England v France, 15 August

by **George Carlin** Thu 13 Aug 2015, 12:22 pm

First topic message reminder :

ENGLAND v FRANCE
15 August 2015
KO: 20:00 local
Twickenham, London

Live on telly

Referee: John Lacey (Ireland)
Assistant Referees: George Clancy (Ireland) & Leighton Hodges (Wales)
Television match official: Simon McDowell (Ireland)

A. Head to Head

99 Played 99
54 Won 38
7 Drawn 7
38 Lost 54
1,553 Points 1,230

B. Recent Form

21 March 2015
Twickenham, London
55 – 35 to England

1 February 2014
Stade de France, Saint-Denis
26 – 24 to France

23 February 2013
Twickenham, London
23 – 13 to England

11 March 2012
Stade de France, Saint-Denis
22 – 24 to England

8 October 2011
Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand
19 – 12 to France

C. Teams

ENGLAND
England v France, 15 August - Page 6 Emilia10

England v France, 15 August - Page 6 Emilia10

Alex Goode; Anthony Watson, Henry Slade, Sam Burgess, Jonny May; Owen Farrell, Richard Wigglesworth; Mako Vunipola, Rob Webber, Kieran Brookes, George Kruis, Geoff Parling, Tom Wood, Calum Clark, Ben Morgan

Replacements: Luke Cowan-Dickie, Alex Corbisiero, David Wilson, Dave Attwood, James Haskell, Danny Care, Danny Cipriani, Billy Twelvetrees

FRANCE
England v France, 15 August - Page 6 Nora_a10

England v France, 15 August - Page 6 Nora_a10

Scott Spedding; Sofiane Guitoune, Remi Lamerat, Alexandre Dumoulin, Brice Dulin; Francois Trinh-Duc, Morgan Parra; Louis Picamoles, Fulgence Ouedraogo, Yannick Nyanga; Yoann Maestri, Alexandre Flanquart; Nicolas Mas, Dimitri Szarzewski, Vincent Debaty

Replacements: Guilhem Guirado, Xavier Chiocci, Uini Atonio, Sebastien Vahaamahina, Loann Goujon, Rory Kockott, Remi Tales, Gael Fickou

by **LondonTiger** Mon 17 Aug 2015, 2:42 pm

majesticimperialman wrote:
I do think LCD should be given a second chance maybe on the bench.

So which of T.Youngs or George does not get a go?

by **LondonTiger** Mon 17 Aug 2015, 2:49 pm

Quick question.

If Jonny May had been at best average, how fast would Beshocked have been on here to say "I told you so?" ?

by thomh Mon 17 Aug 2015, 2:50 pm

majesticimperialman wrote:This week we played a second string xv against France's almost first team.

What i would like to see this is our first choice players getting a run out with the likes of Wood, Haskell, Farrell, Goode, given a rest this week. Danny Care to start scrum half Ben Youngs on the bench ( give them 40 minutes each) George Ford at 10 Cipriani on the bench.

One of either Slade or Burgess on the bench to cover centre spot.

Billy V to start at eight Morgan on the bench he ( morgan )needs the game time.

I do think LCD should be given a second chance maybe on the bench.

That is what i would like too see. But then i guess that Lancaster knows the players better than i do.

If wood and Haskell both get a rest then there's no-one to play 6.

There is only one more game before the squad is selected so I can't see how they can give LCD another shot. George is still uncapped and Webber playing himself into some form after a poor 2015 so far, let alone Youngs, our first choice, needing a game. Lancaster won't gamble with the set piece so LCD will have to wait unfortunately. Given that concerns over Burgess" lineout have partly led to him being shifted to centre, I can't see Lancaster being happy to take a potentially dodgy thrower.

by thomh Mon 17 Aug 2015, 2:50 pm

LondonTiger wrote:Quick question.

If Jonny May had been at best average, how fast would Beshocked have been on here to say "I told you so?" ?

I haven't seen any similar comments about Goode in fairness.

by **LondonTiger** Mon 17 Aug 2015, 2:52 pm

I praised Goode, but then I have not been one of his knockers either.

by thomh Mon 17 Aug 2015, 2:54 pm

LondonTiger wrote:I praised Goode, but then I have not been one of his knockers either.

