The Official English Rugby Thread

[Paddington Bear]

Sarries barely fired a shot in that second half

[Ovals]

Too many errors from Tigers. Game not over due to poor execution. I think Chessum has been Tigers best player.

Youngs was absolutely dog turd when he came on - wrong options and poor execution/passing. Tigers should have won by far more. Sarries showed some nice backline moves but were constantly under pressure.

Unbelievable game at Sandy Park with Saints nicking it at the death 40-36 to go top of the table.

[SaintK]

Well played Saints. Didn't see that coming after the 1st half display
Mitchell made a hell od difference when he came on

[Raggs]

Mitchell and Freeman both had a big impact.

[petej]

Mitchell and Freeman both had a big impact.

Both will/should be in the 6N England squad. Was listening to the BBC rugby weekly pod and was kind of surprised that when asked about England selection they mentioned so few younger players and still mentioning the likes of May, Daly, Manu etc..

[sockwithaticket]

Mitchell and Freeman both had a big impact.

Both will/should be in the 6N England squad. Was listening to the BBC rugby weekly pod and was kind of surprised that when asked about England selection they mentioned so few younger players and still mentioning the likes of May, Daly, Manu etc..

All contemporaries/mates of the contributors. And Chris Jones as presenter is a big 'experience matters, pick the best team for right now rather than the future' guy. Which isn't inherently wrong, but I think sometimes people with that mindset undervalue the form of younger players and overvalue the experience of established ones.

[tc27]

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso seems to have chosen England. Lets hope he's good at chasing box kicks.

[Raggs]

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso seems to have chosen England. Lets hope he's good at chasing box kicks.

Whilst we won't be reluctant to kick it, with no Farrell, there's a chance we'll actually play a bit too.

[geordie_6]

Mitchell and Freeman both had a big impact.

Both will/should be in the 6N England squad. Was listening to the BBC rugby weekly pod and was kind of surprised that when asked about England selection they mentioned so few younger players and still mentioning the likes of May, Daly, Manu etc..

May at least has retired, and with Arundell not available for selection there are at least two squad spots available from the WC squad.

[Ovals]

Mitchell and Freeman both had a big impact.

Both will/should be in the 6N England squad. Was listening to the BBC rugby weekly pod and was kind of surprised that when asked about England selection they mentioned so few younger players and still mentioning the likes of May, Daly, Manu etc..

May at least has retired, and with Arundell not available for selection there are at least two squad spots available from the WC squad.

It'd be criminal if Furbank and Freeman aren't involved in the match day squads - but I wouldn't be surprised to see Big Joe and Watson on the wings. I suspect Borthers will take the conservative option in most cases.

[sockwithaticket]

Quite a few spots up for grabs from the last squad

Henry Arundell - unavailable
Danny Care
Ollie Chessum
Dan Cole
Tom Curry - injured
Elliot Daly
Theo Dan
Ben Earl
Owen Farrell - international retirement
George Ford
Ellis Genge - injured
Jamie George
Courtney Lawes - international retirement
Ollie Lawrence
Lewis Ludlam - injured
Max Malins
Joe Marchant - unavailable
Joe Marler
George Martin
Jonny May - international retirement
Alex Mitchell
Maro Itoje
David Ribbans - unavailable
Bevan Rodd - injured
Kyle Sinckler
Marcus Smith
Freddie Steward
Will Stuart
Manu Tuilagi - injured
Sam Underhill
Jack Walker
Anthony Watson
Jack Willis - unavailabvle
Jack van Poortvliet - injured
Billy Vunipola
Ben Youngs

Not sure how long term some of the injuries are.

[sockwithaticket]

It will never cease to baffle me that McConnochie got capped ahead of Muir. Hell, I think Muir should have all the caps that were squandered on Cokanasiga. A much better all round player.

[petej]

Quite a few spots up for grabs from the last squad

Henry Arundell - unavailable
Danny Care
Ollie Chessum
Dan Cole
Tom Curry - injured
Elliot Daly
Theo Dan
Ben Earl
Owen Farrell - international retirement
George Ford
Ellis Genge - injured
Jamie George
Courtney Lawes - international retirement
Ollie Lawrence
Lewis Ludlam - injured
Max Malins
Joe Marchant - unavailable
Joe Marler
George Martin
Jonny May - international retirement
Alex Mitchell
Maro Itoje
David Ribbans - unavailable
Bevan Rodd - injured
Kyle Sinckler
Marcus Smith
Freddie Steward
Will Stuart
Manu Tuilagi - injured
Sam Underhill
Jack Walker
Anthony Watson
Jack Willis - unavailabvle
Jack van Poortvliet - injured
Billy Vunipola
Ben Youngs

Not sure how long term some of the injuries are.

I thought Youngs had retired from internationals (and Cole).

https://www.tntsports.co.uk/rugby/world ... tory.shtml

[petej]

Both will/should be in the 6N England squad. Was listening to the BBC rugby weekly pod and was kind of surprised that when asked about England selection they mentioned so few younger players and still mentioning the likes of May, Daly, Manu etc..

