Tom Wood To Be Fit For Start

Jim Mallinder reports that Tom Wood will be fit to start the season, and that Courtney Lawes has dislocated his elbow and probably won't be back until October.

Link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/19162782

Good news for Wood and England there, it's possible he may force his way into the starting line-up for the AI's given Lancaster holds him in such high regard, and was a shoo-in for Captain. Could Johnson miss out altogether?

With Lawes out for quite a while now, will he have enough time to demonstrate form and fitness for the AI's? If not are we going to be stuck with the usual cak we have in the SR?

Is Lawes made out of tissue paper? Poor lad, dislocated elbow sounds awful! Really hope he can make a comeback into the international set up!

Carpe Diem wrote:Is Lawes made out of tissue paper? Poor lad, dislocated elbow sounds awful! Really hope he can make a comeback into the international set up!

He is rapidly becoming one of those players that will be put into peoples 'England XV (or 23) to play...' with the words 'if fit' behind him. Poor sod.

Carpe Diem wrote:Is Lawes made out of tissue paper? Poor lad, dislocated elbow sounds awful! Really hope he can make a comeback into the international set up!

Dislocated elbow?

Callum Clarke wasn't anywhere nearabouts was he?

Great news for Tom Wood- he's a quality player, and has so much to offer the current England squad. I just hope his toe injury is behind him now, and doesn't flare up again. Reports are that it is a genetic problem, and therefore suitable treatment wasn't really available.

Incidently, anyone else hear that his younger brother Rob of Worcester Warriors has had to retire recently due to bad knees? Terrible news for him and the whole family.

Courtney's had a similar year to Wood, and has just been plagued by injury. Hope he recovers by late September to be honest, and can put in some stellar performances to boost his AI chances.

Indeed, let's hope for Wood's sake that he doesn't get another flare-up as he could become invaluable to England.

A backrow of 6. C Robshaw 7. T Wood 8. B Morgan (20. T Croft) could be pretty superb.

Interestingly though on the Lawes front he does seem to be falling into the JSD/Tait school of perennial injuries. It's a shame because I think he needs a good run to perfect his game at lock and really push on to become top class.

If Lawes is out for the AI's will Deacon be called in? Is he even fit yet for Leicester? If not who's next, Robson? Saints preserve us!

That is a nice backrow, although, given Robshaw's recent outings at 7, i'd be tempted to keep him at openside and move Wood to 6. Despite his relatively small stature, he's a menance in the tight collisions.

Deacon could well be brought into the squad, and to be honest, I wouldn't mind that at all. He's a good solid performer, and gets a lot of the grunt work done. Next to a player like Lawes or Parling, he could allow them to flourish and play their more athletic game. Robson I wouldn't consider. He's a fantastic club player, but I think he's underpowered for an international second row.

I'd consider Garvey or Attwood as replacements if Lawes can't get fit in time I reckon.

Or promote Launchberry of course, that's the other viable option!

Indeed i'm with you bluestone, i'd be quite happy with Deacon coming back in at present given the paucity of classical no.4 locks. He went pretty well at the RWC and would be a good tutor for someone like Launchburry to come in, who would be my preferred next in line of the EPS.

Anyone reckon Wood could be an option at 8? He isn't the biggest guy, but neither are Harinordoquy or Read.

Northampton have plenty of options at 6/7, i'd like to see him play there.

I think for the moment we should let Wood get settled in to the Saints team. He's been out for so long he will need to get back to fitness which will take time. Plus lets hope the problem is definately fixed and not liable to break down again in the first match back.
Plus he's going to have to compete with Croft and several others who arent just going to give him that shirt.

As for Lawes...he's moving in to the JSD section of...should have been great for England if he hadnt had all those injuries. Seems too injury prone.

I'd be looking elsewhere now and forget about Lawes until he is back fit and forcing everyone to notice him again.

Launchbury, Matthews, Slater, Kitchener, Parling, Attwood, Robson, Garvey...etc we should be able to get a decent SR combo.

gowales wrote:Anyone reckon Wood could be an option at 8? He isn't the biggest guy, but neither are Harinordoquy or Read.

