Wales vs England - Build Up/Match Thread - 27-2-21

[TightHEAD]

First topic message reminder :

Wales v England

27th Feb

KO 16:46

England:

Daly;
Watson,
Slade,
Farrell,
May;
Ford,
Youngs;
M Vunipola,
George,
Sinckler,
Itoje,
Hill,
Wilson,
Curry,
B Vunipola.

Replacements: Cowan-Dickie, Genge, Stuart, Ewels, Martin, Earl, Robson, Malins.

WALES

1. Wyn Jones (32 Caps)
2. Ken Owens (79 Caps)
3. Tomas Francis (54 Caps)
4. Adam Beard (23 Caps)
5. Alun Wyn Jones (CAPT) (145 Caps)
6. Josh Navidi (25 Caps)
7. Justin Tipuric (82 Caps)
8. Taulupe Faletau (83 Caps)
9. Kieran Hardy (3 Caps)
10. Dan Biggar (89 Caps)
11. Josh Adams (29 Caps)
12. Jonathan Davies (85 Caps)
13. George North (99 Caps)
14. Louis Rees-Zammit (6 Caps)
15. Liam Williams (68 Caps)

Replacements:

16. Elliot Dee (34 Caps)
17. Rhodri Jones (19 Caps)
18. Leon Brown (14 Caps)
19. Cory Hill (29 Caps)
20. James Botham (4 Caps)
21. Gareth Davies (59 Caps)
22. Callum Sheedy (6 Caps)
23. Uilisi Halaholo (1 Cap)

[doctor_grey]

You are talking about the middle 'F' in the FFS line. For those clean of thought and mind, FFS means Ford-Farrell-Slade. For the rest of us on the dark side, well.........

[No 7&1/2]

I mean scotland dominated that match up front. Complete armchair ride for an attacking 10. They thrashed us by 5 points.

I pity anyone playing outside youngs at the moment.

[doctor_grey]

I mean scotland dominated that match up front. Complete armchair ride for an attacking 10. They thrashed us by 5 points.

I pity anyone playing outside youngs at the moment.

crash test dummy?

[formerly known as Sam]

I mean scotland dominated that match up front. Complete armchair ride for an attacking 10. They thrashed us by 5 points.

I pity anyone playing outside youngs at the moment.

Not as much as I pity anyone playing outside Farrell. It's a pretty sorry state as Robson although electric ball in hand when he came on (well after the tap penalty which seemed to give him confidence) threw some pretty shocking passes including one that saw Genge catch it above his head a couple of second before the Italian defence smashed him in their 22.

[No 7&1/2]

Yet miles better than the stuff youngs puts up. I wouldnt have had either of them ideally but that said I think Robson should start next weekend. The freedom for youngs coming on will hopefully do him some good.

[formerly known as Sam]

Yet miles better than the stuff youngs puts up. I wouldnt have had either of them ideally but that said I think Robson should start next weekend. The freedom for youngs coming on will hopefully do him some good.

Nope, passing wise Robson was streets behind Youngs for both 6N games hence my concern. Benny was one of our best players against Scotland (which says something about the overall performance) and Robson was probably our worst. Robson should hopefully be a handy bench impact for the rest of the tournament but if there's a summer tour in hoping we see Mitchell and Randall go and both get game time. Young JVP at Tigers looks a class act in the making but at 19 isn't going to a realistic option for a couple more seasons.

[No 7&1/2]

Well we're not agreeing on this point anyway Sam! I agree whole heartedly on your finishing points. JVP does look eye catching obviously that lovely break last weeks helps catch the attention.

[doctor_grey]

Yet miles better than the stuff youngs puts up. I wouldnt have had either of them ideally but that said I think Robson should start next weekend. The freedom for youngs coming on will hopefully do him some good.

Nope, passing wise Robson was streets behind Youngs for both 6N games hence my concern. Benny was one of our best players against Scotland (which says something about the overall performance) and Robson was probably our worst. Robson should hopefully be a handy bench impact for the rest of the tournament but if there's a summer tour in hoping we see Mitchell and Randall go and both get game time. Young JVP at Tigers looks a class act in the making but at 19 isn't going to a realistic option for a couple more seasons.

