England EPS and Saxons squads for Six Nations 2013

72 Comments

1. 

   grundy / January 10, 2013

   Don’t think Clarke should have ever been allowed to play the game again, not only for the nature of his actions but also because of the message it sends that violent players can continue to play the game.
   Wouldn’t be too surprised or indeed annoyed by the fact that there will be 3 fullbacks on the pitch at one time if foden puts out ashton

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2. 

   Patrick S / January 11, 2013

   Good to see Croft back in the mix after his serious neck injury.
   Twelvetrees work at the breakdown has really improved and he would take the pressure off any fly-half as he has a decent boot on him. He has florished at Gloucester.
   Billy Vunipola is having a corker of a season but it may be a tad too early to step up to the full international level.
   It’s a pity SL couldn’t find any room for Joe Simpson in the Elite squad though.

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     Staggy / January 11, 2013

     Agree with regard to Simpson. I think that he brings something different to the position. Quite like to see him on the bench as a game changer.

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     Hutch / January 11, 2013

     Maybe Twelvetrees would make up for Croft’s general lack of interest at the breakdown?!

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       Dazza / January 11, 2013

       Barritt is also pretty handy at the breakdown. Wins quite a lot of ball for Sarries.

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     Dazza / January 11, 2013

     I would rather see Vunipola in the senior squad than Waldrom. I just think Waldrom is a good club player, but at international level he’s never going to cut it. While Vunipola is young enough that if he was put in now, he could potentially be first choice at 8. Of the 8′s to choose from he is having the best season so far. Morgan seems to be blowing hot and cold, and I think Crane has been playing 8 for Tigers more than Waldrom lately?

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       Staggy / January 11, 2013

       One step at a time, I would say. I don’t think that Waldrom has ever let England down and whereas he may not be the long term answer let Vunipola earn his spurs first. Backrow is still a wide open area for selection in my opinion up to 2015.

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         jimmymc1 / January 11, 2013

         Vunipolas control at the base of the scrum and his tackling are currently not of international standard, but given a year or so in the prem with Dai Young, hell get there.

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3. 

   Rob Greener / January 11, 2013

   12Trees Long overdue. Still do not get why Abendanon is not number 1 choice as England Fullback, I must be watching different matches to the selectors. Sarries Supporter by the way.

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     Geat / January 11, 2013

     I’m a Bath season ticket holder and so I get to see a lot of Abendanon in action. His running is of course exceptional, but I think it might be his kicking that’s holding him back. Having said that, maybe if we were top 4 rather than languishing in 8th, perhaps the selectors would view him differently.

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       jimmymc1 / January 11, 2013

       He has never stepped up in terms of defence and has a tendency to go missing in games.
       no questioning his go forward tho!

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4. 

   grundy / January 12, 2013

   Can someone explain to me how Tom Varndell has missed out on saxons selection?
   I have no particular allegiance so any wasps favouritism comments would be wide of the mark, but he has scored the most tries this season, and I personally think that a lot of how well christian wade is playing is to do with having someone who he knows will always be with him if he tries something random

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5. 

   stu / January 13, 2013

   I think it is a little early to bring Croft back into the squad, would rather see kvesic get a chance or better still bring S Armitage into the EPS. We have great options in the back row but just think one of these would balance it out a little. Also agree Varndell should be rewarded with a chance in the saxons at least.

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6. 

   Paulo / January 13, 2013

   I think that I would pick the following 1st XV from this squad for the first match:

   1..A. Corbisero
   2. D. Hartley
   3. D. Cole
   4. G. Parling
   5. J. Launchbury
   6. T. Wood
   7. C. Robshaw
   8. B. Morgan

   9. D. Care
   10. O. Farrell
   11. B. Foden
   12. B. Barrit
   13. M. Tuilagi
   14. C. Ashton
   15. M. Brown

   16. M. Vunipola
   17. D. Wilson
   18. T. Youngs
   19. C. Lawes
   20. J. Haskell
   21. B. Youngs
   22. F. Burns
   23. J. Joseph

   I would normally have Tom Croft in there but I think that he needs a few more games to get his match fitness back before inclusion. Also, there is a very tight call in not having Goode included as he played very well in the Autumn internationals, especially as a second receiver. I have gone for Foden as he offers more of an attacking running threat and is a true finisher however I can’t quite decide 100% to whether he should play full back with Brown on the left wing or the opposite. I would probably sway with Brown at FB because of his superior kicking game but its close. The one thing that does strike me also is the impact of this bench – each player (probably with the exception of Wilson) can change a game which will be a massive support to England’s chances. I think they have a fantastic chance of winning the tournament with this team, and maybe, just maybe, the Grand Slam. Fingers crossed!

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     Geat / January 13, 2013

     Corbs is injured and out of the first few games at least.

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7. 

   David Pepper / January 28, 2013

   Rob Buchanan is in the England Saxons. He is a hooker and plays for Quins

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