The Official English Rugby Thread

[Kawazaki]

I'm just glad he's given the commentators another topic of conversation than verbally masturbating over Goode. Ekyn claiming that it's scandalous for him to only have 21 caps is one of the silliest things to have escaped a BT commentator's mouth in some time.

Alex Goode is one of the most talented English backs to play rugby in the last 30 years you tool.

I'm having a dig at BT's penchant for manic hyperboly, not one of your precious Saracens. Goode has been a very good servant to his club and an extremely valuable Prem player, but it is by no means a scandal that he didn't receive more international caps.

Too talented for England.

[Paddington Bear]

Good game of rugby in Barnet today. Not quite sure what Earl needs to do to get an England gig

[Kawazaki]

Good game of rugby in Barnet today. Not quite sure what Earl needs to do to get an England gig

I actually think Jones is too proud to pick so many players from one team - it would be a tacit admission that the coaches of that team are doing a better job than he is. Can you imagine if the England team had;

1. M. Vunipola
2. J. George
4. M. Itoje
5. H. Tizzard
7. B. Earl
8. B. Vunipola
10. O. Farrell
11. M. Malins
15. E. Daly

Watching the match today, there is not a better English 12 in the Premiership than Nick Tompkins either. It's a shocker that Jones just ignored him. I'd take Lozowski over Slade as well. And then of course there is Alex Goode.

[fishfoodie]

Good game of rugby in Barnet today. Not quite sure what Earl needs to do to get an England gig

I actually think Jones is too proud to pick so many players from one team - it would be a tacit admission that the coaches of that team are doing a better job than he is. Can you imagine if the England team had;

1. M. Vunipola
2. J. George
4. M. Itoje
5. H. Tizzard
7. B. Earl
8. B. Vunipola
10. O. Farrell
11. M. Malins
15. E. Daly

Watching the match today, there is not a better English 12 in the Premiership than Nick Tompkins either. It's a shocker that Jones just ignored him. I'd take Lozowski over Slade as well. And then of course there is Alex Goode.

If you think Faz is the best OH in England, or that anyone with the surname Vunipola, is an automatic pick, you should probably consult a specialist, as you've obviously taken too many blows to the head !

[Paddington Bear]

I'm just glad he's given the commentators another topic of conversation than verbally masturbating over Goode. Ekyn claiming that it's scandalous for him to only have 21 caps is one of the silliest things to have escaped a BT commentator's mouth in some time.

Alex Goode is one of the most talented English backs to play rugby in the last 30 years you tool.

I'm having a dig at BT's penchant for manic hyperboly, not one of your precious Saracens. Goode has been a very good servant to his club and an extremely valuable Prem player, but it is by no means a scandal that he didn't receive more international caps.

Don't think it's unreasonable to question why a bloke who is still playing at a high level and has reached the very peak of the club game multiple times has not had a look in for yonks given some of the clown car performances put in at 15 for England in the same timescale (some indeed by a teammate of his). Albeit I was at the game so missed any commentary delivered with one hand down the trousers.

[Raggs]

Alex Goode is one of the most talented English backs to play rugby in the last 30 years you tool.

I'm having a dig at BT's penchant for manic hyperboly, not one of your precious Saracens. Goode has been a very good servant to his club and an extremely valuable Prem player, but it is by no means a scandal that he didn't receive more international caps.

Don't think it's unreasonable to question why a bloke who is still playing at a high level and has reached the very peak of the club game multiple times has not had a look in for yonks given some of the clown car performances put in at 15 for England in the same timescale (some indeed by a teammate of his). Albeit I was at the game so missed any commentary delivered with one hand down the trousers.

I think he's been bad enough times at international level for coaches to simply decide he's not upto it. I think he's had 2 or 3 "redemption" opportunities, and blown it every time. He's now 34 years old, and quite simply, I don't think there's enough caps left before the world cup, for me to be sure he's not going to cock it up come the world cup....

