England's Elite Performance Squad - 2017/18

by propdavid_london Tue Oct 17, 2017 1:52 pm

First topic message reminder :

I missed the Chiefs game on the weekend - did Slade have a good one?
Seems like he is starting to focus on 13 - I do wonder if that is a directive from RFU.
12 is quite well stocked with Teo and hybrid 12's in Farrell, Lozowski.
After Saints demolition - Is Piers Francis still in the mix for some people?
Joseph I am sure will come back into the mix.

by Geordie Fri Jan 19, 2018 2:37 am

Poorfour wrote:
GeordieFalcon wrote:Ok genuine questions about our back row.

People say we've been bossed by the Ireland back row....

So

1. Is Underhill and his physicality and tackling a start to bridging the gap?
2. Will Mercer potentially increase that? He really looks like he's developing well since he made the step to senior rugby. Will he get much game time this 6n? Will he any impact this 6n?
3. Is Simmonds going to offer enough carrying in the tight? Or will that role be passed on to some of the bigger guys in the tight 5? Or will it result in a tactical change?
4. Will Robshaw still be the key player? Mopping up the ball and being in the right place etc...?

2. Mercer seems to me more in the mould of Clifford, of Clifford could stay fit for any length of time. A balance of pace and power, rather than outright power.

Your a quins fan...Whats the crack with Clifford? Is it the same injury? Different ones? Does he look like another one that may not make it?
It reminds me of prop Scotty Wilson up here. Fantastic in the age grades, built up to the skies for coming in to the seniors then absolutely plagued by injuries.

by Nottswasp Fri Jan 19, 2018 3:34 am

Always thought of Clifford as more of a blindside flanker with the ability to cover 7 and 8 .

Simmonds works at no 8 for Exeter because the big carriers are done by waldrom and Ewers...with almond as an all-rounder with lineout ability

by Poorfour Fri Jan 19, 2018 3:44 am

Clifford subluxated the same shoulder he damaged last season, which I think is the same one he damaged in the Premiership 7s a couple of years ago. Has had surgery, back later this year.

He was in very good form before it happened, so the question is whether they can fix it properly. If they can, I expect him to be back in the reckoning for the summer tour.

by ChequeredJersey Fri Jan 19, 2018 5:41 am

GeordieFalcon wrote:Ok genuine questions about our back row.

People say we've been bossed by the Ireland back row....

So

1. Is Underhill and his physicality and tackling a start to bridging the gap?
2. Will Mercer potentially increase that? He really looks like he's developing well since he made the step to senior rugby. Will he get much game time this 6n? Will he any impact this 6n?
3. Is Simmonds going to offer enough carrying in the tight? Or will that role be passed on to some of the bigger guys in the tight 5? Or will it result in a tactical change?
4. Will Robshaw still be the key player? Mopping up the ball and being in the right place etc...?

yes

by carpet baboon Fri Jan 19, 2018 11:19 am

As an Ireland fan I will admit I hate seeing robshaw start against us.
Will he make a 50 yard break? No. But he will be the link man who puts someone else through on a break.
He will be annoying as hell at every breakdown, and just seems to keep your pack moving forward cleaning up any crud.
It's better for us if you just drop him

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England's Elite Performance Squad - 2017/18

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