England Vs. Scotland 16H00 2/2/13 6N build up and Match thread

[RuggerRadge2611]

First topic message reminder :

Well I'll extend a warm welcome to our English cousins in our build up and match thread.

Let’s set the standard for these threads by not WUMing and having a good banter and an insightful discussion

The summer of 2012 was a loving affair as Scots were cheering on Ennis, Farrah and Wiggins. Whilst the English were cheering on the likes of Hoy, Murray and Grainger. All that is now a distant memory as the oldest fixture in rugby is set to be a highlight of the opening weekend.

So where are we? England coming in fresh of a stunning victory against the seemingly invincible All Blacks, whereas Scotland are coming into the match after a dire run of matches that saw Robinson fall on his sword.

Last year Lancaster's England was the unknown element and tipped to be defeated by Scotland who wanted vengeance for their 2011 RWC loss. The at Murrayfield game took an unexpected turn as Scotland butchered chance after chance and charge down Charlie showed us why Parks should have stayed in retirement.

Fast forward 1 year and it's a role reversal. Scotland with a new coach and a new attitude of Play well 1st, win games 2nd. I for one have no idea what to expect from Scotland in this tournament.

England though have set their stall out in the Autumn a convincing win against NZ but the quietly forgotten loss to the underwhelming Wallabies the week before swept, discreetly under the carpet.

No doubt England will be going in confident and the Scots will be... well going in with not many expectations at all.

Scotland have named Kelly Brown as captain and it's a well-earned accolade. The Sarries blindisde has been in excellent form all year and is the best choice for the job.

England are still sweating over the Tuilagi injury and despite saying there will be no special treatment it seems he is getting every opportunity to become match fit...




England Squad



15. Alex Goode (Saracens, 6 caps)
14. Chris Ashton (Saracens, 29 caps)
13. Brad Barritt (Saracens, 11 caps)
12. Billy Twelvetrees (Gloucester Rugby, 0 caps)
11. Mike Brown (Harlequins, 11 caps)
10. Owen Farrell (Saracens, 12 caps)
9. Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 28 caps)

1. Joe Marler (Harlequins, 5 caps)
2. Tom Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 4 cap)
3. Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 35 caps)
4. Joe Launchbury (London Wasps, 4 caps)
5. Geoff Parling (Leicester Tigers, 12 caps)
6. Tom Wood (Northampton Saints, 13 caps)
7. Chris Robshaw (Harlequins, capt, 12 caps)
8. Ben Morgan (Gloucester Rugby, 9 caps)

Replacements
16. Dylan Hartley (London Irish, 42 caps)
17. David Wilson (Bath Rugby, 22 caps)
18. Mako Vunipola (Saracens, 4 caps)
19. Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints, 15 caps)
20. James Haskell (London Wasps, 45 caps)
21. Danny Care (Harlequins, 37 caps)
22. Toby Flood (Leicester Tigers, 53 caps)
23. David Strettle (London Irish, 12 caps)



Scotland



15 Stuart Hogg (Glasgow Warriors)
14 Sean Maitland (Glasgow Warriors)
13 Sean Lamont (Glasgow Warriors)
12 Matt Scott (Edinburgh Rugby)
11 Tim Visser (Edinburgh Rugby)
10 Ruaridh Jackson (Glasgow Warriors)
9 Greig Laidlaw (Edinburgh Rugby) [VC]

1 Ryan Grant (Glasgow Warriors) [VC]
2 Dougie Hall (Glasgow Warriors)
3 Euan Murray (Worcester Warriors)
4 Richie Gray (Sale Sharks)
5 Jim Hamilton (Gloucester Rugby)
6 Alasdair Strokosch (Perpignan)
7 Kelly Brown (Saracens) [C]
8 Johnnie Beattie (Montpellier)

Substitutes:
16 Ross Ford (Edinburgh Rugby)
17 Moray Low (Glasgow Warriors)
18 Geoff Cross (Edinburgh Rugby)
19 Alastair Kellock (Glasgow Warriors)
20 David Denton (Edinburgh Rugby)
21 Henry Pyrgos (Glasgow Warriors)
22 Duncan Weir (Glasgow Warriors)
23 Max Evans (Castres)

[Glas a du]

You haven't read the Irish article then?

[Imperialbigdave]

Get John Welsh in the A squad with a view to bringing him back for the 3rd game. Moray Low has had his arse handed to him enough times this season in his favoured position, he is not adequate cover in a position he doesnt even play.

