Ashton gambles on big guns
- 29 Jan 07, 03:16 PM
London - When I last year, before he rejoined the England set-up, he bemoaned the cultural conservatism afflicting English rugby.
Well, , the England coach has set out his determination to inject some life into the national team.
Ashton has brought back Jonny Wilkinson after just 40 minutes of rugby and has handed Andy Farrell his first England union cap after little more than a handful of games at centre.
And I, for one, am delighted.
Wilkinson has had a terrible run of injuries, but by all accounts he has been flying in training and with Charlie Hodgson injured, there is no-one who comes close to him as England fly-half.
There will be huge concerns that he will get injured against Scotland, but if he's ready then let him loose.
He hasn't played for England since the World Cup final and the only way to see if he can stand up to the rigours of the international game is to put him on the pitch.
As for , if he is to make an impression at the World Cup, then the sooner he starts learning about the international game the better.
His distribution skills have already impressed much better judges than me, he's a born leader and he's itching to show his stuff.
Earlier today I suggested Ashton could be a lucky general, now he must hope his troops deliver after a major, though welcome, gamble.
Wales 27-18 England
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This is the selection most true England supporters wanted. Jonny Wilkinson is one of the top two fly halves in the world. If he's fit, he should be played. He will guide Farrell through his England debut and I wouldn't be surprised to see the big man boshing through the Scottish centres to score on Saturday.
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Wilko back at 10 alongside a rejeuvenated and sharp looking Harry Ellis. Then the off-load skills and enthusiasm of Farrell and Tinds. Looks good until you get to the back three. Josh is the best full-back of the three selected yet is at wing. Balsh has been flattering to deceive a little of late and does not offer the cutting edge required from full-back and Billy Whizz doesn't quite seem to have the sparkle of days gone by. In a league full of try-scoring wingers, why has BA gone backwards rather than forwards? Accepted that Cueto and Sackey are unfit, but what about Sinbad or Ojo?
The pack looks big and strong. Deacon and Grewcock - look forward to that combo. And finally a proper backrow. Corry is back to his best, Worsley is looking mean and Lund is up there with the best England have at present.
If it clicks, Scotland could be blown away. Let us hope it clicks and that Wilko and Farrell do not come apart.
Can't wait.
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Not sure about this 'determination to inject life into the team.' More likely we'll be injecting cortizone at half time?
Farrell will have to have a massive game to rudder the backs given Wilkinsons lack of match practice, and the limited vision of Tindall (worth his place but needs constant direction to get the most from him).
But from backs perspective hugely bold selection. If it pays off it will against everyone.
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Think the team is good - well at least a lot more dynamic than the teams of the robinson era. Am glad to see that the backline has some creativity and diversity and cutting edge in Robinson. And the wilko gamble is defo worth taking given his pedigree and the class he brings to any side. Ellis will be spiky and deserves his slot and Farrell needs a stage to deliver on. Glad also that Chuter is in and not the distinctly average lee mears. It seems that there is a blend of creativity and solidity, youth and experience. Reckon we will nail the haggis boys fairly easily with Robinson to score a brace.
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This has got to be one of the ugliest centre partnerships on record. Tindell and Farrell do not have a nose bone between them . Love it !! I do not have a problem with this partnership as long as Wilko and Farrell can find the back 3 when required .
There are going to be lots of bits and pieces falling off these two in the centre both in attack and defense and the back row and the back 3 need to be on their toes to pick up the pop passes , half breaks , offloads and turnovers that these two will create.
Looking forward to it
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i think that the selection of the england team that ashton has chosen is the right except that that i hav a slight concern that there is not much creativity in backs with tindall in at outside centre, but it could work lets bring on the scots!
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absolutely delighted with the selection and can see the sense in it - Ashton wants to play Farrell so who better to sit and guide him through than mr experience. i see wilko's game being that of teacher to Farrell the student add into the mix the potential match winning class and away we go. all that is missing is quick ball from the forwards!!!! fingers crossed they can achieve this
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I think you've picked that right. All the talk of Wilkinson on the bench was rubbish.
If he's fit, he should start. If he's not fit (or considerably rusty) then he should go and play 80 mins for newcastle at the weekend not warm the bench at twickenham.
