Your England team for Le Crunch

The game dubbed "Le Crunch" as it was often the winner takes all clash in the Six Nations will round off this years tournament. Although not winner takes all, England will go into the match with a shot at the title.

This match could be seen as crunch time for Lancaster's nearly men of the last 4 years. But who does he pick to try to win England's fifth Six Nations Championship?

Does he stick with the guys who have got him to the final day party? Does he load the bench with attacking flair in case Wales or Ireland score big early in the day? Does he look towards the World Cup and bring in any new faces? Or does he go with someone completely left field like Armitage or Burgess?

For me, he has to stick largely with the same team and trust them to finish the job. However, Youngs, Parling and Wood all showed up well off the bench against Scotland and in the latter two cases have more recent experience and are more likely to make the World Cup squad, so I'd consider a triple change in the forwards, however with the same 13 involved in the match day squad.

In the backs Burrell is on the shakiest ground, although with no decent replacement is likely to get the nod to continue. It's the bench that interest me most here. Wigglesworth is probably fine to stay, although I would only use him if Youngs is having a shocker or the trophy is in the bag.

But it's always puzzled me as to why we have a 10 and a 10/12 on the bench. Cipriani should have come on for Ford against Ireland and Twelvetrees should have come on for Burrell against Scotland. Neither starter was having a good game and that Lancaster didn't replace them shows he doesn't have all that much faith in either replacement. Neither make the World Cup for me, so I would drop them both.

I'd have World Cup hopeful Slade in the 22 shirt as he can cover 10, 12 and 13 and can therefore come on in a wider variety of situations.

That leaves back three cover in the 23 shirt. May coming on as the game breaks up would be some prospect to have, but the devil in me would be tempted by Christian Wade. Not the finished article, but if England are chasing tries in the last 15 I can't think of anyone else I'd rather have sitting on the bench.

So two call ups for me and three changes to the starting line up.

I think i would only make 1 change to the starting 15. and that is Eastmond for Burrell.

It would be nice to have Johnny May, Christian Wade in the team some where.

Wood in for Haskell possibly, to help with the lineout which hasn't been as strong as it was in the Autumn. Otherwise I'd leave it the same. Plenty of faults with yesterday's performance but no clear way of solving them just by changing a few players. Burrell wasn't great and our defensive line looked dodgy on repeat phases. The obvious replacement therefore would be Barritt but he's injured. I'd go with the same team and back them to finish their chances this time.

They might as well give Ciprianis place to Slade or a tin of custard. Lancaster obviously hasnt forgiven him for not butchering a try scoring opportunity. 

Haskell/Wood and the 12/22 shirt are the only likely changes. Possibly Youngs starting ahead of Hartley although that flip flop has happened so many times its getting ridiculous now.

I agree with the OP with regard to the backs on the bench.

1.Marler
2.Hartley
3.Cole
4.Atwood
5.Lawes
6.Haskell
7.Robshaw
8.Vunipola

9.Youngs
10.Ford

11.Nowell
12.Burrell
13.Joseph
14.Watson
15.Brown

16.Youngs - With Hartley of his best he could be pressing the starting XV
17.M Vunipola
18.Brookes
19.Parling
20.Wood
21.Wigglesworth
22.Slade
23.Wade

If Cipriani isn't going to be trusted on the pitch I'd rather Slade's versatility so we have the option of giving Wade a chance from the bench. I rate Cipriani more highly as a 10 currently but if he isn't going to get on the pitch it's a wasted place with a RWC looming.

Burrell, and to an extent Haskell, haven't really convinced consistently but with no-one throwing their hands up have done enough to keep their places.

robbo wrote: But it's always puzzled me as to why we have a 10 and a 10/12 on the bench. Cipriani should have come on for Ford against Ireland and Twelvetrees should have come on for Burrell against Scotland. Neither starter was having a good game and that Lancaster didn't replace them shows he doesn't have all that much faith in either replacement. Neither make the World Cup for me, so I would drop them both.