Surprised to see Weir over Heathcote given his recent performances.

other than that, meh...

[123456789]

I'm looking forward to Strettle against Maitland or Visser, that will be fun, England's injuries have levelled things up a bit:

Front row: Murray and Grant are good scrummagers but England have the upper hand at hooker, I'm hoping for a psyched up Ross Ford to come on and have a stormer
Second-Row: I think Scotland have the upper hand
Backrow: It's very close neither have outright sevens so there'll be a lot of tackling
Half-backs: England
Centres: England
Back three: Scotland

[ChequeredJersey]

Strettle won't start, numbers

[123456789]

Strettle won't start, numbers

Don't say that, trust me he's really good have you ever seen his finishing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28ctfUDXfMs go to 6:01

[ChequeredJersey]

Ooh, bringing up a touchy subject!

[123456789]

No he's really good trust me, have you not personally seen Quins regress since his departure. I'm sure that you are well aware that if he'd played in the final last year it would have been a thirty point win

[EnglishReign]

To think we started Dickson in that Wales game, only a year ago.

[Alex_Germany]

Seems like the squad is out:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/21226139

Assuming Wood, Robshaw and Morgan start as backrow, does this mean Haskell coming on for 30 minutes at Number 8?

Wood and Robshaw are machines - never tiring. And if Parling makes way for Lawes, then Wood has to stay on for his line out contribution, so that means Haskell at No 8?

Strettle will be the back 5 replacement. I guess with Brown able to play 15, and Strettle able to play OC, and 36 (and Flood) able to play IC, that covers injuries there.

[beshocked]

I'm looking forward to Strettle against Maitland or Visser, that will be fun, England's injuries have levelled things up a bit:

Front row: Murray and Grant are good scrummagers but England have the upper hand at hooker, I'm hoping for a psyched up Ross Ford to come on and have a stormer
Second-Row: I think Scotland have the upper hand
Backrow: It's very close neither have outright sevens so there'll be a lot of tackling
Half-backs: England
Centres: England
Back three: Scotland

I think you overestimate quite a few Scottish players. Especially the back three.

Psyched up Ford? According to most Edinburgh fans he's been in shocking form for them.

2nd row is difficult to call. Will Richie Gray put his Sale form to the side? I would say there are about par

Backrow - advantage England, Scotland have picked in my opinion their most in form and best 6 at 7. A position where he has barely played and has not done well. Robshaw plays pretty much every week as the 7 for Quins and unsurprisingly he's done quite well in that position! If Strokosch brings his AI form to the game they'll be a lot of missed tackles.

Halfbacks - quite clearly England

Centres - again obviously England

Back three - England again. Visser has shown he can score tries but he can't tackle. Ashton outshone him in their two encounters in the HC. Whoever starts at FB for England is better than Hogg. England have strength in depth at full back and all are class. Maitland is unproven at international level.

I seriously can't understand how anyone would think the Scottish back three is better to be honest.

[RuggerRadge2611]

To be fair Foden looked pretty ordinary against Hogg in both Northampton vs Glasgow games. Maitland I would wager is better than strettle and Ashton did come up looking better in the 2 HC games.

Ashton barely did anything againt Edinburgh and still walked away with 3 tries (thats a compliment by the way). I cant remember Visser getting the ball once in the HC encounters.

[AlastairW]

... Is it Saturday yet?

[RuggerRadge2611]

Another important factor for this weekend.

Alain Roland...

"You know somethin' fella', I'm the most important person on the pitch. I'll make sure you remember it!"

<Sigh>

[Alex_Germany]

Another important factor for this weekend.

Alain Roland...

"You know somethin' fella', I'm the most important person on the pitch. I'll make sure you remember it!"

<Sigh>

A "French" referee then might be OK.

[Duty281]

Another important factor for this weekend.

Alain Roland...

"You know somethin' fella', I'm the most important person on the pitch. I'll make sure you remember it!"

<Sigh>

A "French" referee then might be OK.

At least this is the only game he's reffing at this year's Six Nations!

[bluestonevedder]

If England play:

10. Flood
12. Farrell
13. Barritt

I will drive over my own hands.

We have far better options, and that combo has been tried and tested. It doesn't work. We have such creative players in Brown and Goode (and 36), we need to get them into the game.

Also, if Flood is ever anywhere near the 12 shirt again, I will pour lemon juice in my eyes.

[George Carlin]

Blue - I thought that it had been announced: 9. Youngs 10. Farrell 12. 36 13. Barritt?

