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No room for returning England stars according to the Twitterati
After England were dealt the boost of quartet Ben Te’o, Jonathan Joseph, Brad Shields and Joe Cokanasiga being fit to face France this weekend, fans have given their thoughts on Twitter as to what team Eddie Jones should field.
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After such a brilliant performance against Ireland in Dublin last week, it is no surprise that the majority of the fans do not want to see any changes for ‘Le Crunch’ at Twickenham this Sunday (apart from the necessary injury replacements).
The fans were particularly insistent that Jones does not tamper with the back-row upon Shields’ return, as they were superb at the weekend. Mark Wilson put in another tireless shift in the six shirt, making the second most tackles. In fact, he was one of England’s standout performers in the Autumn as well, and despite Shields looking to be a favourite of Jones’, it would be grossly unfair to drop him. Likewise, Tom Curry’s presence at the breakdown, as well as his speed around the field, will also mean that Jones will struggle to justify dropping him.
With Nathan Hughes coming on from the bench in testing circumstances at the weekend and playing in the second-row, he does not merit being dropped from the bench either to make way for Shields.
Similarly to the back-row, it seems unthinkable that the Australian would consider tampering with his centre combination of Manu Tuilagi and Henry Slade after an imperious performance in Dublin, regardless of how well Te’o and Joseph have performed in the past.
While almost all the fans were most vocal about the back-row, some were calling for the 21-year-old Cokanasiga to find his way onto the bench for the France match. He certainly does not warrant replacing Jonny May or Jack Nowell, but after such a dominant display last time he wore an England shirt in the Autumn against Australia, Jones will surely be tempted to give him another chance.
One thing that was mentioned by the fans that all England supporters would agree on is the fact that there is an incredible strength in depth to the squad, shown by a number of high-quality players missing out.
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This is what the fans had to say:
https://twitter.com/thebathbadger/status/1092783691565334529
https://twitter.com/jimbobhickman/status/1092796866826260481
https://twitter.com/AntonyWallbank/status/1092821263062577162
https://twitter.com/bradbchesney3/status/1092792098716307456
https://twitter.com/NickAuger88/status/1092856649398865921
https://twitter.com/LordSparky/status/1092800729423794181
https://twitter.com/Whitlean/status/1092846459970560000
https://twitter.com/Rob683/status/1092835566389993472
https://twitter.com/TelferAlex/status/1092821607154925568
https://twitter.com/NicNacLarky/status/1092854021390565382
https://twitter.com/adrian_slabbert/status/1092823801073725443
https://twitter.com/Crypto_Strong/status/1092878196419244032
https://twitter.com/Thechief1975/status/1092825381701181440
Like the thought of having Slade and Joseph as options at 13. We've really got a ton of depth now… Except SH and FH. Although not because of a lack talent but of a lack of game time.
— Mr Fahrenheit (@FahrenheitJazz) February 5, 2019
Comments on RugbyPass
I’d put Finau at 6 instead of Blackadder but that’s the only change I’d make. Can’t wait to see who Razor picks.
19 Go to commentsTamati Williams, Codie Taylor, and Same Cane? Not sure about Hoskins Sotutu at test level. Wasn’t that impressive last season. Need a balance between experience and talent/youth.
19 Go to commentsInteresting insight. Fantastic athlete, and a genuine human being.
12 Go to commentsThey played at night in Suva last weekend and it’s an afternoon game forecast for 19 degrees in Canberra this weekend. Heat change is a non issue.
1 Go to commentsWishing Rosie a speedy recovery
1 Go to commentsObscene that SA haven’t been knocking
1 Go to commentsChances of Blackadder being injured seem too high to give him serious consideration. ABs loosie combination finally looked good with 2 committed to tackling and clearing rucks in the centre and Ardie roaming. Hoskins/Ardie together would force one of them into where they don’t excel and don’t get to use their talent, or require a change in tactics. If we continue to evolve last years systems I would take Papali’i and Finau at 6 and 7 (conceding that Blackadder will be injured) and Ardie at 8.
19 Go to commentsArdie’s preferred position 7? Where do they get these writers from? I've no idea where he's playing in Japan, but the previous two seasons he wore the 7 jersey exactly twice.
17 Go to commentsNot good to hear Ulster described as “financially troubled”. Did not think it was getting to that level. I would hope the Irish system of spreading players of talent away from Leinster would kick in now. Better to have a Leinster fringe player with Ulster or Connacht, then getting only a few games a season in Dublin. 10, for example, would seem to be a case for spreading the talent. I would not be at all adverse to a SA man coming in as head coach/DR. Ludeke is worth trying. Certainly got a long and impressive coaching career at this level…..149 games in SR, then Japan, 30 years experience. And Ulster’s ledger of successful SA coaches and players is on the positive side. Is talk of Ruan Pienaar interested in coming back as a coach…..could be a good combination with Ludeke. And Pienaar and family would have no settling in to do, one would judge. He loved life in Ulster when there, by all reports.
1 Go to commentsSome thoughts to consider here, Sam. Thanks
2 Go to commentsI think he is right, SBW is respected in RSA. The guy who never stood up is a worm. Sseems lots of NZ SBW hate, you do the crime do the time.
12 Go to commentsAfter missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
12 Go to commentsVernier is probably the best 12 in the world though she has some English competition these days . I am nervous for England because it is unpredictable France and who knows which team will turn up, but they have not yet shown anything that should worry England, Saturday could be a different day. I would be more confident against the BFs.
1 Go to commentsWhat a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
19 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
12 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
2 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to comments