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i think your right because i got a strange feeling were going to lose againest scotland again
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I have to agree. Wilkinson is either fit or he isn't, if he is fit enough to be on the bench then he should be on the pitch. The lack of match practise is an issue but ultimately we have little option at 10 until the younger guys come through. As for those who think he needs to 'earn the right' to be there again, I believe he did that some time ago - class is class.
Regarding Farrell, I also agree. Other options at IC were not appealing, he is clearly showing a good feel for union now and the only way to learn is give him a chance. My only caveat to this is that they must resolve to give him a run no matter what - that was the problem with Robinson, snap decisions meant no-one could make mistakes and ultimately it takes time to develop combinations on the pitch no matter how well it goes in training.
I take issue will the recall of Tindall though - I understand he wanted experience outside Farrell and Tindall's form has been good but we have some good pacey OCs who should finally be given a chance to work off 2 playmakers...
It could all go horribly wrong, but it should make interesting viewing nonetheless!
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A pretty good squad with little really to argue about; however, I am surprised he did not include Mike Catt on the bench for his huge experience and tactical brain.
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I can't help thinking that Ashton's going to have more luck with injury and form than Robinson. But you can add to this the fact that the new boss has got the selection absolutely right. Something his predecessor probably wouldn't have.
Worsley has been smashing his way through teams at blindide, Lund is actually an openside, Farrell impresses more and more with every game, and the time is right for JW.
It would not have made sense to have picked either Flood above JW.
He may only have had 40 odd minutes in the last twelve weeks, but in those forty minutes, Flood was moved to accomodate him. It wasn't a case of getting JW back into it gradually as a marshalling inside centre. He's number one for club and should be number one for country.
It would have taken a lot for Flood to ignore the pressure of having JW on the bench. Only if he played a blinder would his confidence not have been dented.
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Fantastic selection, given injury to hodgeson BA didnt really have a choice, even if he did i like to think Wilko would have got the call up, shame Sakey is injured, will be interesting to see Robinson's performance. all in all i think after the team selection decisions made in the last couple of months in both rugby and cricket, we can breathe a sigh of relief...
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i agree with fat10 - we should be solid defensively with Tindall, Faz in the centre, Lewsey and Billy Whizz who both punch hugely above their weight and Worzel in massively impressive form.
I'm seriously looking forward to it now and expecting a very solid if not spectaular start to the Englands 6N - anyone who is expecting immediate fireworks isn't thinking straight!
Good to see some pace and something different on the bench in Tait - can bring something different to the party later on in the game.
The person I feel most sorry for is Palmer (along with Jones) who was one of the only people to stand out in the AIs but a very good bench option and hopefully he'll get game time!
Let's see how it all comes together at the weekend then.........! oh and did i forget to say great to have a certain J. Wilkinson back - lets just hope and pray that he is ready!
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That is a very strong England side. With the exception of Robinson I'd put all of those players in on current form. The biggest worry is Balshaw, he's going to need plenty of protection from the high balls that are bound to be coming his way.
Wilkinson was looking very sharp in the matches he has played over the last 3 years, he should give Farrel the space and time he needs.
I'll be there and can't wait.
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Farrell has barely played union and Wilkinson isn't fit(one half of one match does not count as full fitness!), Balshaw is just rubbish(dithers), Robinson is not the player he was(has a turn of pace but fools no-one anymore) and Ellis, well, he's all over the place. Last time I saw him play his passes were all over the place, mostly long and looping, giving time for the opposition to get into position. Compared to virtually any other 9 in the tournament he is second best. The pack can be ok, but over the last year how many times have england packs been bigged up as massive machines then spluttered like old women.
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A good solid selecton with pace in the back three and two centres who will/should be able to create space. Most people would have picked Wilko. A big nasty pack Worsley is on fire and would have love to have seen Ward-smith but Corry never lets anyone down.
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A good solid selecton with pace in the back three and two centres who will/should be able to create space. Most people would have picked Wilko. A big nasty pack Worsley is on fire and would have love to have seen Ward-smith but Corry never lets anyone down.
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after seeing Jonny at tigers at weekend he was head and shoulders above everyone on the park. he won't need any help on saturday. excellent team on paper let's see if they can deliver ?would have been good to see ward-smith operating amongst them (hope he recovers speedily).
