Picking an England team (352)
- 21 Oct 07, 06:38 PM
London - England's World Cup final defeat brings to the end another era and there will be a new-look side when the team take on Wales in the Six Nations opener on 2 February.
Not wholesale changes, maybe, but Jason Robinson has already retired, while others could follow in the coming months. Brian Ashton - or whoever is the coach by then - will have free rein to start again with his selection.
We asked you earlier on Mark Orlovac's blog from Paris to send in your ideas of England's Six Nations starting XV.
From a very rough survey of about 20 replies, we've compiled the following composite England side.
15. Josh Lewsey (Mathew Tait very close behind)
14. Paul Sackey
13. Mathew Tait
12. Toby Flood
11. David Stettle
10 Jonny Wilkinson
9. Harry Ellis
1. Andrew Sheridan
2. George Chuter
3. Matt Stevens
4. Simon Shaw
5. Ben Kay (Tom Palmer close behind)
6. Lewis Moody (James Haskell close behind)
7. Tom Rees
8. Nick Easter
As ever, there will be plenty of other opinions out there, so feel free to get back in touch and debate the side. Obviously, injuries and form will have plenty to say for themselves in the next few months but it will be interesting to see whether this bears any relation to the 15 that do eventually run out at Twickenham in February.
Rob Hodgetts is a BBC Sport journalist based in London.
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looks about right
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i like the composite team.
i would like to see cipriani given a run at full back as i think he has real potential.
i think croft of leicester should be pushing hard for a backrow/2nd row spot.
i still think james simpson-daniel injury permitting is one of our finest backs and should be around the fold.
Tom Varndell has serious pace and potential still and should be being considered.
im also a big anthony allen fan and would like to see him pushing toby flood for the 12 spot.
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I disagree over certain issues!!
15. Mathew Tait (showed he can hit lines from deep and proved his defence this WC!!)
14. Simpson-Daniel (has proved his form in the first two matches this season!!)
13. Dan Hipkiss (showed that he is a very good but does need to get more than one step)
12. Toby Flood (showed he can handle the pressure!!)
11. David Stettle (a star of the next WC!!)
10 Jonny Wilkinson
9. Harry Ellis
1. Andrew Sheridan
2. George Chuter
3. Matt Stevens
4. Simon Shaw
5. Ben Kay (Alex Brown or Short (plays for bath..??) close behind)
6. Lewis Moody (James Haskell close behind)
7. Tom Rees
8. Nick Easter
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Interesting selection - but any international side worth their salt would target the midfield which is lightweight indeed. Tait's improved as a defender - but that's not saying too much. Flood, as his name suggests, lets far too much past.
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15 Morgan
14 Sackey
13 Tait
12 Lewsey
11 Strettle
10 Wilkinson
9 Gomarsall
8 Ward-Smith
7 Rees
6 Haskell
5 Palmer
4 Shaw
3 Stevens
2 Chuter
1 Sheridan
16 Forster (maybe too early)
17 Hartley
18 Brown
19 Crane
20 Ellis
21 Flood
22 Hipkiss
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While I rate Tait, Sackey & Strettle very highly James Simpson-Daniel for me is certainly a better winger than all three and possibly a better 13 than Tait. Scarborough is on a par with them all too, and don't forget big Leslie?
If Tait plays anywhere it has to be 13 - he hasn't the kicking game for 15, nor am I sure he as safe under the high ball as Lewsey, Scarborough or Morgan, while Cipriani outdoes Tait for attacking flair.
Priority number one for the 6 Nations is to find a number 12. Flood isn't that - he's more a fly-half than a 12 and Wilko, Barkley & Geraghty are the top 3 there.
Jordan Turner-Hall looks a must to get involved, lots to work on but has the basis of a future sensation. But then you can't blood him in as a centre with Tait & Cipriani at 15 - you need a Tindall or Lewsey somewhere between 11-15 to help them along.
The team is otherwise excellent though it may be time to give Kay & Moody a year off internationals, give Borthwick & Haskell starts and have Croft & Forrester / Robshaw on the bench. I may go for Ward-Smith over Easter too.
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15 Morgan
14 Sackey
13 Tait
12 Lewsey
11 Strettle
10 Wilkinson
9 Gomarsall
8 Ward-Smith
7 Rees
6 Haskell
5 Palmer
4 Shaw
3 Stevens
2 Chuter
1 Sheridan
16 Forster (maybe too early)
17 Hartley
18 Brown
19 Crane
20 Ellis
21 Flood
22 Hipkiss
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1 Sheridan
2 Titerrell
3 Stevens
4 Corry
5 Shaw
6 Moody
7 Rees
8 Ward-Smith
9 Ellis
10 Wikinson
11 Sackey
12 Tindall
13 Tait
14 Strettle
15 Lewsey
------
16 Mears
17 Vickery
18 Brown
19 Easter
20 Richards
21 Flood
22 Cueto
------
Coach:Brian Ashton
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1. Sheridan
2. Chuter
3. Stevens
4. Kay
5. Borthwick
6. Moody
7. Rees
8. Easter
9. Ellis
10. Geraghty
11. Varndell
12. Wilkinson (C)
13. Hipkiss
14. Strettle
15. Tait
16. Paice/Hartley/Thompson
17. Vickery
18. Palmer
19. Haskell
20. Wigglesworth
21. Flood
22. Abendanon
I think the front row should contain Sheridan,Chuter and Stevens. Stevens needs as much game time as he can get because he has the potential to be the best in the world(along with Sheridan).Vickery should stay on the bench at least for experience. Chuter should keep the no 2 jersey to slowly ease the next hooker in line,it would be pointless to stick a hooker in straight away(dont know which one though).
I choose Kay in the second again for his experience and could accompany Borthwick very well.
The back should be both dynamic and bulky. The combination of Rees,Moody and Easter could offer just that with Haskell coming on as impact(but needs a permanent starting spot at Wasps).
Scrum half has to go to Ellis after the good form he put in before getting injured.Id let Perry no where near the England shirt so id give it to Wigglesworth(can cover at fly half as well)
I was amazed at Geraghtys creativity yesterday that is why i would put him at fly half with Wilkinson inside him for his influence,distribution and defence.Outside him I would go with Hipkiss who can be a star if given game time.
The back line might be a touch 'fragile' but look at its attacking potential. Strettle had a great 6 nations, Varndell should have been in the world cup squad and Tait was very impressive at full back and could be the succcesor to Robinson.
Ive named Flood as a back up kicker/fly half/IC instead of Barkley because he offers more and proved that against France(6 nations).
Abendanon can cover full back/wing and is one for the future(arent they all )
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I agree whole haertidly with this team. The forwards are a good mix of strength and speed around the park. The backs are whole hearidly tough in defense and dangerous and creative in attack, especially 10. 12. 13. which is a compilation i would like to see in an extended run of starts, perhaps even to the next world cup.
Brilliant selection.
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Mostly correct but surely olly barkley 12 ? His defence is much better and kicking ability is stronger.
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Why are we picking Strettle over Hipkiss......and Corry could carry on for another year or two. As could Vickery
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15 Morgan(or abendnon)
14 may
13 Tait
12 flood
11 Strettle
10 Wilkinson
9 Gomarsall(or ellis)
8 Ward-Smith
7 Rees
6 moody
5 short
4 Shaw
3 Stevens
2 Chuter
1 Sheridan
we should try and get as many young playes blooded over the next 2 years
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I doubt whether Ellis will be fit for February (definitely not as a starter) Foden (maybe too young? Sale fans do enlighten us) Otherwise, if we all want the nippers in then Danny Care would be a good shout - good enough for the 1/2 the Six Nations anyway.
I'd like to see Hipkiss partnering Flood in the centres with the golden boy Tait on the wing instead of Strettle. Full-Back, Abendanon. He was very close this time and surely Ashton will want to give him a fair crack at the whip.
Otherwise, Dan Ward-Smith (if fit) will start at 8 but I like the fact you've put Lewis Moody at 6. It's definitely his best position and having an athlete like Rees at 7 will compliment his 'mad-dog' nature.
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I would agree with the team suggested apart from a few alterations.
Nick Easter showed he is a solid number 8 but not a dynamic game winner. I would go with Dan Ward-Smith, more mobile and destructive with ball in hand.
Also although Flood and Tait had a good tournament it still looks light weight in a ever increasing physical battle. With Rabeni winning centre of the tournament and Mortlock/ O'Driscoll being standard examples.
I would opt for a mix Flood at 10 Wilkinson at 12 with Noon/Hipkiss at 13 both with power and attacking flair. Noon would be a good option with all newcastle backline providing good cohesion, however Hipkiss looks to have settled well into the England set up.
My team:-
15. Mathew Tait
14. Josh Lewsey
13. Dan Hipkiss (Jamie Noon)
12. Jonny Wilkinson
11. David Stettle
10 Toby Flood
9. Harry Ellis
1. Andrew Sheridan
2. George Chuter
3. Matt Stevens
4. Simon Shaw
5. Ben Kay (Tom Palmer)
6. Lewis Moody (James Haskell)
7. Tom Rees
8. Dan Ward-Smith
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It all depends on how long term you are thinking. Players like Shaw, Kay Chuter etc are worth their place now but should we be giving experience to players to give them the edge in a RWC final in 4 years time? It counted for a lot this year! Based on this logic, my team is:
15 Tait
14 Lewsey
13 Hipkiss
12 Flood
11 Strettle
10 Geraghty
9 Ellis
8 Ward-Smith
7 Rees
6 Moody
5 Palmer
4 Deacon
3 Stevens
2 Hartley
1 Sheridan
16 Wood
17 Chuter
18 Brown
19 Easter
20 Gomersall
21/22 Lamb/Allen/Wilkinson/Morgan
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I'd like to see Allen get another chance. he didn't have the best debut against new zealand last year, but neither did Tait against wales in 05. He's playing well for gloucester an i think he could be what england need. Ithink floods more of a fly ghalf an the last thing england want to do is start putting poeple out of possision. Anyway, with wilko out every other match flood will probably have lots of chances to shine.
Also Vanikolo and sinbad should get a run. O, an yes i do support Glaws.
this would be my team for 07 6 nations
1.Andy sheridan
2.Chuter
3.Stevens
4.Shaw
5.Kay
6.Moody
7.Rees
8.Ward-Smith
9.Ellis
10.Wilko
11.Stretle
12.Allen
13.Hipkiss
14.JSD/Vainikolo/sackey maybe(i dont rate him)
15.Tait/Lewsey if tait plays badly
16.Meers
17.Brown
18.Crane
19.Flood
20.Lewsey
21.vainikolo (to come on at 50)
22.Forster
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I'd like to see Allen get another chance. he didn't have the best debut against new zealand last year, but neither did Tait against wales in 05. He's playing well for gloucester an i think he could be what england need. Ithink floods more of a fly ghalf an the last thing england want to do is start putting poeple out of possision. Anyway, with wilko out every other match flood will probably have lots of chances to shine.
