THE SMITHS START: JOUE JOUE FOR ENGLAND??! | ENGLAND vs FRANCE | SELECTION REACTION
Вставка
- Опубліковано 10 лют 2025
- It was rumoured...now it's confirmed, England have selected Smith Squared for Le Crunch. How does that change the way you see this game going? "What Difference Does It Make?".
Huge roll of the dice. I can imagine the critics now though. They say he’s not bold enough in selection and then if we lose with this 23 he’ll get savaged for being too bold in playing Smith at 15. I just hope this change comes with a change of approach and actually moving the ball wider with the 2 10s on the pitch.
100% agree
There was the potential to lose by 20 or more points playing France with last weeks team and the same applies to this weeks team I don’t rate Bothwick as head coach assistant yes but he’s not ready yet and I think the Scotland game will be his Waterloo as England cannot afford to drop back any further down the pecking order of world rugby
We have to roll the dice against the French. It’s good that there are 4 Northampton players in the backs, which might give us some continuity. Interesting to note that Henry Arundell is back in England next season. Is he a long-term option at full-back? I really would like to see a very quick back three, something like Radwan, Arundell and Feyi-Weboso. Let’s go for it!!
Borthwick (or any England head coach) is damned if he does, damned if he doesn’t.
Agree with the comment mate, exciting looking backline but as you said let's hope we utilise it!
Wow Tim you're quick! Hopefully these Charming Men can muster up a win!
Well played
Or it'll be big mouth strikes again
Very witty man!!
Doesn’t really Marr!!
More likely "This NIght Has Opened My Eyes", to the fact that Borthwick is out of his depth.
“ I don’t hate it “ from a brilliant and knowledgeable pundit I think shows where England Rugby is.
Yes at rock bottom
Reminds me of Montgomery Burns "I know what I hate and I don't hate this"
Not much of a compliment
I was at Twickenham when we really went for it against France in 2015, we needed to beat them by 23 pts to win the 6N and ended up winning 55 - 35 so losing the championship to Ireland but WHAT A GAME!!! Let’s have some more of the same please!
Still don’t know why we don’t try Marcus Smith at 10 (where he plays), Freeman at 15 (where he’s played regularly), and sleightholme and roebuck on the wings. Would prefer giving this a shot for a year and slowly bring Fin Smith along and develop him off the bench rather than potentially ruin his confidence leading an underperforming national team and exposing Marcus to the high ball
Because Borthwick is a numpty
I don't know why you so scared for Finn Smith to take the flyhalf starting role.Its not like you winning games with Marcus .As for thinking Marcus is a attacking flyhalf and hence he creates loads of points ,he only averages just less than 7 points a match in his 41 tests so far.Compare that to Wilkinson who averaged 12,9 let's call it 13 points per game and then we have Owen Farrell who scored 11 points per game.This just puts into perspective that a purley attack minded flyhalf doesn't necessarily score more than the slightly more conservative flyhalf who controls the game and is accurate with his goalkicking .
England need to change something cause what they have done the last 2 or 3 seasons ain't working. If this doesn't work at least you know you gave it a shot and you can see what impact having both these players on the field delivers .
That’s a good shout regardless of which smith plays 10! As long is Steward isn’t fullback! We need to find regular solid 15s, not one of the fly halves playing there... Fairbanks is sorely missed imo!
Smith has 42 caps, 41 at 10 and he hasn't produced a single dominant display. He isn't a 10. He's a hot-stepping wing/ full back.
Im Irish and I agree. 6 Nations is not the time to experiment with your 15. such a technical role. You need a seasoned operator. world class at international level. Not sure M.S. is the man for this job. Bring back Elliot Daly all is forgiven... I used hate it when he played against us. so good he was!