Ford was one if the better players vs Ireland. He was about the only back to offer a threat ball in hand against that rush I rush defence. The issues are that we had very little tactical options outside of him and we got taken to the cleaners by the I rush kicking game.

The issues aren't that the team in itself isn't working. The issues are the set up and response. We react slowly as we are often too flat and so any inaccuracy is always a turnover and breaks are often unsupported.

Having said that I'd still being in Youngs at 2. Hartley looks like he's been neutered and our scrum seems to work when Youngs comes on. To late in the day to be parachuting in Slade etc. The team has worked it just needs tuning.

T Young's- Hartley since his therapy has lost his mojo
Wood- we need to improve the lineout
Eastmond- burrell has been unimpressive
Parling- Attwood has been quiet and parling for leadersip and lineout

Bench
Brooke's
Hartley
Vunipola
Attwood
Haskell
Care
Cipriani
Burrell

If Wales and Ireland both lose this may be a winner takes all game.

1 Marler
2 Youngs
3 Cole
4 Parling
5 Lawes
6 Wood
7 Robshaw
8 Billy V

9 Youngs
10 Ford
11 Nowell
12 Twelvetrees (Cant believe im saying that)
13 Joseph
14 Watson
15 Brown

1)Hartley has been a shadow of himself. Youngs has been very prominent so give him the shirt. See if he can perform as explosively from the start.

2)Ive been one of the Attwood supporters but Its time to admit the guy just doesn't use his size and power as he should. Parling offers more. Oh for Launchbury or Slater to be fit.

3) There was huge vocal support for Haskell starting due to his big carrying potential. Sadly we've seen none of it, and without that Wood offers so much more. Indeed Haskells days in the England squad maybe nearing an end. This may be a big call but I think if we want a carrying 6 then Billy Vunipola switching may be a better option than him if Morgan was back at 8.

4)And the other spot is 12. Why oh why is this spot such a pain. Burrell has done nothing to nail that spot...and with Barrit out, "the new messiah" Slade totally unproven especially for a 6n finale, Eastmond v Basteraud likely to bring out cold sweats.....we have to go with......Twelvetrees.

maestegmafia wrote:If Wales and Ireland both lose this may be a winner takes all game.

Highly unlikely to happen....

For me four starters need to be seriously looked at:
Hartley - His lineout has stuttered - and too many good attacking positions squandered in the tournament. However for me he stays, just.
Attwood - has been pretty quiet after a promising start against Wales. However Parling is only recently back from a series of missed matches and is a great option to bring on.
Haskell - has gotten quieter and quieter as the season has progressed. Wood's workrate and lineout wins over for me.
Burrell - plays 12 for Saints, but seems rushed there for England - while he has missed a lot of tackles. I would seriously consider dropping him from the squad entirely - but who to bring in for a final game. 36 and Slade are the guys who have been training permanently with the squad for the last few weeks, whiel Eastmond has missed a lot of England sessions with various niggles. I do not think Burrell is tha answer at 12 for the RWC, however if we consider thsi a one off must win test I keep him in.

So I go with:

Marler, Hartley, Cole, Attwood, Lawes, Wood, Robshaw, BillyV
Youngs, Ford, Nowell, Burell, joseph, Watson, Brown.

As to the replacements, the 5 forwards are the same as yesterday except Haskjell drops down, so:

Youngs, MakoV, Brookes, Parling, Haskell.

I would completely change the backs however.

Ford has just 6 starts for England and needs to play every single minute between now and RWC to build up his gametime. Cipriani is a telented player - but in those circumstances he will only come on at 10 if Ford is injured.
Why waste two players to really cover just 10 and 10/12. So if 36 does not replace Burrell he drops out for me. We need some real pace to bring on later in the game and perhaps make a real difference.
Finally SH. I felt that all the fluency left our game when Wiggy came on. He is a fine SH - but a solid one. good choice to close out tight games - but if it is tight we need to be looking for points to boost the PD.

So my backs bench would be:

Care (or simpson), Slade, May

Second lace in every 6 Nations.  Couldn't even stumble on a title by accident.  UFB.