Also Vanikolo and sinbad should get a run. O, an yes i do support Glaws.
this would be my team for 07 6 nations
1.Andy sheridan
2.Chuter
3.Stevens
4.Shaw
5.Kay
6.Moody
7.Rees
8.Ward-Smith
9.Ellis
10.Wilko
11.Stretle
12.Allen
13.Hipkiss
14.JSD/Vainikolo/sackey maybe(i dont rate him)
15.Tait/Lewsey if tait plays badly
16.Meers
17.Brown
18.Crane
19.Flood
20.Lewsey
21.vainikolo (to come on at 50)
22.Forster
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this team is less for the welsh game , more the ideal world of everyone being fit!! To take us to 2011.
1.Sheridan
2.Mears
3.Stevens
4.Borthwick (hugely underated)
5.Worsley(think abt it , still young , could be a good change)
6.Haskell
7.Rees
8.Forrester
9.Ellis
10.Hodgson/Geraghty/Lamb
11.Strettle
12.Wilkinson(Needs to move in one ..he will flurish)
13.Hipkiss/ O.Smith(Based on good form, a huge talent that has suffered horrible personal loss,should recover early promise?)
14.Simpson-Daniel(first name down)
15.Tait(our new fullback makes perfect sense if u look whos inside him)
16.Flatman(still young , great scrummager, good current form)
17.Hartley
18.Jones or Croft(good signs croft needs more time.
19.Moody or Ward-smith/Easter. Easter has been good just think a fit Forrester is exceptional talent !
20.Foden(young and tenacious,rapid feet currently playing fullback. get him bk at 9.)
21.The none selected flyhalf out of the three . Who knows yet ...Exciting)
22.O.Smith or Hipkiss????
** B4 u have a go , think about the Worsley selection . His lineout at the tail is good so could potentially jump good at 4 . He's a big lump and very mobile . Hits well would add to the mobile pack**
Likely Selection 4 Wales-
1.Sheridan
2.Chuter
3.Stevens
4.Kay
5.Shaw
6.Moody/Worsley
7.Rees
8.Easter
9.Ellis (if fit)
10.Wilkinson
11.Strettle
12.Flood
13.Hpkiss
14.Simpson-Daniel
15.Tait
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Tom Biggs From Leeds Carnegie!!!
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whoever would drop wilkinson must be absolutely stupid. England are a completely different composition when Wilkinson is playing to when he isn't. He is quality in defence and his kicking will prove as he gets more minutes on the pitch. Whoever the poster was who said hodgson is better gave me the biggest laugh of the day!
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to eric:
foden would be an excellent choice at scrum half or full back where he has played for the start of this season. he is quick, strong, has a great pass nd is really creative. would deffinitely make my 6 nations team, if not squad
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Tom Biggs From Leeds Carnegie!!!
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Agree that the front 5 is pretty simple, picks its self really:
1. Sheridan
2. Chuter
3. Stevens
4. Shaw
5. Kay
The second rows will not be playing at the next World Cup. Corry will also not, meaning you will have to change the pack gradually. Leaving the back row with Moody, and the likley replacement for Corry is Rees:
6. Moody
7. Rees
After Nick Easters World Cup, you can't drop him.
8. Easter
Gomarsall was outstanding at the World cup for me, but as we're are building for the next World Cup, it has to be Ellis. Wilkinson at 10 - no questions. The Newcastle Falcon's midfield of Wilkinson, Flood, and Tait could be very beneficial for England. However I think Hipkiss has looked very good in the centre and deserves a place.
9. Ellis
10. Wilkinson
12. Flood
13. Hipkiss
For now I would put Lewsey at Full Back, Tait and Strettle on the wings, potentially moving Tait to Full Back later in his international career.
11. Strettle
14. Tait
15. Lewsey
Could be harsh on Sackey after his World Cup, but I'm a big believer in building for the next World Cup, something we didn't do after 2003.
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15. Olly Morgan/Lewsey
14. James Simpson-Daniel/Sackey
13. Matthew Tait/Noon
12. Hipkiss/Allen
11. Varndell/Strettle
10. Wilko
09. Harry Ellis
08. Dan Ward-Smith/James Forrester
07. Tom Rees
06. James Haskell/Lewis Moody
05. Alex Brown/Tom Palmer
04. Simon Shaw
03. Matt Stevens/Phil Vickery
02. Andy Titterrel/George Chuter
01. Andrew Sheridan/Nick Wood
1st/2nd choice
Yes there are lots of Glos players but i think performances for club have shown their potential, othrs would have been at WC if it werent for injury. Lamb not included for no.10 at potential but kicking very hit n miss at mo.
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If we're looking ahead 4 years we need to be blooding people now for 2011. That means some that people have selected won't be in the team because of their age. Sackey is a great winger but he'll be 31 then. Gomersall is too old, Wilkinson will be 32, Lewsey also just too old.
Cipriani will be 23. Tait, Flood and Gerahty will be good ages.
I'd play Flood at 10, Gerahty at 12, Hipkiss at 13, Tait and Strettle on the wing, Cipriani at FB. I have a problem with the scrum half. I don't see anyone really capable - yet. Ellis will be too old for my liking as well.
Keep some of the guys like Wilkinson and Cueto around for their "experience" should things start to go awry, but try to build for the future. I'll let someone else handle the forwards.
However, all this breaches the anti-ageism legislation doesn't it? :-)
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I think the decision to not include Gomarsall in the starting 15 would be rash considering his outstanding performance in the World Cup. In my own opinion, he was one of the best players in the squad and, bar one or two performances, was consistently good throughout. His box-kicks were superb and overall I think he definitely earned his place.
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I really think that England need to start looking at there team and saying who they think will/won't be involed in the next world cup. And if one thing showed this world cup we didn't actually have that much flair in our team. If we want to be seen as the best in the world we need to have a brilliant all around game, like we did pre 2003. Along with that those players need experience so I think its time to remove a fair bit of the old guard and bring in some new blood, who cares if we loose some test in the short term, England's overall aim should be for 2011 RWC.
1. Sheridan
2. Mears
3. Stevens
4. C. Jones
5. Palmer
6. Haskell
7. Rees
8. Easter
9. Ellis
10.Wilkinson
11.Stretle
12.Flood
13. Hipkiss/Tait
14. Simpson-Daniel
15. Ben Foden
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1. Sheridan.
2. Chuter.
3. Stevens.
4. Shaw.
5. Kay.
6. Moody.
7. Rees.
8. Ward-Smith.
9. Ellis. (Richards?)
10. Wilkinson. (Defs at 10, not 12).
11. Strettle.
12. Barkley.
13. Tait.
14. Sackey. (I don't rate him that highly, but he will certainly play).
15. Lewsey.
I'd also like to see Hipkiss, Flood, Haskell, Palmer and Simpson-Daniel there or there abouts.
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Agree that the front 5 is pretty simple, picks its self really:
1. Sheridan
2. Chuter
3. Stevens
4. Shaw
5. Kay
The second rows will not be playing at the next World Cup. Corry will also not, meaning you will have to change the pack gradually. Leaving the back row with Moody, and the likley replacement for Corry is Rees:
6. Moody
7. Rees
After Nick Easters World Cup, you can't drop him.
8. Easter
Gomarsall was outstanding at the World cup for me, but as we're are building for the next World Cup, it has to be Ellis. Wilkinson at 10 - no questions. The Newcastle Falcon's midfield of Wilkinson, Flood, and Tait could be very beneficial for England. However I think Hipkiss has looked very good in the centre and deserves a place.
9. Ellis
10. Wilkinson
12. Flood
13. Hipkiss
For now I would put Lewsey at Full Back, Tait and Strettle on the wings, potentially moving Tait to Full Back later in his international career.
11. Strettle
14. Tait
15. Lewsey
Could be harsh on Sackey after his World Cup, but I'm a big believer in building for the next World Cup, something we didn't do after 2003.
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15. Olly Morgan/Lewsey
14. James Simpson-Daniel/Sackey
13. Matthew Tait/Noon
12. Hipkiss/Allen
11. Varndell/Strettle
10. Wilko
09. Harry Ellis
08. Dan Ward-Smith/James Forrester
07. Tom Rees
06. James Haskell/Lewis Moody
05. Alex Brown/Tom Palmer
04. Simon Shaw
03. Matt Stevens/Phil Vickery
02. Andy Titterrel/George Chuter
01. Andrew Sheridan/Nick Wood
1st/2nd choice
Yes there are lots of Glos players but i think performances for club have shown their potential, othrs would have been at WC if it werent for injury. Lamb not included for no.10 at potential but kicking very hit n miss at mo.
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i wouldve thought wed start blooding youngsters 2 build 4 the next world cup, so the likes of cipriani, varndell and hipkiss would start 2 get into the team.
moody should b tripped out of the team 4 what he did in the final
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I think the decision to not include Gomarsall in the starting 15 would be rash considering his outstanding performance in the World Cup. In my own opinion, he was one of the best players in the squad and, bar one or two performances, was consistently good throughout. His box-kicks were superb and overall I think he definitely earned his place.
I realise that age wise he is getting older but he should have at least one more WC in him.
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can someone explain what happened to rees in the world cup? was he injured or just left out? thanks
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1 Sheridan
2 Hartley
3 Stevens
4 Deacon
5 Palmer
6 Haskell
7 Rees
8 Mark Easter (playes for Northampton saints)
9 Ellis
10 Flood
11 vainikolo
12 Allen/Geraghty
13 Hpkiss(but he is too slow and goes into tackels too high)
14 Stretle/Varndell/Chris Ashton(faster than habana if possible but can't really tackel)
15 Tait
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1. Sheridan
2.Chuter
3. Stevens
4. Grewcock
5. Shaw
6.Rees
7. Moody
8. Easter
9. Ellis
10. Wilkinson
11. Strettle
12. Barkley
13. Tindall
14. Sackey
15. Cipirani
Blood the youth before the next world cup, keep the old heads around for this coming 6 nations, and phase them out as the younger players get more game time. Beacuse Vickery, Corry, Shaw, Grewcock and co arent gunna be the world beaters we need in 4 years time.
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A tad too early to go picking a team that won't play 'till February but here goes:
1)Sheridan
2)Hartley (The next Steve Thompson)
3)Stevens
4)Shaw/Croft
5)Palmer
6)Haskell
7)Rees
8)Easter
9)Ellis
10)Wilkinson(C)
11)Vainikolo (If possible)
12)Flood
13)Tait
14)Simpson-Daniel
15)Abendanon
Geraghty and Cipriani definitely in the squad.