[Kawazaki]

I'm having a dig at BT's penchant for manic hyperboly, not one of your precious Saracens. Goode has been a very good servant to his club and an extremely valuable Prem player, but it is by no means a scandal that he didn't receive more international caps.

Don't think it's unreasonable to question why a bloke who is still playing at a high level and has reached the very peak of the club game multiple times has not had a look in for yonks given some of the clown car performances put in at 15 for England in the same timescale (some indeed by a teammate of his). Albeit I was at the game so missed any commentary delivered with one hand down the trousers.

I think he's been bad enough times at international level for coaches to simply decide he's not upto it. I think he's had 2 or 3 "redemption" opportunities, and blown it every time. He's now 34 years old, and quite simply, I don't think there's enough caps left before the world cup, for me to be sure he's not going to cock it up come the world cup....

That's rubbish but it gets repeated enough times and it becomes the alt-fact.

I could give you some very well known >50, >60, >70, > 100 cap examples of players that are bang average 3-4/10 England players year-in year-out making the same errors and they don't get dropped. Some of them played in Goode's position!

[Paddington Bear]

I'm having a dig at BT's penchant for manic hyperboly, not one of your precious Saracens. Goode has been a very good servant to his club and an extremely valuable Prem player, but it is by no means a scandal that he didn't receive more international caps.

Don't think it's unreasonable to question why a bloke who is still playing at a high level and has reached the very peak of the club game multiple times has not had a look in for yonks given some of the clown car performances put in at 15 for England in the same timescale (some indeed by a teammate of his). Albeit I was at the game so missed any commentary delivered with one hand down the trousers.

I think he's been bad enough times at international level for coaches to simply decide he's not upto it. I think he's had 2 or 3 "redemption" opportunities, and blown it every time. He's now 34 years old, and quite simply, I don't think there's enough caps left before the world cup, for me to be sure he's not going to cock it up come the world cup....

Admittedly I only keep detailed notes on Youngs' fuck ups but IIRC Goode had one absolute shocker for England and perhaps a few mediocre games. Not suggesting he should have 100 caps, but seeing us try Furbank etc when there was a clearly better option available was somewhat frustrating. Would start Steward now but wouldn't mind Goode being in the squad.

[sockwithaticket]

Alex Goode is one of the most talented English backs to play rugby in the last 30 years you tool.

I'm having a dig at BT's penchant for manic hyperboly, not one of your precious Saracens. Goode has been a very good servant to his club and an extremely valuable Prem player, but it is by no means a scandal that he didn't receive more international caps.

Don't think it's unreasonable to question why a bloke who is still playing at a high level and has reached the very peak of the club game multiple times has not had a look in for yonks given some of the clown car performances put in at 15 for England in the same timescale (some indeed by a teammate of his). Albeit I was at the game so missed any commentary delivered with one hand down the trousers.

It's not, but Ekyn actually said 'scandalously hasn't had more than 21 England caps' or something, key word being scanadlously. It's needlessly hyperbolic and ignores that, however good his domestic form, in those 21 caps Goode didn't make a particularly compelling case for continued selection and that it's a number of caps more than many players get to prove themselves at international level before being discarded.

[Torquemada 1420]

Good game of rugby in Barnet today. Not quite sure what Earl needs to do to get an England gig

I actually think Jones is too proud to pick so many players from one team - it would be a tacit admission that the coaches of that team are doing a better job than he is. Can you imagine if the England team had;

1. M. Vunipola
2. J. George
4. M. Itoje
5. H. Tizzard
7. B. Earl
8. B. Vunipola
10. O. Farrell
11. M. Malins
15. E. Daly

Watching the match today, there is not a better English 12 in the Premiership than Nick Tompkins either. It's a shocker that Jones just ignored him. I'd take Lozowski over Slade as well. And then of course there is Alex Goode.

Did I misunderstand your post? Isn't Tomkins Welsh? Or did he have an option for Eng too?

[Paddington Bear]

I'm having a dig at BT's penchant for manic hyperboly, not one of your precious Saracens. Goode has been a very good servant to his club and an extremely valuable Prem player, but it is by no means a scandal that he didn't receive more international caps.