Could we make sure Matt Kvesics in there please as I really really want a "proper" 7...

A proper 7? You mean one who wins turnovers, hits every ruck, tackles everything that moves, and puts in try scoring passes to his fly half? Where would we find one of those ...

I'm not sure where to go with the team this week, part of me wants to keep it the same and just have the coaches smash it into their heads the need for accuracy and core skills, part of me wants to make changes at the usual positions.

I'd go for

Marler, Hartley, Cole, Lawes, Attwood, Haskell, Robshaw, Vunipola, Youngs, Ford, Nowell, Slade, Joseph, Watson, Brown

Youngs, M Vunipola, Brookes, Parling, Wood, Care, Twelvetrees, May/Wade

But I can't see Slade being thrown in or Burrell being cast out completely. I also would like to have the option of May/Wade bringing on their sheer pace if we need points in the last 20, but again I just can't see it.

Attwood is on his last chance IMO, Launchbury will be back for the summer warm ups, and if we're lucky, Slater might well be too

Haskell keeps his place as I reckon the big French pack is more suited to his game than the more mobile Scots

I haven't seen Care play recently, but surely he can't be that bad at the moment that he's not even worthy of a bench place

As an aside, I was really pleased for Jack Nowell

Looked very quick, attacked the line well and I'm sure I saw him run over a Scottish defender at one point, no idea who it was. He took his try well and was strong in defence and under the high ball

I'm a fan of May, but if Nowell keeps up that performance level its tough to see him dislodging either Nowell or Watson. I'd definitely have him on the bench though

GeordieFalcon wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:If Wales and Ireland both lose this may be a winner takes all game.

Highly unlikely to happen....

It still wouldn't be winner takes all as France would need overcome England's superior points difference (not just win).

Could make a fantastic tussle though if France had to really go at England (and not just try and spoil the party).

BamBam wrote:As an aside, I was really pleased for Jack Nowell

Looked very quick, attacked the line well and I'm sure I saw him run over a Scottish defender at one point, no idea who it was. He took his try well and was strong in defence and under the high ball

I'm a fan of May, but if Nowell keeps up that performance level its tough to see him dislodging either Nowell or Watson. I'd definitely have him on the bench though

Agree he was very good. Hopefully Catt spends this week going through the importance of holding the ball in two hands and looking for support runners with him though (and all the other backs!).

Would Kvesic be a case of picking a player by type to " do a job" rather than on quality and form?

[quote="yappysnap"]

BamBam wrote:As an aside, I was really pleased for Jack Nowell

Looked very quick, attacked the line well and I'm sure I saw him run over a Scottish defender at one point, no idea who it was. He took his try well and was strong in defence and under the high ball

The moment when Nowell caught the ball near the touchline, steadied himself and leant into the onrushing tackler (sitting him on his behind) was good to see.

Nowell is enthusiastic, make yards, is strong and seems to be developing a good eye for the tryline. Like Brown, he's also slippery and difficult to take down.

I think we've got a bit of a special player here.

im less excited about the amount of running from deep Nowell did than others, at the end of the day for all those metres made he did very little to actually generate points on the board with the amount of possession and space he was give, not to mention half arsed tackling. 
The English backs as a whole had pretty much free run of the park on the day, as did Ireland against Wales...but both teams failed to rack up anything like the points youd expect if running the ball was the be all and end all of effective rugby. England also managed a huge amount of yardage in the loss to Ireland, and France a large amount for a modest return against Italy. France also outran the opposition in their losses to Ireland and Wales. 
Hoofing the ball back from your own 22 to the half way line and skinning a couple of fatties on the way looks good but actually doesnt achieve that much unless youre backing it up with good play in all other aspects. 
Nowell is getting talked about as the new jason robinson or chuck Norris off the back of this game where he was still making the same old errors, and getting himself isolated. I guess pretty much the  same as Ford who did lots running and pacing at pace but also made a number of fluffs and is still a pretty unreliable goal kicker (a real theme in this tournament)

I wouldnt be amazed to see Lancaster switch back to a more pragmatic percentages side for the world  cup,although these guys have a chance to force the issue by racking up a cricket score against france. If they can turn the meters ran into points (including cutting out the fumbles)  then there isnt really an argument, Nowell and Ford are top dogs. If they continue to charge around looking flashy and manage to end up losing to come 4th then Farrell at least will no doubt get his job back.

