What do Freddie Steward and Maro Itoje have in common?

[chris111]

A: perhaps the only two players in the England squad who, on current form, should be a nailed-on starter by virtue of being a significant upgrade on the alternatives?

I’d reckon in every other position there are 2/3 - or more - options where you could make arguments either way, but if I were in EJ’s shoes these would be the only two choices I didn’t bother spending time thinking about.

Discuss….

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EJ had Farrell on his team sheet months ago...

[chris111]

EJ had Farrell on his team sheet months ago...

Key words in my post were “should be!

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Yep, if they're going to pick Smith over Ford, give him ago with like minded backs. Like they should have done with Ford....

[tigerburnie]

Eddie Jones is looking at the next game only, his cv is what matters, he has no interest in England winning a World Cup, he stills owes us one for 2003.

[Scott1]

Ellis Genge?

[Raimond]

Max Malins 7 tries in 2 games isn't particularly shoddy either.

[TigerFeetSteve]

As much as Steward is a starter for me to say he is nailed on isn't quite right IMO.

Yes he is IMO the best fullback in the country, but others are better than him at other aspects of the game. The likes of Parton and Malins both have aspects that if England were to play in certain styles may make them attractive options as starters

[Scott1]

Depends what you want from your FB. Fundamentally he's arguably the best we've got and although his attack is getting there there are still others more dangerous than him at present. Me personally I'd take a Rob Kearney all day and let your wingers provide the magic. Not that he was any slouch

[TigerCam]

Max Malins 7 tries in 2 games isn't particularly shoddy either.

I think he will be the 15 for the AIs if not all Ints

[OakhamTiger32]

Max Malins 7 tries in 2 games isn't particularly shoddy either.

I think he will be the 15 for the AIs if not all Ints

No disrespect to Malins as he is a world class player with undeniable talent; however, I’m not really that impressed by the 7 tries in 2 games stat given the circumstances. I could have finished a fair few of those tries. Itoje offloading to him for a walk in 2m out unopposed isn’t anything special. 7 tries in 2 matches looks impressive on paper but it was against a rudderless Bath side and a very depleted Wasps B team.

He scored 0 tries in his previous 2 matches against proper opposition by comparison.

I would definitely have him in the team but not ahead of Steward. Steward at 15 and Malins/Radwan as the pace on one wing option

[chris111]

As much as Steward is a starter for me to say he is nailed on isn't quite right IMO.

Yes he is IMO the best fullback in the country, but others are better than him at other aspects of the game. The likes of Parton and Malins both have aspects that if England were to play in certain styles may make them attractive options as starters

Fair point about Malins….I think Steward is better defensively but Malins currently the stronger attacking option. Mind you, always hard to tell from club form; these two currently benefit from being in the strongest defences in the Premiership.

On the Genge question - yes, certainly arguable that he’s overtaken Mako, but not sure it’s that clear cut. Maybe depends on who they are up against - if it’s a really top class TH then there’s something to be said for letting Mako take the strain for 50mins so Ellis can rampage for 30!

[Scott1]

As much as Steward is a starter for me to say he is nailed on isn't quite right IMO.

Yes he is IMO the best fullback in the country, but others are better than him at other aspects of the game. The likes of Parton and Malins both have aspects that if England were to play in certain styles may make them attractive options as starters

Fair point about Malins….I think Steward is better defensively but Malins currently the stronger attacking option. Mind you, always hard to tell from club form; these two currently benefit from being in the strongest defences in the Premiership.

On the Genge question - yes, certainly arguable that he’s overtaken Mako, but not sure it’s that clear cut. Maybe depends on who they are up against - if it’s a really top class TH then there’s something to be said for letting Mako take the strain for 50mins so Ellis can rampage for 30!

Mako isn't even in the squad! And rightly so!

[kk20gb30]

Perhaps I'm classed as somewhat old fashioned but I see a Fullbacks prime requirement being the ability to defend....

[rugbym4dmike]

EJ hasn't picked the best FB for some time, Alex Goode is far and away a better FB than Daley, but for some reason EJ didn't want him, so wouldn't be surprised by any choices he makes, like OF at inside centre for instance!