sockwithaticket wrote:Woddy wrote:sockwithaticket wrote:Hells Bells wrote:Any predictions for the team on Saturday? Doubt Eddie will look to change much apart from maybe dropping Marler for Mako.
Don't see anything wrong with that. Potentially stick Thorley on the bench instead of Slade, but we know Joseph can do a job on the wing, so it's not like we'd be devoid of back row cover.
I'd like to have Maunder on the bench and give him a run. Don't mind which of Youngs or Heinz starts. Youngs had a good game last time out which means he'll probably stink the place out this time. For some reason and with the backrow proposed above, I'd also like Launch on the bench rather than Lawes. Have a feeling we'll need a few players who are good in the tight rumble, which is Launch's forte these days. He'd be more of a like-for-like replacement for Kruis.
Maunder's not good enough at this point in time. He's looked better for Chiefs this season than when he played between injuries last season, but I've not seen anything to indicate he should be partaking in internationals. Christ knows why Eddie's called him up other than that he dimly remembers capping the guy out of nowhere 3 years ago for all of about 2 minutes. If we're adding a 9 to the squad it should be Robson.
Rowlands went off for Wasps with a knee issue at the weekend, without him the Welsh second row is lacking in grunt, so we can get away without the bulk of Launch. Plus Lawes has been playing really bloody well (albeit out of position and in an unbalanced back row). Launch needs to up his game to overhaul any of the incumbants, he's definitely not where he was a few years back (still better than the likes of Ewels). He should have more opportunities soon, though, with Kruis heading overseas.
Going with Maunder simply because he's been picked and it'd be worth seeing another 9 in action. Would be more than happy with Robson instead.
And mentioned Launch specifically in combination with a lighter, faster backrow, which would negate some of the need for Lawes even if he has been playing well of late.
I don't think we need to offset a lighter back row against anyone other than France or South Africa. A back row full of actual back rowers, but devoid of Billy or A N Other bruiser type is fine with Kruis/ Launch and Itoje/Lawes at lock. Whatever shirt numbers they've got on some combination of Curry x2, Underhill, Wilson, Earl, Willis, Hill, Mercer, Dombrandt, Simmonds Ludlam will go well against the majority of opponents. I have included non-squad names there as I'm certain that Eddie can't ignore them forever, his stubborn streak notwithstanding.[/quote]
Speaking of the other Twindaloo, what's going on with him? Wasn't Ben supposed to be the Phaal to Tom's mere Madras when they first hit the seen and he got injured just as they hit the England radar?
Btw, in doublechecking which way around they are, I just noticed that they went to Oundle (school). Am amazed from Maidstone that they are not someone's personal bfs.
decent enough club pro I guess.
