Comments on: England squad for New Zealand announced

By: DanD

DanD — Wed, 28 May 2014 07:56:23 +0000

As pointed out, he’s played there at age grade and premierhsip a bit. He’s been used on the wing by England as well, and trained to also play on the wing in the Italy game in the past 6n.

He’s not first, second or third choice, but if the faeces hits the fan, he can cover it.

By: Matt B

Matt B — Tue, 27 May 2014 18:11:27 +0000

Good decision, although they needed an excuse to correct the oversight. Let’s hope Marler’s injury isn’t too bad.

By: OM

OM — Tue, 27 May 2014 16:08:37 +0000

Although Catt’s covering an injury to Joe Marler; he has a slight hip strain according to the Rugby Paper.

By: OM

OM — Tue, 27 May 2014 16:07:28 +0000

News just in via Twitter – Catt is flying (has flown?) to NZ with the main England squad, with Fraser Balmain replacing him in the BaaBaas squad.

By: Matt

Matt — Tue, 27 May 2014 08:57:41 +0000

He started as a left wing before moving to the centres. I’m not in favour of him moving back there (not much recent experience under a high ball and not much of a kicking game), but he does have premiership experience there.

By: Jeff

Jeff — Tue, 27 May 2014 08:41:24 +0000

Tuilagi has never played on the wing. Not once at any level.

By: DanD

DanD — Tue, 27 May 2014 06:12:34 +0000

Thomas was able to play either side a while ago, and Cowan – Dickie has only recently shifted to hooker from loosehead.

Scrum half is a tricky one. Lots of people wondering if Eastmond could manage there, maybe he’s emergency cover.

Eastmond and 36 cover 10.

Tuilagi and Eastmond cover wing.

Far from ideal I agree. But I don’t view this as money saving. I view this as space saving. Lancaster wants to keep as much of the squad open in order to bring more from England after the final. If he takes too many now, he’ll limit his options for after the baabaas/finals. We can’t expect to take a 50 man squad to NZ, it still needs to be small enough for training to be meaningful, and for each player to get some individual time.

By: Matt

Matt — Mon, 26 May 2014 22:22:35 +0000

Was hoping Sinckler and Roko would make the initial touring party. Fingers crossed the group stay healthy (and Webber is fit) so we can still field a competitive 23.

By: Dave

Dave — Mon, 26 May 2014 22:13:28 +0000

Completely agree. It’s not bold, it is reckless to only bring two looseheads and two scrum halves, and also only two wingers.

Loosehead surprises me the most as I assume there will be 4 in total needed, with the midweek game as well requiring two non-test props I imagine. The fact that Mako is probably out, I can’t see why Nathan Catt wasn’t brought out, with Waller to fly next week. If a loosehead goes down early next week then Waller or Catt will have to come onto the bench having only arrived in the country a couple days before. Same with scrum half- Simpson should have travelled, I think he deserves to be in the squad ahead of Wigglesworth anyway who will probably join up with the squad. There isn’t even the luxury of having Foden as emergency cover. With Watson unavailable for the first test then Rokodoguni should have travelled. If May and Yarde go down, then we will have to move our best player out of position and then put a debutant at full back.

The Barbarians game is a good opportunity for players to get a game, but Catt, Simpson and Rokodoguni could easily have been replaced by Wood (fit?), Dave Lewis and Tom Varndell. An injury to a LH, 9 or winger could shaft Lancaster.

By: Matt B

Matt B — Mon, 26 May 2014 18:20:39 +0000

Steffon isn’t playing for the Baba’s vs England (as he’ll be playing in the Top 14 final). He will be for the World XV a week later though, where it will be very interesting to see how he does against the SA back row.

By: Dr Boo

Dr Boo — Mon, 26 May 2014 16:56:53 +0000

Nice looking team we have for the Barbarians. Whoever is our flanker or 8 is going to have a hard time against Steffon if you ask me. Glad Joseph is made the team he played well against saints before bath self destructed. Not sure about Sharples i don’t really watch that much Gloucester other then to see if burns is playing well.

By: Alanscar

Alanscar — Mon, 26 May 2014 14:25:59 +0000

Well said I reckon Matt.The organisation behind this was motivated by money,as usual.with little thought given to players and playing staff.That’s the RFU for you…