Northampton have plenty of options at 6/7, i'd like to see him play there.

Not sure he'd really suit 8 to be honest gowales. Unlike Morgan, Waldrom and Crane who all make barnstorming runs off the back of scrums, Wood is less of a carrier but more of a 'disorganiser' type player, disrupting rucks and mauls, and providing gritty and grunt work. His carrying is good, but more so in open play I think, where he can use his speed and long stride. Harinordoquy and Read are both freaks to be honest- they're not the biggest as you say, but are the perfect balance between athleticism and power, able to generate powerful runs off the back of the scrum.

I'd much rather have Wood on one of the flanks, and retain Morgan at 8, or wait to see how Crane goes after coming back from his injury.

Think you're right about Lawes GF. He really has to prove that he can stay fit, while keeping up with the demands of the physcial modern game. Currently, he's proving to be more of a liability.

There's lots of locks coming through as you mention. Launchberry could be absolute quality, and will hopefully have filled out a little bit more this off season. Same with Matthews at Quins. Kitchener had a good tour I thought, and impressed in the midweek games. Slater could do with another full season before making the step up, but is growing into the enforcer-type role, and is impressing with every outing.

Garvey should already be in the EPS in my opinion to be honest, in place of Botha.

If Lawes is out for the AI's will Deacon be called in? Is he even fit yet for Leicester? If not who's next, Robson? Saints preserve us!

He was apparently physically fit for the end of last season. There was just no matches for him to play in to get his match sharpness back. He said at a supporters evening that if the season had been a month longer he would have made the final. Just hope that is factual and no the Harry Ellis style optimism (Harry Ellis being similar to Monty Python's Black Knight).

Slater could do with another full season before making the step up,

He was injured for the end of last season so he should be back but not heard any updates on him yet. I suspect we'll find out when the friendly minus the EPS players against Jersey takes place this weekend.

Hadn't heard any news on Slater Sam, thanks for the info. Where would he be in the second row pecking order for Tigers, do you think?

Well I expect he'd be back up to Deacon as I think Cockers learnt from the error at Ulster of playing two athletic locks (Parling and Mafi on that occasion). Slater would provide the beef if Deacon is unavailable with Kitchener covering Parling. That said who takes the bench spot will be a tough call as Slater can cover in the backrow so a specialist 7 could be named on the bench (Cockers likes doing that), however Kitchener is better in the lineout and Cockers does have a hard on for the lineout.

4.Deacon, Slater, Andrew
5.Parling, Kitchener, Mafi

Might change round a bit though, will have to see once the season starts as currently Tigers have got good strength in depth. Until the injury jinx kicks in of course.

Nice one Sam, I agree with that pretty much. Mafi and Parling was a real meltdown, and you're right- I think he's learned his lesson on that count.

Not really surprised by Lawes. When I first saw him playing I was blown away by his physicality. His body position in the tackle especially was brilliant. But I think the reason most six and a half footers don't play like him is that it will inevitably lead to injuries. Especially the joints. The extra leverage he gets puts so much strain on the body and something will eventually give.
I think he'll need to be a bit cannier around the park if he wants to prolong his career. As it is he seems to want to cut guys in half every time he makes a tackle and with his height and (relatively) slim build he will suffer if he doesn't tweak his game.

bluestonevedder wrote:Nice one Sam, I agree with that pretty much. Mafi and Parling was a real meltdown, and you're right- I think he's learned his lesson on that count.

It's a pity Lancaster hasn't though! It's lightweight locks all the way for him and Rowntree it would seem.

It's a pity Lancaster hasn't though! It's lightweight locks all the way for him and Rowntree it would seem

To be fair to Lancaster Kitchener and Palmer aren't that lightweight for lineout style locks. Robson should be able to be more physical than he is and Botha is a unit just a slightly one dimensional one. Lancaster did include Launchbury as well but injury halted his chances on the tour to SA.

I wouldn't be suprise to see Deacon and Attwood return to the squad sooner rather than later either.

Possibly so Sam, I would only add to my previous comment that not many others have really been hammering on the door as far as a no.4 goes. Other than the perennial issue of Garvey not many others have stepped in.

