The news has just broken that Toby Flood will replace Riki Flutey in England’s starting line-up.
Flutey suffered a thigh injury during training yesterday, and he has failed a fitness test today.
Flood steps into the starting line-up, whilst Shontayne Hape takes Flood’s place on the bench.
big blow not so much in attack as in defence. i can see flood or tait playing flanker again in some of the defensive scrums and haskel or moody put into back line like what happened against Ireland last year. agree with flood more likely to be at first reciever as well which will help push things forward. too close to call right now. had wales by 1-5 then the front row injurys i had england by 1-5, now i just can’t call it!
It has swayed it for me a little too if I’m honest. But Gats has said he’ll be planning a far more aerial game for territory and with Armitage back, I’d hope for a bit more ball in hand, splitting the back line so as to avoid Roberts and potentially release Tait. Defensively though, despite Flood being lightweight – should the line look breachable, I share the fear he’ll pull Tait and opt for more bulk in Hape. I’m back to worrying if Johnno knows the right calls to make having just trusted his selection for the first time!
A definite blow, but not a nightmare. Flutey offers more in attack and defence but his return has been slightly over-hyped. He has hardly played, and people seem to forget was actually very ordinary in an England shirt for a good few games. He came good with some quick feet and useful breaks at the end of last year’s 6Ns and had an awesome 3rd Test for the Lions, but shouldn’t be looked at as a saviour. Flood can do a job and England still to win. Just.
Well the former Geordies have at least played together before and Noon doesn’t feature among them so I should be a bit grateful at least. That said I don’t set much store by this ‘need time to play together’ BS. Jamie Roberts and BOD were one of the finest centre partnerships I’ve ever seen after only a few games together.
Still not sure why Hape is on the bench and good point about Sinbad Stuart! I’d have put in Geraghty myself but even I’d admit that would be a lightweight looking midfield!