[Kingshu]

How come Dentons in the bench, he was great last 6 nations, possible lions tourist, and I though he had been doing ok, in a poor Edinburgh team?

Has his form dropped that much, though I understand Beattie has been back on form for Montpellier

is Barclay injuried or whys he not in the squad.

I though the killer B's were going to be around as a partnership for years, but it says a lot about Scotland strenght in that area, that Strokosch has pushed his way in over the last few years, as well as Denton.

Look at odds for this game, England heavy odds on favourites, but Scotland while I don't think will win, I do think they have a better chance than thier odds suggest and would be worth a (small) bet.

[lostinwales]

From reading here Barclay is injured and Denton off form. The Scots are also missing Rennie - probably when on form the best of the bunch.

[bluestonevedder]

Blue - I thought that it had been announced: 9. Youngs 10. Farrell 12. 36 13. Barritt?

I didn't think the formal announcement was until tomorrow Carlin? All we know is matchday 23, but not the starting 15...?

[RDW]

I'm not worried about Richie Gray's Sale form one bit - he had one of his best games in a Scotland shirt against NZ recently on the back of a woeful run with Sale.

Plus he’s got the Lions carrot at the end of the stick – I think he’s going to have a storming 6N.

[bluestonevedder]

How come Dentons in the bench, he was great last 6 nations, possible lions tourist, and I though he had been doing ok, in a poor Edinburgh team?

Has his form dropped that much, though I understand Beattie has been back on form for Montpellier

is Barclay injuried or whys he not in the squad.

I though the killer B's were going to be around as a partnership for years, but it says a lot about Scotland strenght in that area, that Strokosch has pushed his way in over the last few years, as well as Denton.

Look at odds for this game, England heavy odds on favourites, but Scotland while I don't think will win, I do think they have a better chance than thier odds suggest and would be worth a (small) bet.

Completely agree. I reckon England are going to be shocked at the physciality. Should be a cracking game!

[gregortree]

Richie Gray is class, I'm sure he will be a highly motivated handful for (I'm english) England.

[RuggerRadge2611]

Denton should be starting at the weekend, he isn't.

The one positive is he is going to come off the bench like a mad man and will hopefully do some damage.

[RDW]

Agreed – the general consensus is Denton should be starting over ‘I talk like a tough man but actually miss a lot of tackles’ Strokosh.

The last time Denton was relegated to the bench was against NZ – and he came off the bench, had a storming game and literally ran over Richie McCaw! Here’s hoping he does the same.

[Rinsure]

We don't know the England XV yet, but as I see it there's only a question mark at hooker, and the rest writes itself now we know the centre issue is sorted. I don't think there's any need to fear the physicality of the Scots, we're more than equipped to deal with them (IMHO!).

Denton should be starting at the weekend, he isn't.
The one positive is he is going to come off the bench like a mad man and will hopefully do some damage.

Assuming our (Eng) back row is Robshaw, Wood and Morgan, then I would contend that Haskell coming off the bench offers us a similar dynamism. I'm reasonably confident - looking forward to seeing Maitland play mind you, and the second row contest between Gray and Launchbury could be epic.

Weather forecast looks hopeful too. In that it looks like nice weather!

[bluestonevedder]

We don't know the England XV yet, but as I see it there's only a question mark at hooker, and the rest writes itself now we know the centre issue is sorted. I don't think there's any need to fear the physicality of the Scots, we're more than equipped to deal with them (IMHO!).

Denton should be starting at the weekend, he isn't.
The one positive is he is going to come off the bench like a mad man and will hopefully do some damage.

Assuming our (Eng) back row is Robshaw, Wood and Morgan, then I would contend that Haskell coming off the bench offers us a similar dynamism. I'm reasonably confident - looking forward to seeing Maitland play mind you, and the second row contest between Gray and Launchbury could be epic.

Weather forecast looks hopeful too. In that it looks like nice weather!

But we don't know the centre combination do we? Have I just missed something? In my mind, there are still 3 possible combinations that could be selected, but only 1 that is any good!

[bluestonevedder]

We don't know the England XV yet, but as I see it there's only a question mark at hooker, and the rest writes itself now we know the centre issue is sorted. I don't think there's any need to fear the physicality of the Scots, we're more than equipped to deal with them (IMHO!).

Denton should be starting at the weekend, he isn't.
The one positive is he is going to come off the bench like a mad man and will hopefully do some damage.