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if we are going to genuinely move forward starting from the six nations we need to introduce properly, some of these younger guys. definitely keep wilko, moody, and some of the old timers but realistically we should have a large chunk of, untried or tried and then unceremoniously dumped, young talent, obviously they need to be in form. but those guys who were on the fringes of the world cup squad definitely need a look in, such as cipriani, geraghty who i doubt will be left out, and personally i'd still like to see simpson-daniel in there as i think it was a bad choice to not take him to france. i haven't been watching the premiership because i've been so caught up with the wc but i hear lamb has been tearing it up recently. anthony allen in an unfinished project i reckon and we should persevere.
squad for grinding out wins:
15. Josh Lewsey
14. Paul Sackey
13. Mathew Tait
12. Toby Flood
11. David Stettle
10 Jonny Wilkinson
9. Harry Ellis
1. Andrew Sheridan
2. George Chuter
3. Phil Vickery (matt stevens on parr but edged out by captaincy)
4. Simon Shaw
5. Ben Kay (Tom Palmer close behind)
6. Lewis Moody (James Haskell close behind)
7. Tom Rees
8. Nick Easter
team to develop with view of longterm achievement and 2011 success:
()=alternative players
15. abendannon (morgan)
14. Paul Sackey (topsy ojo, simpson-daniel, bishay, odejobi, tait because i think thats where he really belongs)
13. tait (hipkiss, waldouck, jack adams)
12. hipkiss (flood, allen)
11. srettle
10 Jonny Wilkinson (lamb, cipriani, geraghty)
9. Harry Ellis (ben youngs, care, tom parker)
1. Andrew Sheridan (french, wilson, lambert)
2. George Chuter (hartley, paice, thompson)
3. Matt Stevens
4. chris jones (deacon, blaze, croft)
5. tom palmer
6. Lewis Moody (haskell, thorpe, shaw)
7. Tom Rees (rowland, skinner)
8. Nick Easter (dowson, ellis, tait)
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15. Mathew Tait
14. Lesley Vainikolo (Dont start an argument, he is eligble to play for england, and his form so far in the prem justifies selection)
13. Dan Hipkiss (Tait is a better 13, but with time at 13 hipkiss will grow into a fine player)
12. Josh Lewsey (need some experience in the backline)
11. David Stettle
10 Jonny Wilkinson
9. Harry Ellis
1. Andrew Sheridan
2. George Chuter
3. Matt Stevens
4. Simon Shaw
5. Ben Kay
6. Lewis Moody
7. Tom Rees
8. Nick Easter
16. Dylan Hartley
17. Phil Vickery (only for a year or so)
18: Chris Jones
19: James Haskell/Magnus Lund
20: Ben Foden (im walking into a wall of disagreement here i dread)
21: Olly Barkley/Shane Geraghty
22: James Simpson-Daniel/Olly Smith
other players to come in within the next 2 years or so:
Anthony Allen: Had his chances but he is still young
Jordan Crane
Tom Croft
David Wilson
Jordan Turner-Hall
Danny Cipriani
Ryan Lamb
Tom Varndell...god id love to see him against habana, he would definitely one-up what Takudzwa Ngwenya did!!
England for the 2011 world cup!!
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15. Olly Morgan/Lewsey
14. James Simpson-Daniel/Sackey
13. Matthew Tait/Noon
12. Hipkiss/Allen
11. Varndell/Strettle
10. Wilko
09. Harry Ellis
08. Dan Ward-Smith/James Forrester
07. Tom Rees
06. James Haskell/Lewis Moody
05. Alex Brown/Tom Palmer
04. Simon Shaw
03. Matt Stevens/Phil Vickery
02. Andy Titterrel/George Chuter
01. Andrew Sheridan/Nick Wood
1st/2nd choice
Yes there are lots of Glos players but i think performances for club have shown their potential, othrs would have been at WC if it werent for injury. Lamb not included for no.10 at potential but kicking very hit n miss at mo.
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1. Sheridan
2. Chuter
3. Stevens
4. Shaw
5. Kay
6. Moody
7. Rees
8. Ward Smith
9. Ellis
10. Wilkinson
11. Strettle
12. Tindall
13. Tait
14. Vianakolo
15. Lewsey
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1. Sheridan
2.Chuter
3. Stevens
4. Grewcock
5. Shaw
6.Rees
7. Moody
8. Easter
9. Ellis
10. Wilkinson
11. Strettle
12. Barkley
13. Tindall
14. Sackey
15. Cipirani
Blood the youth before the next world cup, keep the old heads around for this coming 6 nations, and phase them out as the younger players get more game time. Beacuse Vickery, Corry, Shaw, Grewcock and co arent gunna be the world beaters we need in 4 years time.
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1 Sheridan
2 Hartley
3 Stevens
4 Deacon
5 Palmer
6 Haskell
7 Rees
8 Mark Easter (playes for Northampton saints)
9 Ellis
10 Flood
11 vainikolo
12 Allen/Geraghty
13 Hpkiss(but he is too slow and goes into tackels too high)
14 Stretle/Varndell/Chris Ashton(faster than habana if possible but can't really tackel)
15 Tait
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God only knows why Tom Vandrell - the quickest thing in shoe leather - has not been included. He must be second only to Man of the World Cup - Habana
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15. Olly Morgan/Lewsey
14. James Simpson-Daniel/Sackey
13. Matthew Tait/Noon
12. Hipkiss/Allen
11. Varndell/Strettle
10. Wilko
09. Harry Ellis
08. Dan Ward-Smith/James Forrester
07. Tom Rees
06. James Haskell/Lewis Moody
05. Alex Brown/Tom Palmer
04. Simon Shaw
03. Matt Stevens/Phil Vickery
02. Andy Titterrel/George Chuter
01. Andrew Sheridan/Nick Wood
1st/2nd choice
Yes there are lots of Glos players but i think performances for club have shown their potential, othrs would have been at WC if it werent for injury. Lamb not included for no.10 at potential but kicking very hit n miss at mo.
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15 Lee Robinson
14 Marcel Garvey
13 Tom Biggs
12 Sam Cox
11 Ugo Monye
10 Seb Jewell
9 Danny Care
1 Alex Rodgers
2 Steve Thompson
3 Darren Crompton
4 Matt Banahan
5 Richard Blaze
6 Hugh Vyvyan
7 Chris Sheasby
8 Declan Danaher
This would be my starting 15 for the 2012 WRC. I feel there is a lot of talent among the youngsters i have selected and given the time they need to build as a team they will be world dominator's. Look at what 4 years did for South Africa.
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i wouldve thought wed start blooding youngsters 2 build 4 the next world cup, so the likes of cipriani, varndell and hipkiss would start 2 get into the team.
moody should b tripped out of the team 4 what he did in the final
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if we are going to genuinely move forward starting from the six nations we need to introduce properly, some of these younger guys. definitely keep wilko, moody, and some of the old timers but realistically we should have a large chunk of, untried or tried and then unceremoniously dumped, young talent, obviously they need to be in form. but those guys who were on the fringes of the world cup squad definitely need a look in, such as cipriani, geraghty who i doubt will be left out, and personally i'd still like to see simpson-daniel in there as i think it was a bad choice to not take him to france. i haven't been watching the premiership because i've been so caught up with the wc but i hear lamb has been tearing it up recently. anthony allen in an unfinished project i reckon and we should persevere.
squad for grinding out wins:
15. Josh Lewsey
14. Paul Sackey
13. Mathew Tait
12. Toby Flood
11. David Stettle
10 Jonny Wilkinson
9. Harry Ellis
1. Andrew Sheridan
2. George Chuter
3. Phil Vickery (matt stevens on parr but edged out by captaincy)
4. Simon Shaw
5. Ben Kay (Tom Palmer close behind)
6. Lewis Moody (James Haskell close behind)
7. Tom Rees
8. Nick Easter
team to develop with view of longterm achievement and 2011 success:
()=alternative players
15. abendannon (morgan)
14. Paul Sackey (topsy ojo, simpson-daniel, bishay, odejobi, tait because i think thats where he really belongs)
13. tait (hipkiss, waldouck, jack adams)
12. hipkiss (flood, allen)
11. srettle
10 Jonny Wilkinson (lamb, cipriani, geraghty)
9. Harry Ellis (ben youngs, care, tom parker)
1. Andrew Sheridan (french, wilson, lambert)
2. George Chuter (hartley, paice, thompson)
3. Matt Stevens
4. chris jones (deacon, blaze, croft)
5. tom palmer
6. Lewis Moody (haskell, thorpe, shaw)
7. Tom Rees (rowland, skinner)
8. Nick Easter (dowson, ellis, tait)
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1 Sheridan
2 Hartley
3 Stevens
4 Deacon
5 Palmer
6 Haskell
7 Rees
8 Mark Easter (playes for Northampton saints)
9 Ellis
10 Flood
11 vainikolo
12 Allen/Geraghty
13 Hpkiss(but he is too slow and goes into tackels too high)
14 Stretle/Varndell/Chris Ashton(faster than habana if possible but can't really tackel)
15 Tait
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can someone explain what happened to rees in the world cup? was he injured or just left out? thanks
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God only knows why Tom Vandrell - the quickest thing in shoe leather - has not been included. He must be second only to Man of the World Cup - Habana
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15 Lee Robinson
14 Marcel Garvey
13 Tom Biggs
12 Sam Cox
11 Ugo Monye
10 Seb Jewell
9 Danny Care
1 Alex Rodgers
2 Steve Thompson
3 Darren Crompton
4 Matt Banahan
5 Richard Blaze
6 Hugh Vyvyan
7 Chris Sheasby
8 Declan Danaher
This would be my starting 15 for the 2012 WRC. I feel there is a lot of talent among the youngsters i have selected and given the time they need to build as a team they will be world dominator's. Look at what 4 years did for South Africa.
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Dan Ward-Smith must come in.
Antony Allen and Ryan Lamb should get some run outs and don't forget John Clarke for next season.
Don't get too excited about reaching the final.
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15.Tait/abendon
14.JSD
13.Hipkiss
12.Turner-Hall (Antony Allen)
11.Stettle
10.Wilkenson
9.Ellis (Gommrs)
1.Sheridan
2.Chuter
3.Stevens
4.Shaw
5.Kay (Palmer)
6.Moody (Haskell)
7.Rees
8.Dan Ward-Smith (Easter)
Vainikolo is a thought as qualifies to play through living here next year. more an impact player though than a starter i reckon.
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Dan Ward-Smith must come in.
Antony Allen and Ryan Lamb should get some run outs and don't forget John Clarke for next season.
Don't get too excited about reaching the final.
Oh, and BTW, has been Tom Varndell been completely written off after one poor display against Tiquiri?
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I think whoever the coach is should have a 22 in their head for them to take through the four years up to 2011. I also think that although players like Tom Croft and Jordan Crane aren't getting picked for their clubs the England coach should pick them and force Leicester to pick them through their displays internationally.
My team for the six nations:
1 Sheridan
2 Chuter
3 Stevens
4 Borthwick
5 Croft
6 Moody
7 Rees
8 Ward Smith
9 Ellis
10 Wilkinson
11 Strettle
12 Flood
13 Hipkiss
14 Sackey
15 Tait
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Vainikolo of gloustershire who bagged 5 trys on his debut is able to play for England at the 6 nations and is better than Habana and Jonah Loumu
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Vainikolo of gloustershire who bagged 5 trys on his debut is able to play for England at the 6 nations and is better than Habana and Jonah Loumu. BEST WINGER IN ENGLAND!!!!