Plamer, Parling and Launchbury I rate as locks go but it's the balance for me which is missing. As you say Botha is a unit, but does not and has not ever really played like one bar some super tackles.

It's the balance of carriers that's the problem for me and that is only further underlined by having Robson in the Saxons and Dowson in the EPS. Even though a case can be made for them, they don't offer the balance to the pack that's required.

Also playing Myall in the Saxons at the start of the year?? I know Slater had a run in the dire Scotland game, but Myall?!

There's a lot of talk about young Matthews at Quins as well, but last time I saw him he looked like another lightweight lineout operator to me.

Yeah I agree Chjw. We need a big old grunt merchant there to make the hard yards and get stuck into the tight work. We've got good carries further out but when it comes to attacking the fringes and defending the fringes as well, we aren't that great.

I wonder if we'll see Lancaster try to shove Jordan Crane into the second row again. Personally I think he is a much better 8 and lacks the height to settle into the second row but Lancaster trialed it at Saxons level previously and might see it as a short term stop gap until a big lock makes a name for himself.

It is nice that Tom Wood will be fit enough for the start of the season. But i do think it is too early for any one to be saying that he will make the England team for the start of the Ais.

Englands problems over the past years have been with rushing players back into international duty with out giveing them a chance to get realy match fit. Think of Danny Cipriani, Johnny Wilkinson, to name just two players.

Let him have a good season back with saints before even thinkng about playing for England.

Possibly so, Wiki shows Crane at 6'3 which I assume is roughly accurate? I think it's a possibility certainly but Attwood etc would seem to me a more likely choice. It's certainly an area that needs to be addressed. Palmer looked pretty good in T3 against SA but he's just inconsistent at times and would be better paired with someone like Garvey for me.

Unless Lancs proves us all to be fools and selects Easter in the second row which is where Quins will be moving him to shortly....

Although there has been a lot of speculation about such a move thats not was CoS said about 2 weeks ago.

majesticimperialman wrote:It is nice that Tom Wood will be fit enough for the start of the season. But i do think it is too early for any one to be saying that he will make the England team for the start of the Ais.

Englands problems over the past years have been with rushing players back into international duty with out giveing them a chance to get realy match fit. Think of Danny Cipriani, Johnny Wilkinson, to name just two players.

Let him have a good season back with saints before even thinkng about playing for England.

I take your point on JW and Youngs is another example majestic, but there's not a snowball's chance in hell that Lancaster won't pick Wood for a full season if he's fit and playing for Saints and frankly nor should he.

For a kick off Lancaster retained Wood in the EPS ahead of players such as Haskell and he was nailed on as Captain prior to his injury last 6N. Further, our first AI match is on 10th November which'll give Wood nearly two months of rugby prior to that game. That is more than enough for him to get match fit and aware.

He's also got 9 Caps for England so far and knows the test arena well, so it's not as if he'll be dropping in fresh. There's no reason if he's fit that he shouldn't make the bench. The alternative would be Dowson or Waldrom...

logansrun38 wrote:Although there has been a lot of speculation about such a move thats not was CoS said about 2 weeks ago.

Ah I see, how long can he stay at 8 though? He must be getting even slower?

I think a move to lock would be good, especially as Quins have Guest and Clifford waiting in the wings (not literally of course) but as long as he keeps playing as well as he is, Quins won't move him.

Chjw

I realy do not think that Easter (Nick Easter) that is will ever play for England again to be honest.

I agree majestic, it was a bit tongue in cheek.

Start with

6-Croft
7-Robshaw
8-Morgan

20-Wood

to get him back in the mix

For the moment CJ stick with Haskell on the bench if he's pulling up trees for Wasps. Let Wood get back to things.

The back row will be interesting to watch this season.

Fearns - can he regain his sale form and fitness
Morgan - How will his fitness go.
Crane - How will he be on his return from injury
Wood - How quick will he get back to form...will he have any setbacks as Lawes has.
Haskell - Will he be what everyone hopes he can be.
Robshaw - Will he continue his move to becoming a top level 7.
Waldrom - Will he still be in the mix (i hope not)
Kvesic - Will he continue his improvement
Wallace - Can he make the next step...
Gibson - Can he continue his improvement
Clark - Hated, but he is that confrontational aggressive player that England could need....with out the dirtyness. But can a leopard change his spots?

