6 Nations - IRELAND v ENGLAND 2nd Feb 2019

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6 Nations

IRELAND v ENGLAND

Saturday 02 February 2019 16:45 GMT

Aviva Stadium, Dublin

Maybe a little early but I for one can not wait for this fixture. 2nd vs 4th.

The 6 Nations is officially the BEST rugby competition........................In the World.

England starting XV (485 caps)

15 Elliot Daly (Wasps, 25 caps), 14 Jonny May (Leicester Tigers, 40 caps), 13 Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 17 caps), 12 Manu Tuiagi (Leicester Tigers, 27 caps), 11 Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs, 29 caps), 10 Owen Farrell (Saracens, 65 caps), 9 Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 80 caps); 1 Mako Vunipola (Saracens, 51 caps), 2 Jamie George (Saracens, 32 caps), 3 Kyle Sinckler (Harlequins, 17 caps), 4 Maro Itoje (Saracens, 26 caps), 5 George Kruis (Saracens, 27 caps), 6 Mark Wilson (Newcastle Falcons, 8 caps), 7 Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 5 caps), 8 Billy Vunipola (Saracens, 36 caps).

Finishers (206 caps)

16 Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs, 7 caps), 17 Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers, 5 caps), 18 Harry Williams (Exeter Chiefs, 15 caps), 19 Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints, 68 caps), 20 Nathan Hughes (Wasps, 18 caps), 21 Dan Robson (Wasps, uncapped), 22 George Ford (Leicester Tigers, 51 caps), 23 Chris Ashton (Sale Sharks, 42 caps).

I know his time has been and probably gone, but Harrison is tearing up trees for Saints at the moment. Playing an Aussie style 8 role admittedly but he is making the yards, getting the turnovers and tackling like a demon. Could be worth EJ having a look at him if we don't have Underhill or Curry.

He has matured a long way from his brief brush with international rugby.

WELL-PAST-IT wrote:I know his time has been and probably gone, but Harrison is tearing up trees for Saints at the moment. Playing an Aussie style 8 role admittedly but he is making the yards, getting the turnovers and tackling like a demon. Could be worth EJ having a look at him if we don't have Underhill or Curry.

He has matured a long way from his brief brush with international rugby.

Good news but he will find it hard. His England performaces can absolutely be defined as 'looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane'

Too often we try and introduce guys too early to internationals. Just because the Curry's, Tuilagi's and Itoje's can do it we think everyone can.

Good showing from Launchbury today overshadowing lawes. Hughes had a good showing from the bench. Kerr was very impressive for Leicester yesterday but I imagine will have to see an injury before being thought of this 6ns.

No 7&1/2 wrote:Go9d sh9w8ng from Launchbury today overshadowing lawes. Hughes had a good showing from the bench. Kerr was very impressive for Leicester yesterday but I imagine will have to see an injury before being thought of this 6ns.

A grauniad article seems to suggest that Hartley's knee injury is not good, so regardless of who it is there will have to be an alternative hooker in the squad to back up George

No 7&1/2 wrote:Good showing from Launchbury today overshadowing lawes. Hughes had a good showing from the bench. Kerr was very impressive for Leicester yesterday but I imagine will have to see an injury before being thought of this 6ns.

While I doubt he is anywahere near Eddie's radar, I should point out that Kerr is Scottish (Though to be fair depending on when he started at Loughborough he may be residency qualified)

Ah. The importance of checking before typing. Shame as he looked very good albeit I've only seen a limited amount of him.

lostinwales wrote:

No 7&1/2 wrote:Go9d sh9w8ng from Launchbury today overshadowing lawes. Hughes had a good showing from the bench. Kerr was very impressive for Leicester yesterday but I imagine will have to see an injury before being thought of this 6ns.

A grauniad article seems to suggest that Hartley's knee injury is not good, so regardless of who it is there will have to be an alternative hooker in the squad to back up George

Kerr is Scottish, not sure if he's EQP through parents or grandparents though.

Lots of hookers ahead of the young lad even with Taylor injured. LCD, Singleton and Dunn have all been in training squads. Has Yeandle been called up as injury cover as well?

With Fraser Brown and George Turner out I'd say Kerr is a lot more likely to make a Scotland training squad than England one.

EDIT: Sorry just seen that LT has already pointed all this out!

Speaking of dual-qualified players, Wales are apparently monitoring Marchant (and a few others). Not sure what his Wales connection is, maybe someone could shed some light?

How close do we think he is to an England cap? His age group performances were outstanding and his form for Quins has been good. It would be a real shame if we lost him to Wales imo.

And if there is any substance to rumours of Gatland for England, perhaps he's best leaving him where he is

robbo277 wrote:Speaking of dual-qualified players, Wales are apparently monitoring Marchant (and a few others). Not sure what his Wales connection is, maybe someone could shed some light?

How close do we think he is to an England cap? His age group performances were outstanding and his form for Quins has been good. It would be a real shame if we lost him to Wales imo.

And if there is any substance to rumours of Gatland for England, perhaps he's best leaving him where he is

He has a black belt in Karate. And his mother is Welsh apparently.

robbo277 wrote:Speaking of dual-qualified players, Wales are apparently monitoring Marchant (and a few others). Not sure what his Wales connection is, maybe someone could shed some light?