Assuming our (Eng) back row is Robshaw, Wood and Morgan, then I would contend that Haskell coming off the bench offers us a similar dynamism. I'm reasonably confident - looking forward to seeing Maitland play mind you, and the second row contest between Gray and Launchbury could be epic.

Weather forecast looks hopeful too. In that it looks like nice weather!

But we don't know the centre combination do we? Have I just missed something? In my mind, there are still 3 possible combinations that could be selected, but only 1 that is any good!

Never mind, turns out the backline has basically been settled!

Here for others to read if they haven't: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/england/9835694/Six-Nations-2013-Billy-Twelvetrees-handed-England-debut-by-Stuart-Lanacaster-in-opener-against-Scotland.html

[RuggerRadge2611]

So the battle lines are drawn....

[Omelette]

I agree Eddie, if you look at it, hasn't Farrell played the most at 13 at club level this season out of the squad??

Hope this doesn't happen but it could... Please let it be 36 and barritt. Incidentally lots of people think barritt at 12 and 36 at 13. I think with 36's boot and distribution, he has to play inside.

I just can't see what Strettle adds over Foden either??

Rinsure,

I was wrong about the centre partnership before the 23 was announced ( I thought barritt and JJ) but I think Hartley is a shoe in for starting hooker (leadership, experience, more reliable line out).

Xx

[beshocked]

To be fair Foden looked pretty ordinary against Hogg in both Northampton vs Glasgow games. Maitland I would wager is better than strettle and Ashton did come up looking better in the 2 HC games.

Ashton barely did anything againt Edinburgh and still walked away with 3 tries (thats a compliment by the way). I cant remember Visser getting the ball once in the HC encounters.

It's likely to be Goode vs Hogg and Brown vs Maitland. I fancy the two English lads to come out on top.


Ashton in the 2nd encounter touched the ball twice and scored two tries so yes you are indeed correct.

Visser is a good attacking player but I don't think Edinburgh have been using him well enough.

[Rinsure]

But we don't know the centre combination do we? Have I just missed something? In my mind, there are still 3 possible combinations that could be selected, but only 1 that is any good!

Never mind, turns out the backline has basically been settled!

Ah, but is it the one you thought was the only good one? Not bad in my eyes, not bad.

[bluestonevedder]

I agree Eddie, if you look at it, hasn't Farrell played the most at 13 at club level this season out of the squad??

Hope this doesn't happen but it could... Please let it be 36 and barritt. Incidentally lots of people think barritt at 12 and 36 at 13. I think with 36's boot and distribution, he has to play inside.

I just can't see what Strettle adds over Foden either??

Rinsure,

I was wrong about the centre partnership before the 23 was announced ( I thought barritt and JJ) but I think Hartley is a shoe in for starting hooker (leadership, experience, more reliable line out).

Xx

Think you might be as happy as me Omlette- it's 36 at 12 and Barritt shifted to 13 apparently! Somehow Cleary got the inside scoop.

With 36 tried at 12, it looks like SL is very much looking at a 12. 36 13. Manu partnership for the future.

Agree about Strettle- he has a hell of a lot to prove. Still not sure he's a bench player- start or nothing for me.

[bluestonevedder]

But we don't know the centre combination do we? Have I just missed something? In my mind, there are still 3 possible combinations that could be selected, but only 1 that is any good!

Never mind, turns out the backline has basically been settled!

Ah, but is it the one you thought was the only good one? Not bad in my eyes, not bad.

Yeh, it is Rinsure!

I'm just glad that Flood nor Farreell are near the 12 shirt to be honest

[Rinsure]

I was wrong about the centre partnership before the 23 was announced ( I thought barritt and JJ) but I think Hartley is a shoe in for starting hooker (leadership, experience, more reliable line out).

I think hooker is more open - Youngs paid his dues in the AIs, and was obviously part of the team that beat New Zealand. I think he offers more in the loose than Hartley's shown recently, and doesn't have Hartley's somewhat chequered history either. Point taken about experience and leadership, though.

I'd go for Youngs, but won't be unhappy either way. To be fair, I reckon they're both better than their Scottish counterparts...

[Rinsure]

Agree about Strettle- he has a hell of a lot to prove. Still not sure he's a bench player- start or nothing for me.

Nothing for me. I just don't think he brings anything to the party.

Still a bit bemused about his inclusion at all, tbh.