Tim, the only way any team can beat France (or Toulouse for that matter) is to dominate the breakdowns. Look at what SA did in the World Cup and what Ireland (and Leinster against Toulouse). Trying to outplay France (or Toulouse) is suicidal. But I have only been folloxing Toulouse for 50 years, how should I know. By the way I truly enjoy your videos. Keep up the great work
Nah, when Ramos is at 15 (and unsupported by excellent aerial backs, which he is here - something Toulouse almost always avoid), bombarding them with high balls can also absolutely work too, if you’re good enough. It was the only strategy that was likely to give England a chance had they adopted it.
But trying to just outplay in the offload and running game - nah.
@ let’s see how this pans out on Saturday
If you watch last year champions cup final you notice that it almost worked. You are right, yet high balls is also a weakness for Toulouse. It almost worked in part because Leinster was able to get penalties on the following scrums. At the same time dominating the breakdowns will be absolutely critical. It’s the same with the ABs, you can’t beat them if they dominate the breakdowns. If they are able to get fast balls they are unbeatable.
Anyway best of luck. Should be an exciting game.
I thought Leinster also exhausted Toulouse a few years ago in Dublin - relentless quick ball, changing point of attack, etc. ?
I think Ireland also tried this approach with some success.
[Acknowledging that it requires full control of the ruck on your own ball.]
And for the record, France have very rarely won in Twickenham, even in the recent years. Not to mention that England could (should ?) have won in Paris last year with a similar team and probably a similar strategy.
@@FrancoisRousseau-x6kLast result at Twickenham v France was 53-10 to France 😇
Great review Tim as always. Thank you. Wow. I do respect Steve being brave now. I really think the time is right to try this point of difference with the 2 Smiths from the start. I like the balance in the back row and experience on the bench. Still some good impact and energy on the bench too. Can't imagine the pressure he and the coaches are under under or these next 2 matches to get a W. As a Bath born rugby fan, i just want good things for him. Hes a good man and cares so much about English rugby. Sometimes, such bravery manifests a change of fortune. So good on him now. So I am fully behind Steve and i sense he is feeling things and not just relying on quantitative data on this selection. In these situations against such a world class talented french side with a tight culture it will take some world class performances. But what a bench mark for some of the English players in Lions Year. With the wobbly ball falling on our side with a united defiance,I believe we can do it. W L or D respect to the bold selection. Have a great Saturday everyone
I always admire Tim's optimism when it comes to England 😊
you spelt "naivity" wrong! 🤣
Isn’t that the definition of a fan 😂
That's a common England fans view , they always think they can win.Sadly it's not a reality they end up on the wrong side of the scoreboard to often.It must be tough being a England fan getting close in a lot of games ,but not getting the win
@@CraigMinnie Every fan must assume that a win is on the cards.
Excited about the lineup. Ultra quick at getting this out😄
Borthwick's favorite Smith song is likely "These Things Take Time" while critics would cite "How Soon is Now?"
Brilliant!
well played.
I'm going with "Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now". I can see what Boredwick is trying to do and it may even work. However, I'm not sure Marcus is secure enough in his tackling, regularly seeing Quins hiding him further out against strike runners. I can see huge disruption with Marcus as a 2nd distributor, but I still don't see Lawrence and Slade having the inate attacking tendencies to support that maverick behaviour. Quins train joue joue all the time. Nick Evans, Quins attack coach and temproary stand in for England, not wanting to be part of Boredwick's setup probably tells you all you need to know.
Opportunities for Smiths song puns? L’opportunité c’est f**king énorme!
Fin Smith!!! lets go! watched him for saints for years, always looked like a test match player. concerned this his first start but he's a special player.
Having both smiths on the field certainly makes the 6-2 split on the bench work much better, rather than taking up a bench spot with another 10.
I’m looking forward to seeing how it goes!
Love it. Throw of the dice as you say Tim! Is Marcus Smith at 15 what the fans want? No, but it’s his best option as Steward just cannot defend and this French team is a counter attacking machine.
People complaining about England optimism need to buck up. What’s the alternative? Be miserable and bitter. Win or lose, I will always back the lads!
its madness. borthwick speed running his own sacking after france put up a massive score
Love it! Whatever the outcome this is going to be fun to watch - and it may just work. Can't wait - will be shouting... Big Mouth Strikes Again!