From a Scottish perspective I was delighted to note that Jack Nowell after making several searing breaks showed that he either couldn't / wouldn't give a pass/ look for a supporting player. If Yohan Huget or Noa Nakaitaci had been on the wings then England would have scored a bucket load of tries.
We were a shambles defensively for three quarters of the match and routinely lost the collisions giving Ford quick ball to tear us apart.
Will France be so obliging? Having watched how their pack bullied the Italians on Sunday I am not so sure.

Gooseberry wrote:Nowell is getting talked about as the new jason robinson or chuck Norris

No he isn't. He's an exciting prospect but still raw and needs to add composure to his skill set (most of the England backs do). It's not just an individual issue though. We still need much more continuity which is why I wouldn't want any changes in the starting backs.

sensisball wrote:From a Scottish perspective I was delighted to note that Jack Nowell after making several searing breaks showed that he either couldn't / wouldn't give a pass/ look for a supporting player. If Yohan Huget or Noa Nakaitaci had been on the wings then England would have scored a bucket load of tries.
We were a shambles defensively for three quarters of the match and routinely lost the collisions giving Ford quick ball to tear us apart.
Will France be so obliging? Having watched how their pack bullied the Italians on Sunday I am not so sure.

I agree. He butchered one clear chance when not looking for support and failed to change his pace at numerous other times to find support. I personally don't feel he is quick enough for an international wing and he is not yet big enough to be used as a battering ram for a wing either. He was certainly one of the better backs, but he was no more than average. He did take his try well though.

I am completely bias though, as I'd want Jonny May there

If Nowell had just a little bit more pace we'd be looking at an incredible international wing prospect. Maybe in the long term he'll take over from Mike Brown at 15. He matches him for pace and has a similar strength under the high ball and one-on-one against defenders. Looks more suited to 15 than Watson I'd say.

He definitely seems to have this thing with shifting his weight in the tackle like Brown does.

I have very much seen him as Brown mk II. He is a very visible player, could easily become another totem for England the way Brown is now.

Will Exeter move him to 13 permanently though?

10 Slade
12 Hill
13 Nowell

Is a cracking midfield.

Yeh true, though I'd be surprised if he's a 13 for England any time soon. Not because he couldn't do it, just because we've plenty of others there.

Exeter have signed Michele Campagnaro, who looked an excellent 13 last year and is only in his early 20s too

That would indicate that they see Nowell playing in the back 3 going forward ..

If hes owned by england  then what with the world cup and  all he wont be playing for them that much in any position

Can't see Lancaster making changes at this stage of the tournament. I would echo the calls for Christian Wade replacing Jack Nowell, but other than that I would trust the players who have taken England this far.

I'd have Kruis on the bench ahead of Parling though. I don't see what Kruis did wrong to be dropped.

BamBam wrote:Exeter have signed Michele Campagnaro, who looked an excellent 13 last year and is only in his early 20s too

That would indicate that they see Nowell playing in the back 3 going forward ..

Good point. I'd forgotten that. They're losing Vainikolo from the wing aren't they?

funnyExiledScot wrote:Can't see Lancaster making changes at this stage of the tournament. I would echo the calls for Christian Wade replacing Jack Nowell, but other than that I would trust the players who have taken England this far.

I'd have Kruis on the bench ahead of Parling though. I don't see what Kruis did wrong to be dropped.

Parling did look good coming off the bench though

I think the French match will be tougher than the Scottish match, as France will be fired-up against England.  Now is not the time to experiment, so I would more or less keep the same team and squad.  So still starting with Attwood/Hartley/Haskell may make more sense (I know France have a big bench) but substituting if they are not effective.  Since the main problem was lack of composure perhaps more match time together would help.