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Great to see Jonny back! Still bemused by the fact the best back from the autumn is in neither squad - Ben Cohen???
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Agree with Tim Wood that Robinson seems to have lost that extra bit of sparkle that made him so dangerous 3-5 years ago, would have preferred Tait on the wing. Balshaw has been selected to suit the style that Ashton plays, i.e. long cut out passes from Wilkinson/Farrell finding space to attack out wide (similar to when Catt and Balshaw were so threatening in 2001). Pack does look strong, I just wish Dan Ward-Smith had been available as there isn't really a dynamic ball carrier in the back row.
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Think a lot of people will be excited by that new Wilko-Farrell-Tindell partnership. Plus Ellis and Deacon deserve their chances after recent good form. And finally we are addressing the balance of the back row, with Lund coming in. Throw in the big unit Vickery's leadership, and we can all look ahead to beating the Jocks on Saturday....
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I'd be over the moon if it weren't for Balshaw at the back!! He's far too ropey for my liking. I dont understand why Ashton hasn't put Lewsey at 15 (his best position in my opinion!) and then stuck Tait on the wing!! That would allow him to bring Simpson-Daniel into the squad, thus giving him some real fire power both on the pitch and the bench. Don't get me wrong, Lewsey is class on the wing, but i prefer him at 15 - the lines he chooses can be sublime!.. Just not convinced about Balshaw one bit.. Otherwise a pretty useful looking team!! Bring on the Scots!!
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Well, it certainly is a bold selection. However, looking at the team, it could really backfire. If I were Frank Hadden, I'd be telling my back row to give Wilkinson and Farrell hell. If the Jocks do that, they could break their HQ losing streak....
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I think this squad selection shows fantastic insight and vision from Ashton. He has achieved the balance that England have lacked for a while now. By playing Wilkinson, who admittedly has had little game-time of late but still has a wealth of experience, at 10 Ashton can offset the green Farrell. Both these men have experience at the highest level plus the skills to back it up. However it is the make-up of the back-row which brings a smile to my face. At last we have a coach who picks on form. Lund and Worsley have been outstanding for their clubs lately. Moreover I think the back-row will compensate for any potential slip-ups in the 10/12 channel. Worsley had a tackle count of over 30 against Castres, it's no coincidence that he is picked with Wilkinson having played so litle rugby. Lund offers great dynamism around the park and is fantastic at securing ball. Both men concede few penalties!!I'm a little disheartened with Deacon's inclusion ahead of Palmer. Palmer was one of the few players to come out of the Autumn internationals with more credability than what he went in with. I believe his mobility and pace would complement the brute force of Grewcock. I can't say I'm surprised to see the return of Ellis. I genuinely believe he's the best scrum-half in England, he just needs someone else to make his decisions. That someone else is JW, perhaps CH was too quiet on the field and allowed Ellis too much freedom. JW will demand quick service to allow him to release the backline or kick for territory. The perfect example is JW's performance on Saturday. Falcons were a sinking ship until he came on, instantaneously there was heightened organisation in the Newcastle ranks and a Newcastle resistance to the free-scoring Tigers. I fully expect the same thing to happen on Saturday at HQ.
I really believe England fans have reason to be optimisic, obviously things won't be perfect but the seeds of change and improvement have been sown. Let's hope by October we can reap the reward!
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This certainly is a gamble. Lewsy looks in good form unlike the rest of the back line, however I believe he will be wasted playing out wide. With Tindall and Farrell in the centres I think we can be quite sure the only jobs of the wingers will be defensive. It looks like a typical 'crash ball' everytime set up with the hope of finally bursting through the scottish defense. The problem here being indicative of current premiership rugby. The only way it looks like this team will score points is from Wilkinsons boot or through brute force. This is just not enough anymore in international rugby, while worcester and wasps played out a 3-3 draw, over in Ireland Leinster and Scarlets were playing out a 44-34 in which both teams finished with 5 tries! Even Scotland (despite poor domestic form) look more impressive with ball in hand. I have to say, from this line up the only hope for an England win is if the crowd manage to push the team on to play out of their skin.
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Now that's what I call a balanced centre pairing, and bludgeon and a... ahh... bludgeon.
A rapier, a rapier.... my kingdom for a rapier.
