England

jamesliveinhope says...

@jestnation I agree with the sentiment BUT in 1 week, England will be going up against the side presently in the world ranking position that they want and have the best chance of getting. Combine that with the fact that Meyer will not have his (potentially bloodied) troops available until late next week and this match would be too good an opportunity to miss in terms of preparation. The midweek side is effectively replacing the Saxon's Churchill fixtures so there will be plenty of opportunity for them to get proper game time.

Posted 16:35 24th May 2012

pierredelot1 says...

It's just a way to get money in the coffers. these games are rarely competetive and have not been since the professional era began. Only if there is some edge to it do the players really give it 80 minutes, who wants to get injured prior to the summer tours. Not sure how much the RFU are wanting for this one, but rarely good value for money either, unless you want a bit of fun. Fair play to Dowson though, can't see Hartley ever getting the International Captaincy after his regular misdemeanors. Lots of negatives from the likes of duttydog about the future, but no suggestions as to the way forward.

Posted 11:38 24th May 2012

TVaddict says...

I posted this on another article, but based on Morgan's injury, I'm going to change my team too:

1)Alex Corbisiero

2)Dylan Hartley

3)Paul Doran Jones

4)Mouritz Botha

5)Joe Launchbury

6)Phil Dowson

7)Carl Fearns/Jamie Gibson (whoever more physical, I haven't seen Fearns play)

8)Tom Johnson

9)Lee Dickson

10)Owen Farrell

11)Christian Wade

12)Brad Barritt

13)Jonathan Joseph

14)Chris Ashton

15)Ben Foden

16)Lee Mears

17)Matt Stevens

18)Tom Palmer

19)Jamie Gibson/Carl Fearns

20)Haydn Thomas

21)Freddie Burns

22)Alex Goode

I prefer the idea of keeping some of the 6 nations team in, to give the team some consistency, but giving some of young stars of the like of Joseph and Wade a chance to shine. Plus Farrell needs some more game time at 10, and Hartley just needs some game time.

Posted 11:23 24th May 2012

APV1 says...

@ duttydog - I love your positivity and optimism! Oh no, that's right, there wasn't any. I think you're being far too hard on both SL and PD. PD is a stalwart of a player and isn't showy or flashy, just gets on with his job. He reminds me a little of Joe Worsley, especially his work-rate.

It's not weird to select a few "fringe" players for a Baa-Baas match anyway, and add into that the AP Final, so many players are unavailable, I think PD's a good choice. He's similar in leadership style to Robshaw, so that compliments the ethos and it's not a full test, so a good opportunity for other players to make a name for themselves.

And to suggest that SL is "an RFU lackey" is nonsense. He's been given almost free-reign so can't, by definition, be a lackey. He's set out his stall and proved that he's after simple, no nonsense, back-to-basics rugby and an attitude and philosophy to match.

It's great that you're able to get out to SA to "follow" the team - so many of us are unable to do so. But I hope your support is a little more forthcoming than your post suggests.

Posted 09:57 24th May 2012

jestnation says...

Unless anyone has some spare prozac I think we may need to ask @duttydog to hand over his shoe laces and belt.

He's not Reed, Perisse or Harinordoquy but Dowson is a perfectly decent international back rower, an inteligent player and a proven leader who would have had way more caps if Jonno wanted a No8 who could do anything other slow the game down and shove the ball up his shirt.

The team against the Baa Baas will be a mix of established players, exiting youngsters and fringe players with a point to prove, much like the Saxons sides which he skippered with great aplomb.

Hoping to see the following line up personally:

Corbisiero

Mears

Doran-Jones

Botha

Palmer

Johnson

Fearns

Dowson

Dickson

Farrell

Wade

Barritt

Joseph

Strettle

Goode

Mullan

Hartley

Launchbury

Gibson

Thomas

Burns

Foden

Posted 09:04 24th May 2012

duttydog says...

Worst England player of last 20 years. Offers no go forward and often knocked off the tackle. Add in no pace and not an 8 or 6 and finally his age 30+ and you have the weirdest selection of all time.

Lancaster will be disaster for England and the 6 nations after a wc is always random

As teams rebuild etc yet we give him a 4 yr contract off the back of it. He is an RFU lackey. Wales often do well in the 6n after a wc and think they are world beaters. This time they actually have a decent side. However they lack depth.

I am off to SA to follow us but am not hopeful. Not enough brave selections but our pack is getting there although robshaw is not the answer

Posted 01:32 24th May 2012

Chubbylugs says...

Dowson gets a raw deal because he isn't a visible player ie doesn't carry in open space. The guy puts in a terrific amount of work and is an excellent defender. Deserves to be in and around the starting xv IMHO

Posted 22:29 23rd May 2012

TommyBoreham says...

You have to remember the starting 22 in the six nations had many Leicester and Harlequins players. Hence why he was on the bench. This is a game against the barbarians, and I expect a lot of first caps will be won, as a tester for the tour to SA.

Posted 18:50 23rd May 2012

TVaddict says...

Why? He barely makes the standard 22 team and he's not exactly experienced at international level. I suppose there aren't many options really. Hartley would probably have been the choice, but I guess his recent ban has ruled him out. The only other experienced player I could see taking the roll would be Foden. It's a shame Wood is still out, has anyone heard anything about how he's progressing?

Posted 15:25 23rd May 2012

ArmchairGeneral says...

Good call. He's captained for Lancaster before with good results.

Posted 12:57 23rd May 2012