Only thought maybe whether Eastmond or Slade could replace Twelvetrees to give a bit more splice to the mid-field if England needed more points.  However having said that, I think the Scottish game would have been the ideal opportunity.

lostinwales wrote:

funnyExiledScot wrote:Can't see Lancaster making changes at this stage of the tournament. I would echo the calls for Christian Wade replacing Jack Nowell, but other than that I would trust the players who have taken England this far.

I'd have Kruis on the bench ahead of Parling though. I don't see what Kruis did wrong to be dropped.

Parling did look good coming off the bench though

He did, although by the time he came on the game was done. I just think Kruis did well, and didn't deserve to be dropped. Nothing against Parling at all.

funnyExiledScot wrote:

lostinwales wrote:

funnyExiledScot wrote:Can't see Lancaster making changes at this stage of the tournament. I would echo the calls for Christian Wade replacing Jack Nowell, but other than that I would trust the players who have taken England this far.

I'd have Kruis on the bench ahead of Parling though. I don't see what Kruis did wrong to be dropped.

Parling did look good coming off the bench though

He did, although by the time he came on the game was done. I just think Kruis did well, and didn't deserve to be dropped. Nothing against Parling at all.

Not sure I agree with Nowell being dropped, even for Wade. He had an electrifying game even though he messed up a couple of facets. He created opportunities, which is what us as England fans have been screaming for for about 4 years, and now there's talk of dropping him?! 

He's such an industrious player, and I was glad to see him cross the line for a try. He really deserved it- likewise Ford. Nowell looks faster and certainly stronger than the player he was last year. He's not the biggest winger, by god I reckon he's a menace to play against. 

Parling did look good off the bench. Oddly it was his carrying that caught myeye rather than his line out work, which I'm sure is what he was brought into the team to sure-up. I do feel tremendously sorry for Kruis. He certainly did nothing wrong, and the only reason I can think of for him being dropped is that there are 2 world class players coming back from injury and vying for his position, in Lawes and Launchbury. 

I'm not sure I'm sold on Attwood at this level to be honest. He looks the part of an international lock, and physically he should be bullying the opposition. But often  he looks tired and uninterested. Maybe I'm the only one, but I was hoping to see more from him.

The other aspect of bringing on Parling is possibly to help out Tom Youngs when he comes on. Gives him a regular target. (Tom Young's throwing wasn't great, but Nowell did help to make the overthrow look good.)

I'm not sure I'm sold on Attwood at this level to be honest. He looks the part of an international lock, and physically he should be bullying the opposition. But often he looks tired and uninterested. Maybe I'm the only one, but I was hoping to see more from him.

I agree Eddie. I have been one of those pushing for his inclusion...but I to have to admit that he just cant use his size and power as he should. He should be a huge enforcer but just doesn't do it.

If everyone gets fit...there are players ruling themselves out of the World Cup squad with some of their recent performances.

Attwood
Haskell
Burrell

GeordieFalcon wrote:

I'm not sure I'm sold on Attwood at this level to be honest. He looks the part of an international lock, and physically he should be bullying the opposition. But often  he looks tired and uninterested. Maybe I'm the only one, but I was hoping to see more from him.

I agree Eddie. I have been one of those pushing for his inclusion...but I to have to admit that he just cant use his size and power as he should. He should be a huge enforcer but just doesn't do it.

If everyone gets fit...there are players ruling themselves out of the World Cup squad with some of their recent performances.

Attwood
Haskell
Burrell

Glad I'm not the only one GF! 

He's had a prime opportunity to put a case forward for the 5 shirt and he just hasn't taken advantage if it. I think what's kept him in the team is the fact that he's so different from the other available locks- he bulkier, heavier, makes more hard yards. If someone who plays a similar game (like Slater) was fit, I don't think we'd be seeing as much of Attwood in the starting team.

I'm hoping Slater gets a run before the world cup starts, does anyone know when he's due back?

I agree,...if slater hadn't have got injured he would be starting now in Attwoods place.

MInd with Itoje and Dom Barrow...we still have a couple of monsters coming through.