We need scrum-halves under the age 40.  Right now, we no gots (so to speak).  Some younger guys like the kid at Tigers who looked real good the other day.  But he is still miles away from playing for England.  He looks like he can get there, and I like the energy he brings.  Hopefully that energy he shows is not 'managed' out of him by the big squad.

I thought Robson showed more energy and speed than Youngs, but didn't think he was better overall.  Against Scotland he looked was far too frantic and did not plus up the squad.  Though, to be fair, that squad needed more than one guy.

[No 7&1/2]

Randall injured and Mitchell in.

[doctor_grey]

Randall injured and Mitchell in.

That's surprising, especially to a Saints man. I think he has potential, but never considered him close to an England call up right now. He has had some nice games, but I haven't seen a Saints match where he was clearly a top notch 9. He does like to have a run and is pretty fearless. Maybe that's what Eddie Jones wants?

[No 7&1/2]

For me the best passing 9 in the prem.

[doctor_grey]

Really?  From what I have seen, he tends to be somewhat slow with his delivery and tends to be wild high at times.  Also frequently takes a half step before passing.  Not saying I prefer the current incarnation of Youngs.  And Robson just seems like a very good club man one step too far.  

Frankly, and I know this ship has sailed, Danny Care looked better than Mitchell in the matches I have seen recently.   Back in November when Quins dismantled Saints there was no comparison.  Who could be other candidates?  For some odd reason, the cupboard of young 9s seems thin.

[formerly known as Sam]

Well we're not agreeing on this point anyway Sam! I agree whole heartedly on your finishing points. JVP does look eye catching obviously that lovely break last weeks helps catch the attention.

Yeah JVP has bags of confidence and he'll challenge the line of he thinks it's on but what's impressed me more is his basics. He's a good kicker and passes quickly and precisely. He had a nightmare debut at 18 away Vs Sale during an injury crisis the other year and apparently got the nod because the coaches were so impressed by his kicking game. He seems to have learnt a great deal from that. 

Borthwick is bedding him in nicely so hopefully in a year or two he's the natural successor to Youngs. Quite frankly there's a conveyor belt of 9s at Tigers with JVP leapfrogging former under 20s captain Ben White in the pecking order already.

His try is a nice eye catching moment. Steward for the kick chase  that sets up the field position and then from JVP after that.

[Mr Bounce]

It's a shame. Players such as Simpson were overlooked during the build up to the disastrous 2015 WC. He and Care could have been the centurions by now. Spencer obviously is not ticking the correct boxes for Jones. It seems that despite his great form, Randall will now not be picked due to his injury. Alex Mitchell star was shining brightly a couple of seasons ago but he's gone off the boil. Jack Maunder appears to have completely dropped off Jones' radar after a few measley minutes against Argentina in 2017. Heinz is not the future. I think the only other S/H he's capped other than Youngs, Robson, Spencer, Heinz and Care is Wigglesworth and he's practically drawing a pension.

The cupboard is indeed a bit bare Doc.

[No 7&1/2]

Really?  From what I have seen, he tends to be somewhat slow with his delivery and tends to be wild high at times.  Also frequently takes a half step before passing.  Not saying I prefer the current incarnation of Youngs.  And Robson just seems like a very good club man one step too far.  

Frankly, and I know this ship has sailed, Danny Care looked better than Mitchell in the matches I have seen recently.   Back in November when Quins dismantled Saints there was no comparison.  Who could be other candidates?  For some odd reason, the cupboard of young 9s seems thin.

May just be the times I've seen him that he hit his mark but yes...

The other guys next out the block could be the maunders

[No 7&1/2]

Well we're not agreeing on this point anyway Sam! I agree whole heartedly on your finishing points. JVP does look eye catching obviously that lovely break last weeks helps catch the attention.

Yeah JVP has bags of confidence and he'll challenge the line of he thinks it's on but what's impressed me more is his basics. He's a good kicker and passes quickly and precisely. He had a nightmare debut at 18 away Vs Sale during an injury crisis the other year and apparently got the nod because the coaches were so impressed by his kicking game. He seems to have learnt a great deal from that. 

Borthwick is bedding him in nicely so hopefully in a year or two he's the natural successor to Youngs. Quite frankly there's a conveyor belt of 9s at Tigers with JVP leapfrogging former under 20s captain Ben White in the pecking order already.

His try is a nice eye catching moment. Steward for the kick chase  that sets up the field position and then from JVP after that.