How close do we think he is to an England cap? His age group performances were outstanding and his form for Quins has been good. It would be a real shame if we lost him to Wales imo.

And if there is any substance to rumours of Gatland for England, perhaps he's best leaving him where he is

He was called up as cover in the AIs but never used.

IMO if we're playing Ford & Farrell at 10 and 12 then Marchant would fit perfectly as a similar option to Joseth or Daly, likewise if Te'o is at 12.

If we're playing Slade or Loz then he may not fit as well.

Pot Hale wrote:

robbo277 wrote:Speaking of dual-qualified players, Wales are apparently monitoring Marchant (and a few others). Not sure what his Wales connection is, maybe someone could shed some light?

How close do we think he is to an England cap? His age group performances were outstanding and his form for Quins has been good. It would be a real shame if we lost him to Wales imo.

And if there is any substance to rumours of Gatland for England, perhaps he's best leaving him where he is

He has a black belt in Karate.  And his mother is Welsh apparently.

Thanks for the info.

Not sure if he wants to play for Wales and couldn't blame him if he had his head turned. But it would represent a failing by English rugby if he did go.

Saw an interview with Ashton and Eddie didn't stay in contact with him when he went to France, only put a word in his ear at the Barbarians game. From what I hear about Eddie, he isn't the kind of guy to give players outside the squad assurances.

yappysnap wrote:

robbo277 wrote:Speaking of dual-qualified players, Wales are apparently monitoring Marchant (and a few others). Not sure what his Wales connection is, maybe someone could shed some light?

How close do we think he is to an England cap? His age group performances were outstanding and his form for Quins has been good. It would be a real shame if we lost him to Wales imo.

And if there is any substance to rumours of Gatland for England, perhaps he's best leaving him where he is

He was called up as cover in the AIs but never used.

IMO if we're playing Ford & Farrell at 10 and 12 then Marchant would fit perfectly as a similar option to Joseth or Daly, likewise if Te'o is at 12.

If we're playing Slade or Loz then he may not fit as well.

Hopefully his recent call up is enough to keep him interested. I guess we'll see what happens when the 6 Nations squads come out.

Marchant senior once climbed Snowdon, I believe that is the strongest link he has to Wales, clearly strong enough to be in their national side

Merchant s good but realistically a little down the pecking order especially should jones think about moving Daly to 13.

I'm not saying he's in contention for the Ireland game, but if he misses out altogether I would imagine that if Wales are interested in him they may put a call in. Jonah Holmes went West in the autumn, and I'm sure every union is looking at players that may be eligible that aren't getting a look in.

Happy New Year everyone. Now let's go to F**KING WAR!
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SecretFly wrote:Happy New Year everyone.  Now let's go to F**KING WAR!
...................

Happy new year Fly. Bring it on, cannot wait.

SecretFly wrote:Happy New Year everyone.  Now let's go to F**KING WAR!
...................

Go easy fly, Donald Trump might be reading this.

Underhill confirmed to miss the 6N, 3 months out due to ankle surgery

Where's the Wales v Ireland thread, this one is a dead rubber.

That's a shame. Very exciting player. Loved how he skinned Barrett in November and Barrett is a very good defender. Deserved a try.

BamBam wrote:Underhill confirmed to miss the 6N, 3 months out due to ankle surgery

$%^&$£$%^&*

Big blow for Underhill, hopefully Curry will get an extended run. It's a tough opening to the Six Nations, but tests of these level are what he needs to develop, and what Eddie will need to assess him.

Itoje is back in the Sarries team, which is good to see.

Great opportunity for curry to put down a real marker. Underhill has been in great form but curry is class. Most turnovers in the prem this year I think. The only worry is if he picks up an injury who steps in. I hope Jones would turn to his brother or even give kvesic a crack. Other options at 7 mean we're a bit 1 dimensional and slow.

I agree Robbo. It would be a shame to see him.pull on the red shirt and excel but I do t think he's doing enough to demand a place for England.

Underhill will still make the trip to Japan if fit.

Awesome player.

Ben Curry isn't in the same league as his brother Tom and shouldn't be anywhere near the England shirt at the moment.  Hopefully Tom can stay fit and helathy for the 6 Nations.  Jack Clifford is getting a few minutes on the clock at the moment and would be a viable option at 7.  Plus Robshaw can dust off the zimmer frame and do a job if necessary.

Means moving to putting in guys more suited to 6 or 8 though. We've seen in the past how a short term.solution rumbles on.

Well Eddie needs to develop a third seven in these championship games. Wilson is an option at seven but his best position is 6. We have some genuine cover but underhill will be missed. Now let's all just pray that no more injuries rob us of a strong squad this year.

Underhill out for sure, pity as I thought this was going to be his tournament to cement himself as a genuine 7. Who will step in?

Tom curry as expressed above who was back and neck with him before injury forced him out.

rodders wrote:

SecretFly wrote:Happy New Year everyone.  Now let's go to F**KING WAR!
...................

Go easy fly, Donald Trump might be reading this.