[Alex_Germany]

From the DT article:

He [36]will line up inside Saracens’ Brad Barritt, who moves across to the No 13 shirt

I'd have expected Barritt at 12 and 36 at 13. I suppose JJ at 13 would have been a straight swap.

Does Barritt have the pace for 13? It's ironic that for the last decade (since Greenwood) England has been short of really good inside centres, and now we have an IC playing OC?

England head coach Stuart Lancaster did have the option of starting with Toby Flood at fly-half and pairing Farrell with Barritt in the centre, a combination that did well on their respective debuts 12 months ago

Well - they didn't let much through, but were hardly threatening.

If we do get to see 36 at 12 and Manu at 13, that will be some line threat.

[Alex_Germany]

I think hooker is more open - Youngs paid his dues in the AIs, and was obviously part of the team that beat New Zealand. I think he offers more in the loose than Hartley's shown recently, and doesn't have Hartley's somewhat chequered history either. Point taken about experience and leadership, though.

I'd go for Youngs, but won't be unhappy either way. To be fair, I reckon they're both better than their Scottish counterparts...

Richie Gray (about 3-4 inches taller than everyone else) does make line out throwing rather awkward. That might be a case for Hartley.

[Rinsure]

Richie Gray (about 3-4 inches taller than everyone else) does make line out throwing rather awkward. That might be a case for Hartley.

Fair point, but we should have the lineout options to get around that. Does he normally stand at 2 on the opposition throw?

Not sure of the stats to back it up, but I think Young's lineout throwing isn't that bad - it got some bad press on the back of a couple of poor showings, and the mud stuck. Someone can probably validate that (or otherwise). I think having Parling helps Youngs, so that might be in his favour.

[Bathman_in_London]

I'm looking forward to seeing how 36 goes at 12, I'm slightly concerned about Barritt at 13, that and Brown on the wing would limit our attacking ability I think (although I do rate Brown, would just prefer him at 15). Alex Goode is only just coming back from injury too.

[bluestonevedder]

I'm looking forward to seeing how 36 goes at 12, I'm slightly concerned about Barritt at 13, that and Brown on the wing would limit our attacking ability I think (although I do rate Brown, would just prefer him at 15). Alex Goode is only just coming back from injury too.

Part of me was hoping for Brown at fullback and Foden on the wing, to give Goode more chance to return from his injury. Brown is just too good to leave out at the moment in my opinion. He was excellent against NZ, and that was out of position. He's such a threat with ball in hand.

To be honest, i'm just glad he's in the starting 15. As long as he has improved his defence position and support line running as a winger!

[Guest]

So we'll have probably start with only 1 real winger and no real outside centre?

You've got to feel for Mike Catt - he'll need to be good to craft a real attacking threat from that.

[NeilyBroon]

its okay we have Shlong at outside centre, so that makes two of us!

[RuggerRadge2611]

A look at some of the Forward matchups...

J Marler vs. His Holiness Rev Murray
It has to be said Murray will fancy his chances against Marler it'll be a titanic clash on this side, with Murray possibly just being the better scrummager.
Advantage Scotland

D Cole vs. R Grant
Does Dan Cole still have his beard? If so when Grant and him come together on Saturday they'll look like a couple of members of ZZ top. What advantage Scotland might have on Murray's side might just be negated by Cole on the other side of the Scrum. IMO one of the best Tightheads England has produced for years. Ryan Grant is still a relative Noob in terms of International experience but dealt well with Du Plesis and Franks in the AIs. Have to give the advantage to Cole though.
Advantage England

J Launchbury & G Parling vs. R Gray & J Hamilton
A couple of sky scrapers in each team then. Both teams going with a dynamic young lock and a grizzled veteran. Can't call this one. Way too close for me... Both sets of locks are excellent players and will both add to the game in differant ways. Gray & Launchbury's mobility and carrying abilities and the gritty breakdown work of Parling and Hamilton will make sure the breakdown is a mess for both teams.
Evens

T Wood, C Robshaw & B Morgan Vs. A Strokosch, K Brown & J Beattie jnr.
Had I seen the backrow of Brown at 6, Denton at 7 and Beattie at 8 I would have given this to Scotland, as it stands with Kelly Brown out of position, up against one of my Favourite England players (Robshaw) I reckon this one has to go for England. Wood brings more than Strokosch and Robshaw's familiarity with the 7 role will give him an advantage. Only Beattie I think is better than his opposite man.
Advantage England

Some fairy can look at the backs matchups. I have embarrased myself enough by commenting on affairs regarding the metrosexuals.....