Brilliant Tim.Made me laugh at 7am in NZ. Big Steve will be signing Heaven Knows Im Miserable Now!
interesting video Tim. I like the look of this team with the following exceptions: Tom Freeman should be at no 12 and Tom Roebuck at no 14. It is good to see Tom Willis starting at no8. It is a shame Ted Hill isn't on the bench. Tim I agree with you that England are going for tries in an effort to dispirit France. This is a good tactic because in the past we have seen a dispirited France make many errors
Why not indeed…..I feel for Marcus Smith because I rate him but I was impressed with Fin against Bath before the 6N started. Back row is bigger and better …love Tom Willis…he’s a beast. Sleightholme is a class finisher. Nothing to lose !!!
As an England supporter for almost 40 years, the WORST thing that could happen is that England scrape a 1-2-3 point win - and in so doing, we buy another year of perseverance for clueless Borewick, Wriggy, and El Abd.
We DO have the players to get a result - TRULY - but under this coaching regime, it will always be a one-off !!!
If the price for getting a PROPER coaching team in, is one more loss to France, and one more loss to Scotland, so be it.
This crop of players (largely) deserves so much more - so let’s find a coach who CAN actually make it happen !!!!!
I don’t think he’s going anywhere. RFU won’t want to spend any more money on a coaching team.
Oh have a day off
@@tallshort1849 Ditto.
Absolutely nothing to do with borthwick. The players have been clueless and making loads of mistakes . Its the players that have been underperforming.
@@samoday2992 you don’t think him chopping and changing defensive styles or introducing zero in attacking innovation is also to blame?
Excited to see this team work. Backs with some flair, not massive but enough, and forwards capable of disrupting around the park. A side to make the most of broken play.
I was looking for a job and then I found a job, and heaven knows I'm miserable now!
Hahahaha
I'm onboard with this. Will be good to see what Finn can do at 10, and having Marcus at 15 brings some dynamism from the back that you'd not get with Freddie. I hope England really play. They seem to have played a lot of their best rugby over the past few years where they've had to throw caution to the window a little bit (be that through cards or trailing by a lot of points). Seems they might be starting the game with that mindset know that they need go give it some beans!
Should be a great game!
Yeah, for France 😂
Tim, good analysis of both teams. Have a good day Saturday. SB and his coaching team can only prepare and select. The Team have to want ti win, play for 80 mins, heads up and leaders raising their hands. Enjoy .
Big Marcus Smith fan and the area of his game that has improved most over the last couple of years is his defence, but I really hope France don't start kicking to contest. I did worry that Borthwick would pick Steward on the wing to cover the high ball stuff so I'm relieved he's not done that as we need the pace of Sleighthome in the back three.
I like the balance of the backrow but I'd switch B Curry and Earl and I think George either starts or isn't in the 23 as he will no bring no dynamism off the bench but these are minor quibbles.
It's certainly not going to be dull - who'd have thought a couple of years ago that Borthwick would become a bold selector
His defense is invisibility. Speed bumps have more stopping power. France will out kick England all day long.
I’m with you Tim…I’m happy with all the changes. It’s one of those moments when you didn’t realise you’d be on board until it happens and only then realise it feels right. Finn smith did shine when he came on last week. Genuinely excited to see how they do.
Bravo with the Smith puns!👏👏
And with a forward pass
I thought, oh God, my chance has come at last
But then a strange fear gripped me
And I just couldn't last
And then double- decker bus smashed right in to us
Love your channel. Best there is. I think England are on the cusp of greatness . Marcus Smith is awesome, and a good match for the French Superman . Good luck guys, from NZ
Ill get lynched by my fellow quins fans for this, but I'm okay with the two smiths starting.
I agree that France will kick long and Marcus having the time to move the French and England shipping to Fin after a phase or couple of offloads is really exciting.