Yeah white looks a good club player but not sure about anything else. Jvp looks to have that added quality.

[WELL-PAST-IT]

Mitchell looked very good in the one chance he has had to shine vs the Barbarians couple of years ago. Jones has consistently picked him as a squad member since then when he has been available, so something must be ticking the boxes.

He has a good box kick, pace to match most wingers and despite being slight, tackles well as. Agree that his pass seems to have slowed a bit and can sometimes be wayward, but compared to Youngs in that department he is super fast and accurate.

[No 7&1/2]

I like Mitchell a lot, perhaps not surprising his form hasn't been stellar this season though, from the outside Northampton aren't playing with quite the panache of the recent past. Again he's not likely to feature in the Wales game.

Jones has been very quiet as well in the build up. Perhaps he's thinking just let the players get on with a quiet one for once, still plenty of time this week I suppose. Only bigging up LRZ saying he tried to tap him up https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/56141553. Pointless as he was still living in Wales anyway so wasn't even a day into qualifying!

[lostinwales]

I like Mitchell a lot, perhaps not surprising his form hasn't been stellar this season though, from the outside Northampton aren't playing with quite the panache of the recent past. Again he's not likely to feature in the Wales game.

Jones has been very quiet as well in the build up. Perhaps he's thinking just let the players get on with a quiet one for once, still plenty of time this week I suppose. Only bigging up LRZ saying he tried to tap him up https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/56141553. Pointless as he was still living in Wales anyway so wasn't even a day into qualifying!

One of Eddie's undeniable skills is the ability to distract media attention with a few words. The LRZ thing is a prime example of this.

[majesticimperialman]

It as only just dawned on me gow big a game this week end is.

Both teams need to win this week end... England need to win to keep their hopes up of retaining the champion ship....Like wis Wales need to win, to have a chance of winning the triple crown, and having a chance of winning the tournament a possibly a Grand Slam.

Now who would of thought be the start of the tournament.

[doctor_grey]

Will probably end as a 0-0 draw, but set a new record for kicks made in open play.

[No 7&1/2]

Not really heard many of the traditional rumours out of the camp on selections yet. Do we reckon its going to be same as Italy or reverting to Lawrence at 12 with the shock to the system of Ford at 10? We need a new discussion point so if so I'm going with Curry to pick up the captaincy ahead of Itoje.

[lostinwales]

I think Curry has too much on his plate already

[No 7&1/2]

Would certainly help if Lawes and Vunipola (or whoever) turned up this weekend.

[MichaelT]

How many more times does Billy Vunipola have to publicly say he is not playing well for it to make a difference? I feel like I have been hearing it for years. Needs games under his belt to play well. Needs his brother playing to play well. He was disruptive at the world cup. There always seems to be something.

How does it help create a good culture in the team?

[WELL-PAST-IT]

I think Lawes has turned up both games, you can't expect him to play like Underhill, but he has made his tackles, carried better than most forwards and probably been our best lineout forward.

I don't get this thing you have against him 7 1/2, he has been consistently picked by every England manager in his international career plus by Gatland and as a 6 a lot by him.

May I ask what position you played in?

[No 7&1/2]

Never played WPI, bar at school.

I don't think Lawes is a good 6 at international level, especially when paired with Vunipola. Slow, slow back row. He should play at lock or not at all. I think he's a good lock but a touch worse than the ones I'd have as starters.

[Gooseberry]

It as only just dawned on me gow big a game this week end is.

Both teams need to win this week end... England need to win to keep their hopes up of retaining the champion ship....Like wis Wales need to win, to have a chance of winning the triple crown, and having a chance of winning the tournament a possibly a Grand Slam.

Now who would of thought be the start of the tournament.

It just doesn't feel like that big a deal to me in what should normally be a grand stand event, even more so when iboth are still in contention to win the competition. Just feels both teams are pretty flat.

Im sure the atmosphere will be different in the training camps, shouldn't be any question about the intensity it will be played with. But quality? Both teams have been lacking.

[mikey_dragon]

Billy Vunipola to Montpellier.

[No 7&1/2]

How many more times does Billy Vunipola have to publicly say he is not playing well for it to make a difference? I feel like I have been hearing it for years. Needs games under his belt to play well. Needs his brother playing to play well. He was disruptive at the world cup. There always seems to be something.

How does it help create a good culture in the team?