By this I dont mean to insult Farrell's undoubted subtlety and deft skills (although I can't necessarily claim the same about...) but where's the pace? Who's going to make the break off Faz's offloads?
If you're going to select Farrell (and I think you should), you need somebody outside him who can compliment him and exploit his skills. If you're going to play a youngster (Flood, Gerahty) at IC, then I guess there's a place for Tindall, if his return to form is as true as some say.
Very UN-Ashton.
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Something special happened at around 3 pm today - a new look and exciting England team was announced. Although I am a die hard England supporter my patience was severely tested during the Robinson era, and I did not look forward to any 6N match. I really don't care if we lose on saturday as long as the team is visibly making progress and put up a good performance. Ideally I would love to win and go on and do better than our 4th place for the last few years which I certainly think is achievable now that England's injury list is smaller than for some time. One thing worth mentioning is that had AR had all the players at his disposal that BA has, then I think he would have made a better job of it, however, overall he was not the man for the job. Let's hope that BA is!!!!
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Exciting or what! If that backline stays together and fit for the 6N, it has the skills, pace and pedigree to be formidable.
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Hmmm interesting, as a Welsh/South African this selection is interesting.
No longer will the opposition be thinking we can take England here, because with Wilkinson playing you can technically put 15 points on the board before kick off, and the Aussie Team told me that before the 2003 RWC. And with him revved up after almost 4 years sat on the sidelines you could almost make that 21 points.
Its interesting though that Ashton has gone for force through the centers mixed with skill, off late the English centers always looked a bit light weight but these two won't budge an inch.
I also agree that the back three look a bit shakey, not the best England back row I've ever seen, but compared with the Robinson era teams might just start to think that this team could get accross the try line and test them.
I for one can't wait to see how this team fairs in the 6 Nations, especially against the silky welsh and rounded Irish, and as for that centre partnership against the Boks....I'll need a cairopractor from just watching it the hits will be that hard.
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For a man who bemoans the conservatism of the English game, his backs selection reeks of conservatism. Like Robinson before him, he has gone for brands, and he will probably come to regret this. Where to start: Tindall has very poor distribution but alot of power and heart; Robinsons has been out of sorts for a while; Bailshaw does not cut the mustard and is suspect defensivley; Wilkinson is out of match practise. The back line has lots of power and little guile, and the Scots will know what to expect. Unless of course, Tindall has learnt to run the 100m in under 10 secs since last Saturday.
John Walter
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Bold selections, I reckon the busiest man on the pitch will be the English physio - putting Johnny back together and telling Farrell to stop playing the ball!
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Can't fault BA's bravery: Wilkinson, Farrell and Robinson. I hope that they have taught Tindall how to pass. But a specailist No7 at last! I hope it is the haggis-eater's backline that shatters and not another part of JW's body. He doesn't derserve it.
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A back row with players in their right positions and two genuine passers of the ball at 10 and 12 ,it is definitely a move in the right direction .I think Ashton is a pragmatic coach and I don't expect firworks from this team ,but I do think he has covered most of the bases and it is a start.
I am glad to see Farrell is in and I think he is the one who is going to make the big difference.As a league player he was peerless and I seriously think he can make the grade at union to.
All round I think this is about the best we could have got out onto the pitch and I am for the first time in over a year genuinely excited about this weekend.
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Good blog, my thoughts entirely. Hoping to see an England team hungry again, there will be players there desperate to impress ...and able to kick penalties!
That's a brutal centre pairing! Looking forward to seeing Farell weaving a bit of world class magic in open play. I would expect Ashton will tell him not to worry about a few inevitable mistakes and play his own game when ball in hand. I expect the Scots will target him but with a bit of trepidation as well!
If we're to stand a chance in the RWC we need to give Farell a chance to settle in.
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So the team is:
I Balshaw (Injury Risk); J Lewsey (Wasps), M Tindall (Gloucester), A Farrell (Code Risk), J Robinson (Injury Risk); J Wilkinson (Injury Risk), H Ellis (Form Risk); P Freshwater (Perpignan), G Chuter (Leicester), P Vickery (Injury Risk, capt), L Deacon (Leicester), D Grewcock (Liability), J Worsley (Wasps), M Lund (Sale Sharks), M Corry (Low Confidence).