No I mean I haven't seen Beshocked coming on here saying "I told you so" about Goode playing well.

by R!skysports Mon 17 Aug 2015, 2:55 pm

No 7&1/2 wrote:On the Clark yellow i've got to say it's about time this was penalised and I remember someone posting a month or so ago that it would be now but I have 2 questions. Has anyone told the players and commentators as they all seemed genuinely shocked both sky and BBC didn't mention it when it happens. The 2nd is it's obviously not going to be consistent, after about 78 min that same clear out it used on Clark this time and doesn't get pinged.

Yes, it was a clear notice given that this would be looked at and not tolerated before the warms ups started

"layers and commentators as they all seemed genuinely shocked both sky and BBC didn't mention it when it happen"

No surprise that they tend to forget the laws when it suites them -

by **LondonTiger** Mon 17 Aug 2015, 2:59 pm

thomh wrote:
LondonTiger wrote:I praised Goode, but then I have not been one of his knockers either.

No I mean I haven't seen Beshocked coming on here saying "I told you so" about Goode playing well.

his only comment since the game was about Goode though.

by thomh Mon 17 Aug 2015, 3:00 pm

by Jimpy Mon 17 Aug 2015, 3:01 pm

thomh wrote:
LondonTiger wrote:I praised Goode, but then I have not been one of his knockers either.

No I mean I haven't seen Beshocked coming on here saying "I told you so" about Goode playing well.

To be fair, earlier in this thread he said that Goode's pace wasn't the best, and that perhaps he should work with Margot Wells....

Laugh? I nearly shat.

by **LondonTiger** Mon 17 Aug 2015, 3:02 pm

Riskysports wrote:
No 7&1/2 wrote:On the Clark yellow i've got to say it's about time this was penalised and I remember someone posting a month or so ago that it would be now but I have 2 questions. Has anyone told the players and commentators as they all seemed genuinely shocked both sky and BBC didn't mention it when it happens. The 2nd is it's obviously not going to be consistent, after about 78 min that same clear out it used on Clark this time and doesn't get pinged.

Yes, it was a clear notice given that this would be looked at and not tolerated before the warms ups started

"layers and commentators as they all seemed genuinely shocked both sky and BBC didn't mention it when it happen"

No surprise that they tend to forget the laws when it suites them -

As do the refs it seems. There were several occurrences similar to that across all the games at the weekend, and only once was it penalised. so well done to Lacey for applying the law and keeping to the new directives. boo to him and the other refs for ignoring it other than on that occasion.

by beshocked Mon 17 Aug 2015, 3:07 pm

Londontiger Credit where credit's due - well done May but equally one swallow does not make a summer.

The same should be said of Goode too.

Hopefully they can continue to play well.

It's a warm up - it's nice to see the backs put in good shifts but it wasn't a first choice French backline.

It's a relief though because Goode and May were likely to be in the 31 anyway.

Clark hasn't convinced me yet though.

by Barney McGrew did it Mon 17 Aug 2015, 3:21 pm

Slade already looks comfortable and classy at centre - not many English centres we can say that of. So he should go.

I've heard it said Sam 'did enough'. He did. As a 6. As a centre he was average (altho he's in good company there). The better centres will turn him inside out though. In fact they did, on Saturday. It took May's pace to spare his blushes.

by Barney McGrew did it Mon 17 Aug 2015, 3:27 pm

majesticimperialman wrote:

I do think LCD should be given a second chance maybe on the bench.

I wouldn't give him a second chance on my garden bench. The guy was a horror show.

As for Lacey, turns out you can punch a players lights out - provided the ball's in touch.

by Sgt_Pooly Mon 17 Aug 2015, 3:41 pm

LCD destroyed any chance of a spot in his disastrous cameo. I knew his throwing was poor but I didn't think he'd be so bad.

George needs game time and experience. He's the clear 3rd choice by default and needs to be exposed.

by Jimpy Mon 17 Aug 2015, 4:07 pm

Barney McGrew did it wrote:
majesticimperialman wrote:

I do think LCD should be given a second chance maybe on the bench.

I wouldn't give him a second chance on my garden bench. The guy was a horror show.

As for Lacey, turns out you can punch a players lights out - provided the ball's in touch.

Typical garbage Pro 12 refereeing.

by Geordie Mon 17 Aug 2015, 4:16 pm

majesticimperialman wrote:This week we played a second string xv against France's almost first team.