Glad to see a proper 8 starting as well. Earl is a fine player but really lacks the ballast we'll need on Saturday.
Personally I'm happy with how a younger England team is progressing, playing, for the majority of games, some lovely rugby.
Bring on Saturday!
You need a double chilly in the one curry. All the best and may the game of rugby win. Looking forward to this game from SA
Haha. Need the one Curry to be as spicy as the one I had in Durban!
Ok, let’s say you’re right. England are going to ‘have a crack’, ‘roll the dice’ and attempt to score some tries… and then you see the selection and think: a change at 10? How’s that going to effect fluency and fluidity? …bearing in mind that M Smith has been superb at unlocking international defences from 10 over the last year.
Headless and clueless. Borthwick’s had too many knocks to the cranium.
I would stick with Marcus Smith at 10 and Tommy Freeman at 15 but apart from that I am happy enough with the rest of the squad.
One thing I would say just because France typically kick deep rather than to contest doesn't mean they can't/won't seeing Smith at fullback.
I’m really happy with this 23. Completely agree that we aren’t favourites and this has to be recognised. However, given time and experience this team has some serious potential. The bit I don’t get it the instant negativity about literally anything, Borthwick can’t win.
This is a team that is building and I am hopeful of long term prospects.
Fin Smith first start, Marcus Smith getting game time experience at FB, Willis getting first start is all really positive to the future and squad depth. All other top nations have built flexibility, Beauden 10&15, Jodie 15&12, Ramos 10&15, Osborne 12&15, etc, why do we need to be so negative when we do the same thing.
Those teams you named a mixing it up and winning. We aren’t, so it doesn’t look like he’s looking for depth, it looks like he can’t find his first 15
Think you’re missing my point, I’m not saying he is purposely focusing on building depth, but that is a byproduct of giving first starts and giving game time in different roles, which in the long run will be beneficial.
Big call for Borthwick. This could be a massive change for england long term
It really could.
@@EggchasersRugby- M Smith at 15 is a positive step forward from M Smith at 10 and a positive step forward towards M Smith on the bench, which is his best position for this England team.
@@myfootiefriend1267what an insane take. He has been one of the most inform rugby players on the planet for the last year!
… until Furbank comes back.
@myfootiefriend1267 That's a terrible take I dont see an England team without him starting somewhere
There will always be critics and nay sayers, so ignore them. If we are to get back to the top, we have to invest and trust in the talent we have, have a clear vision of how we want to play the game and develop the players within it and give the opposition pause for thought... problems to solve...
When the odds are against us, we must be bold but never naive... "Feint heart ne're won fair lady"...
I am equally excited and relieved to see the Steve's selection and "the gaunlet being thrown down" that it reperesents, let the battle comence. We won't die not knowing!
Brilliant channel Tim, keep chasing eggs
Crazy team selection imo. Two Smiths was leaked days ago, so no surprise there. But not bringing in Roebuck in really surprised me. Also having Earl and Willis in means there is still no line out threat. As for the bench, what does George and Daly bring, yes experience but other than that. Also after Randall's performance, just shows our lack of depth at 9
France have Meafou at lock so they only have 2 main options themselves at lineout time. Ireland had Baird, Beirne and Ryan. So I think it matches up ok.
I don't think we're too bad at 9, we've just had a few with serious injuries over the last year or two who have not come back into form yet but I think we'll be alright for 9s going forward.
Isn't Tom Willis used in the sarries line out? Looks like he could be an option maybe
@@joshdnorris1994 I've seen Tom Willis wear lineout lifting tape/blocks on his legs quite a bit in games in the past, so you could be right.
@davidholgate123 ye I thought so too, doesn't look any heavier than a George Martin as well so sure we can use him, was part of my thought process as to why he's been picked as well as finally picking an out an out 8
I wasn’t feeling this team, Tim until you said that it feels as if England are picking a team to do their game and not picking a team to combat the opposition. I like that. Well said mate as always
I love it. Roll the dice. What have we got to lose?