Don't think it's unreasonable to question why a bloke who is still playing at a high level and has reached the very peak of the club game multiple times has not had a look in for yonks given some of the clown car performances put in at 15 for England in the same timescale (some indeed by a teammate of his). Albeit I was at the game so missed any commentary delivered with one hand down the trousers.

It's not, but Ekyn actually said 'scandalously hasn't had more than 21 England caps' or something, key word being scanadlously. It's needlessly hyperbolic and ignores that, however good his domestic form, in those 21 caps Goode didn't make a particularly compelling case for continued selection and that it's a number of caps more than many players get to prove themselves at international level before being discarded.

Fair enough, as I say I was there rather than listening to what was said

[sockwithaticket]

Good game of rugby in Barnet today. Not quite sure what Earl needs to do to get an England gig

I actually think Jones is too proud to pick so many players from one team - it would be a tacit admission that the coaches of that team are doing a better job than he is. Can you imagine if the England team had;

1. M. Vunipola
2. J. George
4. M. Itoje
5. H. Tizzard
7. B. Earl
8. B. Vunipola
10. O. Farrell
11. M. Malins
15. E. Daly

Watching the match today, there is not a better English 12 in the Premiership than Nick Tompkins either. It's a shocker that Jones just ignored him. I'd take Lozowski over Slade as well. And then of course there is Alex Goode.

Did I misunderstand your post? Isn't Tomkins Welsh? Or did he have an option for Eng too?

He's more English than he is Welsh (as are quite a few of their squad...). Qualifies for the leekists via one of his grandfathers.

[inactionman]

If I can follow the argument, Steward is too slow for international fullback but Alex Goode would be perfectly OK?

I must have been watching a different Alex Goode all these years. Great player, yes, but Nick Abendanon he isn't.

[Torquemada 1420]

Did I misunderstand your post? Isn't Tomkins Welsh? Or did he have an option for Eng too?

He's more English than he is Welsh (as are quite a few of their squad...). Qualifies for the leekists via one of his grandfathers.

Thanks. Didn't realise that.

[Brazil]

Fair enough, as I say I was there rather than listening to what was said

Lucky get out.

[inactionman]

I actually think Jones is too proud to pick so many players from one team - it would be a tacit admission that the coaches of that team are doing a better job than he is. Can you imagine if the England team had;

1. M. Vunipola
2. J. George
4. M. Itoje
5. H. Tizzard
7. B. Earl
8. B. Vunipola
10. O. Farrell
11. M. Malins
15. E. Daly

Watching the match today, there is not a better English 12 in the Premiership than Nick Tompkins either. It's a shocker that Jones just ignored him. I'd take Lozowski over Slade as well. And then of course there is Alex Goode.

Did I misunderstand your post? Isn't Tomkins Welsh? Or did he have an option for Eng too?

He's more English than he is Welsh (as are quite a few of their squad...). Qualifies for the leekists via one of his grandfathers.

Can't speak for the player himself, but it felt like he opted for Wales as the door was never opened for England.

Not a good situation, as I'd expect a starting centre for the English and European champions would warrant at least a good look when England were struggling to find a 12.

[Kawazaki]

If I can follow the argument, Steward is too slow for international fullback but Alex Goode would be perfectly OK?

I must have been watching a different Alex Goode all these years. Great player, yes, but Nick Abendanon he isn't.

Quickest player between the ears.

[Kawazaki]

Did I misunderstand your post? Isn't Tomkins Welsh? Or did he have an option for Eng too?

He's more English than he is Welsh (as are quite a few of their squad...). Qualifies for the leekists via one of his grandfathers.

Can't speak for the player himself, but it felt like he opted for Wales as the door was never opened for England.

Not a good situation, as I'd expect a starting centre for the English and European champions would warrant at least a good look when England were struggling to find a 12.

Eddie Jones picked Piers Francis instead. It's that insight where Eddiot sees things nobody else does.