What i would like to see this is our first choice players getting a run out with the likes of Wood, Haskell, Farrell, Goode, given a rest this week. Danny Care to start scrum half Ben Youngs on the bench ( give them 40 minutes each) George Ford at 10 Cipriani on the bench.

One of either Slade or Burgess on the bench to cover centre spot.

Billy V to start at eight Morgan on the bench he ( morgan )needs the game time.

I do think LCD should be given a second chance maybe on the bench.

That is what i would like too see. But then i guess that Lancaster knows the players better than i do.

Well that's both your 6's so who plays at blindside?

by thomh Mon 17 Aug 2015, 4:17 pm

6. Vunipola
7. Robshaw
8. Easter

I don't think so either.

by GunsGerms Mon 17 Aug 2015, 4:20 pm

Jimpy wrote:
Barney McGrew did it wrote:
majesticimperialman wrote:

I do think LCD should be given a second chance maybe on the bench.

I wouldn't give him a second chance on my garden bench. The guy was a horror show.

As for Lacey, turns out you can punch a players lights out - provided the ball's in touch.

Typical garbage Pro 12 refereeing.

Count your lucky stars you never have to endure Wayne Barnes. Every cloud has a silver lining.

by thomh Mon 17 Aug 2015, 4:24 pm

We get him frequently in the Premiership. I think he's very good.

by WELL-PAST-IT Mon 17 Aug 2015, 4:25 pm

thomh wrote:6. ~~Vunipola~~ Burgess
7. Robshaw
8. ~~Easter~~ Vunipola

I don't think so either.

If LCD plays it won't make any difference who is in the lineout, so Burgess can be picked there.

Scenario, Burgess is picked on the bench against Uruguay, two back rowers get hurt, leaving a lock to play 6 or does he bring on Burgess and forget the lineout problem?

by Geordie Mon 17 Aug 2015, 4:34 pm

To be fair...how hard is it for a 6 to learn the lineout....you get launched in the air by two props...reach and grab the ball....

by thomh Mon 17 Aug 2015, 4:34 pm

Well hopefully by then we'll have secured top spot anyway. I'd say that he must be having a hard enough time with his decision making as it it, without changing him from a back to a forward again mid-tournament. Would mess about with his instincts.

by Gwlad Mon 17 Aug 2015, 4:42 pm

Will Calum Clark get binned after his latest little indiscretion?

by thomh Mon 17 Aug 2015, 4:45 pm

After but not necessarily because of. Clark was badly up against it to secure a place anyway with three very experienced flankers ahead of him. Wood didn't play very well but Clark would have had to do something quite special I think.

by king_carlos Mon 17 Aug 2015, 5:21 pm

thomh wrote:6. Vunipola
7. Robshaw
8. Easter

I don't think so either.

I'd be pretty surprised if Easter gets any gametime in the warm-ups unless there's an injury. Given the reliance on Morgan or Billy for go forward at 8 they will want to give both as much game time as possible - especially Morgan. Plus with the decision still to be made on Kruis or Attwood I can't see them sacrificing second row game time either.

I reckon selection for this week should show us what the thought process is on the centres. Barritt/Burrell will surely start with Joseph at 13 and Ford back at 10. If Slade is front runner covering centre and fly half then I would expect him to be on the bench probably in the 22 shirt.

Which leaves room for another centre on the bench. If they are still considering Burgess then he could get the nod there. However if both Burrell and Barritt are still ahead of him then I expect Lancaster will prioritise them getting game time and have whichever of them doesn't start on the bench with Slade.

Similarly with the second rows. Lawes and Launchbury will start but whoever gets the bench spot out of Kruis and Attwood will clearly have the inside line on taking the 4th lock spot in the squad.

by Gwlad Mon 17 Aug 2015, 5:25 pm

thomh wrote:After but not necessarily because of. Clark was badly up against it to secure a place anyway with three very experienced flankers ahead of him. Wood didn't play very well but Clark would have had to do something quite special I think.

Sadly every mis step he makes will be taken in the context of the arm snapping incident.

What about Haskell, that guy is a mystery. One game he plays out of his skin then the next he is average to bad and makes huge errors. Seems to me to be someone who likes to attract personal attention to himself at every opportunity and therefore not very Lancaster-friendly.

Wood has gone massively off the boil from being FEC a few years back.