Vainikolo should be used like France use Chabal to exploit tired legs.
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Vainikolo of gloustershire who bagged 5 trys on his debut is able to play for England at the 6 nations and is better than Habana and Jonah Loumu. BEST WINGER IN ENGLAND!!!!
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Vainikolo of gloustershire who bagged 5 trys on his debut is able to play for England at the 6 nations and is better than Habana and Jonah Loumu. BEST WINGER IN ENGLAND!!!!
Vainikolo should be used like France use Chabal to exploit tired legs.
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Shaw is 34 and should surely be on the list of those who will need to be replaced over the next couple of years? Vickery by comparison is only 31...
Looking at RWC 2007 squad, oldest players being Regan, Dallaglio and Catt were 35 at the start of the tournament - which if you take that as a strict age limit for 2011 means that those 3 plus Freshwater, Shaw, Corry, Gomarsall, Farrell and Robinson will have all gone from the scene, the other 23 will still have a chance.
Therefore team to start the six nations next year;
Lewsey; Sackey, Tait, Flood, Strettle; Wilkinson, Ellis; Sheridan, Chuter, Vickery; Borthwick, Kay; Moody, Rees, Ward-Smith.
Can expect the likes of Abendanon, Hipkiss, Allen, Foden, Stevens and Haskell to be blooded more in the next 4 years.
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What England must do, is build a world class team for 2011. One needs therefore some experienced players and also a new generation of players comming through and learn the international skills and how to deal with the pressure.
For the coming 6 nations this should be the sort of team England would want:
1. Andrew Sheridan
2. Dylan Hartley
3. Matt Stevens
4. Steve Borthwick
5. Ben Kay
6. Lewis Moody
7. Tom Rees
8. James Haskell
9. Harry Ellis
10.Jonny Wilkinson (Captain)
11.David Strettle
12.Mike Tindall
13.Mathew Tait
14.Paul Sackey
15.Josh Lewsey
16.Lee Mears
17.Phil Vickery
18.Tom Palmer
19.Dan-Ward Smith
20.Peter Richards
21.Toby Flood
22.Danny Cipriani
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Well, my choice would be:
15 - Josh Lewsey
14 - Paul Sackey
13 - Mat Tait
12 - Toby Flood
11 - Mark Cueto
10 - Jonny Wilkinson
9 - Andy Gomarsall
8 - Nick Easter
7 - Lewis Moody
6 - James Haskell
5 - Steve Borthwick
4 - Simon Shaw
3 - Matt Stevens
2 - George Chuter
1 - Andy Sheridan
Replacements:
Dylan Hartley; Phil Vickery; Tom Palmer; Tom Rees; Harry Ellis; Mike Tindall; David Strettle
I feel this lineup provides a good mixture of proven internationals with young talent for the 6 nations. Shaw kept in to assist development of Borthwick and Palmer as international class second rows.
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my team for 6 nations:
1.Sheridan
2.Chuter
3.Stevens
4.Shaw
5.Palmer
6.Moody
7.Rees
8.Ward-Smith
9.Ellis
10.Wilko
11.Strettle
12.Hipkiss
13.Tait
14.Simpson-Daniel
15.Lewsey
16.French
17.Rawlinson
18.Brown
19.Crane/Haskell
20.Care
21.Barkley
22.Sackey
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Well I am a Welsh fan but I do rate the Eglish team very highly. I rate Simon Shaw highly, but he is now 34 and surely he has to make way for fresh blood. I also agree that Simpson Daniel could be the key to unlock the potentinal that the English backs have, so my squad goes as follows
15. Dan Cipriani
14. Paul Sackey
13. James Simpson Daniel
12. Josh Lewsey
11. David Strettle
10. Olly Barkley
9. Harry Ellis
8. Dan Ward-Smith
7. Tom Rees
6. James Haskell
5. ALex Brown
4. Tom Palmer
3. Matt Stevens
2. Lee Mears
1. Andrew Sheridan
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Shaw is 34 and should surely be on the list of those who will need to be replaced over the next couple of years? Vickery by comparison is only 31...
Looking at RWC 2007 squad, oldest players being Regan, Dallaglio and Catt were 35 at the start of the tournament - which if you take that as a strict age limit for 2011 means that those 3 plus Freshwater, Shaw, Corry, Gomarsall, Farrell and Robinson will have all gone from the scene, the other 23 will still have a chance.
Therefore team to start the six nations next year;
Lewsey; Sackey, Tait, Flood, Strettle; Wilkinson, Ellis; Sheridan, Chuter, Vickery; Borthwick, Kay; Moody, Rees, Ward-Smith.
Can expect the likes of Abendanon, Hipkiss, Allen, Foden, Stevens and Haskell to be blooded more in the next 4 years.
Harsh on Shaw who can be considered genuine world class, and the liklihood is he will be kept on for another year or so yet.
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Shaw is 34 and should surely be on the list of those who will need to be replaced over the next couple of years? Vickery by comparison is only 31...
Looking at RWC 2007 squad, oldest players being Regan, Dallaglio and Catt were 35 at the start of the tournament - which if you take that as a strict age limit for 2011 means that those 3 plus Freshwater, Shaw, Corry, Gomarsall, Farrell and Robinson will have all gone from the scene, the other 23 will still have a chance.
Therefore team to start the six nations next year;
Lewsey; Sackey, Tait, Flood, Strettle; Wilkinson, Ellis; Sheridan, Chuter, Vickery; Borthwick, Kay; Moody, Rees, Ward-Smith.
Can expect the likes of Abendanon, Hipkiss, Allen, Foden, Stevens and Haskell to be blooded more in the next 4 years.
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I think whoever the coach is should have a 22 in their head for them to take through the four years up to 2011. I also think that although players like Tom Croft and Jordan Crane aren't getting picked for their clubs the England coach should pick them and force Leicester to pick them through their displays internationally.
My team for the six nations:
1 Sheridan
2 Chuter
3 Stevens
4 Borthwick
5 Croft
6 Moody
7 Rees
8 Ward Smith
9 Ellis
10 Wilkinson
11 Strettle
12 Flood
13 Hipkiss
14 Sackey
15 Tait
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exactly the team id pick, and one that could be around for the next World Cup even, though i think Lewsey will have retired by then, but im sure someone will fill his shoes nicely by then!
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Shaw is 34 and should surely be on the list of those who will need to be replaced over the next couple of years? Vickery by comparison is only 31...
Looking at RWC 2007 squad, oldest players being Regan, Dallaglio and Catt were 35 at the start of the tournament - which if you take that as a strict age limit for 2011 means that those 3 plus Freshwater, Shaw, Corry, Gomarsall, Farrell and Robinson will have all gone from the scene, the other 23 will still have a chance.
Therefore team to start the six nations next year;
Lewsey; Sackey, Tait, Flood, Strettle; Wilkinson, Ellis; Sheridan, Chuter, Vickery; Borthwick, Kay; Moody, Rees, Ward-Smith.
Can expect the likes of Abendanon, Hipkiss, Allen, Foden, Stevens and Haskell to be blooded more in the next 4 years.
Harsh on Shaw who can be considered genuine world class, and the liklihood is he will be kept on for another year or so yet.
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15-Lewsey
14-Vienakolo
13-Tait
12-Hipkiss
11-Strettle
10-Wilkinson
9-Ellis
8-Haskel
7-Moody
6-Lund
5-Kay
4-Palmer
3-Stevens
2-Chuter
1-Sheridan
Rember veinakolo can play for england now and his strike rate in leasuge for the bulls was amazing. I would have cueto,ciprani,ward-smith,fodden,flood,meers and wood
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I agree with Jonny, Gomers was a key part of the reason England did as well as they did, any team needs the scrum half to link play and he did that magnificently. Of course age is not on his side but England should look to use his experience and spirit, this is a guy who fought back from the brink to be England no.1 remember! and have him and Ellis as principal no. 9s with a very young third choice. Whilst 2011 is four years away there is no point in jettisoning all the useful experience. Except people like Dallaglio and Catt, he's used the last of his 9 lives!
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Shaw is 34 and should surely be on the list of those who will need to be replaced over the next couple of years? Vickery by comparison is only 31...
Looking at RWC 2007 squad, oldest players being Regan, Dallaglio and Catt were 35 at the start of the tournament - which if you take that as a strict age limit for 2011 means that those 3 plus Freshwater, Shaw, Corry, Gomarsall, Farrell and Robinson will have all gone from the scene, the other 23 will still have a chance.
Therefore team to start the six nations next year;
Lewsey; Sackey, Tait, Flood, Strettle; Wilkinson, Ellis; Sheridan, Chuter, Vickery; Borthwick, Kay; Moody, Rees, Ward-Smith.
Can expect the likes of Abendanon, Hipkiss, Allen, Foden, Stevens and Haskell to be blooded more in the next 4 years.
Harsh on Shaw who can be considered genuine world class, and the liklihood is he will be kept on for another year or so yet.
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Shaw is 34 and should surely be on the list of those who will need to be replaced over the next couple of years? Vickery by comparison is only 31...
Looking at RWC 2007 squad, oldest players being Regan, Dallaglio and Catt were 35 at the start of the tournament - which if you take that as a strict age limit for 2011 means that those 3 plus Freshwater, Shaw, Corry, Gomarsall, Farrell and Robinson will have all gone from the scene, the other 23 will still have a chance.
Therefore team to start the six nations next year;
Lewsey; Sackey, Tait, Flood, Strettle; Wilkinson, Ellis; Sheridan, Chuter, Vickery; Borthwick, Kay; Moody, Rees, Ward-Smith.
Can expect the likes of Abendanon, Hipkiss, Allen, Foden, Stevens and Haskell to be blooded more in the next 4 years.
Harsh on Shaw who can be considered genuine world class, and the liklihood is he will be kept on for another year or so yet.
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I'm sorry but i really think that wilkinson needs to be phased slowly out of the england team. They rely too much on his 'talismanic' ability, and when it doesn't deliver (and he is by no means the best fly half in the world at the mo)the team simply fall too pieces. We can't afford to be in the same situation as we were in the SA group stage game and we need to bring Geraghty, Flood and Olly Barkley (who is an outstanding player with a much needed turn of pace alongside is vision) much more reguarly into the first team. Nick Easter needs to learn not to give away stupid penalties and Strettle and Varndell, not to menion James Simpson Daniel, should be really given a chance. Tait proved he can play on the international stage, as did Hipkiss, who showed he was strong enough to make runs, and stay on his feet while support caught up with him. THAT is the crucial thing though: SUPPORT! And it doesn't just mean being on the shoulder for a pop ball just before contact, it means not giving away silly avoidable penalties and playing as a team.
We need to start grooming a new 10 and 12......and we need to start doing it right now!
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15) Morgan (solid under high ball, good boot and strong counter attacking)
14) Lewsey ('Nuff said)
13) Tindall (Strong boot, leadership, solid tackling (defensive organiser), big powerful runner, back on form and you can't fault him.) Could also be Hipkiss
12) Allen (He's a young talent and these two have made the centre combination their own in the premiership, there's no one else with such balance of skill and bruteforce)
11) Strettle (The guy is unmatched and England need the creativity out wide.)