[Torquemada 1420]

He's more English than he is Welsh (as are quite a few of their squad...). Qualifies for the leekists via one of his grandfathers.

Can't speak for the player himself, but it felt like he opted for Wales as the door was never opened for England.

Not a good situation, as I'd expect a starting centre for the English and European champions would warrant at least a good look when England were struggling to find a 12.

Eddie Jones picked Piers Francis instead. It's that insight where Eddiot sees things nobody else does.

Eddie and Foster MUST remain in charge of their teams until after the RWC.

[sockwithaticket]

Did I misunderstand your post? Isn't Tomkins Welsh? Or did he have an option for Eng too?

He's more English than he is Welsh (as are quite a few of their squad...). Qualifies for the leekists via one of his grandfathers.

Can't speak for the player himself, but it felt like he opted for Wales as the door was never opened for England.

Not a good situation, as I'd expect a starting centre for the English and European champions would warrant at least a good look when England were struggling to find a 12.

Yep, only he'll know for certain, but it definitely seemed that way. Given our apparent lack of international quality 12s (or 12's Eddie's unwilling to give a chance), he certainly feels like one that got away.

[GogLais]

Only just noticed - Caldy on the posh side of the Wirral - are in the Championship. How did that happen? I should go and see them sometime.

[Brazil]

Only just noticed - Caldy on the posh side of the Wirral - are in the Championship. How did that happen? I should go and see them sometime.

I think the usual tale of a wealthy backer throwing money at the club, at least from what one of Caldy guys on the Sale board has said.

[Kawazaki]

Only just noticed - Caldy on the posh side of the Wirral - are in the Championship. How did that happen? I should go and see them sometime.

I think the usual tale of a wealthy backer throwing money at the club, at least from what one of Caldy guys on the Sale board has said.

Caldy claim they don't pay - all amateurs.


/strokeschin

[Margin__Walker]

Wider squad for the first game. Johnny May had a miraculous recovery. Naulago is an eye opener on the unavailable for selection list.

FORWARDS

Alex Coles (Northampton Saints, uncapped)
Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs, 37 caps)
Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 41 caps)
Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 39 caps)
Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers, 5 caps)
Jonny Hill (Sale Sharks, 15 caps)
Maro Itoje (Saracens, 58 caps)
George McGuigan (Newcastle Falcons, uncapped)
Tom Pearson (London Irish, uncapped)
Val Rapava Ruskin (Gloucester Rugby, uncapped)
David Ribbans (Northampton Saints, uncapped)
Sean Robinson (Newcastle Falcons, uncapped)
Bevan Rodd (Sale Sharks, 2 caps)
Sam Simmonds (Exeter Chiefs, 14 caps)
Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, 52 caps)
Jack Singleton (Gloucester Rugby, 3 caps)
Hugh Tizard (Saracens, uncapped)
Billy Vunipola (Saracens, 64 caps)
Mako Vunipola (Saracens, 70 caps)
Jack Willis (unattached, 4 caps)
BACKS

Joe Cokanasiga (Bath Rugby, 12 caps)
Owen Farrell (Saracens, 97 caps)
George Furbank (Northampton Saints, 6 caps)
Will Joseph (London Irish, 1 cap)
Max Malins (Saracens, 14 caps)
Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby, 69 caps)
Cadan Murley (Harlequins, uncapped)
Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs, 42 caps)
Guy Porter (Leicester Tigers, 2 caps)
Raffi Quirke (Sale Sharks, 2 caps)
Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 48 caps)
Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 13 caps)
Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 13 caps)
Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks, 46 caps)
Jack van Poortlviet (Leicester Tigers, 3 caps)
Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 117 caps)

Unavailable for selection due to injury: Alfie Barbeary, Ollie Chessum, Trevor Davison, Nic Dolly, Charlie Ewels, George Ford, Tommy Freeman, Jamie George, Sam Jeffries, Nick Isiekwe, Courtney Lawes, Lewis Ludlam, Louis Lynagh, Rato Naulago, Harry Randall, Will Stuart, Sam Underhill, Jack Walker.