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Good blog, my thoughts entirely. Hoping to see an England team hungry again, there will be players there desperate to impress ...and able to kick penalties!
That's a brutal centre pairing! Looking forward to seeing Farell weaving a bit of world class magic in open play. I would expect Ashton will tell him not to worry about a few inevitable mistakes and play his own game when ball in hand. I expect the Scots will target him but with a bit of trepidation as well!
If we're to stand a chance in the RWC we need to give Farell a chance to settle in. You can't be that good at League and not having anything to offer Union.
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Looking forward to the wizard (Brian Ashton) produce his magic i would like to see Farrell forfil his potential with Sandwiched between Wilko and Tindall what else can he produce but Magic and with a good pack directed by Ellis to produce a strong platform around the Twickers then i look forward to an exciting game good selection BRIAN
Swing low
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I like this team - my only reservation is not including Tom Rees at all, he's performed wonderfully for over a year now and deserves a chance. It's such a shame that Dan Ward-Smith is injured, his is truely a success story and it would have been wonderful to see him handed his debut at Twickenham.
The centre partnership could be really exciting. Tindall was at his best with a playmaker (Greenwood) inside him, and that is what Farrell is. Farrell's distribution skills are wonderful and with those two and Wilkinson in the back line we should have no problem clearing our lines! Also Farrell can slot in happily at 10 if Wilkinson is at the bottom of a ruck. I have no problem with the picking of Wilkinson, class is permanent and all the coaches say that every time he's returned from injury he's been better, additionally almost all of his injuries have been completely unrelated, he's been amazingly unlucky.
England to win by 25 against a Scottish team that is entirely rudderless without Jason White.
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Looks pretty good, but are Balshaw, Lewsey and Robinson really the best three fit three-quarters in the country? I'd have liked to see one of the younger chaps given a go.
Still, very hopeful of improved perfomances this year.
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Well Well Well! I've been to Twickers almost every game since we were crowned World Champs – the highs and the significant lows - but I must say, this is possibly the most excited I have been, taking into account the Oppo' [it is always a fantastic day out with our Northern cousins!], the expected weather conditions, and this rather exciting team selection.
Personally, I am surprised [but glad] Wilkinson has been selected. Agreed, it is a minor gamble on his body which will not be fully match fit. Farrell could be the zest we have been missing in the backs, if we could only learn to run onto the service he will no doubt provide.
Being a slightly mis-understood fan of Moody, it is a shame to see him on the bench, but other bloogers have valid points with the potential talent we have waiting in the wings. To have Worsley AND Moody in the starting line up leaves us open to perhaps an over-aggressive and slightly ‘mad-dog’ approach.
Overall, looking forward to a sun-soaked Twickers on Saturday - bring it on!
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Slightly disappointing to see Tait not in the starting XV. I'm just not quite convinced that Billy Whiz still has it, but we'll see, and hopefully Ashton will be decisive in his use of the bench.
I saw a comment or two about Josh Lewsey. I'm afraid wing is the only option because his basic ball skills are simply not good enough for fullback. His passing is woeful at times, and his kicking isn't much better. But he's fast, fit, strong and whole-hearted so deserves a place in the team.
One of our problems in recent times has been this simple lack of skill. TIndall, Noon, Lewsey ... these guys can run but they can't pass and they lack vision. But put Wilkinson in there, together with Farrell, and hopefully that means we can play Tindall to his strengths, as well as Lewsey. Robinson is also a winger rather than fullback, because he doesn't inject pace into the line. He prefers taking on defenders from a standing start, and that upsets the rhythm of the backline.
Balshaw at fullback? Like Robinson I'm not entirely convinced he's regained his pace and, more importantly, confidence. If I were Scotland I'd aim to rattle him. But if he's running on to perfect passes from Wilkinson and Farrell he might have an enjoyable day.
Still, exciting times. Let's hope we can start to turn things round at last.
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ASsuming Jonny's shoulder (and the rest of him for that matter) holds up, i wouldn't wish to be facing that pack and the back line defence of Wilkinson, Farrell, Tindall and Lewsey. Certainly seems more solid than of late!
Looking forward to seeing Farrell & Wilko again. Living in Germany its hard to see any domestic rugby on TV. I'll be down the pub and cheering for England!
