England v France

[Robespierre]

As both sides have already qualified, will they be at their strongest or will key players be rested? My initial thoughts are that Billy Vunipola had an anonymous match on Saturday and I hope he will be replaced by Wilson. Singleton needs game time so I’d have him in the starting XV as should Genge. Watson should be given the chance to play fullback. Joseph and Slade need game time and Nowell too. As I mentioned a week or so ago, I’d give my month’s pension to see Huget flattened by Cokanasiga! George Ford - should he be wrapped in cotton wool for the QF?

[Scott1]

A lot rides on Wales v Fiji. If Fiji play like they did against Georgia they are a real threat, incredible handling skills in that weather and have nothing to lose. I have a feeling France would much rather play Wales than Oz. That match will dictate their lineup imo.

[Scott1]

Forgot to add how good Fijis scrum was too!

[Mark62]

Depends who wants who in the quarters with Wales likely to top that group.
Imho Australia are the weaker of those 2 sides therefore topping the group is important.
Don’t really see the need to give 3rd choices like Genge a run, for me it’s the strongest available 23 from here moving forward

[SimonP in Surrey]

Interesting question as to preferring to play AUS or WAL in the quarters. I though both were quite fierce in their head to head but both have also showed some sloppiness such as with AUS passing / catching and WAL lineout. As an ENG fan I think I would prefer AUS overall, (which is how it will most likely pan out), as i think ENG forwards can outpower AUS. WAL will beat FRA I think in the other match. Anyways ENG vs FRA I suspect will be a little flat with ENG winning still therefore not the 100% test that they (ENG) particularly need. As mention elsewhere Billy has not properly fired yet and we looked better when Ludlam came on. Rest Billy and give Wilson some game time.

[Mark62]

Interesting question as to preferring to play AUS or WAL in the quarters. I though both were quite fierce in their head to head but both have also showed some sloppiness such as with AUS passing / catching and WAL lineout. As an ENG fan I think I would prefer AUS overall, (which is how it will most likely pan out), as i think ENG forwards can outpower AUS. WAL will beat FRA I think in the other match. Anyways ENG vs FRA I suspect will be a little flat with ENG winning still therefore not the 100% test that they (ENG) particularly need. As mention elsewhere Billy has not properly fired yet and we looked better when Ludlam came on. Rest Billy and give Wilson some game time.

Excellent point re Billy, Ludlam has been one of England’s stand outs for me, and deserves a start

[Robespierre]

In my opinion, Eddie Jones should not select his team in accordance with his preferred opposition in the QFs. The England team has already qualified and the opportunity should be taken to give valuable game time to the other players who may well be called upon to play in the semi-final due to injuries. So the likes of George, Marler, both Vunipolas, Ford, May, Tuilagi, Itoje, Curry and Underhill should be rested. Other players like Ludlam, Slade, Joseph, Cokanasiga, Nowell, Launchbury, Singleton, Genge etc are reliable players and won't let the side down.

[JP14]

Genge
Singleton
Cole
Launchbury
Lawes
Ludlam
Underhill
Wilson
Heinz
Ford
Cokanasiga
Tuilagi
Slade
Nowell
Watson
Cowan-Dickie
Vunipola
Sinckler
Itoje
Curry
Youngs
Joesph
McConnochie

[Robespierre]

Genge
Singleton
Cole
Launchbury
Lawes
Ludlam
Underhill
Wilson
Heinz
Ford
Cokanasiga
Tuilagi
Slade
Nowell
Watson
Cowan-Dickie
Vunipola
Sinckler
Itoje
Curry
Youngs
Joesph
McConnochie

Looks good to me !

[JP14]

I would be tempted to reward Cowan-Dickie with the start though.

[Mark62]

My only comment would be that the guy who’s played anymore rugby that anyone else is George Ford, so if you’re resting players you would rest him

[Scott1]

Genge
LCD
Cole
Launchbury
Lawes
Ludlam
Underhill
Wilson
Heinz
Farrell
Cokanisiga
Manu
Slade
Watson
Daly

Mako, Singleton,Sinckler,Itoje,Curry,Youngs,Ford,Joseph

[Mark62]

One interesting stat, taking into account how superstitious some professional players can be, is that no team that has ever lost a pool match has gone on to win the Rugby World Cup

[Chobbsy]

As both sides have already qualified, will they be at their strongest or will key players be rested? My initial thoughts are that Billy Vunipola had an anonymous match on Saturday and I hope he will be replaced by Wilson. Singleton needs game time so I’d have him in the starting XV as should Genge. Watson should be given the chance to play fullback. Joseph and Slade need game time and Nowell too. As I mentioned a week or so ago, I’d give my month’s pension to see Huget flattened by Cokanasiga! George Ford - should he be wrapped in cotton wool for the QF?

Apparently there is a sickness bug in the England camp which might lead to 7 changes

[Robespierre]

As both sides have already qualified, will they be at their strongest or will key players be rested? My initial thoughts are that Billy Vunipola had an anonymous match on Saturday and I hope he will be replaced by Wilson. Singleton needs game time so I’d have him in the starting XV as should Genge. Watson should be given the chance to play fullback. Joseph and Slade need game time and Nowell too. As I mentioned a week or so ago, I’d give my month’s pension to see Huget flattened by Cokanasiga! George Ford - should he be wrapped in cotton wool for the QF?

Apparently there is a sickness bug in the England camp which might lead to 7 changes

How convenient! Probably PMT (pre match tension!)