[inactionman]

Wider squad for the first game. Johnny May had a miraculous recovery. Naulago is an eye opener on the unavailable for selection list.

FORWARDS

Alex Coles (Northampton Saints, uncapped)
Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs, 37 caps)
Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 41 caps)
Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 39 caps)
Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers, 5 caps)
Jonny Hill (Sale Sharks, 15 caps)
Maro Itoje (Saracens, 58 caps)
George McGuigan (Newcastle Falcons, uncapped)
Tom Pearson (London Irish, uncapped)
Val Rapava Ruskin (Gloucester Rugby, uncapped)
David Ribbans (Northampton Saints, uncapped)
Sean Robinson (Newcastle Falcons, uncapped)
Bevan Rodd (Sale Sharks, 2 caps)
Sam Simmonds (Exeter Chiefs, 14 caps)
Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, 52 caps)
Jack Singleton (Gloucester Rugby, 3 caps)
Hugh Tizard (Saracens, uncapped)
Billy Vunipola (Saracens, 64 caps)
Mako Vunipola (Saracens, 70 caps)
Jack Willis (unattached, 4 caps)
BACKS

Joe Cokanasiga (Bath Rugby, 12 caps)
Owen Farrell (Saracens, 97 caps)
George Furbank (Northampton Saints, 6 caps)
Will Joseph (London Irish, 1 cap)
Max Malins (Saracens, 14 caps)
Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby, 69 caps)
Cadan Murley (Harlequins, uncapped)
Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs, 42 caps)
Guy Porter (Leicester Tigers, 2 caps)
Raffi Quirke (Sale Sharks, 2 caps)
Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 48 caps)
Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 13 caps)
Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 13 caps)
Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks, 46 caps)
Jack van Poortlviet (Leicester Tigers, 3 caps)
Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 117 caps)

Unavailable for selection due to injury: Alfie Barbeary, Ollie Chessum, Trevor Davison, Nic Dolly, Charlie Ewels, George Ford, Tommy Freeman, Jamie George, Sam Jeffries, Nick Isiekwe, Courtney Lawes, Lewis Ludlam, Louis Lynagh, Rato Naulago, Harry Randall, Will Stuart, Sam Underhill, Jack Walker.

Has Val Rapava Ruskin been in a few squads in times past?

Gloucester are looking powerful up front, line-out drives being notable, not sure what Skivington is feeding them.

[ASMO]

So Radwan was called up but discarded, and no mention of Arundel being unavailable due to injury, so again discarded. If he goes as expected, it will be May, Nowell and Steward in the back 3, sorry i think May has definitely lost a lot of his top end speed, Nowell and Steward never had any, so where is the threat?

[Margin__Walker]

Not sure if Rapava Ruskin has had much training squad involvement before the autumn. He's certainly in good form.

Assume Arundell missing from the injured list is an oversight. He's still rehabbing with England according to his club this week.

[inactionman]

So Radwan was called up but discarded, and no mention of Arundel being unavailable due to injury, so again discarded. If he goes as expected, it will be May, Nowell and Steward in the back 3, sorry i think May has definitely lost a lot of his top end speed, Nowell and Steward never had any, so where is the threat?

I can't see where Anthony Watson fits, he's not on the 'missing through injury' list.

He should be in, even before the tyros. He's been outstanding for a number of seasons. Just keeps getting knacked.

[Torquemada 1420]

So Radwan was called up but discarded, and no mention of Arundel being unavailable due to injury, so again discarded. If he goes as expected, it will be May, Nowell and Steward in the back 3, sorry i think May has definitely lost a lot of his top end speed, Nowell and Steward never had any, so where is the threat?

Wasn't May injured last week and carried off?

[ASMO]

So Radwan was called up but discarded, and no mention of Arundel being unavailable due to injury, so again discarded. If he goes as expected, it will be May, Nowell and Steward in the back 3, sorry i think May has definitely lost a lot of his top end speed, Nowell and Steward never had any, so where is the threat?

Wasn't May injured last week and carried off?

Maybe it wasn't that serious, just a case of wankers cramp.