Look how good Ford is and that just proves the point that being brave with some selections may pay off. Burrell has not excelled so give Slade a chance. I would also have Wade over Nowell. I appreciate he has been lauded for a good alround performance and for creating so many opportunities, but he is not a natural finisher and for that Wade should come in.

Wade is not as suited to the left wing though. His natural step is off his left foot so he's much better on the right where that takes him outside the defender.

Not sure if that applies to Watson though.

For me there are a couple of different issues.

Hartley hasn't had a good tournament and had a poor game against Scotland. Youngs looked lively around the park and even shored up the set piece, which is his perceived weakness. He should definitely start.

Marler, Cole, Attwood and Haskell all looked a little tired against Scotland, a way down from the levels they hit against Wales. All four were replaced and all four subs looked more energetic when they came on.

In the case of the props, they are the experienced guys and have been consistent for England for a long time. They should stay.

In the case of Attwood and Haskell, the experienced guys are on the bench. We know they can do it, they're hungry for it and they should get the nod. Then we will have a fired up Attwood and Haskell coming off the bench around the 60 minute mark to combat France's big bench.

Kruis was unlucky to be dropped, but international selection can be harsh. There are just better options than him, and I think the same is true for Attwood and Haskell, so out they come. Neither will be in the squad when Launchbury and Morgan are fit anyway.

hugehandoff wrote:Look how good Ford is and that just proves the point that being brave with some selections may pay off. Burrell has not excelled so give Slade a chance. I would also have Wade over Nowell. I appreciate he has been lauded for a good alround performance and for creating so many opportunities, but he is not a natural finisher and for that Wade should come in.  

Burrell is a lucky, lucky man. I just don't think he's a natural rugby player. His size serves him well in the AP, but he's caught short on the international scene. I would love to see Slade before the WC

why not start with Wade and Cipriani to see what they're really made of? if the incumbents like Ford get injured prior the world cup it will be too late to give decent game time to them as pre world cup friendlies are not exactly the same.

Don't know why Jamie George is not even on the radar at hooker. It's not as if the hookers are lining up behind Hartley and Youngs......


Agree with those who think Attwood,Hartley,Haskell and Burrell should be dropped.

I criticised Nowell last year but in this match vs Scotland he was dangerous with ball in hand when he could keep hold of it. Also he scored a try! One of the liveliest England backs though like the others needs to work on his execution and efficiency.

Beshocked - Even as a big fan of Cowan-Dickie it was extremely harsh for him to be selected ahead of George for the Saxons. However Lancaster only seems to want 2 hookers in each senior squad. With Hartley/Youngs his clear choices for the EPS and Webber performing well for England over the last year, although terribly for Bath currently, it only really leaves 1 space open for grabs.

I agree with thomh that I think Nowell will end up a better full back than wing. I just don't think he has the pace required to be a top class International wing. However his strength in defence, ability to stay on his feet and beat the first man in contact and improving solidity under the high ball could make him a brilliant replacement for Brown.

Nowell did alright, he's strong in the tackle but isn't pacey enough for me. Strangely, I think he would've been perfect for the first two games and May would've exploited the space better in the recent couple.

Still, no major complaints. Would start the same XV, not sure about the bench yet.

Would like to see May back in the team.

Is it me or are there a lot of players falling over these days. Are the studs not long enough? Is it because the playing surface is artificial? I know Mike Brown ran with one boot on and one boot off.

But what other reason is there?

One thing that does stand out to me is how little Cole achieved in the game, his stats make grim reading. In 70 mins of rugby he managed 1 pass, 1 run for zero meters, 6 tackles and 2 missed tackles.

As a professional player that is a really worrying performance. I know his first job is scrummaging but this week and last we've been only good at best in that particular area. In the game there were 4 scrums, we won 3 and lost 1. So it's hardly a massive part of his job, likewise mauls, there were 6 in the game but we did win all of those at least.

It's little details like this that are holding England back, certain forwards need to up their work rate, need to be more involved around the park and offer more then just the very basics of their role.