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England may have been struggling as a team over the past couple of years but for me the key area – not including the intangibles such as lack of confidence, leadership etc - has been the midfield.
The world champions could always put a competitive tight five and back three on the field.
And although the back-row balance has also been out of kilter, it is the positions from 10-12 that have been the biggest problem, frequent slow ball not withstanding.
Fat10 – top log-in by the way, stocky fly-halves are a subject close to my own heart – and I are clearly not the only ones excited by the Wilkinson/Farrell axis.
But it is the balance of the whole unit which looks most enticing.
Mike Tindall was poorly used by ex-coach Andy Robinson as an inside centre but he is the form outside centre in the Premiership and Wilkinson and Farrell's superb wide passing will more than make up for Tindall's less than stellar hands.
The Gloucester man has other top-notch qualities and he will happily truck the ball up all day, while all three bring excellent kicking games to the party.
And defensively, few teams will get much change from a Wilkinson-Farrell-Tindall defensive wall if they try to go through the middle.
Brian Ashton has also adjusted the balance in the back row, where Magnus Lund, a genuine number seven, should provide more ball-winning capacity on the ground than Lewis Moody.
This is a team that most England fans will recognise as the one they wanted to see, and if nothing else, that is a welcome change from the recent past.
Now, if they can just find some confidence, leadership...
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Very pleased with wilko and centre combination (with tait as a possibility from the bench) but really disapointed with corry selection. Really need an explosive ball carrier from 8 and he has proven that he is not that any more. Should have taken a risk and tried someone else at 8. Although he will not let many down, it is not a brave selection!!
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I am looking forward to the game this weekend, I am most looking forward to the partnership in the centres! I think th Scots could be at 6's and 7s, the strength and size of both Farrell and Tindall is enough to intimidate any set of backs, It is also great to have the option to bash it up the middle mixed with Farrells distrbution skills it will definately keep the defence on their toes, if it clicks I think Scotland will have a hard day at the office!
Come on England!!!!
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Awesome to see Jonny back in the team, fingers crossed there are no fruther injuries. Moody should be starting over Worsely, however, its good to finally see some proper competition for places. I expect to Ellis will have a big game and predict Jonny will run the show.
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Are you England fans getting complacement? Some of the comments I've read in this blog are treating Staurday's match as some sort of training game. Just remember Scotland beat England last year!
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There's only one word to sum up these picks. DESPERATION !!.
Sorry boys, but we can't help laughing over the borders at this frantic attempt to re-achieve.
WILKINSON. What on earth's HE done for the past 2 years !!. Except be remembered in the (past) glorious chapters of the English game.
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Its got to be said that Ashton has put a huge target on Wilkinsons shirt. The Scots will look to dispatch him as soon as they can. He is not up to match fitness, regardless of how much of a great player he is, he will be targeted from the starting whistle. This is not the way you bring somebody back from injury, try playing club rugby first.
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I am delighted with the selection with the exception of Balshaw. I'm not entirely sure he has ever shown true credibility as a full back at international level. His pace is unquestionable but he is let down in his defensive work. When Lewsey is fit, he should be playing full back. Balshaw has been in good form at Gloucester but even since his days at Bath he has always looked more accomplished as a winger. I hope he proves me wrong.
As for the pack, I'm glad we finally have a back row playing in their proper positions. The front row looks good, and its a clever move not to rush Matt Stevens back into the squad. Ellis seems to be playing brilliantly at the moment and we all know what Wilkinson is capable of.
England have had a hell of a lot of bad luck with injuries. This squad looks to be the strongest we've had since November 2003. However, is Wilkinson back too soon? and has Farrell got to grips with union?
We'll see!
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How good it is to have Johnny back. Hopefully we also now have an inside centre that can pass. I also like the look of a balanced back row and a strong bench. Fingers crossed for Saturday and revenge for last year.