[Hal Jordan]

If they survive the training camp, my wild guess

1 Genge
2 LCD
3 Sinckler
4 Itoje
5 Hill
6 Lawes
7 Willis
8 Billy V

9 Youngs
10 Smith

11 May
12 Farrell (C)
13 Tuilagi
14 May
15 Steward

Subs

Malins or Furbank
Van Poortlviet
Simmonds
Mako V
A random grab bag of other front rowers and probably a lock who Jones pretends can be a 6

[SaintK]

If they survive the training camp, my wild guess

1 Genge
2 LCD
3 Sinckler
4 Itoje
5 Hill
6 Lawes
7 Willis
8 Billy V

9 Youngs
10 Smith

11 May
12 Farrell (C)
13 Tuilagi
14 May
15 Steward

Subs

Malins or Furbank
Van Poortlviet
Simmonds
Mako V
A random grab bag of other front rowers and probably a lock who Jones pretends can be a 6

Can't see Lawes playing this Autumn. Farrell has still got another 5 days of return to play protocol to go through.

[Lobby]

If they survive the training camp, my wild guess

1 Genge
2 LCD
3 Sinckler
4 Itoje
5 Hill
6 Lawes
7 Willis
8 Billy V

9 Youngs
10 Smith

11 May
12 Farrell (C)
13 Tuilagi
14 May
15 Steward

Subs

Malins or Furbank
Van Poortlviet
Simmonds
Mako V
A random grab bag of other front rowers and probably a lock who Jones pretends can be a 6

I know Eddie seems to rate May more than most of us at the moment, but I think even he would baulk at expecting him to cover both wings on his own. I suspect he might pick Nowell to join May and Steward in the back 3.

[Oxbow]

If they survive the training camp, my wild guess

1 Genge
2 LCD
3 Sinckler
4 Itoje
5 Hill
6 Lawes
7 Willis
8 Billy V

9 Youngs
10 Smith

11 May
12 Farrell (C)
13 Tuilagi
14 May
15 Steward

Subs

Malins or Furbank
Van Poortlviet
Simmonds
Mako V
A random grab bag of other front rowers and probably a lock who Jones pretends can be a 6

Can't see Lawes playing this Autumn. Farrell has still got another 5 days of return to play protocol to go through.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/63454437

[Brazil]

If they survive the training camp, my wild guess

1 Genge
2 LCD
3 Sinckler
4 Itoje
5 Hill
6 Lawes
7 Willis
8 Billy V

9 Youngs
10 Smith

11 May
12 Farrell (C)
13 Tuilagi
14 May
15 Steward

Subs

Malins or Furbank
Van Poortlviet
Simmonds
Mako V
A random grab bag of other front rowers and probably a lock who Jones pretends can be a 6

I'd be amazed if he dropped Curry entirely from the squad. Also, Lawes is injured isn't he?

[sockwithaticket]

This is what I reckon Eddie will pick. The pack largely sorts itself out with the absentees and the 'who?' quality of many of those called up to cover.

1 Genge
2 LCD
3 Sinckler
4 Itoje
5 Hill
6 Willis
7 Curry
8 Billy V

9 Youngs
10 Smith

11 May
12 Farrell (C)
13 Tuilagi/Porter (in the likely event that Manu ends up crying off)
14 Cokanasiga
15 Steward

There's been an alarming tendency to go for 6 -2 splits in recent times.
16. Singleton
17. Mako (he hasn't been recalled to be left out)
18. Ruskin (because Eddie's explictly stated they're looking at him as tighthead cover and to add flexibility to the world cup squad. Could be bollocks for the media, but if it's even remotely true he's going to want to try it out).
19. Tizard
20. Simmonds
21. Coles (because England must have a lock/flanker type)
22. Van Portvliet
23. Slade/Malins

[Paddington Bear]

Looks like none of the AIs have sold out yet, ABs tickets available for a mere £179 a pop

[Madness]

This is what I reckon Eddie will pick. The pack largely sorts itself out with the absentees and the 'who?' quality of many of those called up to cover.

