1. A fly (half) in the ointment
A lot of talk recently has been about whether Owen Farrell or George Ford deserves the Number ten shirt for England when the Six Nations comes around, and it has looked until now like Farrell would get the nod. But Danny Cipriani, with a never-say-die attitude, is putting his hand up to be counted yet again.
After painfully missing out on the World Cup squad, Cipriani just point blank refuses to give up on his England career and after a measured and mature performance against Wasps at the weekend saw Sale pick up four points, his Director of Rugby Steve Diamond has rightfully been singing the mercurial fly-half’s praises. He is also putting the hours in with his goal kicking behind closed doors, so maybe now is the time to finally back Cipriani as England’s first choice fly-half.
2. Conrad’s class is permanent
As the Top 14 teams at the top of the table continue to shell out the Euros for the globe’s top talent, it was refreshing to see a humble rugby player who has joined a humble team grab some of the limelight this weekend. As Pau pushed Toulon to the very last minute of the game at the Stade Mayol on Sunday, one of the unsung heroes of New Zealand‘s World Cup winning team made a mockery of his more recognisable All Black team mate.
Video credit: TOP 14 – Officiel
Conrad Smith, as he always has been able to do, grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck by picking a line off a ruck, throwing two dummies and diving over for a try with those infamous snake hips of his. Not that unusual, of course, but the fact that Ma’a Nonu was still on the pitch trying to catch the dummy will have given Smith a wry smile as he trotted over.
3. Bath in crisis mode
If ever there were a game that should have been able to give Bath’s season a much-needed shot in the arm, then it would be Newcastle away. This is not to disrespect the opposition, but the 4G pitch lends to quick, running rugby; the style that almost took Bath to their first Premiership title last season. The weather was not great but it rarely is at Kingston Park and can’t be used as an excuse.
Mike Ford must be pulling his hair out at the indiscipline that his charges have shown this year and yet another yellow card for Henry Thomas epitomised just how bad it has been.
It may be a case that teams have worked out how to defend against their layered attack but one thing is for sure: the crowd at the Rec won’t want to it to continue and nor will Eddie Jones as is he witnessing the core of last season’s England attack floundering in front of his eyes.
4. Welsh sides bring the PRO12 to life
After a relatively underwhelming PRO12 season so far, it was the rugby in Wales over the festive period that has really lifted the league. The Scarlets and Ospreys played out a belter on Boxing Day and the Dragons against the Cardiff Blues certainly didn’t let us down either – but the best was saved until last.
In the Welsh Capital on New Year’s Day Cardiff hosted the Scarlets in a tumultuous see-saw battle that saw the Blues sneak the victory in the final seconds through an Alex Cuthbert try and Rhys Patchell conversion but what would have been more pleasing for Welsh rugby fans would have been the amount of home grown talent on show and also that they are performing well.
Mr. Halfpenny aside, there are also more central contracts trickling through to keep their players in the country so maybe Gatland’s law may not be talked about quite so much leading up to the Six Nations.
5. Relief in the South of Ireland
Munster have finally won a game! There is a line I never thought I’d write but the men from Limerick, after a run of five straight defeats, are out of their rut with a shock victory against Ulster.
Sometimes in sport the most ugly of wins can be the most beautiful and that is exactly how Munster will view this. Ulster probably should have won and that is exactly how they will feel after this match but the result will not have the significant impact on them as it will on their Southern Irish counterparts.
Munster haven’t won in the league at home since the 30th October and surprisingly that is where all of their troubles are originating from. Thomond Park used to be a fortress and their European record is testament to that but recently this just has not been the case. They have back to back games against Stade Francais now, starting in Paris but when they bring them back to Thomond Park they need to target it as the game to take a big name scalp and start re-building that fortress.
6. More Championship rugby please
As Sky Sports continue to haemorrhage live rugby to their BT rivals I have found it quite strange that there is not more Championship rugby being shown on their channels.
On New Year’s Day Bedford hosted London Scottish in terrible conditions in front of the Sky cameras, but what a game it was. Eight tries, scrums that functioned and didn’t spoil the game and a genuine will from both teams to play running rugby.
As a rugby fan though it was great to see so many players that are on dual contracts with Premiership Clubs playing such a high level of rugby as they are in this league.
Bedford are lying comfortably in the play-off places and this is a town that is very passionate about its rugby. There were nearly 4,500 spectators at the game on Friday to watch some of the country’s best young talent on show.