He's been playing very poorly. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/feb/23/billy-vunipola-admits-ive-been-playing-rubbish-england-six-nations-rugby-union

Perhaps there is something about having his brother with him in the camp, must be very tough the way England have approached the tournament, very isolating. Marler thought better of it of course.

[lostinwales]

How many more times does Billy Vunipola have to publicly say he is not playing well for it to make a difference? I feel like I have been hearing it for years. Needs games under his belt to play well. Needs his brother playing to play well. He was disruptive at the world cup. There always seems to be something.

How does it help create a good culture in the team?

He's been playing very poorly. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/feb/23/billy-vunipola-admits-ive-been-playing-rubbish-england-six-nations-rugby-union

Perhaps there is something about having his brother with him in the camp, must be very tough the way England have approached the tournament, very isolating. Marler thought better of it of course.

They had an interview with Genge on the good the bad and the rugby podcast. The set up does sound tough with a lot of isolation in their hotel rooms.

It is well worth realising that although it is great that we are seeing some rugby, the circumstances driven by covid will almost certainly have a negative impact on the player performances. We are not seeing the best of the NH teams.

[WELL-PAST-IT]

Never played WPI, bar at school.

I don't think Lawes is a good 6 at international level, especially when paired with Vunipola. Slow, slow back row. He should play at lock or not at all. I think he's a good lock but a touch worse than the ones I'd have as starters.

I would agree that his best position is lock however he brings something to the backrow that none of the other contenders do, a third specialist jumper. When he is not there the opposition seem to be very good at disrupting our lineouts, none of Curry, Underhill or Earl are even good jumpers, useful okay, but not in Lawes' league. He is also like one of you favorite players an absolute menace in the maul off a lineout.

He is a lot better than most people think at the breakdown and regularly gets a turnover or two, not as good as Curry or Earl agreed.

A back row of Lawes Curry and Earl would be my choice from this current squad as I agree BV is not up to scratch at the moment. Earl out in the line for lineouts would be a lot better than a dawdling BV.

As someone who played rugby in the back row from 8 until 47 I can recognise a lot of the subtle thinks he does that do not catch the eye, a bit like Wilson he is the glue that holds the fabric of the team together with support for other players, holding opposition players in position by being on the shoulder or in a position to take a pass. He is also adapt at having quite words and offering advice to players who have made mistakes.

[WELL-PAST-IT]

How many more times does Billy Vunipola have to publicly say he is not playing well for it to make a difference? I feel like I have been hearing it for years. Needs games under his belt to play well. Needs his brother playing to play well. He was disruptive at the world cup. There always seems to be something.

How does it help create a good culture in the team?

He's been playing very poorly. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/feb/23/billy-vunipola-admits-ive-been-playing-rubbish-england-six-nations-rugby-union

Perhaps there is something about having his brother with him in the camp, must be very tough the way England have approached the tournament, very isolating. Marler thought better of it of course.

They had an interview with Genge on the good the bad and the rugby podcast. The set up does sound tough with a lot of isolation in their hotel rooms.

It is well worth realising that although it is great that we are seeing some rugby, the circumstances driven by covid will almost certainly have a negative impact on the player performances. We are not seeing the best of the NH teams.

From the sound of that interview it looks like he has been told he is playing Sunday.

[No9]

It as only just dawned on me gow big a game this week end is.

Both teams need to win this week end... England need to win to keep their hopes up of retaining the champion ship....Like wis Wales need to win, to have a chance of winning the triple crown, and having a chance of winning the tournament a possibly a Grand Slam.

Now who would of thought be the start of the tournament.

Just thought I'd correct that for you.. as Wales will WIN the Triple Crown this week if they win, not have a chance at winning it. Minor, but accurate correction. Wasnt pedantic enough to correct your spelling though

[No9]

How many more times does Billy Vunipola have to publicly say he is not playing well for it to make a difference? I feel like I have been hearing it for years. Needs games under his belt to play well. Needs his brother playing to play well. He was disruptive at the world cup. There always seems to be something.

How does it help create a good culture in the team?

He's been playing very poorly. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/feb/23/billy-vunipola-admits-ive-been-playing-rubbish-england-six-nations-rugby-union

Perhaps there is something about having his brother with him in the camp, must be very tough the way England have approached the tournament, very isolating. Marler thought better of it of course.

