Marcus Smith

[mol2]

Not sure Simmonds is an international 8.
Fantastic club player but not quite big and powerful enough.

Dombrant might get there. Not sure it is a good use of Curry who looks more comfortable on the flank; I would only use him at 8 as cover if the starting 8 got injured.

[Scott1]

Not sure Simmonds is an international 8.
Fantastic club player but not quite big and powerful enough.

Dombrant might get there. Not sure it is a good use of Curry who looks more comfortable on the flank; I would only use him at 8 as cover if the starting 8 got injured.

Look at the sheer physicality in England’s defence today,and thats why Simmonds won’t make it. Can’t afford luxuries during such brutality

[westwinds31]

Not sure Simmonds is an international 8.
Fantastic club player but not quite big and powerful enough.

Dombrant might get there. Not sure it is a good use of Curry who looks more comfortable on the flank; I would only use him at 8 as cover if the starting 8 got injured.

Look at the sheer physicality in England’s defence today,and thats why Simmonds won’t make it. Can’t afford luxuries during such brutality

Spot on. Underhill and Curry are ferocious and do all the grunt around the park as well. Simmonds is a top player but I can’t see him breaking in unless there’s an injury.

[Tiglon]

Not sure Simmonds is an international 8.
Fantastic club player but not quite big and powerful enough.

Dombrant might get there. Not sure it is a good use of Curry who looks more comfortable on the flank; I would only use him at 8 as cover if the starting 8 got injured.

Look at the sheer physicality in England’s defence today,and thats why Simmonds won’t make it. Can’t afford luxuries during such brutality

Spot on. Underhill and Curry are ferocious and do all the grunt around the park as well. Simmonds is a top player but I can’t see him breaking in unless there’s an injury.

England's current game plan seems to be built entirely around brutal defence. I'd say there are a few back rowers ahead of Simmonds in that regard. Probably the reason Nathan Hughes doesn't get a look in either (that, and the mediocre performances he put in when he did get an opportunity in an England shirt).

[mol2]

I guess Jones' view is that it is easier to concede a try than to make one.

Like many sports the errors cost more than the brilliance scores.

At international level you can't hide weaknesses and ability only goes so far in making up for that.

[Wayne Richardson Fan Club]

I guess Jones' view is that it is easier to concede a try than to make one.

Like many sports the errors cost more than the brilliance scores.

At international level you can't hide weaknesses and ability only goes so far in making up for that.

Yet he picks Daly at Fullback...

[mol2]

The exception that proves the rule!

[Tiglon]

I would guess his reasoning is that if the first line of defence does it's job, you don't need your fullback to make tackles. Therefore, sacrificing tackling ability at 15 is ok if it gets you a counter attacker who can also help you win the territory battle and kick 50m+ penalties.