Now that the squad has been announced (and now that some players have already been released), here is my starting XV for the match against Australia in 10 days time.
1. Payne
2. Hartley
3. Bell
4. Lawes
5. Borthwick
6. Croft
7. Moody
8. Crane
9. Hodgson
10. Wilkinson
11. Banahan
12. Geraghty
13. Tindall
14. Cueto
15. Monye
Looking at the names in the squad, it would appear that Martin Johnson probably has a fairly set idea of the starting XV that he’ll name next week, since there are a distinct lack of options in certain positions – particularly Number 8 and full-back.
I’ve gone for a fairly conservative selection in the pack everywhere except second row, where I’d love to see Courtney Lawes capped. Whilst it’s unlikely to happen, the risk of blooding a youngster would be mitigated by the experience of Borthwick, Moody and Croft around him, and he might just be the spark in a ‘safe’ selection.
Danny Care has been looking sharp for Harlequins recently, but I’d pick Paul Hodgson to play alongside Jonny. Matt Banahan is a shoo-in on the wing for me; I think Mike Tindall will feature ahead of Dan Hipkiss; and I’d put Ugo Monye at full-back with Foden coming off the bench in the last twenty for Mark Cueto as Monye switches to the wing.
What are your thoughts? Can we beat Australia?
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Monye start at full back, however i would much rather see him on the wing, which really only leaves Foden for full back. The only think that worries me about Foden is his decision making – quite often chooses to run from deep when he really should just clear to touch. Haskell has been brilliant since moving to France, and yes, I know he doesn’t usually play 8, but then Dallaglio often switched between 6 and 8, and I think Haskell has the ability to do the same. Crane offers a better option as sub as he can play both 2nd row and back row (granted he is better as back row). For me Tait has to be on the bench as his ability to cover some much within the backs is immense. Think we’re all agreed that Lawes should have a shot at starting, but bet Johnno goes with Deacon. As for no. 9 – personally think Hodgson would compliment Wilko better than Care, and unfortunately we can almost guarantee to see Goode on the bench – what a waste of a sub’s position. Would of liked to of included Strettle, but can’t find room for him unfortunately – if only he played wing/centre too.
Meant full back/centre regarding Strettle
With Stade recently signing Pape and Palmer, Taylor will be a back row option at Stade now, and, covers the 6 and 8 shirts. He’s better in the loose and the lineout than Haskell, and means that Haskell is going to have to up his game even further. Bergamasco coming back means that Haskell won’t get the 7 shirt either (not that he’s a great 7 anyway)…so I guess he needs to try and keep stepping up.
He always tries to lead by example, but I think that there are better rugby playing back rows at Stade than Haskell and that he would’ve probably been better suited staying at Wasps – as Geech highlights in his book.
I understand your point, and that was my fear over the summer that’d he’d struggle for game time with them signing Palmer etc… but now Taylor is injured anyway.
And even if he wasn’t with the amount of games you play in the Top 14 squad rotation is the norm here and everyone gets a run. Haskell has already been rotated out a couple of times even before Bergamaco comes back, and as I said he’s been coming off the bench as well as starting and been good. it’s only really when we get to the business end of the season they settle into 1st and second choices.
He’s been getting very favourable press in france becaus eof his perfomances and
I think he’s settled in, is playing well and he’s back in the EPS because of it.
just my opinion though. :)
Great first XV mate, I’d go for that. Shame about Hartley though ;)
Oh and Hipkiss instead of Tindall now I guess.
Don’t see what everyone sees in Foden ie. Nick Abendanon mk2. Love to see Monye cutting great lines from fullback. Only concern is his boot? Is it good enough, and if not, Johnno might opt for Cueto there instead.
C’mon Banahhhaaaannnnnn
1. Tim Payne
2. Dylan Hartley
3. David Wilson
4. Courtney Lawes
5. Simon Shaw (if fit) / Nick Kenndy
6. Tom Croft
7. James Haskell
8. Jordan Crane
9. Danny Care
10. Johnny Wilkinson
11. Matt Banahan
12. Dan Hipkiss
13. Ayoola Erinle
14. Ugo Monye
15. Mark Cueto
16. George Chuter
17. Duncan Bell
18. Steve Borthwick
19. Lewis Moody
20. Steffon Armitage
21. Paul Hodgson
22. Shane Geraghty
23. Matthew Tait
22. Ben Foden
Actually
9. Paul Hodgson
and
21. Danny Care
this is my team for the 6 nations assuming everyone is fit, which in this day and age is a huge assumption…..
15. Armitage
14. Strettle
13. Tindall
12. Flutey
11. Monye
10. Wilkinson
9. Ellis
8. Haskell
7. Croft
6. Moody
5. Kennedy
4. Shaw
3. Vickery
2. Mears
1. Sheridan
Subs
16. Hartley
17. Wilson
18. Easter
19. Borthwick
20. Foden
21. Tait
22. Cipriani
We have so many talented attack minded players in england at the moment who would actually take the english game forward, so i find it really frustrating when players like danny hipkiss, mark cueto and second row on the wing matt banahan are the focal point of our attacks. Brian Smith managed to create a balanced team at london irish, with the forwards setting a platform and the backs using the ball effectively, thats what i want to see with england.
next test tem witch it think it should be
for 2nd test easters shit
1. Tim payne
2. Steve thompson
3.Dan cole
4.Simon shaw
5. Courtney Laws
6.Tom croft
7.Lewis moody
8.James Haskell
9.harry ellis
10. johhny wilkinson
11.chris ashton
12.mike tindall
13.olley barkley
14. mark cueto
15.ben fooden