They had an interview with Genge on the good the bad and the rugby podcast. The set up does sound tough with a lot of isolation in their hotel rooms.

It is well worth realising that although it is great that we are seeing some rugby, the circumstances driven by covid will almost certainly have a negative impact on the player performances. We are not seeing the best of the NH teams.

From the sound of that interview it looks like he has been told he is playing Sunday.

So he's not playing against Wales then...

[No 7&1/2]

Never played WPI, bar at school.

I don't think Lawes is a good 6 at international level, especially when paired with Vunipola. Slow, slow back row. He should play at lock or not at all. I think he's a good lock but a touch worse than the ones I'd have as starters.

I would agree that his best position is lock however he brings something to the backrow that none of the other contenders do, a third specialist jumper. When he is not there the opposition seem to be very good at disrupting our lineouts, none of Curry, Underhill or Earl are even good jumpers, useful okay, but not in Lawes' league. He is also like one of you favorite players an absolute menace in the maul off a lineout.

He is a lot better than most people think at the breakdown and regularly gets a turnover or two, not as good as Curry or Earl agreed.

A back row of Lawes Curry and Earl would be my choice from this current squad as I agree BV is not up to scratch at the moment. Earl out in the line for lineouts would be a lot better than a dawdling BV.

As someone who played rugby  in the back row from 8 until 47 I can recognise a lot of the subtle thinks he does that do not catch the eye, a bit like Wilson he is the glue that holds the fabric of the team together with support for other players, holding opposition players in position  by being on the shoulder or in a position to take a pass. He is also adapt at having quite words and offering advice to players who have made mistakes.

Lawes, Curry and Earl would be a better balance I agree. Its a bit make do and mend though with the current rules on selection.

[doctor_grey]

Cold you imagine what the crowd in attendance would be saying about Billy if fans were allowed in? Would be fairly brutal.

[Gooseberry]

I think Curry has too much on his plate already

I think Billy's the one who's had too much curry on his plate ( his brother too)

[TightHEAD]

Billy on his form


"I've just been playing rubbish, I can’t lie. I need to turn up this weekend and that’s what I’m planning on doing.”

[Poorfour]

Billy on his form


"I've just been playing rubbish, I can’t lie. I need to turn up this weekend and that’s what I’m planning on doing.”

You could read that two ways...

[whatahitson]

Billy on his form


"I've just been playing rubbish, I can’t lie. I need to turn up this weekend and that’s what I’m planning on doing.”

That's the mentality of a winner.

[WELL-PAST-IT]

How many more times does Billy Vunipola have to publicly say he is not playing well for it to make a difference? I feel like I have been hearing it for years. Needs games under his belt to play well. Needs his brother playing to play well. He was disruptive at the world cup. There always seems to be something.

How does it help create a good culture in the team?

He's been playing very poorly. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/feb/23/billy-vunipola-admits-ive-been-playing-rubbish-england-six-nations-rugby-union

Perhaps there is something about having his brother with him in the camp, must be very tough the way England have approached the tournament, very isolating. Marler thought better of it of course.

They had an interview with Genge on the good the bad and the rugby podcast. The set up does sound tough with a lot of isolation in their hotel rooms.

It is well worth realising that although it is great that we are seeing some rugby, the circumstances driven by covid will almost certainly have a negative impact on the player performances. We are not seeing the best of the NH teams.

From the sound of that interview it looks like he has been told he is playing Sunday.

So he's not playing against Wales then...

He will be picked and run out onto the field, but he won't turn up mentally until Sunday on form so far this 6N.

Well spotted.

[BamBam]

Not as many of the usual leaks about the team sheet this week, only one I could find was in the Mail. They're saying the only change to the starting XV is George back in with LCD moving to the bench, and George Martin taking Willis' place on the bench

[lostinwales]

Not as many of the usual leaks about the team sheet this week, only one I could find was in the Mail. They're saying the only change to the starting XV is George back in with LCD moving to the bench, and George Martin taking Willis' place on the bench

Well that is something in itself. LCD was very good last time out and does currently seem in better form. That is also a big jump for Martin as the thinking was he was in for the experience only.

[doctor_grey]

And what of Odogwu?
Is Lawrence going to put the jersey on again?

[Sgt_Pooly]

Yet miles better than the stuff youngs puts up. I wouldnt have had either of them ideally but that said I think Robson should start next weekend. The freedom for youngs coming on will hopefully do him some good.