With Wasps now plying their trade in the midlands Bedford have taken full advantage by taking Alex Lundberg and Piers O’Connor on loan from them. Both have played in the England age groups and Lundberg especially caught the eye on Friday. An all-action prop who used to be a flanker, he was available in attack and defence throughout as he carried over the gain line with gusto and hit rucks time and time again. It was a joy to watch.
Andy Daniel (@scrum5ive)
Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images
I would have to say that at the moment Cips would be my back up fly half with Farrell starting. Ford has not had a good start to the season, and if anything Priestland has looked more impressive for Bath.
For me Farrell has upped his game this season. Showing some class touches with ball in hand; neat offloads, side steps, dummies etc. He’s shown good pace finish off chances, and made space and chipped/grubbered through for others to finish.
He is obviously helped out by a team at the top of their game, playing with confidence and getting very good clean ball from his forwards.
Cips has started the season well, and although has on occasions shown frustration when not getting good ball, has shown some real class when the chance has been there.
On point 1, I’m yet to be convinced about Cipriani at all. In the match on the weekend he did very little from hand other than a couple of brief flashes. Ok his kicking and tackling has improved but nowhere near international standard yet.
In all honesty on form Farrell has to start for England in the 6n’s. However, in the fight for back up 10 Cipriani is definately ahead of Ford who seems totally out of form and confidence.
4 – on the contracts issue I also believe Rhys Gill is heading back to Cardiff, which is more excellent news, especially given his stuffing of Cole on the weekend. I hear that 1/2p is staying in Toulon which I personally think is also fine – he’d take a hell of a chunk of any Pro 12 teams wages, only be available half a season and isn’t necessarily the best FB in Wales right now anyway. Nor the best kicker.
It certainly was a fantastic xmas period for Cardiff. Two brilliant matches, two death defying victories, sold out home match. Like an 08/09 reminder. Overall it was very positive for Wales pro teams – there was even a match report in the Guardian, a paper that’s not even acknowledged Pro12 rugby before.
One problem I’d love to see fixed with the Pro12 is the scattershot TV coverage – in Wales you have to monitor S4C, BBC2 and Sky to see which matches are on. Add BBC Alba for Scotland and BBC NI for Ulster matches and it’s all over the place for a UK viewer. It would be excellent if Sky managed to nab the whole thing. It would also stop some sides always getting prime Fri night home fixtures (Ulster) because their broadcaster is only interested in their match and want it on primetime every week.
I could be wrong Brighty, but I think Gill extended his contract last season with Sarries.
Wales Online are pretty confident he’s off to Cardiff at end of season – http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/cardiff-blues-set-sign-welsh-10636493
Yeah, Gill is heading off to Cardiff.
As I understand it he has a business in Wales that he wants more involvement in etc.
Well it will be shame to see him go. He’s done a fantastic job for Sarries over the years. One thing we can always rely on Gilly for is a scrap! He doesn’t like to back down.
Just to put another fly in that ointment, I’d love to see Slade (when fit) at 10, potentially the best of the four, with Manu at 12 and Daly/Joseph 13.
Slade won’t be considered at 10 unless he plays there regularly for his club of course.
Which would t happen whilst Steenson is playing well….
Can’t see how Jones could possibly not start Farrell in the 6 nations – but I could definitely have Cips as second choice. I’ve personally never been a big Ford fan, I think mentally he just isn’t up to it.
Bath look an absolute mess at the moment though. I’d still have Waton, Roko and JJ still very much in the mix, but outside of that I’m not sure there are any I’d be considering.
Agreed Jacob. To be honest (and okay I’m a Sarries fan) but they should be supplying the majority of the England team if picked on form at the moment. Even Brad Barritt is playing with a more expressive joy (as well as captain the team well.)
My starting 15 would be:
1. Vunipola
2. George
3. Brookes
4. Kruis
5. Launchbury
6. Robshaw
7. Fraser/Kevsic
8. Vunipola
9. Care
10. Farrell
11. Nowell
12. Barritt (capt)
13. Daly
14. Ashton
15. Goode
Ah good no, not Barritt. Or Goode. Both are very good club players. Neither are international class. I’m still a bit unsure over the 12 shirt for England in the 6 nations. I’m half tempted to put Farrell there without Slade available. Or, if Manu can even prove he is half-fit I’d probably pick him. If not I would still have Burrell before Barritt.
