I've not posted as much as I'd probably have expected on the international selections. In truth, it's because I'm rather shocked, and not sure what to say. I'm shocked Launch isn't going to the lions, I'm shocked that Taylor and Robson aren't off to Argentina, surprised that Hask isn't on the Lions and that Wade+JCW aren't off to Arg, and disappointed that Jones and Symons aren't off either.
I'm not sure what Eddie is trying to do, all I can really see is that he's seemingly managed to get almost every single vaguely promising player in the AP, involved in one camp or another. Perhaps trying to see everything that is on offer.
I can't say I think taking the Currys to Arg is a bad idea, they're both already doing so well at just 18, that they could have big futures. Equally Maunder has settled well at AP level from what we've seen. Fiji Joe has future England wing written all over him, so I can't argue that. Mallinder has class but needs to prove he can be physical in defence etc. My only concern is that England isn't where these players should be developing their skills. They should be showing effectively international ability with their clubs, that show them to basically be ready for international selection (not necessarily blow the international world away, but at least do their job effectively), rather than international potential which is attempted to be developed at international level.
Perhaps he's happy with his normal 25/26 that he's using, and confident they can go all the way to 2019, and now he's looking for players that in 3-4 years time could be capable of taking over, but as I said, I think players should show they are capable with their clubs, and then be given a shot, rather than show that they are half decent when young, but never get anywhere. A huge number of players have looked like potential rockstars as youngsters, but never really developed or improved, and especially after a 2nd or 3rd season after analysis has exposed their weaknesses no longer look like internationals in the making.
I just hope that we don't pin our future hopes on a large number of very young players, who never end up reaching the potential they showed, whilst a number of already talented mid 20 year old players, miss out on the international exposure required to take their game to the utmost level. There's always a danger of chasing the most exciting youngster, and considering someone at 27 to be over the hill, when in truth they could easily continue to operate at an exceptionally high level until well into their 30s.