10) Wilkinson (Injury permitting obviously, with Allen outside could make a great combination, Flood as other option.)
9) Gomarsall (No-one can fault such commitment in an England shirt and I believe he's the best leader and ball distributor in the 9 shirt in England)
1) Sheridan (What can you say?)
2) Chuter (Strong, powerful, and direct in the line-out, my man of choice)
3) Stevens (A strong scrummager with plenty of years in him, can play on both sides of the scrum.)
4) Shaw (Still has some years and is a force in the line-out, he was the 4 of the world cup XV, leads from the front.)
5) Brown (Not given his due chance and I believe can make the shirt his own, performs week in, week out at club and needs the time to establish himself, good line out technician and fierce tackler)
6) Moody - (The man is built for speed but has plenty of size behind him, makes solid tackles and with this following no.7 will allow England finally to establish a quick back row.)
7) Rees ( Young, energetic and a constant performer, has many years in him and is a deffinite no.7 choice for England for the next decade even? Close run with Hazell but has the extra bulk.)
8) Forrester (If fit, will bring the speed and bulk to Englands pack, would make a awesome back row and will challenge the best in the world once again. If not Ward-Smith would be a wise choice.)
Reps:
16) Titterell (Strong lineout ball and good in the loose, with age on his side is a wise choice for the next world cup)
17) Forster (very young but scrummages like a demon on E, his experience already is unparrelled and if given the chance will do the job for England, the next Vickery?)
18) Borthwick (Strong scrummager and brilliant line out technician, also a good leader.)
19) Haskell (can play any back row position and would be a wise choice for the future)
20) Richards (Utility isnt even the word for the strength of positions this man can play, been spotted at flanker, scrumhalf, centre and wing in the last 2 seasons, and his speed and passion for destroying defenders in open play could be a game breaker)
21) Barkley or Flood (Depending on fitness of Wilko obviously, but both able to play fly half and centre, Flood has also even played wing at club level, both young prospects to go far in the next world cup)
22) Tait (what else can you say? he's set to be a star)
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I think the following will be close to the team. I have not included Ellis as he is out for the season. I hope that Leics give Ben Youngs a good run as he is 18 and looks special - more so as they are short of quality at 9.
1 Sheridan
2 Chuter
3 Stevens
4 Shaw
5 Kay
6 Moody
7 Rees
8 Easter
9 Gomersall
10 Wilkinson
11 Lewsey
12 Flood
13 Hipkiss
14 Strettle/Sackey
15 Tait
Bench:
Hartley
Wilson
Blaze
Haskell
Richards
Cipriani
Smith
Future development will see Cipriani coming through at 10 to replace Wilko - he is better suited to this position and only plays 15 for Wasps because they had a multitude of 10s last season and VG lost form at 15.
Tait has long been pencilled in for 15. His pace and attacking lines are unmatched and wasted in the centres with the modern defence. He has a great boot - look at his clearances on Saturday, inside 22 to inside oppo 22! He will need high ball practice and one on one tackle practice though. He will learn from Matt Burke!
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15-tait
14-Ashton
13-hipkiss
12-geraghty
11-vianikolo
10-Wilkinson
9-ellis
1-sheriden
2-mears
3-stevens
4-shaw
5-Kennedy/Roche
6-moody
7-rees
8-Easter
my teams simple really i could see glocester wing being a deadly threat just like lomu, in my lock forwards i can see london irishs nick kennedy or keiron roche because they are two of the best lineout stealers in the preimership, we need the older players out to start to build for 2011 its the only way
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1. Sheridan
2 Chuter
3 Vickery (c)
4 Kay
5 Shaw
6 Easter
7 Rees
8 Ward-Smith
9 Ellis
10 Wilko
11 Strettle (Cueto pushing)
12 Lewsey
13 Tait
14 Vainikolo (Sackey close)
15 Cipriani
Stevens
Mears
Brown
Worsley
Wigglesworth
Hodgson (definitely not barkley)
Sackey/Cueto/Abendanon
Vickey CANNOT be dropped; he is the most experienced member of our side and a good captain with an excellent all round game. He is only 31, and Os du Rant is 36 yet a double world cup winner. Vicks can be that as well.
Shaw was outstanding at the RWC and deserves as much time as possible whilst still at the top of his game.
Easter to 6, because Ward-Smith will add a HUGE dimension to the back row with his power and pace.
Strettle on 1 wing, Vainikolo on the other because big lesley will score loads of tries. Cipriani at full back because he can add the genuine flair that we need to compliment players like lewsey and wilko. Ellis back in at scrum half is a definite.
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i like the composite team.
i would like to see cipriani given a run at full back as i think he has real potential.
i think croft of leicester should be pushing hard for a backrow/2nd row spot.
i still think james simpson-daniel injury permitting is one of our finest backs and should be around the fold.
Tom Varndell has serious pace and potential still and should be being considered.
im also a big anthony allen fan and would like to see him pushing toby flood for the 12 spot.
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No NO No No NO!
You have all demonstrated that there is a hell of a lot of depth to the selectable pool in England. So...do what needs to be done. Choose TWO First XVs. Probables, Possibles, Definites, Likelies - call 'em what you like. Mix experience with youth. Players who all train together (club v country another argument). Totally compatable; completely interchangeable - all wanting that starting number on their back. Competition and, let's face it, the ruthlessness you need to WIN! I'd love to see a Strettle, Tait, Simpson-Daniel, Sackey, Cueto battle for selection.
By the way - I'd also love to see Habana V Tait in a head to head sprint. I reckon that over 100M Habana would edge it; over 200M Tait would walk it. Promlem is, a rugby pitch is....how long!? :))
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1. Stevens
2. Titterrell
3. Sheridan
4. Deacon
5. Kay
6. Haskell
7. Rees
8. Ward-Smith
9. Ellis
10. Wilkinson c
11. Sackey
12. Flood
13. Tait
14. Strettle
15. Abendanon
16. Chuter
17. Freshwater
18. Palmer
19. Moody
20. Foden
21. Cipriani
22. Hipkiss
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I would agree with the selection, but I would like to see the bench with the following players.
Hipkiss showed class,
Dan Ward Smith should of gone to RWC instead of Dayglo,
Geraghty who is shaping into a great 10,
and the young SH Care.
It is very encouraging to think that Strets and Ellis were both injured, and both better players then what we took to France.
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Need to embrace more youth.
1.Sheridan
2.Ward
3.Stevans
4.Palmer
5.Shaw
6.Haskell
7.Rees
8.Crane
9.Ellis
10.Wilkinson / Lamb if JW unfit
11.Strettle
12.Allen
13.Tait
14.Simpson Daniel
15.Abendanon
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Great options available all-round, it's a promising & opportune time to be a red-rose fan.
Will make the assumption that everyone is fit & available.
My 22;
1.Sheridan
2.Chuter
3.Vickery (C)
4.Borthwick
5.Shaw
6.Moody
7.Rees
8.Haskell
9.Ellis
10.Wilkinson
11.Vanikolo
12.Tindall
13.Tait
14.Strettle
15.Lewsey
16.Forrester
17.Hartley
18.Stevens
19.Richards
20.Flood
21.Simpson-Daniel
22.Lund
We've got to get Varndell into the mix ASAP. & he together with other high potential players (such as Geraghty, Allan, Garvey,Ollie Smith, Crane, Morgan & Co) need to be on the 7s circuit & or playing for the saxons.
Ward-Smith unlucky to miss out & loses out to Lund on the line-out strength.
Still looking for a quality options at 1st Centre & hooker.
Forrester & Sinbad need to be seen as what they are , "rare talents" & need to be given the opportunity to express themselves.
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For the problem no. 12 position look no further than young Adam Powell at Sarries. With Faz away the lad has been 1st choice at Vicarage Road so far this season and is playing out of his skin. And, unlike a number of players suggested here, he is a specialist IC, not a Jack-of-all-trades.
As for Vainikolo, scoring a gazillion tries against Leeds counts for little, Sarries sent the second team up there and thrashed 'em. The Volcano was rubbish against Sarries a week after the Leeds match. Still got it all to prove.
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I think that england should include vanikolo
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If you have not yet seen Chris Ashton play then hold back on your choices for the wing, I am 100% certain he will play for England in the next 2 years!
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With all due respect, Vainikolo *has* to be given a go on the wing. The man's a try scoring machine! I'll be interested to see how the likes of Strettle and Varndell cope with his mix of power and pace.
The next Jason Robinson, maybe?
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For me the main thing is to get the team together, regardless of players, for more sessions and more time before each match. We could have the greatest players but we need to get them bonded as one unit!
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Mixture of experience, youth, speed and power....
1. Stevens
2. Hartley
3. Sheridan
4. Kay
5. Corry
6. Moody
7. Rees
8. Ward-Smith
9. Ellis
10.Geraghty
11.Strettle
12.Wilkinson
13.Hipkiss
14.Vainikolo
15.Cipriani
16. Chuter
17. Freshwater
18. Palmer
19. Haskell
20. Wrigglesworth
21. Tait
22. Abedenon
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What about Charlie Hodgson????
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1. I agree with the original selection apart from Geraghty at 10 (initially as an understudy to Wilko). He needs as much international experience as possible in the next 4 years.
2. The new 'Stellenbosch' rules which should be in force well before the next WC will also need considering as the game will suit the fittest, fastest and most agile. Much more SAQ training at grass roots please!
3. Come on let's officially start work on merging the codes, the best of both would be brilliant, it's happening bit by bit anyway!
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Why keep persisting with Noon, Barkley etc?!
They arent up to top level international rugby imo.....good honest prem league players but Noon & Barkley have done nothing against the top nations....
Lets give the likes of Cipriani, Flood,Gerahty,Tait, Flood & Allen there chances to cut the mustard.....
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When you look at al the postings above you realise that England does have a large number of good younger players ready to make the breakthrough to the main England team. How exciting's that for the next few years? So, I've cheated and named a starting XV with 13 replacements !!
Happy days are coming.
1. Sheridan
2. Chuter
3. Stevens
4. Borthwick
5. Shaw
6. Moody
7. Rees
8. Ward-Smith
9. Ellis
10. Wilkinson
11. Sackey
12. Barkley
13. Tait
14. Simpson-Daniel
15. Lewsey
Replacements:
Mears, Abendanon, Titterell, Easter, Haskell, Strettle, Cipriani, Flood, Vainikolo, Hipkiss, Gerahty, Richards, Lund,
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Team For Six Nations
15.Lewsey
14.Strettle
13.Tait
12.Powell
11.Sackey
10.Wilkinson
9.Ellis
1.Sheriden
2.Chuter
3.Stevens
4.Shaw
5.Kay
6.Rees
7.Moody
8.Ward-Smith
16.Hartley
17.Vickery
18.Brown
19.Haskell
20.Gomersall
21.Scarbrough
22.Lamb
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Draoid (number 81): you are so right. Great post. Poss vs prob squad of 30 to 40 players (allowing for replacements) will create some very fierce competition.
