timeThese weeks, the art of choice has something to do with psychology. Put the stats aside and think about the players your opponents least like to face. How can you make your team feel more optimistic and less troubled by negative emotions? And, will your own fans feel extra excited when they see the roster?
So let’s huddle close together and consider what’s next for beleaguered England ahead of the penultimate weekend of the Six Nations. Their final two games are against Ireland and France and even considering France’s problems, it’s time for a change to the atmospheric music at Twickenham. It’s not enough to just stick with what they’ve done so far.
So, get rid of defeatism once and for all. Enough of the pessimistic predictions and cringe-worthy bookmaker odds. Forget Scotland, the disappointment of Morayfield and Ireland’s lofty reputation as undefeated. What matters – right now – is the next challenge facing Steve Borthwick and his team. And, ideally, give a slightly worried Twickenham collective voice.
Let’s start with the obvious. Perhaps the most frustrating aspect of English rugby – and yes, it remains a crowded field – is the inability to piece together a more inspiring whole from the various available parts. Sometimes you wonder what would happen if the mind wasn’t so cluttered and every game was treated as a sudden death event. Do it now or stay quiet forever.
So who will you choose to fight for your life this weekend?For England, the answer for now remains Joe Mahler and Dan Coleand Jamie George Complete the front row. It all started from there and there was no suggestion that this experienced trio couldn’t do it at home against Ireland. Remember, this is all about the here and now, not some vague point on the distant horizon.
There is no denying that Ireland are doing well in the second row, with the fast-rising Joe McCarthy and Tadhg Beirne expected to become the starting pairing for the Test Lions. But are we really saying England are bad at scrums and lineouts?That Maro Itoje Is it a failed flush or a giant? George Martin Is it a serious unit? Maybe this is Borthwick’s team talk.
transfer ollie chess In the blind spot in the chaos – bingo – there is another towering lineout option in an area where England had some problems against Wales in Ireland. This brings us to the key areas of the back row, center backs and midfield. Whatever the reason, England have struggled with numbers 7 to 13 for years. The team’s balance is rarely optimal, good players get injured at inopportune moments, and as a result, the team fires only occasionally.
So, who is the Ireland back row’s least favorite player to play against in the absence of Tom Curry? Exhibit A is England’s win over Ireland in the 2020 Autumn Nations Championship, when England made a remarkable 246 tackles (just nine missed) to defeat Ireland’s superior territory and possession? Sam Underhill It was crucial then and may be so again.
That leaves only eighth place. It would have been nice to free up Alfie Barbeary or the equally motivated Zach Mercer, but neither has broken into the wider squad. Then again, Ben EarlPace off the bat was key to England’s fluid display on their debut against Scotland, while his micro-celebration of a “little win” has put Ireland in trouble before. Select him again, instruct him to go out and defeat the excellent Kellan Doris and see what happens.
England’s backline also needs some physical thunder, and a bigger creative spark.as included in england Alex Mitchell and Marcus Smith In the lineup for this game, it must be assumed that both men are fully fit.If so, they start together Manu Tuilagi 12, on the grounds that neither of them were present in Scotland and both took the initiative to ask questions of the other.
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The rest is again a question of balance. Henry Slade The 13-year-old may not have excelled in Scotland yet, but he and Tuilagi enjoy playing together and Slade’s left boot provides an extra outlet for the Smiths.This in turn reduces the need for Elliot Daly’s versatility and opens the door to exciting things Manny Fay – Manny Fay Collection.
Who is more likely to summon Duhan van der Merwe’s opportunistic strike at Murrayfield: Fay Waboso or Daly?It’s time for the former to compete with Calvin Nash and invite Tommy Freeman Get stuck in James Lowe’s predicament.At the same time, in the full-back position, there is no possession of the ball george forbank Then he immediately abandoned him.
At his best, Firbank can be an all-around influencer like Ireland’s Hugo Keenan. He will also take the game to Ireland rather than wait for away mistakes. Recent history suggests their numbers will be small.
bench? Chandler Cunningham-South is one step away from starting, and who else could theoretically be better than Luke Cowan-Dickie and Ellis Who could be more angry at the green machine than Ellis Genge? The sight of Danny Kyle making his 100th cap for the national team is also sure to lift home support for the red pants. Will it be enough to topple the Six Nations favorites? Probably not, but at least Twickenham might host a truly exciting game.