Honestly can’t wait to watch.
What comes to mind? Rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic, Two bald men fighting over a comb? England's got two chances: slim, and none - and Slim just left town? That is, as always, a decent, but spectacularly unscary back line. France by 15. If we're lucky.
Love The Smiths references😂 In regards to the squad, I’m glad we’re seeing some changes, why not!?
I’m happy to see some changes and variations from Borthwick. I like the selection. No complaints whatsoever from this fan.
I think this highlights our lack of a world class fullback and Borthwick trying to think his way round the problem.
Steward for all his good attributes gets exposed by pace and agility at world level and sadly has started to try and hedge his positioning as he seems to have realised this. Furbank is probably our best option currently but injured and also not world class. Smith will provide attacking options and won’t be gassed like Steward but he also won’t be fronting up with a big tackle either which the team will need to work around - a lot depends how often he’s left in isolation at the back as opposed to having the support of Freeman. Plus point is at least we are building depth on the wings - our two starters here are dangerous and Feyi Waboso has the potential to become a world class wing I believe - is their an option to play one of the three at fullback when all fit?
God I love this tournament
Wot a great band of brothers and frenemies we are all are
big target on Marcus now.....Steve made a bold call !!...why not?...home advantage will help ...GL.
I like that he is going all blazing, and if it works, this may be the way to go in the futur. It may throw France off balance by changing the way they were most likely expecting England to stack. It is a really clever move.
I am living in France but i always loved the English team. Glad they play better now and hope they ll give the best and who knows.. May be win..
Anyway i hope the match will be great to watch !
Tim, I'm assuming but I'm sure more South Africans like me are backing England in this. Why would I assume this, as surely the English are hardly ever going to back us? Well, you're one of ours now and your fight is ours too, so in this case I'm definitely backing England for a win, as rugby isn't played on paper. Both of us remember what a massive fanged rabbit they pulled out of the hat in the world cup semis. Blighty's got the heart and the smarts, this could be a great one.
Edits: Grammar.
Thing I don't like about Borthwick is after every defeat there is the constant sound bite about "working towards"? Well, if your team is picked to play for every 80 minutes in isolation, what is it your working towards, Steve?
The sack hopefully
Really like the looks of this 23... "Good times for a change..."
Autumn internationals seem to be the time to try something like this .. if it works, it's by accident .. not by design.
Excellent choice for the pack. Let’s keep them on for the whole game. We do not need a lot of replacements there.
Scrum halves are scrum halves, it just depends on how they wake up on the day. This is where we need good cover.
Great to see Ollie Sleightholme, let’s just see if he gets some good passes.
Just need to give better support at 12, 13 & 15.
It will be interesting to see how Marcus handles a full match at 15.
I’m sure you’ll enjoy the event.
I’m pleasantly surprised with the selection. First and foremost it looks like a team designed to play at pace and try and win the game. Now of course it could go spectacularly wrong, but at least they are trying.
Our Roses are Red , our Boxkicks are aplenty
If all we do is kick , the French try count might hit twenty !!
I’m not a Borthwick fan, especially some of his tactics, but I do like the look of this lineup. We’ve got nothing to lose against potential grand slammers France, so let’s give it a good crack! Good luck boys.
Time you guys decide about Stewart at fullback ONLY. good under a high ball and that is the sum total of his abilities I still smile at how he was stepped by a bok (2024)
and green fairy last week. I can understand the experiment with Smith at 15
M Smith (with training) can become a the Willie Le Roux of England. He has the play making skills Still remember his staring after Arendse when he stepped him SO he needs to improve his defense But hey Arendse has stepped many a player
Smith will need to learn how to defend. And grow 6".
I like it. Bit of a gamble, i think if England beat Ireland this wouldn't of happened. But Borthwick knows if you lose vs Ireland and France it's game over. One thing i'm a little worried about is the line-out, under George it was working really well. We gave away multiple penalties from line outs and some over throws whether that's bad calls or the occasion either way, i hope they worked on it during the week. Looking forward to seeing how this plays out, tought ask for a new strcuture against this stacked France team but i'm excited.