I suppose the first choice back row is Wood robshaw morgan is it?

by Sgt_Pooly Mon 17 Aug 2015, 5:27 pm

I'd imagine:

6. Haskell/Wood
7. Robshaw
8. Vuinipola

6 is very close.

by Poorfour Mon 17 Aug 2015, 5:53 pm

king_carlos wrote:
thomh wrote:6. Vunipola
7. Robshaw
8. Easter

I don't think so either.
I'd be pretty surprised if Easter gets any gametime in the warm-ups unless there's an injury. Given the reliance on Morgan or Billy for go forward at 8 they will want to give both as much game time as possible - especially Morgan. Plus with the decision still to be made on Kruis or Attwood I can't see them sacrificing second row game time either.

I'm fairly certain that Lancaster has said that everyone still in the squad will get some gametime. That said, for the last few slots he's looking at players covering multiple positions, so I think Easter may get a run out as a replacement lock rather than at 8, much as Cipriani was tried at 15.

by majesticimperialman Mon 17 Aug 2015, 6:12 pm

Sgt_Pooly wrote:I'd imagine:

6. Haskell/Wood
7. Robshaw
8. Vuinipola

6 is very close.

I think Wood is naled on at 6 to be honest. Haskell for the bench.

by Poorfour Mon 17 Aug 2015, 6:57 pm

majesticimperialman wrote:
Sgt_Pooly wrote:I'd imagine:

6. Haskell/Wood
7. Robshaw
8. Vuinipola

6 is very close.

I think Wood is naled on at 6 to be honest. Haskell for the bench.

Not sure about that, especially after last weekend. Lancaster has shown a willingness to drop Wood if his form slips, and I think Haskell had a much better game.

by Geordie Mon 17 Aug 2015, 7:03 pm

Gwlad wrote:
thomh wrote:After but not necessarily because of. Clark was badly up against it to secure a place anyway with three very experienced flankers ahead of him. Wood didn't play very well but Clark would have had to do something quite special I think.

Sadly every mis step he makes will be taken in the context of the arm snapping incident.

What about Haskell, that guy is a mystery. One game he plays out of his skin then the next he is average to bad and makes huge errors. Seems to me to be someone who likes to attract personal attention to himself at every opportunity and therefore not very Lancaster-friendly.

Wood has gone massively off the boil from being FEC a few years back.

I suppose the first choice back row is Wood robshaw morgan is it?

I think the personal attention thing is a bit of a myth to be honest.

However I agree about his inconsistency. If he played to his best on a consistent basis, he "might" have been one the players of his generation...he is a very powerful player....sadly he just seems incapable of doing that every game whilst with England.

by Geordie Mon 17 Aug 2015, 7:06 pm

Poorfour wrote:
majesticimperialman wrote:
Sgt_Pooly wrote:I'd imagine:

6. Haskell/Wood
7. Robshaw
8. Vuinipola

6 is very close.

I think Wood is naled on at 6 to be honest. Haskell for the bench.

Not sure about that, especially after last weekend. Lancaster has shown a willingness to drop Wood if his form slips, and I think Haskell had a much better game.

I agree and I don't think we've really seen the best of Wood for some time now. Another reason I would have had a look at Burgess at 6 in the warm ups. Focus on Lawes, Launchbury and Robshaw in the lineout.

by BigTrevsbigmac Mon 17 Aug 2015, 7:08 pm

majesticimperialman wrote:
Sgt_Pooly wrote:I'd imagine:

6. Haskell/Wood
7. Robshaw
8. Vuinipola

6 is very close.

I think Wood is naled on at 6 to be honest. Haskell for the bench.

I think your right although Haskell would be my first choice, however, he (Haskell)would also make the better sub covering the back row. We don't want to see Wood playing at 8 again. He is looking a bit lightweight even for a 6 compared to others.

by king_carlos Mon 17 Aug 2015, 7:08 pm

Poorfour wrote:
king_carlos wrote:
thomh wrote:6. Vunipola
7. Robshaw
8. Easter

I don't think so either.
I'd be pretty surprised if Easter gets any gametime in the warm-ups unless there's an injury. Given the reliance on Morgan or Billy for go forward at 8 they will want to give both as much game time as possible - especially Morgan. Plus with the decision still to be made on Kruis or Attwood I can't see them sacrificing second row game time either.