I think I’d go:
Vunipola, George, Brookes, Itoje, Launchbury, Robshaw, Kvesic, Vunipola, Youngs, Cips, Nowell, Farrell, Daly, Watson, Brown
Hartley, Mullan, Cole, Kruis, Ewers, Care, JJ, Nowell
But on form both Barritt and Goode have been better than all their counter parts. That can be only consideration.
The point Jacob is making, though, is that there is a difference between club and international form. I agree with him on Barritt: fine club player, brilliant defender, not up to international standard. There is no other team in the world that picks its centres based on defence. He’s had his go and is not the future – let’s move on.
I do disagree on Goode, however. His style isn’t especially aesthetically pleasing, but it can be effective, and he has had some excellent games in an England shirt. It depends what you want from a fullback, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him kept in the squad.
What were the excellent games in an England shirt fior Goode Jamie? I can’t think of any
I can think of him being relentlessly targeted by Ireland last year and not being up to the examination, conceding I think 7 turnovers during the match
And both have proved time and again that they don’t cut the mustard at international level. Enough with selecting good club players that can’t make the step up
The blinkered view against two players who contrary to myopic viewpoints have never given less than 100% and who have both had man of the match performances in international games.
Just because they “have never given less than 100%”, it does not mean they are good enough to be a test match player. If I played for England I’d certainly give it 100% too, but I can assure I would be well out my depth.
Goode I can stomach being a second go, but only if Brown and Watson are unavailable in front of him. I can’t even foresee a scenario where Barritt is a good choice.
I don’t even want to see Goode given another chance unless its through lack of options.
Here’s a list of 6 Nations fullbacks
Stuart Hogg
Leigh Halfpenny
Scott Spedding
Rob Kearney
Andrea Masi
Luke McLean
Brice Dulin
Liam Williams
(let me know if I’ve missed any)
Other than McLean and perhaps Spedding, I would select any of those before Goode
Whereas I’d have Brown over any of them at fullback other than Kearney who I’d put on the same level (Halfpenny I’d play on the wing)
Watson, I think, has the potential to be better than all of them but probably not for a year or two, even if continues his improving form
In fact, I would quite happily see Pennell picked in front of Goode and Mike Haley at Sale looks like he could have the ability to make the step up
Brown is the biggest hinderance to Englands Back play – the problem is he has no vision beyond his own play – when the team is playing badly his individual play stands out, but Goodes ability to read the game and bring others into play would make the team as a whole better.
Its a shame Foden has had such a bad run of injuries as he is probably the best of the lot when fit
2 Nowells? That would be handy.
I’d go with that team but Goode is great to watch at the moment. It depends on what kind of full back you want – with Cips and Farrell in there, you probably need a Brown type more.
Also not sure Ewers and Brookes are available for 6Ns, if that’s the suggestion.
Definitely thought I had Roko starting on one wing with Nowell as a sub – so that is what it should be!
I would agree with Jacob here. Barritt and Goode have not shown they are international class.
Barritt is not a good enough all round player to be an international 12. Although I’m not sure we have anyone who is yet! (Maybe Slade given the time and the chances?)
I still believe Goode can do a job for England, but it really depends on the style of rugby EJ wants to play. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him picked.
From Jacobs line up I would swap Kvesic for Fraser, and have either Roko or Ashton on the right wing with Watson at 15. With Ewers injured and not likely to be fit I would have Beaumont on the bench to cover the back row.
Anyone know when EJ is announcing the squad? Not long to go until the 6 Nations start!!!!???
This week isn’t it?
I hope to God he stops all the leaks of team announcements that were so annoying under SL
For whatever reason (maybe I’m not paying attention) I haven’t noticed Fraser being as effective a snaffler as Kvesic this season. Fraser should be pretty obvious with that beard but when I watch Glos Kvesic is always at the breakdown causing havoc.
The stats might show Fraser getting more turnovers, I don’t know, but Kvesic seems the more obvious out and out 7 at the moment.
Number 8 is going to get interesting with Billy, Beaumont, Hughes soon, Morgan in the mix, maybe Clifford…
With Fraser and Kvesic I think the main difference is the teams they are playing in. Fraser probably has more players around him getting stuck in at the breakdown, whereas Kvesic is probably being relied on to do more of that work on his own.
I would have Fraser because I think his link play is better. Again probably because of the team around him.