My god you love Borthwick and his selections. The Front 8 are decent but the backs are a disaster
Who would you select?
I think Steward is largely a waste against this French team. They don't kick to compete, they kick long. Steward against Toulouse didn't end very well, if you remember?
And I referenced the 73 minutes Marcus Smith played against France at fullback last year where England lost 33-31.
@@EggchasersRugby MS is not a fullback outside of maybe a 10 min stint. Freeman at 15 and Roebuck at 14. Choose one or other Smiths at 10. And the centre partnership does not work so seek some fresh blood alongside Lawrence as a 13
Nice video - thanks Tim.
Noted the usual predictable comments though.😢
Hoing for a good game 🤞
Picking Marcus Smith out of position at 15 his a mistake we haven't got enough flair in the team as it is it like wales with James Hook they kept playing him out of position when he was a natural fly half Borthwick his panicking he keep chopping and changing the team. The French will rock up to Twickenham full of confidence and flair and will cut England to ribbons we haven't got enough quality players to win the big test matches 🏉🌹🏴🧐
I dont think you get at France by trying to "out play" them.
You disrupt their ball at source as much as possible, go after them in the air and generally stay in the fight. Then back your own fitness and discipline in the final 20 to win the game.
Unfortunately for England that's also how you beat them.
France by 25
With Ramos at the back kicking is a recipe for disaster, if you're right Tim I think a running passing game is the best tactic.
As an Irishman, I’d agree with the selection. I’m not sure any of us have a chance vs France this year but you make a choice: Go down trying to limit the damage or go down in a shoot-out. I’d jouer every time.
Glad the Saints pairing at 9 & 10 are together… that makes more sense… but Marcus isn’t a full back. Love the back row though.
Tim, hope you show starting 15s across the tournament like you did a few years ago. The one that showed England basically don’t have a consistent team, unlike everyone else.
Exactly my thoughts.
I think some of those England players who didn’t make the combined team have high potential and could match their French counterparts if they play near their best
I really hope this is the start of a decent run for Fin at 10 so we can see exactly what he is made of, and not just a selection for this match. And if that means Marcus on the bench when Furbank is fit again or in a game where we need a more traditional fullback, then so be it
Tim, how do you see Marcus as the last defender? It seems is not one of his strengths
I’m kinda alright with it too, although I can see crossfield kicks and some contestable bombs which the French can do mr DuPont can do most things. Fingers crossed that Borthwick has been inspired… but with the current English record I can see some more millions being spent to get another Coach in. Here’s hoping we can win le crunch. Cmon England
i like England being underdogs, brings out the best in us. Think NZ 2019, SA 2023, Ireland 2024.
One comment I haven't seen yet - interesting approach from SB - what would France have been preparing themselves for since the final whistle of the Wales game? Steward at 15, large wingers, mobile back row, MS at 10, box kicking 9 all equals a strategy and game plan they can train for. Thursday before the game, entirely different focus from England (potentially). France have spent 5 days preparing for a game plan that doesn't appear to be happening... "Well I Wonder"... (that was a Wikipedia search, not a follower of music in general...)
That might have worked had there not been rumours about Marcus to full back all week.
Here’s hoping that with this team that “ possession “ is not the dirty word that it has been with this coaching set up
I have a feeling that Borthwick is burning his own ships with this selection. Interesting.
If it's any consolation, before Dupont, there was a 9 jersey affliction in France, even Galthié was contested the year he won world player of the year ^^'
It will be interesting to see how the double pivot works. The lineout options for England could be lacking.
I'll be interesting to see how the gameplan goes for England. The plan would seem to be heavy kicks the territory and exits so wonder how those combine with lineout.
I thought that about the lineout, but with Meafou in the French pack, and no Flament or Ollivon available, I think England match up ok there
We'll see what difference does it make
Surely You Just Haven’t Earned it yet Baby is a song that springs to mind. As much I hope we beat France, I fear we must “suffer and cry for a longer time”
We had Ben , Conrad and Aaron.
