We’re into a short, sharp 3-week Superbru tournament for the various June Internationals, including England in Argentina, Ireland all over the place, and even Scotland v Italy in Singapore as that famous fixture is exported to enthral new markets.
Australia v Fiji
The Wallabies have a decent side on paper, whilst Fiji are without Nemani Nadolo and trying out a few new players. Australia by 23
Italy v Scotland
The Scotland side has a few changes since the Six Nations, with a few injuries and players away with the Lions, but Josh Strauss and WP Nel return, and the back row of John Barclay, John Hardie and Strauss will be good enough to beat Italy. Scotland by 16
South Africa v France
There are several new faces in the Springbok side, and France will be looking at this match to catch their hosts cold. France by 2
Argentina v England
There are several young guns in the England squad, but it’s an exciting lineup with a mix of experience and flair, and they should have picked up Eddie Jones’ winning mentality over the last few weeks to maintain England’s record against the Pumas. England by 6
USA v Ireland
The Irish return to the USA, where they had such a great time last November. It’s a different-looking side, but should still be enough to beat their hosts. Ireland by 16
Anyone seen the England squad? Three fly halves playing 10, 12 & 13 and another one on the bench!?
Seems funny that about four seasons ago we were playing Andy Goode and Charlie Hodgson because we were so short on top fly halves. Now we have so many we’re playing them all across the midfield.
I am personally going to be fascinated to see how that backline goes! We did something similar against Uruguay in the world cup (Goode, Ford, Farrell and Slade all starting), but Argentina are no Uruguay… I do worry there is a lack of pace/size outside the two wingers to worry the defence. Could be brilliant though. An abundance of creativity and vision. Who knows!
I was surprised to see Yarde starting though, given he was only called up as an injury sub – no Earle (who was pretty great at Twickenham) and Solomona on the bench.
Yeah I was really disappointed that Earle has not been given a chance. He was excellent against the Baabaas and is great in defence, which has always been an area where I think Yarde should be better.
I do think the midfield will be fascinating though. If it works it could be great going forward, and to be honest none of those guys are shirkers when it comes to tackling. Lozowski in particular has earned a bit of a reputation for making big tackles well above his weight.
Very pleased to see Mark Wilson getting a chance. If Eddie sees Robshaw as his six for the next couple of years, Wilson is an excellent alternative to do the same job when Robshaw’s not available. Hope he shows he can step up a level.
Totally agree about Wilson
My worry would be a “too many cooks” scenario.
Dazza, imo Charlie Hodgson was a brilliant fly half who was consistently mucked about by England management and picked up a couple of injuries at unfortunate times in his career. one of those players whose strengths far outweighed their perceived weaknesses but who got vilified by the press whenever they made a mistake. Nobody played flatter or had a better eye for putting his centres into space. Andy Goode, you may have a point!
France by 20-30 more, Ireland by 10-15 more
The England game is interesting and could go either way depending on which Argentina turn up and how well the English young guns perform. I’m gonna stick my neck out and say narrow Argie win
I’m going to go the other way and say England will win comfortably.
By comfortable I mean couple of scores, 10 to 14 points.
Its a strong squad they have selected and they are a very underrated side so i wouldn’t be so confident
I am confident that Eddie has picked a squad with a great blend of experience and youth/inexperience. The inexperience and youthful players he’s chosen mostly have good Premiership experience and will offer that competitive edge.