Sheridans Replacement?

I don't feel calling up a replacement prop would be necessary. We already have four props in the squad - Corbisiero, Stevens, Cole and Wilson. With Corbisiero the only specialist loosehead and Stevens capable of playing both tighthead and loosehead at world class standards.

Therefore I feel England should call up a back row, specifically Chris Robshaw. Robshaw would be able to cover at openside and blindside flanker, whilst it would put an emphasis on moving Haskell to number 8, as Easter has been very unconvincing the past few weeks, his lack of dynamism and age is really starting to show. Fourie is still injured and has not featured in any of Sale's opening matched of the seasons, whilst Robshaw has captained Quins to too outstanding victories against London Irish and Northampton.

Who do you think England should call up? Another possibility could be Riki Flutey to give England more options in the centre and balance alongside a more powerful centre in Tuilagi or Tindall. Flutey has been very impressive for Wasps in their opening two games of the season so far.

Thoughts?

flutey I reckon.
But first I wanna see banahan and manu play side by side.

Is Cueto still injured. If so you need to think about either Sharples or else Flutey (for me in that order).

I like the idea of Sharples. I think Armitage looked out of place on the wing, but would certainly be my bench cover for centres and the back 3. Cueto may be struggling, and Banahan just shouldn't be there IMHO, so we need a genuine wing option in case Cueto isn't fit.

I don't think this is likely to happen though, but I agree we don't need an additional prop replacement so either Robshaw or Flutey. I suppose there could also be a case for waiting to see whether Fourie regains fitness as he is most likely the next in the line and we have plenty of cover for the game v Georgia.

I wouldn't pick Robshaw at the moment as I reckon it's unlikely that Moody will make it through the tournament, agree also that we don’t need another prop so out of the choices available Flutey.

G2 wrote:I wouldn't pick Robshaw at the moment as I reckon it's unlikely that Moody will make it through the tournament, agree also that we don’t need another prop so out of the choices available Flutey.

I agree Flutey looks a bit sharper in the two games I've seen him play for Wasps since.

If Moodey subsequently gets injured I think Fourie will go, if fit, as he looked very good in his cameo V Ireland in the warm up.

MJ will not pick another Backrow unless Moody is ruled out. And then he'll go for Fourie over Robshaw. I know you've got your favourite robshaw4england but if he's not been foremost in MJ's mind up to now, he won't feature until all the players he's got above him are used. Is Fourie back from injury? If so, then Robshaw won't be considered. If not, then it's a faint possibility he'll make the RWC, but ONLY if Moody's injured.

I agree that MJ is unlikely to bring another Prop out to NZ (please don't - it could be Tim Payne!!) and think he'd be better suited to bringing a centre, just to give him other options.

I'd add a winger personally. Cueto looks crocked and Armitage is a 15 and not a winger.

Sharples would add a lot to this England side.

MJ will probably go for Payne.

Would love it to be Sharples, but think it'll likely be Flutey, or Fourie as others have mentioned.

Voted Sharples. Should have been in the original 30 over Banannaman or the 5th prop anyway, agree Armitage is a 15 not a first choice wing. If MJ does decide he wants a specialist loose head then it will be Payne not Doran-Jones (who is no different to Wilson in that he covers LH but is primarily a TH). Don't agree with it but that's who he see's as third choice LH. For me Mullen would be a much better pick if he decides to go like for like.

If I had to bet I think he will go with Flutey, MJ always wanted to take him regardless of form and just couldn't find a space.

I cannot see the point of another pro being brought in for sheriden, it should be either Sharples, or Flutey, but if Moody gets injured this week end then there just maybe room for Robshaw to be broiught.

Armatage although he played well on the wing he is a fullback where we could do with cover for Foden.

Monye had his best Quins game for years at the weekend. I doubt MJ is watching the Premiership right now, and on last season's form Sharples would be rightfully ahead of him, but he's started the year really well.

It's difficult. I want Sharples to get a chance but don't want Glaws to lose out!

Can I vote for RON (Re-open nominations)?

Flutey...would fit in with the culturally diverse theme of the Manu Baa Baa Black shirt wearing England colonials team.

Reports in the Telegraph today say Flutey will be called up, they seem to have a spy in the England camp as they are normally right in their reports regarding England team selection

Flutey at prop?

RWC rules state it does not have to be a like for like replacement

So 'England' (I use the word advisedly) could call up another All Black/Saffa/Aussie/islander then?

Gatts wrote:Flutey at prop?

Well no the point being they bought 1 more prop than they really need and they dont think any of the reserves would add much to teh squad, but they are short a creative option in the centers and Johnno was quite open about being torn on not bringing him. I guess Ford has made the point that after the attack was unable to get going last weekend he wants to win that argument with Wells and get teh extra back in the squad to give him a chance of making changes. Having a player who looks to run round defenders rather than through them is improtant when you are up against sides whos gameplan is ruck ruck ruck and hope to win the penalty count....looking at Englands group thats all they are facing.
Whats dissapointing though is it would probably mean Tuillagi getting dropped and Tindall moving back toi 13 if Flutey cam into the side, with Moody out I cant see them dropping the reserve Captain and having Captain Anonymous Easter lead them again.

I dont think its totally unrealistic.

Sharples I dont really see the point unless Armitage dies, and given he only got 10 minutes in the warm ups it doesnt seem hes that high up the pecking order for players they wish they had.

funnyExiledScot wrote:I'd add a winger personally. Cueto looks crocked and Armitage is a 15 and not a winger.

Sharples would add a lot to this England side.

MJ will probably go for Payne.

Well if Cueto is crocked then then it would be a replacement for him, but he should be fit in the next couple of weeks. Not much point in bringing out a winger to cover for a couple of pool games against pooey sides

anyone know when this is announced - with the flight length and 2-3 days to recover I'd have thought that MJ would be keen to get someone out asap??

I don't see the point in bringing anyone over for now.

1. We have enough Props
2. If Flutey is called up do we really want to see Manu dropped and what does that say to Hape, enjoy your holiday?
3. Armitage was one of the few highlights of the last two games and did what he was asked…if anything the back three looks better with him there as he provides the cover needed if Foden joins the line and is at the bottom of the ruck.