England's XV -suggestions?

[jgriffin]

Haskell at 8, YBY to start?
Come on let's be creative

[Nailsworthstiger]

George Ford at 10

[tigerburnie]

Strettle on the wing.

[Will S]

I wouldn't change much in the pack but there is talk of Ford playing at 10 with Faz moving to 12. I can't see the point of having Ford at 10 with Owen and Barritt in the centres (that's 2 out of 3 playing out of position!). Certainly no point having a player like May on the wing if this is the case as he will never see the ball in attack so you might as well go for Foden on the wing who is a stronger defender and can field kicks better. I would prefer to see see Ford at 10 with Eastmond and Joseph in the centres. Not the ideal set up but at least they know each other, are all playing in position and would move the large SA pack around the pitch a bit more.

Would be tempted to start YBY at 9 as his kicking game is better and Care can be more dangerous sniping off the bench against tired legs.

[Soggypitch]

Ford is simply not an international class goal kicker. It would be a HUGE risk to play him unless Farrell is outside him to kick the goals.

I agree however that a midfield of Farrell and Barritt is not the most creative, however against S Africa and with Manu and Burrell both out, I would probably go with it.

I would leave the pack alone, although there is talk of Morgan for Vunipola.

[mol2]

Ford at fly half with 36 at inside centre & possibly Joseph or Burrell at o/c - (36 being pretty good back up kicker and to take the speculative long punts).

However as none are from the southern hemisphere and only Ford is sufficiently "rugby league" it would be unlikely that Farrell or Barritt get dropped.

[Jay C]

Front row & bench stays same (unless Webber has to replace concussed Hartley)
Kruis & Kitchener to start in 2nd row, Attwood on bench (SL will pick Attwood to start)
Bring an openside (Wallace?) in at 7 (replacement for injured Lawes) (SL will not)
Move Robshaw to 6; Vunipola at 8 - Haskell on the bench (SL will pick same back rowers as NZ game - possibly swapping Morgan/Vunipola)

Dickson at 9 & Care on bench (SL will go Care/Youngs)
Farrell has to start so that Ford doesn't get steamrollered
Don't think Joseph is good enough, so Barritt has to play OC
That leaves Eastmond or 12trees at IC with the other on the bench (SL will put Ford on bench)
May & Roko have to be given another go on the wings
So Brown is likely to get another go at fullback with Watson on the bench

Suggestion (based on current squad) & prediction all rolled into one response !

[jgriffin]

Ford at fly half with 36 at inside centre & possibly Joseph or Burrell at o/c - (36 being pretty good back up kicker and to take the speculative long punts).

However as none are from the southern hemisphere and only Ford is sufficiently "rugby league" it would be unlikely that Farrell or Barritt get dropped.

Good spot!
I don't think much will change and that to me is simply another step down the hill. Agree with SCW that Robshaw, Armitage, Haskell would be a good mix for the backrow. That won't happen though will it? The best 10 and the best wingers in the AP don't make the 23 so why change a losing hand?

[amazing tiger]

care to be dropped so to farrell youngs and ford to come in would like to see someone else outside eastmond. but i think the team might stay the same

[Pellsey]

Farrell, burger salesman. Youngs at 9, Ford at 10, Eastmond 12, Joseph 13... Kitch at lock, of course.

None of these will happen though. IMHO, England will never win any competition with Farrell at 10, and my money is on SA by at least a score this weekend. I think Mr Owens was kind to England at the weekend making the score closer that it could have been.

[covrich]

I am sorry not going to be popular here but I wouldn't have Young's starting

[Jay C]

Roko out so Yarde onto the bench & that's it ...

SA to win comfortably ?

[sapajo]

Roko out so Yarde onto the bench & that's it ...

SA to win comfortably ?

Not comfortably but my money is on an SA win. Hope I am wrong!