I'm fairly certain that Lancaster has said that everyone still in the squad will get some gametime. That said, for the last few slots he's looking at players covering multiple positions, so I think Easter may get a run out as a replacement lock rather than at 8, much as Cipriani was tried at 15.

If so I would wager that Kruis is front runner by a distance to claim the 4th lock spot then. Attwood and Easter will both have had limited game time of the bench as opposed to a full 80 for Kruis.

Similarly if he is planning on giving everyone game time in these two warm-up games before picking the final squad then Burgess won't realistically be getting another shot from the bench as all three of Barritt, Burrell and Joseph need game time still.

by Geordie Mon 17 Aug 2015, 7:35 pm

So who will run out this weekend?

by king_carlos Mon 17 Aug 2015, 8:08 pm

GeordieFalcon wrote:So who will run out this weekend?

If Lancaster has said that everyone remaining in the squad will get game time before the 31 is chosen then it narrows selection down a bit. Also assuming that our first choice players will get game time:

1.Marler
2.Youngs
3.Cole/Wilson
4.Launchbury
5.Lawes
6.Haskell
7.Robshaw
8.Vunipolo

9.Youngs
10.Ford

11.Nowell
12.Barritt/Burrell
13.Jospeh
14.Watson/May
15.Brown

16.George
17.Mako/Corbs
18.Wilson/Cole
19.Easter
20.Morgan
21.Wigglesworth
22.Slade
23.Burrell/Barritt

Given Wilson was injured for the back end of the season they may want him starting and hold Cole back on the bench. With Brookes injured they may want another look at Corbs from the bench rather than Mako.

If all players are getting game time then I guess Easter will get the lock spot on the bench as Poorfour said given how much Morgan needs game time. Which would mean that a decision has pretty much already been made between Kruis and Attwood as I can't see Easter in the 31 unless there is an injury.

In the backs Watson and May is a toss up with both performing well on Saturday. I'm backing Slade for the bench spot covering fly half. The centres will be interesting with many of us expecting 12.Barritt 13.Joseph to be the choice partnership but 12.Burrell 13.Joseph has been name dropped by the coaches.

by Geordie Mon 17 Aug 2015, 8:13 pm

So pretty much a 1st choice team.

If he does put that team out, ill be interested to see how much better the pack will be...

by BigTrevsbigmac Mon 17 Aug 2015, 8:15 pm

Apparently Barritt is a doubt with a tight calf, so Burrell should probably start with potentially both Slade & Burgess on the bench.

by Steve_rugby Mon 17 Aug 2015, 8:32 pm

Gwlad wrote:Will Calum Clark get binned after his latest little indiscretion?

I thought he did get binned ?

by king_carlos Mon 17 Aug 2015, 9:50 pm

I expect it will pretty much be a first team yes GF. It will be interesting to see how the pack goes. Especially at the breakdown where we will be looking for a much improved performance with the return of Cole, Launchbury and Robshaw. Billy V also offers far more than Morgan in this regard.

How Launchbury takes to international rugby again will be vital as he offers a balance to our pack which has been noticeably absent whilst he's been injured. Not just his breakdown work but his carrying around the fringes and good support lines to take off loads from half breaks adds a lot to our game. At the weekend I felt there were a few carries from the forwards, Mako in particular, which could have been made into much more had another forward been on their shoulder.

BigTrevs - Barritt unavailable would be interesting as it would almost certainly mean Burgess getting another chance. I can't see Goode or whoever is left out between May and Watson on the bench given they solidified their places on Saturday. The other option would be Slade at 23 with Farrell on the bench as well which seems unlikely as Farrell will definitely be in the first choice 23 vs Ireland. Or Lancaster could give Twelvetrees another chance but given how keen he is on Burgess I'd be surprised.

by Gwlad Mon 17 Aug 2015, 10:05 pm

Steve_rugby wrote:
Gwlad wrote:Will Calum Clark get binned after his latest little indiscretion?

I thought he did get binned ?

he got binned in the game did lancaster bin him from the squad?

by Gooseberry Mon 17 Aug 2015, 10:06 pm

GeordieFalcon wrote:
Gwlad wrote:
thomh wrote:After but not necessarily because of. Clark was badly up against it to secure a place anyway with three very experienced flankers ahead of him. Wood didn't play very well but Clark would have had to do something quite special I think.

Sadly every mis step he makes will be taken in the context of the arm snapping incident.