I think I saw a stat earlier that Kvesic has 11 turnovers this year – more than anyone. Personally that alone gets him in my team.
Beaumont over Ewers actually – big fan of him. Thought Ewers would be back in time so included him, not sure if he will be?
Thought this appropriate for this conversation
http://www.bloodandmud.com/2015/12/gameplans-explained-brad-barritt.html
He must be doing some passing, amount of tries scored out wide this season
Perhaps he is involved in a lot of miss moves and dummy runs? ;-)
Whilst I understand that Saracens are flying presently and that their fans,and others,are putting most of the team forward for England,it is beyond me how anyone can mention Goode.He is not an International.I hope to God that Eddie Jones agrees with me.
I see Saracens have signed Schalk Burger
Good signing for Sarries, but a bit of a blow to young players coming through like Hankin and Wray?
I don’t think so, he’s a direct replacement for Jacques Burger and will be good for the development of those players. Wray and Fraser in particular have gone up the pecking order ahead of for instance Kelly Brown. In order to be able to compete at the big table with the Toulon etc these are the signings that need to be made, especially if Saracens lose lots to international games.
Well Wray gets plenty of game time due to the rotation system at the club. As for Hankin, I think Burger could only be seen as a benefit in his development.
Come international time Sarries will most likely lose Billy V, Vunisa and possibly Fraser. And Wray could get in the Saxons squad, so Burger could find himself playing with Hankin in the back row!
On the fly half front, I think some posters are being very harsh on Cips and Ford and too gushing re Farrell. Any fly half tends to look good/ bad depending on how their pack is doing. Ford gets some benefit of the doubt from me, given his is playing in a Bath side in freefall, following a World cup where he was very badly treated by the coaches. I don’t see his resulting loss of confidence as mental weakness, all players go through this. Likewise, whilst Farrell is the clear starter for England, let’s see how he does without the dominance that Sarries provide. Finally, Cips for me gets a lot of credit for performing well in persistently struggling side. Whilst his kicking stats are worrying, I do wonder if he is being asked to kick more 50/50s as Sale are desperate for any points, where other sides would kick for touch.
Farrell to start, Cips on the bench. Ford either starts or is not in the 23 for me, both Cips and Farrell are far more versatile.
I think the fact even Fords dad is picking Preistland ahead of him tell us all we need to know.
George had to have a rest at some point. If anything his old man has been too reliant on him, bringing Priestland on at 12 even when George isn’t going well.
Come on I’ve seen some daft comments on here from you but that is right up there. All sides rotate in the league – that’s why teams have squads. If Saracens rest Farrell next week and Hodgson plays (which happens regularly), I assume you’ll make a similar comment regarding Farrell being dropped?
If it was a case of rotation I’d agree. It plainly isn’t. George is bust at the moment, in no form and no confidence. At Saracens when Hodgson starts Faz benches and comes on. That’s not happening at Bath.
He was benched for Worcester and Newcastle, having started and by and large finished every game since the World Cup (I think). Ford Snr had probably marked those two out right from the start as rest days for him.
JK is talking sense here Jez. He started both European games and then is rested for two matches against two of the weakest Prem teams.
If Bath have a big European game tomorrow, Ford starts every time.
Is Brookes going to be fit for the 6Nations? Not sure about Thomas or Wilson’s form at the moment.
Last I read he’s out for the start at least. Petrus DP is qualified!
If Brookes isn’t fit then I’d have Cole starting and be blooding Paul Hill off the bench – he looks like a top young prospect. I like Wilson, and if Cole also went down then I’d start him, but I see little point in giving him bench minutes when he isn’t ever going to be more than average at test level.
Never been keen on Thomas. He often gets battered at scrum time – not a fan of a trait like that in my tight heads.
Don’t know much about Paul Hill, but outside Brookes, Cole and Wilson we don’t have many top level tightheads. With Brookes injured and Cole (see Satrudays highlights if you don’t believe me) and Wilson in poor form, who do we have?
Can’t see Jones wanting to pick PDP. Although a good reliable player, he is 32 with no previous caps. Not much point in wasting caps on him really. Plus I don’t think Sarries would be too happy about that, as it would mean their starting front row on England duty (assuming George gets the nod).
Yes the cupboard is a bit bare (Thomas, Sinkler, Cooper-Wooley and Hill)
I agree with Jacob that with Brookes going for Knee Surgery Cole starts and Hill on the bench, however its more likely that we will see Wilson on the bench as 20 is still very young for a prop and with only a handful of prem appearances to boot.
