Yet Another Sam Burgess Discussion Thread

[LondonTiger]

First topic message reminder :

Sam Burgess, demigod or not?

[LondonTiger]

off the top of my head of course.

some experienced players not included, but not automatically rejected.

[Geordie]

Worthy of another thread I suspect, but my EPS for the 6Ns would look something like:

Props: Marler, Mako, Corbs, cole, Brookes, Wilson
Hookers: Hartley, Youngs, George
Second Row: Lawes, Launchbury, Kruis, Slater
Back Row: Robshaw, Wood, Kvesic, Vunipola, Morgan


Half backs: Youngs, Care, Simpson, Ford, Farrell, Slade
Centres: JJ, Manu (if fit),
Back 3: May, Watson, Nowell, Brown, Foden


Saxons:

Auterac, LCD, Thomas, Kitchener, symonds, Itoje, Clifford, Ewers, Robson, burns, Yarde, Stephenson, Daly, Roku, Goode.

I was thinking of a new thread...but I may leave that until after Saturdays result

I like that Saxons back row!!

[No 7&1/2]

Billy Burns? Or the elder bro.

[LondonTiger]

Billy Burns? Or the elder bro.

billy not ready for Saxons yet, so was struggling slightly as I feel we learn nothing with Cips in the Saxons.

[Geordie]

Scott Wilson had a second season syndrome last year but has started all the preseason games on fire so far this year.

[LondonTiger]

Scott Wilson had a second season syndrome last year but has started all the preseason games on fire so far this year.

Yep he looked good against us at WR.

Would have him on the bench for the Saxons. Would consider Thomas ahead of Wilson in the main - but much depends on who is first choice at Bath this season. that of course would then free up a starting TH berth for the Saxons.



I still think though that we have a plethora of players of a decent standard, but very few truly exceptional ones. This leads to being able to cope with injuries but also endless debates about who should or should not be playing.

[Geordie]

Ah hes not the finished article yet LT. Had a tough season last year. But he idol is Carl Hayman...as he worked with him at the Falcons when he was younger when Carl was here.

If he can get up near his level...both Newcastle and England are sorted...its a big IF of course

I still think though that we have a plethora of players of a decent standard, but very few truly exceptional ones. This leads to being able to cope with injuries but also endless debates about who should or should not be playing.

I think this is a critical point. And I have said it before. We have a huge strength in depth of a similar standard of player...but, as you say very few who are the next level up.
This is critical.

I do believe the management are guilty of big selection errors mind...we have players of a similar standard but different ones would offer more balance to the team (in my opinion). Players like Slater etc when fully in fit mode.
But that's been done to death on the other threads.

[Geordie]

I think also Ewers HAS to come in to the squad. He should have been at the WC.

Post World Cup:

6 Ewers
7 Kvesic
8 Billy / Ben

Now that has some nice balance.

[doctor_grey]

I think also Ewers HAS to come in to the squad. He should have been at the WC.

Post World Cup:

6 Ewers
7 Kvesic
8 Billy / Ben

Now that has some nice balance.

I know this would be controversial, but I believe Calum Clark, who has paid his dues and is doing very well, should be at 7. He has now had a number of very good seasons.

[Geordie]

Dr,

Ive been vocal about him before. Why has Lancaster only played him in 1 game which was a World Cup warm up game. Yet he's been in the squad how long now? This defies belief to me.

As to my back row...Robshaw is slower than Mike Tindall these days. We need a fast 7. Ewers then compliments by being a huge presence both a big time carrier (so we don't rely on the No.8) and massive defender. He rucks very well also. Lineout can be worked on.

Lancaster has to make some noticeable changes post world cup...if he doesn't make them I will be actively calling for him to go.

[doctor_grey]

Dr,

Ive been vocal about him before. Why has Lancaster only played him in 1 game which was a World Cup warm  up game. Yet he's been in the squad how long now? This defies belief to me.

As to my back row...Robshaw is slower than Mike Tindall these days. We need a fast 7. Ewers then compliments by being a huge presence both a big time carrier (so we don't rely on the No.8) and massive defender. He rucks very well also. Lineout can be worked on.

Lancaster has to make some noticeable changes post world cup...if he doesn't make them I will be actively calling for him to go.

Agree completely. Ewers or Clark? I see Saints regularly so I am both biased but appreciating Cklark's play. Seems to me Lancaster doesn't like change and has stayed with Robshaw, and others, because of that. If Lancaster doesn't get by Australia, he should probably be dismissed after the RWC. If England do scrape by, which we all hope, then significant changes are indeed needed. ut his plans must be more fluid, not only dictated by injury or discipline.

[Geordie]

Spot on Dr.

How about the following for the first game post WC

So how about Post WC

1 Marler
2 Hartley
3 Cole
4 Launchbury
5 Lawes
6 Ewers
7 Kvesic
8 Billy / Ben

9 Youngs
10 Slade (He is the balance between Ford and Farrell - perfect 10)
11 May
12 Stephenson / Hill / Or A.n.Other??
13 Joseph
14 Watson
15 Brown

But I would say the whole front 5 are being watched like a hawk...if say Auterac the young monsterous Bath LH is playing well...he will run Marler close etc.

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