May at least has retired, and with Arundell not available for selection there are at least two squad spots available from the WC squad.

It'd be criminal if Furbank and Freeman aren't involved in the match day squads - but I wouldn't be surprised to see Big Joe and Watson on the wings. I suspect Borthers will take the conservative option in most cases.

Is it worth having a look at Ollie Sleightholme?

[sockwithaticket]

Quite a few spots up for grabs from the last squad

Henry Arundell - unavailable
Danny Care
Ollie Chessum
Dan Cole
Tom Curry - injured
Elliot Daly
Theo Dan
Ben Earl
Owen Farrell - international retirement
George Ford
Ellis Genge - injured
Jamie George
Courtney Lawes - international retirement
Ollie Lawrence
Lewis Ludlam - injured
Max Malins
Joe Marchant - unavailable
Joe Marler
George Martin
Jonny May - international retirement
Alex Mitchell
Maro Itoje
David Ribbans - unavailable
Bevan Rodd - injured
Kyle Sinckler
Marcus Smith
Freddie Steward
Will Stuart
Manu Tuilagi - injured
Sam Underhill
Jack Walker
Anthony Watson
Jack Willis - unavailabvle
Jack van Poortvliet - injured
Billy Vunipola
Ben Youngs

Not sure how long term some of the injuries are.

I thought Youngs had retired from internationals (and Cole).

I thought I may have imagined the Youngs announcement in a fit of wishful thinking, so didn't put it down...

Cole hasn't made any sort of announcement afaik. The only result I get from 'Dan Cole retire' is speculation from the notoriously clickbaity Ruck.co.uk

[petej]

dumb from Bath not to score there.

[sockwithaticket]

Russell has had a particularly mixed game today it feels like. Shooting de Glanville in the face with a pass like that was poor.

Cokanasiga has also been rubbish.

[petej]

Russell has had a particularly mixed game today it feels like. Shooting de Glanville in the face with a pass like that was poor.

Cokanasiga has also been rubbish.

Yep, I'm not seeing why so many rate him so highly.

[sockwithaticket]

Russell has had a particularly mixed game today it feels like. Shooting de Glanville in the face with a pass like that was poor.

Cokanasiga has also been rubbish.

Yep, I'm not seeing why so many rate him so highly.

Big EQP with Islander heritage; I think there's been a lot of wishful thinking about him being the next Manu Tuilagi and casual observers, not to mention the press, haven't let reality get in the way of the narrative.

[petej]

Russell has had a particularly mixed game today it feels like. Shooting de Glanville in the face with a pass like that was poor.

Cokanasiga has also been rubbish.

Yep, I'm not seeing why so many rate him so highly.

Big EQP with Islander heritage; I think there's been a lot of wishful thinking about him being the next Manu Tuilagi and casual observers, not to mention the press, haven't let reality get in the way of the narrative.

More Vainikolo than peak Tuilagi.

[sockwithaticket]

Oh my goodness, what a dreadful flub from Hastings. That's the game barring something spectacular that Glaws have thus far seemed incapable of.

[Dinsdale Piranha]

Oh my goodness, what a dreadful flub from Hastings. That's the game barring something spectacular that Glaws have thus far seemed incapable of.

Gloucester's inability to reliably execute what should be basic passes has been a problem all game.

[sockwithaticket]

Oh my goodness, what a dreadful flub from Hastings. That's the game barring something spectacular that Glaws have thus far seemed incapable of.

Gloucester's inability to reliably execute what should be basic passes has been a problem all game.

They're clearly in a rut at the moment and their table position is well earned. Perhaps time for Skivington to move on, but then who would he be replaced with?

[Punter15]

Russell has had a particularly mixed game today it feels like. Shooting de Glanville in the face with a pass like that was poor.

Cokanasiga has also been rubbish.

Yep, I'm not seeing why so many rate him so highly.

Big EQP with Islander heritage; I think there's been a lot of wishful thinking about him being the next Manu Tuilagi and casual observers, not to mention the press, haven't let reality get in the way of the narrative.

I’ve laid turds harder than him. He’s soft and lazy.

[Paddington Bear]

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso seems to have chosen England. Lets hope he's good at chasing box kicks.

Whilst we won't be reluctant to kick it, with no Farrell, there's a chance we'll actually play a bit too.

When he didn’t play in the world cup, we kicked the leather off it. When he didn’t play in the 6N, we recorded our worst ever Championship defeat. But sure, it’s all his fault

[SaintK]

No rugby at Nottingham RFC this weekend!!! Should imagine there ared a few clubs in the same predicament after the recent weather.

[sockwithaticket]

I've certainly had a couple of fundraiser links sent my way for clubs affected by flooding.

In other news, the England A coaching team have been announced.
https://www.englandrugby.com/news/artic ... head-coach

Skivington as head, Waldouck on defence and Vesty for attack.

Given Gloucester's on field performance over the last season and a half, it seems like a pretty rubbish appointment for the newly resurrected A-side.

