell needs to go off and work on his running / passing game. Yeah, his defence is bang on and his boot clearly works, but decision making, running the game, and the aforementioned passing and running let him down.

Who else? Burns looks good, mercurial even. Be nice to see him get some game time off the bench.

Ford? Not seen much of this season - how's he doing?

Hersh...do you think he is a genuine prospect?

I think at the moment Burns is playing himself into the first challenger...back up role.
But we have Ford, Heathcote, Farrell...etc who all have strengths and weaknesses...so who knows.

Heathcote needs another 1 or 2 season's at club level, then who knows.

Talented player but behind Ford and Burns at the moment.

I'd actually be looking at bringing in 36 during the AI's, he has to my mind been even more impressive then Burns so far, not just in attack but with his level of control and game management, plus his tackling is fecking massive now (he's a couple of inches taller and and nearly 10 pounds heavier then Barritt!)

I'd like us to start Flood and play Twelvetrees at 12, his kicking from hand is sublime and will take a lot of pressure off of Flood's shoulders allowing him to stand up close and attack the line.

If this works I don't think we'll need to worry about trying to rush in Burns or Farrel, we can wait until the 6N's and summer tour for that instead.

Agree Twelvetrees really looks to be flourishing...regular gametime has its benefits...

Hope twelvetrees gets in, to my mind he is the number 12 england has been missing since will greenwood retired, he's big, he has great hands, a great boot, he's young, he tackles like demon and he has a history of playing with manu and toby. Still cant see lancaster and farrell picking him over thier sarries favourites of farrell jr and barrit.

sirtidychris wrote:Hope twelvetrees gets in, to my mind he is the number 12 england has been missing since will greenwood retired, he's big, he has great hands, a great boot, he's young, he tackles like demon and he has a history of playing with manu and toby. Still cant see lancaster and farrell picking him over thier sarries favourites of farrell jr and barrit.

Sadly I think you might be right there.

I actually think we might be surprised regarding farrell. I dont think they are bad as we are making out. They must know that he needs to sort a few things out in his game. If they do pick him...ill have to raise my concerns over their position as England management.

Barritt i have no problems with...he has been one of Englands stand out players....and to simply throw him aside is ludicris...

Id certainly have Twelvetrees involved at some point v Fiji aswell...

Long term is Farrell a 10? Or a 12 with George Ford playing 10?
Will Ford get game time when Flood is away or will Bowden start?

It's difficult to find flaws in Freddie's game at the moment. I'm torn on this one, I think Glaws really need him but at the same time, I've watched him develop as a player at Kingsholm and it would be fantastic to see him flourish with England.

At Gloucester, Burns and Twelvetrees are developing into a masterful combo. Hope they get a chance with England too.

I just dont see Farrell as a 12 at all. He is a ten in my eyes

I would hope they play Ford whilst Flood is away. They spent time bulking him up...talking the talk etc...now they need to give him the games when they're available.

How long will it be until Farrell gets regular game time at 10 though?
Hodgson is still a fantastic 10 and seems to start more games then Farrell...
I fail to see how Farrell will get in the 22 (or is it 23 now?) but Burns won't. I'd start Burns at 10 against Fiji. Flood hasn't got anyone really pushing him.

Will Ford get game time when Flood is away or will Bowden start?

Cockers has already said that Bowden is the third choice 10 and second choice 12. Ford will be playing.

At Gloucester, Burns and Twelvetrees are developing into a masterful combo.

They didn't start out that well in the Saxons last season but seem to be flourishing this year. Given Sarries backline form has been iffy they could get a chance sooner rather than later.

I think that gloucester not being in the HC will count against him.also I don't think there is room in the .eps for both.if flood gets injured against AUS with 12 to play and we're 6pets up who would you rather have on the bench?

if flood gets injured against AUS with 12 to play and we're 6pets up who would you rather have on the bench?

Given what I've seen in terms of recent kicking form from Burns and Farrell I'd say Burns. He offers more around the pitch as well.

As an outside bet we could see Botica sneaking in to the Saxons if Burns/Twelvetrees do get into the EPS

Too soon and he has to indicate a wish to play for E gland first. I'd rather keep him at Quins, looks a very good player but we do need to at least reduce the players who learnt rugby in another country making our national team

formerly known as Sam wrote:

if flood gets injured against AUS with 12 to play and we're 6pets up who would you rather have on the bench?

Given what I've seen in terms of recent kicking form from Burns and Farrell I'd say Burns. He offers more around the pitch as well.

Can't argue really.farrell won't be getting much practice either,not with the form Charlie is showing.38 caps over 11 years,such a waste.

As an outside bet we could see Botica sneaking in to the Saxons if Burns/Twelvetrees do get into the EPS

There's Bowden as well. I'd prefer to see Clegg, Hodgson (from Falcons) and Burrell would be preferable cover in the Saxons at 10 or 12 though. We have talent but need to develop it.