The future is bright but the present’s hazy
PDP is actually 34…and a half. I don’t think he’s seriously an option although he did tame Ayerza. I thought I’d read McCall suggesting he should be in EJ’s plans but can’t find that now.
Cooper-Woolley has been pretty decent for Wasps recently.
I’d forgotten Cooper-Woolley and Sinckler to be fair. At the moment I think I would have Cooper-Woolley over Wilson. No harm in getting him in the squad anyway and see how he goes.
Not really sure on Cooper-Wooley, looks like he is a decent Prem player but not much more.
Personally I Hill fan, and I liked the look of Sinkler as well before he was usurped by Jones as Quins and has spent a lot of time on the bench.
I’d imagine Sinckler will be picking up a lot of advice from Jones. I hope so anyway as his scrummaging is not yet as good as the rest of his game.
I’d also say that he needs to sort out his temperament before England call. He’s like Joe Marler used to be
Another guy he’s learning from!
Just seen that Slater and Attwood will be out for 6 Nations. Based on this I would start with Itoje and Launchbury and have Kruis on the bench. Kitchener as back up as Lawes is not on form at the moment.
To be honest Attwood and Slater wouldn’t have made my squad anyway. I know Lawes isn’t at his best, but he’s top quality so I’d have him in as 4th choice so that he is still around the squad learning the new systems under Jones. Launchbury, Itoje, Kruis and Lawes would be the four I’d select, with or without any injuries to locks.
For what its worth my 6N squad would be
1stXV: Mako, George, Cole, Kruis, Launch, Robshaw, Fraser, Billy, Youngs, Farrell, Rocko, Burrell, Joseph, Watson, Brown
Bench: Marler, Youngs, Hill, Itoje, Morgan, Care, Cips, Nowell
Squad: Wilson, Hartley, Lawes/Kichener, Kvesic, Beaumont, Spencer, Ford, Daly, Ashton, Yarde, Pennell
whoops forgot about simpson he’s in over Spencer
On current form I’d probably have Beaumont ahead of Morgan. And also the fact that off the bench Beaumont could play at 6 or lock. Morgan only offers cover at 8. Daly instead of JJ, again purely on current form. Not sure Rocko ever plays left wing? I would have Nowell, Ashton and Watson with Rocko or Yarde on the bench.
Really can’t wait for the squad announcement. For once it’s being kept very hush hush!!
Beaumont is a bit raw so would give him a slower introduction. Same for Daly and JJ’s form is fine its the players inside him that are misfiring. Left wing, right wing its the same position he’ll get over having a different number on his back. There is an argument for Ashton to start over Rocko I just don’t like it. I prefer Nowell from the bench and Watson on the Wing
Personally I’d rather see us put Daly and Beaumont in. Certainly Beaumont off the bench.
It’s a new regime, so it’s not like they have the systems or gameplan to learn more so than any other player.
Am I right in thinking squad announcement is on the 13th? And that 31 players are selected?
I thought someone said the announcement was this week. Not leaving himself much time to get the squad training together if it’s not until next week. First game is 6th Feb! That would only leave 3 1/2 weeks!?
I think it’s on the 12th and he has 32 to pick…
Didn’t think there was a set squad size for the 6N the only limit is the elite player squad one
Last year the squad sizes were
Eng 35, Fra 43, Ire 40, Wal 34, Sco 40, Ita 36
You’re right, not sure where I got 32 from. Or the 12th come to that, but it rings a bell.
There must be a temptation to pick a big squad but the clubs surely wouldn’t be pleased.
The size of the EPS is 33 (used to be 32 so that probably where its from) but Jones will probably name a larger training squad in agreement with the clubs and narrow to 33 before the tournament with the released players kept on standby
I like Beaumonts rawness. He would certainly add some more physicality to the back row, and all round athleticism which I don’t think Morgan always brings. Especially on his recent form. Had a good game last week for Glos, but haven’t seen him show much so far this season.
There is a reason we only see some players playing left or right wing. I know Yarde and Nowell have played both sides, but never seen Rocko, Ashton, Watson or May switch to the other side, and there is a reason for it. Different players abilities to pass effectively off both hands etc. Small margins make a big difference. To suddenly shift a right winger to the left for his second cap might be a bit much.