What about Haskell, that guy is a mystery. One game he plays out of his skin then the next he is average to bad and makes huge errors. Seems to me to be someone who likes to attract personal attention to himself at every opportunity and therefore not very Lancaster-friendly.

Wood has gone massively off the boil from being FEC a few years back.

I suppose the first choice back row is Wood robshaw morgan is it?

I think the personal attention thing is a bit of a myth to be honest.

However I agree about his inconsistency. If he played to his best on a consistent basis, he "might" have been one the players of his generation...he is a very powerful player....sadly he just seems incapable of doing that every game whilst with England.

So to clarify
Haskell is inconsistent, whereas Wood is just having a dip in form?

by Steve_rugby Mon 17 Aug 2015, 10:10 pm

Gwlad wrote:
Steve_rugby wrote:
Gwlad wrote:Will Calum Clark get binned after his latest little indiscretion?

I thought he did get binned ?

he got binned in the game did lancaster bin him from the squad?

Well, did he ?

by **LondonTiger** Mon 17 Aug 2015, 10:16 pm

http://www.englandrugby.com/news/lancaster-selection-going-difficult/ wrote:Speaking to the assembled media at Pennyhill Park on Monday lunchtime, the England Head Coach started with a general fitness update.

Though Kieran Brookes is fine despite leaving the field with a bruised hand, Alex Corbisiero and Brad Barritt are doubts for the upcoming version of Le Crunch due to sciatic pain and a tight calf respectively.

by thomh Mon 17 Aug 2015, 10:27 pm

thomh wrote:The fact that we seem to have retained more than enough centres thus far, combined with Lancaster name dropping Burrell and Joseph as next week's combo, makes me think Barritt might be struggling with an injury. A lot of reports had speculated that both Twelvetrees and Eastmond would be released, but Twelvetrees was kept on while most of the other predictions were accurate.

I'm a genius England v France, 15 August - Page 6 3933776953

by **Rugby Fan** Tue 18 Aug 2015, 12:58 am

thomh wrote:
thomh wrote:The fact that we seem to have retained more than enough centres thus far, combined with Lancaster name dropping Burrell and Joseph as next week's combo, makes me think Barritt might be struggling with an injury. A lot of reports had speculated that both Twelvetrees and Eastmond would be released, but Twelvetrees was kept on while most of the other predictions were accurate.

I'm a genius

I did think of you when I heard that.

Barritt has never partnered Joseph in midfield. If he can't turn out for the last warm-up, you wonder whether Lancaster can afford to risk them turning out for the first time at the tournament itself.

by Gwlad Tue 18 Aug 2015, 1:05 am

Slade and JJ are certs. How many will Lanvaster take 4 or 5?

Seems to me Burgess can do a job but is he necessary when you have so many options with Barritt and Joseph the likely first pick.

Perhaps Burgess should have been kept as a 6 but then he can't line out properly.

Fact is like so many converts he doesn't have a complete game.

Shame - cos i like him- but dont see a justification for his inclusion on rugby terms.

by stlowe Tue 18 Aug 2015, 2:40 am

thomh wrote:
LondonTiger wrote:
Sgt_Pooly wrote:Has Slade ever played 12?

Not as far as I can remember.

He played there in the Barbarians game between Cips and Daly, and spent a fair bit of time there in the France game. I don't think he's played there for Exeter but with the way England are looking to play I'm not sure how much difference the number on his back makes anyway.

He played 12 for Exeter 5 times last season (2013/14), 3 starts (1xHC, 1xAP, 1xAW) and twice from the bench (2xAP).

by stlowe Tue 18 Aug 2015, 3:07 am

Rugby Fan wrote:
thomh wrote:
thomh wrote:The fact that we seem to have retained more than enough centres thus far, combined with Lancaster name dropping Burrell and Joseph as next week's combo, makes me think Barritt might be struggling with an injury. A lot of reports had speculated that both Twelvetrees and Eastmond would be released, but Twelvetrees was kept on while most of the other predictions were accurate.

I'm a genius
I did think of you when I heard that.

Barritt has never partnered Joseph in midfield. If he can't turn out for the last warm-up, you wonder whether Lancaster can afford to risk them turning out for the first time at the tournament itself.

A possibly good omen is that Joseph came on for Tuilagi to partner Barritt in the last quarter of the victory over NZ.

by Sponsored content