Oz
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I agree pretty much with this lineup. However Anyone who would drop Wilko is mad. They guy showed what class he is this world cup... 60 odd points with a dodgy ankle(I said straight after the france game he was probably carrying an injury) I would also like to see Varndell given another go!
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Is Toby Flood really good enough and can Ellis become world class?
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Team For Six Nations
15.Lewsey
14.Strettle
13.Tait
12.Powell
11.Sackey
10.Wilkinson
9.Ellis
1.Sheriden
2.Chuter
3.Stevens
4.Shaw
5.Kay
6.Rees
7.Moody
8.Ward-Smith
16.Hartley
17.Vickery
18.Brown
19.Haskell
20.Gomersall
21.Scarbrough
22.Lamb
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What about Mike Catt !?!
He was the STAR against Australia and France! His EXPERIENCE would be invaluable to the youngsters in this 6 nations. A steady head with great vision and tactical kicking would be crazy to overlook - especially as we turned out to be the Top 6 nations side at the WC and so everyone will be really going for us.
Leave out Catty at your peril!
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No Chris Jones? Forrester? Hipkiss? James Simpson Daniel? Steve Hanley? Ollie Smith? Abendanon?
In short I think the future does look bright for England, but we need to start preparing for the next world cup in the six nations and bleed some players through. The only area where I really have concern is the front row as other than Stevens and Sheridan I don't really see anyone with the potential to be world class players coming through at the moment.
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I agree with some of this team but think there could be some changes. Personally i don't see the point in playing Shaw and Kay together. They wont be available for the next WC so i'd pick one of them with somebody like Tom Palmer. That way Shaw/Kay can pass on their experience.
I would play Rees and Lund in the same team. Maybe put Lund at 7 and Rees at 6. They are both quick and always at the breakdown. I think that they would create quite a deadly combination.
Re 82 i agree get Titterall in the team. He hits his line outs and is very agile. It's like having a 4th back rower.
Now the exciting part. Who to have in the backs. There are so many to choose from out there at the minute that i really dont know. I think i would probably have Cueto over Strettle as he is a proven try scorer and more solid in defense. I would love to see Simpson-Daniel in the set up as well. I really dont know what he has to do to get a look in. Whenever anything is asked of him he does it but this still isnt enough. They asked him to put some weight on which he did but no call up. I'd also like to see Ryan Lamb being brought through as i believe he could be one of the players of NZ 2011. Writing this has made me realise why Gloucester are doing so well this season. Glad London Irish beat them!
Get Cipriani in the gym to put a bit of weight on then look at bringing him through in 2009. He's still only 19/20 at the minute so no point rushing.
One final word to whoever is ultimately responsible for picking the England team. Please do not pick The Volcano. Lets not do what New Zealand do. Let him play for Tonga and help the second tier teams to improve even more than they showed us they have at this World Cup. Ultimately it can only be good for Rugby.
The future looks bright.
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15 Abendadon
14 Sackey
13 Tait
12 Gerrahty
11 Strettle
10 Wilkinson
9 Gomarsall
8 Ward-Smith
7 Rees
6 Haskell/Moody
5 Croft
4 Shaw
3 Stevens
2 Chuter
1 Sheridan
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What about the lad at northampton...Chris Ashton....looks a talent, let's fast track him as much as humanly possible.
Also I would like us to at least ask vainakolo...it could be the ultimate impact player.
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1.sheridan
2.chuter
3.vickery
4.shaw(if he doesnt retire)
5.kay
6.rees
7.moody
8.easter
9.ellis(awesome potential)
10.wilkinson
11.sackey
12.flood
13.tait
14.strettle
15.lewsey
16.freshwater
17.stevens
18.worseley
19.borthwick
20.hipkiss
21.geraghty
22.cueto
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Adam Powell In The England Squad With Lamb And Allen
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Clearly, the problem here is finding a number 12, with no one convinced that Flood is world class nor heavy enough to sit alongside Tait, what about Hipkiss? Can he adapt and start playing inside centre?
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This my starting 15,replacements and coaches for the 2011 world cup and also the 6 nations of the next 4 years. We need to plan ahead like South Africa did.
Coach:Richard Hill(bristol coach)
Assistant coaches:Martin Johnson,Neil Back,Steve Thompson,Matt Dawson,Paul Grayson and Will Greenwood.
1 Sheridan(Captain)
2 Mears
3 Stevens
4 Shaw
5 Palmer
6 Worsley
7 Moody
8 Ward-Smith(finally)
9 Richards
10 Wilkinson
11 Sackey
12 Flood
13 Tait
14 Vainikolo
15 Abendanon
16 Hartley
17 Vickery
18 Borthwick
19 Rees
20 Wigglesworth
21 Geraghty
22 Hipkiss
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Does anyone else think it might be an idea to start taking the U21 workd cup a little more seriously in the interest of player development? Look at SA...
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1.sheridan
2.chuter
3.vickery
4.shaw(if he doesnt retire)
5.kay
6.rees
7.moody
8.easter
9.ellis(awesome potential)
10.wilkinson
11.sackey
12.flood
13.tait
14.strettle
15.lewsey
16.freshwater
17.stevens
18.worseley
19.borthwick
20.hipkiss
21.geraghty
22.cueto
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Will we be getting a similar chance to pick the starting lineups for Wales and Scotland (& Ireland), or have we resorted back to being the EBC?
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15.Lewsey (Capriani)- phase in
14.Sackey
13.Tait (Greeenwood on Speed)
12.Tindall (Have to have a blugen)
11.Strettle
10.Wilkinson
9.Ellis
8.Haskall
7.Moody
6.Rees
5.Palmer (Kay)
4.Borthwick (C)(Watch this guy blossom)
3.Stevens
2.Mears
1.Sheridan
16.Forster
17.Chuter
18.C Jones
19.Lund
20.Richards
21.Geragthy
22.Abendanon
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it has to be along the lines of:
1 Sheridan
2 Chuter
3 Vickery
4 Shaw
5 Kay
6 Moody
7 Rees
8 Easter
9 Gomarsall
10 Wilkinson
11 Vainikolo(sp)
12 Hipkiss
13 Tait
14 Sackey
15 Lewsey
Why wholesale changes, yes build for 2011, but only Vickery, Shaw, Kay and Gomarsall (maybe Lewsey and Vaini) will noyt be forces in 2011. We cannot take a step backwards by not winning the 6 nations. the best side should be selected and perhaps youth can be chosen over experience on the bench to 'blood' players. It is an insult to the heroes of the past few weeks to drop them. they must be eased out slowly when another good enough quality player comes along...corry,regan,Catt,Dallaglio,Robinson(self-imposed)all have feasible replacements, at second row there is not one stand out player better than Shaw, and Kay has done a good job thus far, and maybe he is the one to be eased out now by Borthwick.Ward-Smith is quality, byut drop easter, arguably in top 3 players for England at the world cup?
16 Stevens
17 Hartley
18 Borthwick
19 Ward-Smith(Worsley still challenging-top lineout option Haskell too)
20 Ellis is the next scrum half, but the versatility of Richards?
21 Flood
22 Strettle
Clearly players like Waldouch, Cipriani etc will break through, but until their club form is better than the man in possesion i would have no problem playing the experience card. we dont want to lose matches because we go with the 2nd best youth rather than the top quality experienced players. We will need a core of players who played in this final at the next RWC, that was proved by the run our experienced team made!
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Some interesting thoughts here and the balance of integrating the youth with experience poses some questions. However for me the starting XV would be:
1. Sheridan
2. Chuter
3. Stevens
4. Shaw
5. Deacon
6. Worsley
7. Moody
8. Easter
9. Ellis
10. Wilkinson
11. Strettle
12. Hipkiss (surely his best position at internationla level)
13. Tait
14. Sackey
15. Lewsey
Bench:
16 Vickery, 17 Mears, 18Croft, 19 Rees, 20 Richards, 21 Flood, 22 Simpson-Daniel
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1. sheridan
2. chuter
3. stevens
4. shaw
5. palmer
6. haskell
7. rees
8. ward smith
9. ellis
10. wilko
11. strettle
12. clarke (northampton)
13. tait
14. vainikolo
15. morgan
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Has everyone forgotten Ryan Lamb and Anthony Allan.... Not even a mention for these 2.
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I cannot believe the number of people still taking about putting Lewsey at FB. Incredible. Look at the other talent we have; need to build for the future (by the way, Tait is not defensively sound enough to play FB)
15 Morgan
14 Sackey
13 Tait/Hipkiss
12 Allen
11 Strettle/Cueto
10 Wilkinson
9 Ellis
8 Ward-Smith
7 Rees
6 Haskell
5 Palmer
4 Shaw
3 Stevens
2 Chuter
1 Sheridan
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Lets shake it up a little:
15 Abendanon
14 Simpson-Daniel
13 Tait
12 Tindall
11 Strettle
10 Wilkinson
9 Ellis
1 Sheridan
2 Chuter
3 Stevens
4 Shaw
5 Borthwick
6 Haskell
7 Rees
8 Ward-Smith
Subs:
Flood
Foden
Hipkiss
Mears
Flatman
Corry
Moody
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I think we should be looking towards being a nation that can field two seperate teams as and when, like SA, France, NZ etc. We've got the players. Nothing wrong with starting the heroes like Jonny, Gommersall, Shaw etc as a strong foundation but we should start bringing guys like Geraghty, Lamb, Anthony Allen, Haskell etc into the fold when we're on the front foot so they can get some positive experiences. Maybe bring Geraghty/Lamb on for Wilko at 60 when we're ahead and the pack's got dominance over the opposition. Haskell/DWS on to run rampent when the legs are tired. Some of these young guys showed they can play with passion and heart just like the big boys when they beat the NZ Maori in the Churchill Cup. It was a great display. And maybe for the next WC, Danny Care at scrum half. He's going to be a legend.
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9: Paul Hodgeson????
Paul Hodgeson, Paul Hodgeson, Paul Hodgeson, Paul Hodgeson, Paul Hodgeson, Paul Hodgeson, Paul Hodgeson, Paul Hodgeson!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Basically the team make up is pretty good, although I would have a couple of name and positional changes:
15 Tait, Looked very comfortable there in the final, and put in 1-2 massive clearance kicks, still needs to keep improving his defense, but going the right way.
12 Lewsey, Plays there more and more at club level (he did start his career at 10!!) Will bring a solid experienced player there much like Catt, to help bring on the youngsters.
13 Hipkiss Is starting to find his feet at this level and does provide a stand up option rarely seen in the modern ruck everything game. Sinbad, and Olly Smith should also be seriously looked at aswell.
14 Varndell, no brainer quickest thing in an England shirt. His defense is improving, but look at the Habanas/Howletts/Rocokokos of the world you NEED an absolute flyer in this tight defensive day and age.