1 Genge
2 LCD
3 Sinckler
4 Itoje
5 Hill
6 Willis
7 Curry
8 Billy V

9 Youngs
10 Smith

11 May
12 Farrell (C)
13 Tuilagi/Porter (in the likely event that Manu ends up crying off)
14 Cokanasiga
15 Steward

There's been an alarming tendency to go for 6 -2 splits in recent times.
16. Singleton
17. Mako (he hasn't been recalled to be left out)
18. Ruskin (because Eddie's explictly stated they're looking at him as tighthead cover and to add flexibility to the world cup squad. Could be bollocks for the media, but if it's even remotely true he's going to want to try it out).
19. Tizard
20. Simmonds
21. Coles (because England must have a lock/flanker type)
22. Van Portvliet
23. Slade/Malins

Looks way too sensible with a well balanced back row so thats never happening, too much pace in the back 3 as well, this is what Eddie will pick

Genge
LCD
Sinks
Maro
HIll
Tizard - gotta be a out of place lock at 6
Curry
Billy

Youngs - token good game which locks him until the World Cup in 2027
Farrell

Nowell - slower wing but
Manu - for at least 10 mins until broken
Porter - bit of Aussie dog in him, Eddie will ignore he was fucking dreadful against Aus in the 3rd test, total misreads or getting bumped in defence
May - fast but so out of form and elbow unlikely to last first proper impact
Steward - needs pace on wing for balance

Bench - Billy always plays better with Manu in team so.......Rodd
Singleton
Heyes
Ribbans - need another lock/6
Coles - and another
Robinson - can't be too careful and so here's another one - though who is this bloke???
JVP - last 5 mins only
Smith - plan for last 10 mins with FAz at 12 but will end up on wing when May gets broken

[Kawazaki]

This is what I reckon Eddie will pick. The pack largely sorts itself out with the absentees and the 'who?' quality of many of those called up to cover.

1 Genge
2 LCD
3 Sinckler
4 Itoje
5 Hill
6 Willis
7 Curry
8 Billy V

9 Youngs
10 Smith

11 May
12 Farrell (C)
13 Tuilagi/Porter (in the likely event that Manu ends up crying off)
14 Cokanasiga
15 Steward

There's been an alarming tendency to go for 6 -2 splits in recent times.
16. Singleton
17. Mako (he hasn't been recalled to be left out)
18. Ruskin (because Eddie's explictly stated they're looking at him as tighthead cover and to add flexibility to the world cup squad. Could be bollocks for the media, but if it's even remotely true he's going to want to try it out).
19. Tizard
20. Simmonds
21. Coles (because England must have a lock/flanker type)
22. Van Portvliet
23. Slade/Malins

How many of those 23/24 players are genuinely the best EQPs in that position? I reckon 8 in the starting XV (just) and 2 at a pinch on the bench.

[Madness]

This is what I reckon Eddie will pick. The pack largely sorts itself out with the absentees and the 'who?' quality of many of those called up to cover.

1 Genge
2 LCD
3 Sinckler
4 Itoje
5 Hill
6 Willis
7 Curry
8 Billy V

9 Youngs
10 Smith

11 May
12 Farrell (C)
13 Tuilagi/Porter (in the likely event that Manu ends up crying off)
14 Cokanasiga
15 Steward

There's been an alarming tendency to go for 6 -2 splits in recent times.
16. Singleton
17. Mako (he hasn't been recalled to be left out)
18. Ruskin (because Eddie's explictly stated they're looking at him as tighthead cover and to add flexibility to the world cup squad. Could be bollocks for the media, but if it's even remotely true he's going to want to try it out).
19. Tizard
20. Simmonds
21. Coles (because England must have a lock/flanker type)
22. Van Portvliet
23. Slade/Malins

How many of those 23/24 players are genuinely the best EQPs in that position? I reckon 8 in the starting XV (just) and 2 at a pinch on the bench.

Not disagreeing with you but assuming everyone fit and on form who would be in your 23?