Lets hope also that Launchbury continues his imporvement - at second row please. We need the real Attwood back...can gold get the out of him.

Haskell's not in the EPS though if Wood is fit

But changes can be made to it...

Yeah, but he already actively didn't have Haskell in his squad rightly or wrongly!

Well wrongly in my opinion (but thats another story)

Im a massive Wood fan...i think he could be similar to Englands Juan Smith...something i dont say lightly at all......I just dont want to see him being rushed back if hes not 100% fit...or not on form...when we have players like haskell etc who are very capable internationals who can play in ther meantime...

Its happened too many times recently most noteably Ben Youngs...

Yeah I'd love to see a final backrow mix of

Haskell
Croft
Robshaw
Wood
Morgan
Another (maybe Kvesic, too soon to tell

That gives us options for different matches and back up players and captains. Maybe Steffon Armitage in there if he comes back to us

That would be a good mix CJ...if all on form and fit...very strong indeed.

Maybe Armitages time has gone. Think Robshaw is first choice 7, and they'll be looking to bring through one of the kids...

I know i keep mentioning Fearns....but he could be the dark horse if he gets some serious fitness and regains his Sale form....hes a big unit and good all round...

See if Gold can get him fit

Do you think Kvesic could make his mark at 7 this season for Wuss...

If he starts there

Start with

6-Croft
7-Robshaw
8-Morgan

20-Wood

to get him back in the mix

That would normally be my choice CJ but with Croft's injury he might not have a lot of rugby under his belt prior to the AIs. Croft was a stand out in the 6N but I'd probably move him to the bench from the second test onwards and release him back to Tigers for the first test (if Cockers agrees to play him) just to make sure he's up to speed. If Wood has had two months of rugby prior to the AIs he should be in good enough shape to start.

Do you think Kvesic could make his mark at 7 this season for Wuss...

He played well whenever he took to the field last season. I think Wuss are just slowly integrating him into the first team which should be better for him long term. Certainly helps that there is good competition there from Abbott.

="GeordieFalcon"

Im a massive Wood fan...

Pffffthtchttt snigger, fnar fnar etc

Always bringing the tone down Carpe. The real question is is he more of a fan in the morning or later into the night....

formerly known as Sam wrote:

Start with

6-Croft
7-Robshaw
8-Morgan

20-Wood

to get him back in the mix

That would normally be my choice CJ but with Croft's injury he might not have a lot of rugby under his belt prior to the AIs. Croft was a stand out in the 6N but I'd probably move him to the bench from the second test onwards and release him back to Tigers for the first test (if Cockers agrees to play him) just to make sure he's up to speed. If Wood has had two months of rugby prior to the AIs he should be in good enough shape to start.

Do you think Kvesic could make his mark at 7 this season for Wuss...

He played well whenever he took to the field last season. I think Wuss are just slowly integrating him into the first team which should be better for him long term. Certainly helps that there is good competition there from Abbott.

Wood, Robshaw, Morgan would be a good mix to start with too. Slightly less pace and a different dynamic but even better in the Breakdown and the tight

When i typed that i knew it was wrong

CJ

As long as Morgan is in the game for the 80 mins - his carrying is essential if we go with that back row as the others are more the grafters, breakdown and set piece guys. He has a habit of dissappearing. Again i hope thats just his fitness which will surely be addressed....

Falcon - Morgan's disappearances were are probably down to the fact that realistically that was his first season as first choice for a club, so he is pretty green still. I think given the summer to gather his thoughts, and a season in the Jeff (more pack mentality) then he should have come on leaps and bounds by this time next season.

Yeah i think so Scarlet...he's still young and learning.

Looking forward to seeing wallace get more game time for Quins, he could have a big future for club and country if he can get plenty of game time. His support game, running and distribution is far better then most 7's out there at the moment.