[Omelette]

Well Eddie, i havent really seen enough of Gloucester to know how Manu and 36 would go together, apparently Barritt runs the D, Manu doesnt seem that vocal on the pitch. Is 36 up to taking over from Barritt in that respect, or does someone else run it at Gloucester? Until that day comes, i think Barritt is the first name on the teamsheet in the backs. In lancasters eyes anyway.

Rinsure,
I agree about Youngs, i think he did very little wrong and a lot right in the autumn, but with Marler probably starting in the absence of Corbs, i think Hartley is a shoe in with his experience. Agreed, both are better than their opposite number.

Alex,
I think we have struggled for both centres since the heady days of greenwood. Playing two twelves just showes that we are still struggling for stand out international performers. Has centre become the hardest position to play these day? Players need to be as good as backrows in the breakdown and the tackle and yet still have the hands, brain and feet they always used to. tough position in the modern game.

xx

[gregortree]

but good post Radge. As Morgan & big Jim are Glos boys, this has extra resonance for me.

[Bathman_in_London]

I'm looking forward to seeing how 36 goes at 12, I'm slightly concerned about Barritt at 13, that and Brown on the wing would limit our attacking ability I think (although I do rate Brown, would just prefer him at 15). Alex Goode is only just coming back from injury too.

Part of me was hoping for Brown at fullback and Foden on the wing, to give Goode more chance to return from his injury. Brown is just too good to leave out at the moment in my opinion. He was excellent against NZ, and that was out of position. He's such a threat with ball in hand.

To be honest, i'm just glad he's in the starting 15. As long as he has improved his defence position and support line running as a winger!

We can only hope so!

Normally I would agree, but it seems to me that calcutta cup matches are normally forwards dominated tight affairs, so I can see the merit in having 2 fullbacks and a solid midfield as opposed to a lightweight more attacking backline. It will be interesting to see who steps up to the plate in terms of being the backline ball carrier in Manu's absence.

[beshocked]

A look at some of the Forward matchups...

J Marler vs. His Holiness Rev Murray
It has to be said Murray will fancy his chances against Marler it'll be a titanic clash on this side, with Murray possibly just being the better scrummager.
Advantage Scotland

D Cole vs. R Grant
Does Dan Cole still have his beard? If so when Grant and him come together on Saturday they'll look like a couple of members of ZZ top. What advantage Scotland might have on Murray's side might just be negated by Cole on the other side of the Scrum. IMO one of the best Tightheads England has produced for years. Ryan Grant is still a relative Noob in terms of International experience but dealt well with Du Plesis and Franks in the AIs. Have to give the advantage to Cole though.
Advantage England

J Launchbury & G Parling vs. R Gray & J Hamilton
A couple of sky scrapers in each team then. Both teams going with a dynamic young lock and a grizzled veteran. Can't call this one. Way too close for me... Both sets of locks are excellent players and will both add to the game in differant ways. Gray & Launchbury's mobility and carrying abilities and the gritty breakdown work of Parling and Hamilton will make sure the breakdown is a mess for both teams.
Evens

T Wood, C Robshaw & B Morgan Vs. A Strokosch, K Brown & J Beattie jnr.
Had I seen the backrow of Brown at 6, Denton at 7 and Beattie at 8 I would have given this to Scotland, as it stands with Kelly Brown out of position, up against one of my Favourite England players (Robshaw) I reckon this one has to go for England. Wood brings more than Strokosch and Robshaw's familiarity with the 7 role will give him an advantage. Only Beattie I think is better than his opposite man.
Advantage England

Some fairy can look at the backs matchups. I have embarrased myself enough by commenting on affairs regarding the metrosexuals.....

Agree with that. Though you missed out hookers.

[RuggerRadge2611]

They don't really do much though...

Dougie Halls throwing has seemed ok for Glasgow, I haven't really seen enough of Youngs to comment on him. I would have put it down as evens had my hand been forced. They don't exactly hook in the scrums, they just exchange kisses with one another while the loosies and tighties have a wrestle. Gone are the days when they actually had to hook the ball.

Jeez did I just have a Brian Moore rant?

[Omelette]

I agree with Bathman and Eddie as well, with Barritt at 13 i think the pace of foden was needed on the wing with brown at FB (i also dont think the 'second playmaker' of goode is needed with 36 at 12, i would have left goode on the bench after his injury).

I hope this doesnt mean he is going to pick strettle on the wing and bench one of goode and brown...

xx

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