I finally understand how my mates feel as Arsenal fans over the last few seasons. Always the bridesmaid, never the bride. I think it'll be a good game but that French team is ridiculous and will be tough for anyone to overcome. Edit - additionally, some experience with Daly on the bench is very wise, considering we lacked some composure in the back line last week.
Daly is very wise🤡🤡🤡, tell us how many games he’s changed lately!! He won’t have no impact against France! Not an ounce!
Great analysis as always. I tend to agree, I would rather see England go for it against the French. I’d rather they go down swinging and who knows they just might pull off a shock win. Think the media will crucify Borthwick if it all goes pear shaped.
Come on Tim, let’s have the odd mention of the U20’s boys who are sitting pretty for a Slam this year! Great win over France last night!
If England can pull off a shock win here, it'll be more like 'Will Smith' as in 'I am Legend' 😄Also, imagine if we had Scotland beat Ireland, England Beat France, and Wales Beat Italy. I know its highly unlikely but wouldn't it just blow the whole thing wide open, it just shows you how unique and precious our rugby competition is. On any given week it can change massively. Have to protect this gem of a comp.
happy with England's selection. Totally agree : if England plays a restrictive game against France they'll more likely to lose. And they definitely need some legs at the back which Steward does not bring. Gona be interesting.
Let's hope it's not 'Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now'. I like that its something different, but I worry about the lineout again
Smith is not good enough to be an international fullback
I have the feeling that Borthwick's plan is to keep the ball rather than trying risky high kicks.
I'm sure that Galthié has prepared his guys for aerial kicks during most of the week and that giving them the ball while your team is rushing forward wouldn't be a good idea.
The only problem then, is to break the line, Wales never did it.
We'll see on Saturday.
Thought Chessum would have got the nod over Martin and would switch Ben for Tom, Tom had a massive game against Ireland but is in theory still playing back to full match fitness.
Switching Smiths , why not indeed, if we don't do it how do England learn from it, solid arguement i can buy into.
Absolutely delicious line up.
Borthwick going all out for this one.
Come on lads!!!!
Rooting for England in this one! Irish fan.
@ lovely!
Love the Smiths songs😂
I don't expect us to win (will be made up if we do obviously) just want us to play some good rugby and start to look like a team with a direction and purpose
I like this selection.
I like this selection. Ideally I’d switch George & LCD around and pick any 9 but Randall on the bench. France always have at least one off day in the Six Nations, I hope it’s Saturday!
What is the obsession of Borrhwick and his mentor Eddie Jones with playing people out of position?
I’m mentally preparing myself for yet another loss
Prepare yourself for a drumming mate. Moving your best 10 out of 10 is brain dead. England have been tinkering with the 10 not playing 10 for years now and its never ever been a viable option. I just do not get it. its brain dead. No top teams do that. NONE
Will the ball go beyond a box-kicking scrum half though? Smith can tackle but he is not exactly JPR-eqsque in that regard so I am sure the French back 3 will be running at him a fair bit. Another concern is that this is Borthwick's third 6 Nations now and there is not a hint of a settled first choice team bedded in for a 2 year stint to take us through to the next World Cup is there 😇
It's a bold team. I think most people expected him to start Chessum in the pack and either Steward or Roebuck on the wing, and really go after France in the air and in the lineout. This selection favours something much more ball-in-hand. I hope the tactics match the selection.
Your a glass half full type of guy but I think your glass will be empty within 20 mins of play
I really like the back row, Curry, Earl and Willis.
I like that Borthwick has tried something different. I would have liked Roebuck and Steward in the squad, just so we could go route one high ball and turn the game ugly
Given the second-half drop-off vs Ireland, I can’t help but feeling somewhere in-between “What Difference…” and “Girlfriend in a Coma”;
however, hoping for a case of “Big Mouth Strikes Again”