Nope, passing wise Robson was streets behind Youngs for both 6N games hence my concern. Benny was one of our best players against Scotland (which says something about the overall performance) and Robson was probably our worst. Robson should hopefully be a handy bench impact for the rest of the tournament but if there's a summer tour in hoping we see Mitchell and Randall go and both get game time. Young JVP at Tigers looks a class act in the making but at 19 isn't going to a realistic option for a couple more seasons.

Robson was all over the place against Scotland but improved notably against Italy (hard to really rate this.)

On Youngs, he's quite possibly got the worst pass of a scrum half I think I've ever seen at international level....bar Bergamasco of course. I find it absolutely baffling that a player in his position can be so bad at one of his core skills. That Ford can still look quality playing alongside him is a real credit.

[No 7&1/2]

From the rfu site

ENGLAND TEAM TO FACE WALES IN SIX NATIONS ANNOUNCED

 Posted 2 Minutes Ago

Eddie Jones has named his side for this weekend’s key Guinness Six Nations match against Wales.England Senior Men

England will travel to Cardiff to take on Wales at the Principality Stadium on Saturday 27 February (4.45pm KO).

O2 Inside Line: The Next Level | Meet the coachesListen to Cowan-Dickie and Slade on England Rugby Podcast: O2 Inside LineGet the latest news from Test Talk: Inside the bubble

Elliot Daly is set to make his 50th appearance for England, at full back.  Daly made his England debut in February 2016 in a 21-10 victory over Ireland.

Captain Owen Farrell is at inside centre, Henry Slade at outside centre and George Ford stays at fly half.  Ben Youngs continues at scrum half, with Jonny May (left) and Anthony Watson (right) on the wings.

Jamie George returns at hooker, with Mako Vunipola and Kyle Sinckler as props alongside in the back row.  Maro Itoje and Jonny Hill stay in the second row.

Mark Wilson starts as blind-side flanker, Tom Curry is open-side flanker and Billy Vunipola continues at No. 8.

George Martin could make his England debut after being named as finisher. Luke Cowan-Dickie, Ellis Genge, Will Stuart, Ben Earl, Charlie Ewels, Dan Robson and Max Malins make up the finishers.

Eddie Jones said: “Wales is a really special fixture and rivalry.  There is a long history between the two nations and the game means a lot to both countries.

“We know we’ll be up against a strong Welsh challenge on Saturday, but we’ve worked really hard in training this week and have got a very good team to face it.

“We want to show people what we are capable of, keep building our performances and the best is yet to come from this England team.”

In their remaining championship fixtures, England will then play France at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday 13 March (4.45pm KO) before travelling to Dublin to take on Ireland on Saturday 20 March (4.45pm KO).

Wales v England is live on BBC One and BBC Radio 5 Live. 

ENGLAND

15. Elliot Daly (Saracens, 49 caps)
14. Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby, 48 caps)
13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 36 caps)
12. Owen Farrell (Saracens, 90 caps)
11. Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby, 63 caps)
10. George Ford (Leicester Tigers, 74 caps)
9. Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 106 caps)

1. Mako Vunipola (Saracens, 64 caps)
2. Jamie George (Saracens, 56 caps)
3. Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, 41 caps)
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 45 caps)
5. Jonny Hill (Exeter Chiefs, 6 caps)
6. Mark Wilson (Newcastle Falcons, 20 caps)
7. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 30 caps)
8. Billy Vunipola (Saracens, 58 caps)

FINISHERS

16. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs, 28 caps)
17. Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers, 25 caps)
18. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 10 caps)
19. Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby, 18 caps)
20. George Martin (Leicester Tigers, uncapped)
21. Ben Earl (Bristol Bears, 10 caps)
22. Dan Robson (Wasps, 9 caps)
23. Max Malins (Bristol Bears, 5 caps)

[No 7&1/2]

Mixed bag really. At least we have flankers playing at 6 and 7. Really big game needed wilson and Vunipola. Dont know how a few of these guys keep getting chances at the moment but it looks a team picked to dominate up front again. We saw them do this last year they just need to pull their socks up.

[No9]

Phew.. that's a relief.

I was worried Uncle Eddie would put out a strong side...

[Luckless Pedestrian]

'Finishers' FFS.

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