England A v Portugal - MWWR - 25th February 2024

[Tiglon]

https://twitter.com/EnglandRugby/status ... VsuyQ&s=19

Heyes at 3
Shillcock on th bench

(Interestingly Atkinson who we let go because he fell behind Shillcock for us is starting 10)

Didn't Atkinson go to Glouc? Who are coached by Skivington? As is the England A team?

He's probably got a higher potential ceiling than Shillcock, there's just a lot of doubt for me as to whether he'll ever reach it.

[Rugbygramps]

I remember reading that Pollard really rated Atkinson as a young player. As Tiglon says a difference between having potential and achieving that potential

[Wayne Richardson Fan Club]

For me, Atkinson is a 10 that can play 15, Shillcock the other way round, it's why Shillcock makes a really good bench player.

[Leicestertinytiger]

Would’ve started OHC.

Rate Pearson at 6. He’s good in the lineout and could see him working in the senior team with Earl at 7 and Barbeary at 8. Nice balance that.

[Rugbygramps]

I really like what I’ve seen of Pepper. If Reffell were ever to move, hopefully not, he’s one I’d hope we would be chasing

[TigerFeetSteve]

The Portugal A side is a very young team significantly younger and weaker than England. Not one of their 23 was in their world cup squad.

[Robespierre]

The Portugal A side is a very young team significantly younger and weaker than England. Not one of their 23 was in their world cup squad.

..which makes me question the value of such a match. I’m all for the A team principle but to properly assess up and coming players, the opposition must be of a similar standard.

[TigerFeetSteve]

The Portugal A side is a very young team significantly younger and weaker than England. Not one of their 23 was in their world cup squad.

..which makes me question the value of such a match. I’m all for the A team principle but to properly assess up and coming players, the opposition must be of a similar standard.

The problem is that Portugal are only allowed player releases from France based players (majority of their squad is France based) on the weekends of the European Rugby Championship not this weekend so Portugal are unable to pick their full side

[Darc Tiger]

I think there is a genuine risk this could be embarrassing, and people are going to feel short-changed.

Those in the know warned about the likely lack of strength that Portugal would be able bring in the middle of a tournament, in a slot where clubs are not obligated to release players.

Yet still, it was advertised by the RFU like they would be playing a team similar to the one that competed in the World Cup.

[Tiglon]

That does sound like a bit of a waste of time...

[Wayne Richardson Fan Club]

I think there is a genuine risk this could be embarrassing, and people are going to feel short-changed.

Those in the know warned about the likely lack of strength that Portugal would be able bring in the middle of a tournament, in a slot where clubs are not obligated to release players.

Yet still, it was advertised by the RFU like they would be playing a team similar to the one that competed in the World Cup.

The RFU talking cobblers...never...

[ay2oh]

Have 2 tickets in the Crumbie Stand for the England A v Portugal game face value £45 will accept £30

[sam16111986]

The Portugal A side is a very young team significantly younger and weaker than England. Not one of their 23 was in their world cup squad.

It's a shame they haven't added a few of the senior guys that still play in Portugal. Their captain is a dentist in Lisbon, he could have made an appearance.

[Hot_Charlie]

I really like what I’ve seen of Pepper. If Reffell were ever to move, hopefully not, he’s one I’d hope we would be chasing

I think Pepper's already rumoured to be going elsewhere for now - Bath I think.

[Rugbygramps]

I really like what I’ve seen of Pepper. If Reffell were ever to move, hopefully not, he’s one I’d hope we would be chasing

I think Pepper's already rumoured to be going elsewhere for now - Bath I think.

Hadn’t heard that might mean Underhill moving on