As for the forwards, the only other players I would add to that would be Ward-Smith, and Lund
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15 abendanon
14 strettle
13 tait
12 tindall
11 lewsey
10 wilkinson
9 ellis
8 ward-smith
7 rees
6 haskell
5 grewcock
4 deacon
3 stevens
2 mears
1 sheridan
cipriani, browne, sackey, simpson daniel, hipkiss, turner-hall, flood, noon , barkley, smith, abbot, hodgeson, gheraty, lamb, allen, moody, easter, borthwick, brown, palmer, crain, white, chuter, foden,titerall, vickery
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15. Lewsey
14. Sackey
13. Tait
12. Flood
11. Cueto
10. Wilkinson
9. Ellis
1. Sheridan
2. Hartley
3. Stevens
4. Shaw
5. Kay
6. Moody
8. Haskell
7. Rees
I don't believe wholesale changes should be made as the best way to bring young talent through is into an experienced and hopefully winning environment. All in all there is some talent out there but I'm concerned at 2nd row area and scrum half if Ellis gets injured.
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Team looks about right. I'm still yet to be convinced by Tait. I know he sets the premiership alight, week after week but I feel like I've yet to see him really perform in an england shirt. He lacks a bit of pace for me, where someone like Armitage from London Irish or Tom Voyce, both of who can score try's for fun, might be better options for 15 cover.
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9: Paul Hodgeson????
Paul Hodgeson, Paul Hodgeson, Paul Hodgeson, Paul Hodgeson, Paul Hodgeson, Paul Hodgeson, Paul Hodgeson, Paul Hodgeson!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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There's no sign of Vickery or Corry in most peoples selections and is the issue of the captaincy hasn't really come up (and forgive me if it has but I haven't read all the posts yet!)- who for captain- any responses of Wilkinson will not be appreciated.
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sometimes there is just to much talent and some selections will work some wont. England need to win the 6 nations to re-assert their authority in the Northern Hemisphere. A summer tour for the A & B team and then, A team to Aus/Nz B Team to Argentina. Then assess and rebuild into 2009 get as many on the next lions tour and then spend 2010-2011 building the world cup team. Young players should try to get Super 12 contracts during this period to hone their skills in the South.
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15 Lewsey
14 Strettle
13 Tait
12 Tindall
11 Cueto
10 Wilkinson
9 Ellis
8 Easter
7 Moody
6 Worsley
5 Kay
4 Shaw
3 Vickery C
2 Chuter
1 Sheridan
16 Mears
17 Stevens
18 Borthwick
19 Corry
20 Gomersall
21 Flood
22 Noon
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1 Sheridan
2 Chuter
3 Stevens
4 Shaw
5 Kay / Corry / Croft
6 Haskell
7 Rees
8 Easter
9 Ellis
10 Gerahty
11 Strettle
12 Flood
13 Hipkiss
14 Sackey
15 Tait
You will without doubt notice the lack of wilko in my side. I think the man is an absolute god, dont get me wrong, but its time for the team to move on from him. He will not be at his world beating best next world cup, so we need to become less depedant on him, so this would be my XV for the future.
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I think it's important to stick with the team that got the results in the world cup. Then slowly introduce the players with talent, via the saxons and those that perform get 20/30 mins off the bench regularly. Then when they are consistant performers bring them in when they are better or the first choice guys are injured. It would be detrimental to just throw all our young talent together now and let them play... look at the Tour of Hell back in I think 96 maybe 97.
So I would go with these guys to start, and some players who may be their replacements by 2010/11 in time to be at their best come the 2011 World Cup.
15. Lewsey (Abendanon/Cipriani)
14. Sackey (Simson-Daniel/Strettle)
13. Tait (Hipkiss)
12. Flood (Allen)
11. Cueto (Vainikolo/Varndell)
10. Wilkinson (Barkley/Geraghty)
9. Richards (Ellis/Wigglesworth)
8. Easter (Ward-Smith/Forrester)
7. Rees (Lund)
6. Moody (Haskell)
5. Borthwick (Palmer)
4. Kay (Alex Brown/Deacon)
3. Stevens (?)
2. Chuter (Titerell/Hartley/Mears)
1. Sheridan (Wood)
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15.Abendanon(Bath)
14.Sackey
13.Tait
12.Barkley(Bath)
10.Wilkinson
9.Ellis
8.Easter
7.Rees
6.Moody
5.Grewcock(Bath)
4.Borthwick(Bath)
3.Stevens(Bath)
2.Mears(Bath)
1.Sheridan
I SUPPORT BATH!!!!!
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Looks pretty much there... maybe not think that Lewsey should be the automatic choice anymore, though... he's getting old, and beginning to look it... so Hipkiss should be a real consideration
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15 Lewsey
14 Strettle
13 Tait
12 Tindall
11 Cueto
10 Wilkinson
9 Ellis
8 Easter
7 Moody
6 Worsley
5 Kay
4 Shaw
3 Vickery C
2 Chuter
1 Sheridan
16 Mears
17 Stevens
18 Borthwick
19 Corry
20 Gomersall
21 Flood
22 Noon
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About right.
Peaople like corry need to be around the squad. Also the form of Charlie hodgson is something to consider. Also if england start playing 'attractive rugby' Mark Cuesto is a must.
Chris Jones, Magnus Lund, Andy Titterall and Mike tindall are not bad either. (Jones especially is one of the best line out jumpers around)
Also has anyone seen Sales new wonder Fullback?
Ben Foden! A surprise yes but I have been extremely impressed with his running, tackling and cathing high balls! He's learnt something from Billy Wizz I think!
Varndell.... lets see, hes messed up before. I like dave strettle tough. And Sackey.I had my doubts but if it aint broke dont fix it!
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15.Abendanon(Bath)
14.Sackey
13.Tait
12.Barkley(Bath)
10.Wilkinson
9.Ellis
8.Easter
7.Rees
6.Moody
5.Grewcock(Bath)
4.Borthwick(Bath)
3.Stevens(Bath)
2.Mears(Bath)
1.Sheridan
I SUPPORT BATH!!!!!
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To kick off against Wales, has to be:
15: Tait
14: Sackey
13: Hipkiss
12: Geraghty
11: Strettle
10: Wilkinson
9: Ellis
8: Easter
7: Rees
6: Haskell
5: Borthwick (c)
4: Grewcock
3: Stevens
2: Mears
1: Sheridan
Grewcock can be a liability but with Borthwick - we have our Botha/Matfield partnership. Shaw has been fantastic but time to move on. Geraghty inside Wilko gives the extra boot in the line and Hipkiss capably backs him up with some brute force.
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Team looks good. I would like to see Tom Varndell on the wing, very fast and a good player.
My concern looking forward to the future is Matthew Tait, he showed in RWC that he can be versitile by playing centre, wing and finishing a full-back.....please please please who ever is manager play the guy in one position and do not move him about too much (remember Catt, Lewsey, Robinson and to some extent Healey). Interchangable players are good but play in regular positions.
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what about dan norton at glos. he is a great player with rapid pace.
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My 15 would be:
15) Lewsey
14) Sackey
13) Tait
12) Allen
11) Strettle
10) Wilkinson
9) Ellis
8) Ward-Smith
7) Rees
6) Moody
5) Shaw
4) Kay
3) Stevens
2) Chuter
1) Sheridan
I think Allen will be a truly fantastic player and needs to be given a run of games. Tait is developing into a top class player and I think England missed Strettle.
RS
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15 Lewsey
14 Strettle
13 Tait
12 Tindall
11 Cueto
10 Wilkinson
9 Ellis
8 Easter
7 Moody
6 Worsley
5 Kay
4 Shaw
3 Vickery C
2 Chuter
1 Sheridan
16 Mears
17 Stevens
18 Borthwick
19 Corry
20 Gomersall
21 Flood
22 Noon
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PIE BOY #52 - you need to get up to speed mate. The next RWC is in 2011, not 2012. As for buidling for towards this date, Steve Thompson has already retired and is coaching in France and Chris Sheasby is coaching Bracknell in South West 1. Though he does play the occasional game for them at No.8, I can't really see him filling the openside role for England in 2011/12! Crompton might also be struggling for fitness at this point. Strange that no one in the current squad gets a look in.....
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15. Lewsey(vice-captain)
14. Vainikolo
13. Tait
12. Flood/Allen - PROBLEM POSITION
11. Strettle
10. Wilkinson
9. Ellis
8. Ward-Smith
7. Haskell
6. Rees
5. Palmer
4. Shaw
3. Stevens
2. Hartley
1. Sheridan(captain)
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my 30-man squad for the six nations depending on availability through injury
enjoy
Sheridan
Titterell
Stevens
Palmer
Brown
Haskell
Rees
Easter
Ellis
Wilkinson
Strettle
Allen
Tait
Simpson-Daniel
Morgan
Vickery
Chuter
Kay
Moody
Gomarsall
Flood
Varndell
Forster
Paice
Croft
Forrester
Foden
Geraghty
Hipkiss
Abendanon
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15 Tait
14 Lewsey
13 Hipkiss
12 Flood
11 sackey
10 Wilko
9 Gomarsall
1 Sheridan
2 Chuter!
3 Vickery
4 Shaw
5 Kay
6 Moody
8 Easter
7 Rees
Ellis - maybe!
Stettle - Very close!
Stevens - pushing!
Cueto - not quite
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I think the time has come to doff the cap to our veteran players and thank them for their heroics over the years whilst at the same time drawing a line under their Interntional careers. If they are going to be older than 32 at the next RWC, they don't get selected.
Accordingly, my squad:
1. Sheridan (Wood, French)
2. Hartley (Paice, Thompson)
3. Stevens (Bernard,Forster)
4. Blaze (Palmer, Kennedy)
5. Deacon (Skivington, Brown)
6. Croft (Dowson, Deacon
7. Rees (Woods, Lipman)
8. Haskell (Crane, Forrester)
9. Ellis (Foden, Care)
10. Wilkinson (Lamb, O'Gerhaty)
11. Strettle (Varndell, Pryce)
12. Flood (Allen, Barkely)
13. Tait (Hipkiss, Ollie Smith)
14. Simpson-Daniel (Vainikolo, Visser)
15. Houghton (Abendanon, Morgan)
Will this team get spanked? Yes. Will they learn hard lessons? Yes. Will we then have a new hardened nucleus of players to pick from? Yes.
Before anyone says it, I know Hodgson will be young enough, but I pray that the selectors realise that he has shown his failings often enough to the selectors.
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There is not a hope in hell that Tait will be an international centre..he is way too lightweight and he seems a bit of a soft touch to be honest. i dont know why everyone is banging on about how good he was in the WC..he hardly set it alight bar one run in the final. as for flood being his partner..you have all got to be joking..the mans a human turnstile on the pitch.