Doubt it...he cant read.

So I've tried to predict an Eddie Jones 32 man squad. What do we reckon?

Mako Vunipola, Ellis Genge, Ben Moon
Dylan Hartley, Jamie George, Luke Cowan-Dickie
Kyle Sinckler, Harry Williams
Maro Itoje, Joe Launchbury, Courtney Lawes, George Kruis
Mark Wilson, Brad Shields, Chris Robshaw, Tom Curry
Billy Vunipola, Zach Mercer
Ben Youngs, Danny Care
Owen Farrell, George Ford
Ben Te'o, Manu Tuilagi, Henry Slade, Jonathan Joseph
Jonny May, Chris Ashton, Jack Nowell, Joe Cokanasiga
Elliot Daly, Mike Brown

I know of fitness concerns over Hartley, Joseph and Joe Cokanasiga, is there anyone else?

What do we reckon of this squad? Is there anyone you think Eddie would pick that I've missed, or anyone else you'd rather see?

Vwry close id say. Robson os back. Maybe cole in there. He may be tempted by tomkins as well..

Back-up scrum half is a tricky one. I went with Care, but I'd be unsurprised to see Wigglesworth or even a new face in there. It's a position Care and Wigglesworth have shared for a while, but neither has locked down.

I'd be surprised to see Cole. I actually think he might make the World Cup as the "utility prop" behind four first-choice matchday props, but he's not in contention for a matchday place at the moment and the prop debate currently is Genge or Moon for the bench. Genge is my pick, but Moon played his way into contention over the Autumn.

I see the Alex Goode hype train is building again. I hope EJ ignores him personaly.

Shame about Underhill!

No sign of Cokanasiga coming back which may have tempted Jones to keep daly at full back a little more. I've seen weirder things than Goode coming back into the team and at least he's sound defensively and in the air. Ireland will bombard Daly if they have any sense.
Good news that Joseph is returning to fitness next week. 2 way battle between him and tuilagi for 13 with slade to 12?

No 7&1/2 wrote:Vwry close id say. Robson os back. Maybe cole in there. He may be tempted by tomkins as well..

Who is Tomkins?

Tompkins (Nick). Sarries centre, though arguably he has only just become a regular starter for them. Cannot see him being looked at ahead of Marchant who has been in several of Eddie's squads in the last 12 months.

Apologies; Tompkins. Saracens 13 who is getting game time and looking very good in attack. It's a long odds pick but I've been more impressed with him than Marchant.
Too slow in responding but as above.

Ah of course, not pulling you up on spelling just forgot he existed!

I've not seen much of Teo since the AI so no idea whether he's in form or not, but I somewhat like the idea of a midfield of Farrell, Teo and Tuilagi to meet fire with fire in Dublin if all three are playing well

So often we've been on the end of a physical onslaught early on against Ireland that leaves us playing catch up, I'd like to think those three would stand up to it

Can we risk Itoje, seems light weigh compared to the Irish 2nd rows and his petulance is annoying.

BamBam wrote:I've not seen much of Teo since the AI so no idea whether he's in form or not, but I somewhat like the idea of a midfield of Farrell, Teo and Tuilagi to meet fire with fire in Dublin if all three are playing well

So often we've been on the end of a physical onslaught early on against Ireland that leaves us playing catch up, I'd like to think those three would stand up to it

Te'o has been injured most of that time

TightHEAD wrote:Can we risk Itoje, seems light weigh compared to the Irish 2nd rows and his petulance is annoying.

Petulance/discipline is one thing, but lightweight he is not. Whatever the problems we have with the Lions (and they are many) he was picked ahead of the Irish locks

lostinwales wrote:

BamBam wrote:I've not seen much of Teo since the AI so no idea whether he's in form or not, but I somewhat like the idea of a midfield of Farrell, Teo and Tuilagi to meet fire with fire in Dublin if all three are playing well

So often we've been on the end of a physical onslaught early on against Ireland that leaves us playing catch up, I'd like to think those three would stand up to it

Te'o has been injured most of that time

Not such a superb idea then

He has been back for the last couple of weeks with Warriors, so should be fit for the 6N

lostinwales wrote:

TightHEAD wrote:Can we risk Itoje, seems light weigh compared to the Irish 2nd rows and his petulance is annoying.

Petulance/discipline is one thing, but lightweight he is not. Whatever the problems we have with the Lions (and they are many) he was picked ahead of the Irish locks

Well James Ryan was still in school during the last Lions tour but is a better player than Itoje now. Toner is a very different player than Itoje so wouldn't necessarly say that Itoje is better given that Toner is Ireland's most capped player under Joe Schmidt. Guys like Itoje tend to get picked ahead of guys like Toner for Lions tours as they are more versatile but his form was also outstanding at the time.

Henderson and Itoje are quite similar sort of players in that they can both cover six. Itoje is better in the lineout so I would concede he is better than Henderson.

Itoje is getting some push back on him now as he's class but plays for Saracens and England. He's also a winner and pretty vocal. There's the obvious about him which means he'll get a little less leeway than some as well. Good article on it on the BBC webs8te today actually. General point not that you are!

What's the obvious?

He's black.