England team to face Wales

[Rossm]

England: Daly; Watson, Slade, Farrell, May; Ford, Youngs; M Vunipola, George, Sinckler, Itoje, Hill, Wilson, Curry, B Vunipola.

Replacements: Cowan-Dickie, Genge, Stuart, Ewels, Martin, Earl, Robson, Malins.

All the usual suspects. 6/2 split bench.

[HDAWG]

Yawn.

[Mellie]

What did Courtney Lawes do? Most pundits had him as a certain starter and he's not even on the bench. He was talking up his approach to facing his Saints team mate Biggar.

[Trevs Big Tackle]

What's that definition of insanity again?

It's like the 6 nations are just a series of warm-up games for Saracen's ahead of their Championship campaign.

[Sliminator]

What did Courtney Lawes do? Most pundits had him as a certain starter and he's not even on the bench. He was talking up his approach to facing his Saints team mate Biggar.

BBC say Lawes injured. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/56194865

[mike909]

Not unexpected....and strengthened by Lawes injury in terms of breakdown.

The selections that demonstrate (regardless of result) Jones' inate conservatism are: Billy, who has said he's playing badly, Youngs, Farrell, Daly, George, the spine of Sarries players....who cannot be dropped.

Sure, England want to win every game, but the Scotland game revealed that alternatives are needed for out of form players and players of an age that the next RWC is a bit of a stretch. England winning this one will show nothing of what they are prepared to look at going forwards and the selection signals to Wales to expect a load of box kicking and rushing into contact hoing for the best. Kicking to the Wales back three had better be accurate....

[MarleyWasp]

Looks like I'll definetly be watching the Forumla E after our match on Saturday.

[WonkyWasp]

Shouting for Wales again then. 

[wasps]

What's that definition of insanity again?

It's like the 6 nations are just a series of warm-up games for Saracen's ahead of their Championship campaign.

I've said the exact same thing.
I never believe in conspiracy theories, but it's getting hard to ignore

[Shugs]

Uninspiring stuff. As others have said George, B Vunipola are past their best. Farrell isn't a 12 and Daly gives us nothing at 15.

[Mellie]

Moment of truth for the England Sarries players.

Having not played well for 2 matches in a row, after not playing for a while, I think Warren Gatland will be watching with interest. Another poor performance could see him dismiss most of them from his Lions plans. More down time before the 'tour' (wherever it takes place) will be too much of a risk to hope they can find some form. There aren't enough matches to play with.

[mike909]

Moment of truth for the England Sarries players.

Having not played well for 2 matches in a row, after not playing for a while, I think Warren Gatland will be watching with interest. Another poor performance could see him dismiss most of them from his Lions plans. More down time before the 'tour' (wherever it takes place) will be too much of a risk to hope they can find some form. There aren't enough matches to play with.

Mako's game vs Italy was his first in ages, at all, and he lasted 52m and did ok....but vs Italy. LCD easily outshone George vs Italy and has lots of Exeter game time too. So Mako, George, Billy, Farrell and Daly really need to show up

The Teenage Tiger SR hasn't played SR this season (I looked back to last October) and back row 3 times, including off the bench. So wtf is he doing on the England bench? So many good SR's around and Jones goes for the big risk. It;s like he's either super conservative (Billy etc) or so left field you wonder about his judgement.

Nick Isiekwe who he "hooked" a whilst back, never to be seen again, has been in good form in every game I've watched and I'd love him for Wasps. Yet not even thought about vs a teenager who doesn't play SR in recent memory.

[Heathen]

Ewels is the replacement lock. Martin is a back row. Eddie likes to have a couple on the bench at times.

[FishingWasp]

Uninspiring stuff. As others have said George, B Vunipola are past their best. Farrell isn't a 12 and Daly gives us nothing at 15.

IMHO Farrrel isn't a10. And certainly neither a captain (his reaction in SA when Cips engineered a try)nor a spokesman (his interview after the loss to Scotland was painfull). Does he have compromising photos of Eddie? Unfortunately due to Covid they probably don't have the funds to sack - sorry, part by mutual consent - him. So were stuck with him for the forseeable future, and will see talented players ignored, a la Wade, Paulo, Marcus Smith etc.
Still blame the RFU for reappointing him. "A professional game being run by amateurs" comes to mind
Ill be cheering for Wales.

[mike909]

Ewels is the replacement lock. Martin is a back row. Eddie likes to have a couple on the bench at times.

Ok - my mistake. Even so - an 19 year old with 3 games this season and 7 games ever.....on the bench when England have lots of experienced choice.

Presumably Brad is persona non gratia these days?