For the 6Ns i guarantee it will not be those 2 in the centre...will be a mix of Tindall, Hipkiss, Noon or possibly Wilko, with Hodgson at 10 (the forgotten man on this thread)
if i had to pick an england team, it would be as follows:
1. Sheridan
2. Chuter
3. Stevens
4. Grewcock (been monumental for Bath so far)
5. Borhtwick (compliments the enforcer Grewcock)
6. Haskell (has more to his game than Moody)
7. Rees (is the new improved Neil Back)
8. Easter/Ward Smith (pretty much a coin toss)
9. Ellis (when fit..so unlucky with that pre WC injury)
10. Hodgson (been doing well for Sale)
11. Strettle (class act)
12. Wilko (started his career in the centre..may finish it there)
13. Noon (strong fast and a bone crunching defender)
14. Sackey (did enough in the WC 0to show he should keep his place)
15. Tait/Abendanon (i honestly the latter is the finest english talent at the minute)
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15. Lewsey
14. Tait
13. Hipkiss
12. Tindall
11. Strettle
10. Wilkinson
9. Ellis
1. Sheridan
2. Chuter
3. Stevens
4. Shaw
5. Kay
6. Moody
7. Rees
8. Easter
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I think we should just wait and see how some of these young lads do in the upcoming european cup. It is the best nursery for our future players (look at Hipkiss for Leicester), many of the games are like test matches. The WC2007 showed that experience counts for a lot when it comes to winning titles, look at the top 4 teams, experience a plenty. The young guns need to win regular first team places at their clubs and perform under presure in the tight end of season games, and not by running in tries against calvisano etc. Some players will put their hand up during the next few months of club rugby, winning at tough venues - we need these guys to represent us. Form and experience the criteria not reputations.
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my 30-man squad for the six nations depending on availability through injury
enjoy
Sheridan
Titterell
Stevens
Palmer
Brown
Haskell
Rees
Easter
Ellis
Wilkinson
Strettle
Allen
Tait
Simpson-Daniel
Morgan
Vickery
Chuter
Kay
Moody
Gomarsall
Flood
Varndell
Forster
Paice
Croft
Forrester
Foden
Geraghty
Hipkiss
Abendanon
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1 Sheridan
2 Hartley
3 Stevens
4 Palmer
5 Brown
6 Haskell
7 Rees
8 Ward-Smith
9 Ellis
10 Wilkinson
11 Strettle
12 Allen (Flood is a 10 in my book)
13 Tait (possibly Hipkiss)
14 Sackey
15 Morgan (possibly Tait)
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There are so many youngsters that need a chance - but they can't be dropped if they have a ropey game. I bet Berrick Barnes won't be dropped after being put under pressure and having a so-so game against England.
I'd bench Jonny and give the likes of Flood and Geraghty a run. The later was awesome at the weekend. I think Jonny needs a season with the Falcons to get back to his best and we need to start using some of the younger guns - the last thinkg we need is to be relying on him and hi getting injured and being out for months.
Abendenon (excuse the spelling), Ciptiana, Lamb, Haskell (always seem to be scoring for Wasps), Rees, Strettle (has done well so far), Simpson-Daniel (if he can stay fit), Ward-Smith are all amazing talents that need their shot in the 6N this year. My only concern is at Hooker and Prop - who is there to replace the current selection when tehy retire or are injured?
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1. Sheridan
2. Chuter/Mears
3. Stevens/Vickery
4. Shaw...
5. Kay
6. Ward-Smith
7. Rees - best option to let a true 7 develop - took Neil Back several years....
8. Forrester
9..Key position - Ellis when fit.. at the moment Gommers..
10 JW... when injured... its inevitable they way he plays...At the moment it has to be Hodgson (let Ellis kick for goal??) but in a year or two Flood or Lamb to be the established understudy.
11 Strettle.. could be a great...
12 Hipkiss.. young, skillful and ox like..bit like Tindall but with more skill...
13 Tait..Guscott eat your heart out!!
14 Sinbad .. not too sure about his defence...but ball in hand..awesome...
15 Lewsey.. solid, strong and tackles tanks, will need him there for a season or two with inexperienced centres - then Cipriani
Bench...
Vickery/Stevens
Mears/Chuter
Brown
Lewsey
Richards
Cipriani
Flood/Hodgson (Lamb... in a year or 2//)
Plus also Sackey/Varndell/Lund/Cueto/Allen/Forster all there are there abouts...
Actually, things look very rosy, an england side with an immense front five, a back row with speed, skill (Rees/Forrester) and fierce defence (Ward Smith and Rees)
Howitzer boot - Wilko, Tait, Cipriani, and lets hope - some running fiz - actually really excited about Tait combining with Strettle JSD and Cipriani in a year or so.....
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15. Lewsey
14. Tait
13. Hipkiss
12. Tindall
11. Strettle
10. Wilkinson
9. Ellis
1. Sheridan
2. Chuter
3. Stevens
4. Shaw
5. Kay
6. Moody
7. Rees
8. Easter
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Id just like to bring a few points to the fore.
1. Can a 28 year old injury-prone jonny wilkinson's body handle another four years of week in week out physicality?
2. Your forgetting that both Geraghty and flood are not out and out fly-halves and have both admitted to being aspiring England 12's. Also they are not likely to get any game time at 10 for there clubs over the next few years as both clubs have other 10's likely to start ahead of them. - the same can be said for Barkely who probably won't make Bath's starting-line up because of how well Berne is playing at 12 at the moment.
3. Lets see who plays where for there clubs and more importantly who performs in the GP before we start making brash staements about who should play where. Both Lamb and Hodgson are looking awesome for their clubs at 10 at the moment.
Lets not forget the week in week out games and select on merit. Geraghty had a 10 minute flash in the pan moment against France at fly-half and has hardly played since due to injury. I urge you all to follow all GP clubs on a week in week out basis and take heed of which players deserve to wear the England shirt based on performance.
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I think the time has come to doff the cap to our veteran players and thank them for their heroics over the years whilst at the same time drawing a line under their Interntional careers. If they are going to be older than 32 at the next RWC, they don't get selected.
Accordingly, my squad:
1. Sheridan (Wood, French)
2. Hartley (Paice, Thompson)
3. Stevens (Bernard,Forster)
4. Blaze (Palmer, Kennedy)
5. Deacon (Skivington, Brown)
6. Croft (Dowson, Deacon
7. Rees (Woods, Lipman)
8. Haskell (Crane, Forrester)
9. Ellis (Foden, Care)
10. Wilkinson (Lamb, O'Gerhaty)
11. Strettle (Varndell, Pryce)
12. Flood (Allen, Barkely)
13. Tait (Hipkiss, Ollie Smith)
14. Simpson-Daniel (Vainikolo, Visser)
15. Houghton (Abendanon, Morgan)
Will this team get spanked? Yes. Will they learn hard lessons? Yes. Will we then have a new hardened nucleus of players to pick from? Yes.
Before anyone says it, I know Hodgson will be young enough, but I pray that the selectors realise that he has shown his failings often enough to the selectors.
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15. Lewsey
14. Tait
13. Hipkiss
12. Tindall
11. Strettle
10. Wilkinson
9. Ellis
1. Sheridan
2. Chuter
3. Stevens
4. Shaw
5. Kay
6. Moody
7. Rees
8. Easter
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15 Abendanon
14 Sackey
13 Hipkiss
12 Gerahty
11 Strettle
10 Wilko
9 Ellis
1 Sheriden
2 Regan
3 Stevens
4 Palmer
5 Deacon
6 Moody \
7 Rees mad back row
8 Easter /
simpson-daniel
varndell
flood
cipriani
all have to be in contention
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We need to start preparing for 4 years time now and that means identify 30 - 40 players who should be about then - Injury and loss of form will take some out of the equation as will people suddenly coming through from no where. Therefore as well as they played over the last 7 weeks because of their ages messrs - Catt - Gommersall- Regan - Chuter-Shaw- Dallaigio- Corey must have played there last game for England as all will be nearer 40 than 30 come 2011. Likewise Vickery must be on the bordeline with his injury problem . look what happened after 2003 certain players were allowed to go on too long. Problem areas are hooker, and scrum half in other positions we are spoilt for choice but we need to develop a style of play that all are comfortable with and can fit into which means being secure up front but with adventure outside
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I think the problem with the current England side is the lack of midfield power! Someone to unleash the likes of Tait and the back three. Hipkiss looks promising but needs to develop greater footwork as he is too predicatable in attack. Looking outside the loop recruiting long term from some of the rugby league talent particularly with their ability to offload in the tackle i would like to see. Tom Reece must be involved at 7! Moody had a great world cup but think moving him to 6 with a ball carrying No 8 like Easter has a great balance. The front five have the power to compete against the best so the added pace of the backrow opens more possibilies in terms of gameplan.
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The change from the "old guard" to the new MUST be gradual introducing them almost like New Zealand did with their two teams though the same mistakes cannot be made.
15.Cipriani (Abendanon possibly)
14.Strettle (Sackey)
13.Tait (Hipkiss)
12.Tindall (Allen)
11.Lewsey (Cueto)
10.Wilkonson (Flood/Lamb/Gearethy)
9.Ellis if fit (Gomarsall)
8.Easter (Wardsmith)
7.Moody (Rees)
6.Corry (Haskell)
5.Kay (Brown/Borthwick)
4.Shaw (Deacon/Croft)
3.Vickery(Stevens)
2.Chuter (Hartley of Northampton)
1.Sheridan(Forster)
What do you think?
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Rees has to start regularly now - he has 'future captain' written all over him and he needs game-time in a white shirt. The old-guard have to go gracefully now as well - Vickery's not too old yet, but Stevens is better.
Chuter can do a job for a while, but we need some class at Hooker - such a key position - and I don't see any anywhere in the GP.
Borthwick's not an international lock, never has been, never will be. Shaw and Kay fine for a while, but need to start looking for understudy's soon. Palmer to be involved soon - Always liked Chris Jones of Sale too. Tom French at Wasps had a huge Heineken Cup Final and could eventually push Sherridan - there's some merit in the statement that Big-Ted's strength overpowers weak scrummagers like the Ozzies but against good technical tight-heads he struggles a bit...
Don't think Easter should be there - was solid enough in RWC but was swept along with the tide of passion in the team. That will disappear as we return to playing the Celtic minnows in the 6N. ;) Time for class to come in to the back-row in the form of Ward-Smith & Haskell - Moody's also in with a shout.
Ellis is a shoe-in at 9 when he's fit. Can't believe anyone's considering putting Wilko anywhere other than 10 - he's 28, fit(ish!) and still the best 10 in the world - leave him be! 12 is a problem area - Flood increased his stock hugely at RWC - Tindall on great form at Gloucester though. Tait at 13 - being pushed all the way by Hipkiss. Wing very competitve with Sackey, Cueto, Simpson-Daniel & Strettle all looking good.
15 has to be Lewsey still - could still be there in 2011 and is the best 15 we've got - Cipriani could be the man to oust him though.
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You forgot to mention Dan Ward Smith in your Blog, Very disappointing. I see others on here were better informed and agree with me on this.
Were it not for his injury early on this year he would have been a massive bonus to England and although he's getting on a bit now he is a must if he's fit and playing as well as we know he can!! He was arguably the best back row player in the country until he injured him self. Mark my words he'll be back for the next 6 nations!
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