FANTASY SAXONS/ENGLAND SUMMER TOUR 23

[Hot_Charlie]

Also interesting to see Eddie has dropped Tom Willis - he really doesn’t seem to like number 8s.

I think you are right. Some positions need an out and out specialist, normally the starter; number 8 is one of those where he can allow more flexibility, as we’ve seen when he’s deployed Curry at 8.

[sam16111986]

Also interesting to see Eddie has dropped Tom Willis - he really doesn’t seem to like number 8s.

I think you are right. Some positions need an out and out specialist, normally the starter; number 8 is one of those where he can allow more flexibility, as we’ve seen when he’s deployed Curry at 8.

Calum Chick is still with England, he's been playing 8 for Falcons. Dangerous to assume we Eddie but I'd assume he'd be in at 8 for the A game with Dombrandt then coming in for USA and Canada.

[TigerFeetSteve]

I actually think that Jones plans for these games has been hampered by the Semi results. Take for example the fact the training squad only had 1 fly half in it. So to me he's clearly thinking Simmonds & Smith are the two additions here and then both went and won their respective games. I can't believe EJ planned to be going in to this game with only one Fly half.

[sam16111986]

I actually think that Jones plans for these games has been hampered by the Semi results. Take for example the fact the training squad only had 1 fly half in it. So to me he's clearly thinking Simmonds & Smith are the two additions here and then both went and won their respective games. I can't believe EJ planned to be going in to this game with only one Fly half.

He's got Malins who can slot in at 10 as well. After the final I suspect he'll call up Smith to start the two after.

[Scott1]

Could we see a hoe down between Smith and Simmonds? One starts one game,one the other.

[Hot_Charlie]

Also interesting to see Eddie has dropped Tom Willis - he really doesn’t seem to like number 8s.

I think you are right. Some positions need an out and out specialist, normally the starter; number 8 is one of those where he can allow more flexibility, as we’ve seen when he’s deployed Curry at 8.

Calum Chick is still with England, he's been playing 8 for Falcons. Dangerous to assume we Eddie but I'd assume he'd be in at 8 for the A game with Dombrandt then coming in for USA and Canada.

Indeed. The point I was trying to make is that including too many “specialist” 8s (for example a Billy V, a Hughes or a Morgan - the latter who fell well out of favour) when you achieve better versatility with others across the back row.

[Hot_Charlie]

Could we see a hoe down between Smith and Simmonds? One starts one game,one the other.

Seeing as Umaga has been in the squad before both of them already this year, I’m not sure they will.

[sam16111986]

Could we see a hoe down between Smith and Simmonds? One starts one game,one the other.

Seeing as Umaga has been in the squad before both of them already this year, I’m not sure they will.

If Umaga has one of his more erm varied displays on the weekend Eddie might change his mind.

[Hot_Charlie]

Could we see a hoe down between Smith and Simmonds? One starts one game,one the other.

Seeing as Umaga has been in the squad before both of them already this year, I’m not sure they will.

If Umaga has one of his more erm varied displays on the weekend Eddie might change his mind.

True.

Eddie will just bench Smith for both tests and bring him on at 79 minutes. Just to wind everybody up!

[sam16111986]

Seeing as Umaga has been in the squad before both of them already this year, I’m not sure they will.

If Umaga has one of his more erm varied displays on the weekend Eddie might change his mind.

True.

Eddie will just bench Smith for both tests and bring him on at 79 minutes. Just to wind everybody up!

If that means Joe Simmonds is starting then I don't mind that too much. If Smith is watching Umaga play hit and miss then we will be wound up.

[Scott1]

Miles Reid out the series with a facial injury

[TigerFeetSteve]

https://www.englandrugby.com/news/artic ... -announced

Genge
Heyes
Wells
Kelly
Steward

Are all selected, only Tiger in the squad missing out is George Martin

[RagingBull]

So will stop Ireland and Wales going after Heyes and Kelly.

Which is massive for us.

[TigerFeetSteve]

So will stop Ireland and Wales going after Heyes and Kelly.

Which is massive for us.

Yes that is huge!!

[TigerFeetSteve]

https://twitter.com/SDM_Robertson/statu ... 55170?s=19

8 players isolating in the Scotland camp, hope Henderson and Scott are unaffected