England

[mike909]

And apparently BV has been rejected "never to return" because of attitude and negativity around camp.....which given his club form and England's failings, ball in hand, is rather a shame.....

[JonnyD]

I wonder if Eddie has banished anyone from the RFU who had negative opinions of his set up - now no one can get in touch with him to fire him

[Vespula Vulgaris]

And apparently BV has been rejected "never to return" because of attitude and negativity around camp.....which given his club form and England's failings, ball in hand, is rather a shame.....

I'd like to propose the hypothesis that Billy is back on form and playing near his best because he's no longer part of the England set-up.  He's no longer worried about what Mental eddie will say or do if he doesn't toe the line, and is back to just being a talented rugby player.

I'd also like to propose that the converse is true of Dobby. He is playing the way we hate to watch Youngs play for England, because the unhinged one has told him "what he needs to work on"...

[mike909]

And apparently BV has been rejected "never to return" because of attitude and negativity around camp.....which given his club form and England's failings, ball in hand, is rather a shame.....

I'd like to propose the hypothesis that Billy is back on form and playing near his best because he's no longer part of the England set-up.  He's no longer worried about what Mental eddie will say or do if he doesn't toe the line, and is back to just being a talented rugby player.

I'd also like to propose that the converse is true of Dobby. He is playing the way we hate to watch Youngs play for England, because the unhinged one has told him "what he needs to work on"...

Seems fair. BV's club stats from Opta are right back were they were when England won games assertively. Last time seen vs France last 6Ns....and Dan seems lost - and what an old hooker would know about playing 9 is anyone's guess.

[Mellie]

... what an old hooker would know about playing 9 is anyone's guess.

I thought you were an old prop Mike. That's what your posts usually say 😉

[Beasties]

And apparently BV has been rejected "never to return" because of attitude and negativity around camp.....which given his club form and England's failings, ball in hand, is rather a shame.....

I'd like to propose the hypothesis that Billy is back on form and playing near his best because he's no longer part of the England set-up.  He's no longer worried about what Mental eddie will say or do if he doesn't toe the line, and is back to just being a talented rugby player.

I'd also like to propose that the converse is true of Dobby. He is playing the way we hate to watch Youngs play for England, because the unhinged one has told him "what he needs to work on"...

Seems fair. BV's club stats from Opta are right back were they were when England won games assertively. Last time seen vs France last 6Ns....and Dan seems lost - and what an old hooker would know about playing 9 is anyone's guess.

I’m guessing he means Eddie?

[mike909]

... what an old hooker would know about playing 9 is anyone's guess.

I thought you were an old prop Mike. That's what your posts usually say 😉

I sure am.....loose in head and in position!

[Shugs]

Yes, upturn in form for BV may also be to lack of “high energy training required for the international scene even though it makes you play worse”.

[JonnyD]

An apparent leaked 15 has Launchbury starting in place of Ewells against Ireland

[Rossm]

Tweet from Bobby Bridge:

The Times has reported that Itoje is a 'late doubt' for England. If he doesn't feature v Ireland, one suspects that Launchbury will start with Chessum promoted to the bench. OR Dombrandt could be a lock option (Cardiff Met days) with  Barbeary added to bench...

[Rossm]

Tweet from Bobby Bridge:

The Times has reported that Itoje is a 'late doubt' for England. If he doesn't feature v Ireland, one suspects that Launchbury will start with Chessum promoted to the bench. OR Dombrandt could be a lock option (Cardiff Met days) with  Barbeary added to bench...

BBC reporting that he has been taken ill over night..........Incidently Cockers has tested positive for covid.