[Raggs]

I've certainly had a couple of fundraiser links sent my way for clubs affected by flooding.

In other news, the England A coaching team have been announced.
https://www.englandrugby.com/news/artic ... head-coach

Skivington as head, Waldouck on defence and Vesty for attack.

Given Gloucester's on field performance over the last season and a half, it seems like a pretty rubbish appointment for the newly resurrected A-side.

Maybe no other club was willing to let their coach go on a jolly, glaws might be sharpening the knife.

[sockwithaticket]

I've certainly had a couple of fundraiser links sent my way for clubs affected by flooding.

In other news, the England A coaching team have been announced.
https://www.englandrugby.com/news/artic ... head-coach

Skivington as head, Waldouck on defence and Vesty for attack.

Given Gloucester's on field performance over the last season and a half, it seems like a pretty rubbish appointment for the newly resurrected A-side.

Maybe no other club was willing to let their coach go on a jolly, glaws might be sharpening the knife.

True, you can only select from those who are permitted to make themselves available.

I've certainly caught Glaws fans commenting that it's time for him to go over the last few weeks.

[SaintK]

I've certainly had a couple of fundraiser links sent my way for clubs affected by flooding.

In other news, the England A coaching team have been announced.
https://www.englandrugby.com/news/artic ... head-coach

Skivington as head, Waldouck on defence and Vesty for attack.

Given Gloucester's on field performance over the last season and a half, it seems like a pretty rubbish appointment for the newly resurrected A-side.

[SaintK]

George Ford hasn't travelled with Sale to S Africa for their match this weekend.
Evidently tweaked a knee towards the end of the match against Saints 2 weeks ago that requires rehab and injections on an MCL injury!!

[Raggs]

George Ford hasn't travelled with Sale to S Africa for their match this weekend.
Evidently tweaked a knee towards the end of the match against Saints 2 weeks ago that requires rehab and injections on an MCL injury!!

Start the 6N with the Smiths and keep Ford for when it starts to get to the sharp end? Any prediction on how long the injury will take to resolve?

[SaintK]

George Ford hasn't travelled with Sale to S Africa for their match this weekend.
Evidently tweaked a knee towards the end of the match against Saints 2 weeks ago that requires rehab and injections on an MCL injury!!

Start the 6N with the Smiths and keep Ford for when it starts to get to the sharp end? Any prediction on how long the injury will take to resolve?

Sanderson wouldn't make a prediction

“It’s an MCL, a very low-grade MCL which you can stiffen up with injections, some plasma and stiffen your ligaments up. I’m not going to get medical, technical because I’ll get it wrong – but he is making a good recovery.”

[sockwithaticket]

I've certainly had a couple of fundraiser links sent my way for clubs affected by flooding.

In other news, the England A coaching team have been announced.
https://www.englandrugby.com/news/artic ... head-coach

Skivington as head, Waldouck on defence and Vesty for attack.

Given Gloucester's on field performance over the last season and a half, it seems like a pretty rubbish appointment for the newly resurrected A-side.

Here's hoping he supplants Wigglesworth sooner rather than later.

[Raggs]

Mako just retired from international rugby. Whilst it leaves us low on experienced loosehead props, it also means we won't be using one who's not cut it at international level for a while.

[SaintK]

Mako just retired from international rugby. Whilst it leaves us low on experienced loosehead props, it also means we won't be using one who's not cut it at international level for a while.

Thanks Mako
Should have been a while ago

[Raggs]

Mako just retired from international rugby. Whilst it leaves us low on experienced loosehead props, it also means we won't be using one who's not cut it at international level for a while.

Thanks Mako
Should have been a while ago

Borthers hasn't named the EPS yet right? So Mako retiring in theory gives him another free swap? He was in the WC group right?

[SaintK]

Mako just retired from international rugby. Whilst it leaves us low on experienced loosehead props, it also means we won't be using one who's not cut it at international level for a while.

Thanks Mako
Should have been a while ago

Borthers hasn't named the EPS yet right? So Mako retiring in theory gives him another free swap? He was in the WC group right?

He didn’t make the RWC squad due to a back injury. Not sure where that leaves Borthwick

[Raggs]

Thanks Mako
Should have been a while ago

Borthers hasn't named the EPS yet right? So Mako retiring in theory gives him another free swap? He was in the WC group right?

He didn’t make the RWC squad due to a back injury. Not sure where that leaves Borthwick

Hmm, guess it depends on if you call it injury cover, meaning it's a free swap (have to assume injuries are a "free" swap at the time, on the basis that they're overturned after), and Mako is still sort of in the EPS. Hopefully it is. Not sure if he'll need all the swaps, but it's good to have flexibility.

[Paddington Bear]

Mako just retired from international rugby. Whilst it leaves us low on experienced loosehead props, it also means we won't be using one who's not cut it at international level for a while.

Thanks Mako
Should have been a while ago

Some good memories and a great servant. A good man who always gave everything