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However great a player JW is, it is a risk in guaranteeing another long term injury to play him. I remember when England was built not on an individual but on a team that 9 times out of ten, since the late 1980's, ripped into us Celts with verve and power. Since the World Cup, and his injury problems, and a poor England team on the pitch, all we heard was moans that JW wasn't fit, wasn't able to play. You cannot rely on one man however great he is to win a rugby match. Also dominance in sport always seems to go in cycles, you can't always win, you're not guaranteed to win and you can not hark back to the past. Just ask the Welsh!?. JW will be integral to England in the future, but starting him against Scotland after only 40 minutes of competitive rugby? This is an accident waiting to happen or the greatest bit of rugby coaching ever.
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A side chosen with the World Cup very clearly in mind - and this has got to be a good thing.
Even if they dont click in the first game - you have to think that this selection (given a bit of game time) would ultimately make a reasonable fist of a world cup defence. That is probably the best we can hope for at this point in time.
Almost irrespective of the overall performance , we will all be hoping and praying that Wilkinson gets through in one piece. If he does, and we squeeze a win - i would take that as stage one in this rebuilding process.
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can you imagine what England RU could achieve if Ashton transplanted the whole of the Great Britain RL forward pack and slotted them into England's back line!
Of course they would need at least 10 warm up matches in Union to prepare for the internationals but after that England would prove unbeatable.
Chalk and cheese but not a cynic so i'll wish the rugger boys all the best. I know Wilkinson see's himself as a League half back in the Andrew Johns mould and if he plays with his bravado he'll create problems. I like him.
Very sad to see Ward-Smith carried off at the weekend. Wish the guy a speedy recovery cos England do need some mobile forwards. Pity Corry is playing. Bit of a donkey. we need power and mobility not a plodder.
fingers crossed
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As a very patriotic Welshman, it pains me to say I am both excited and wary of this team. Ok, everyone can point to lack of match practise and inexperience etc, but a fit(ish) and selected Wilko is good news for England and Northern Hemisphere rugby. You rugby purists will also point out Andy Farrell's lack of union experience but you have to remember that to all league fans, he's one of the most level-headed, game-running players league has had, and you should be celebrating his inclusion, not doubting it and pouring hot water on it before he's even played a game. League is a lot more physical and requires quick-thinking, and Farrell has got strength and vision in bundles. There's no substitute for experience.
The back line is explosive, and it shows Ashton's game plan, free running and free flowing. I applaud his vision and wish Wales had someone as revolutionary as him, and the players he has at his disposal. Robinson's defensive frailties will be exposed, but I'm sure Ashton, and ultimately, the team, will cope with it.
Get behind your team, support the selection, and stop moaning. If it fails, it fails. You rebuild and restart. Be proud of your country, and stop expecting so much!!! With Ashton at the helm, I believe this is going to be the start of another great period of English dominance.
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A well balanced team.The best half back pairing in England by a country mile.Once Farrell has settled I would like to see Tait on his outside.Corry would have remained captain but moved into the 2nd row in place of Deacon.Why can no one see thats where he was borne to play? Without Ward-Smith I would go for Crane at no.8 and look for a safer fullback [with respect]
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Would be happier if Lewsey was at FB and Balshaw was on the wing. Lewsey has the tackle needed to be last line of defence, and is Balshaw shows any early signs that he isnt up for it, as he has in the past, the Scots will just bombard us with high balls. However Balshaw is a more tricky runner with ball in hand and has the skills to make use of any space he finds on the wing. Oh well.
Otherwise, i think its a good team, unlucky for Moody given his form, but good that Lund, a true 7 has been given a chance finally. Worsley to knock the wind out of the Scots then Moody on late to pile on the pressure. Wilko/Farrell/Tindall is a great defensive axis, even Dewey will find it tough to break through that hopefully! Hopefully they'll also be able to break the gain line and demonstrate the offloading skills to release a pacy back 3.
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A Good selection. Would have preferred Peter Richards to Harry Ellis (fewer penalties/more constuctive chat) and would love to see at some point Matthew Tait feeding off Andy Farrells hands. Surely only a matter of time before Simpson Daniel gets a place(needs to stay healthy) Then the World Cup team will be set.
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Can't wait! Johnny back and Farrell debuts,perfect! Nice to see creativity rewarded.
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This is a typical Ashton selection full of attacking intent.There are worries over the fitness(Wilkinson)and experience (in rugby union)(Farrell) but how are we to find out if they can cut the mustard if they aren't given the chance.Like the back-row were we finally have a decent combination instead of a 6 playing at 7.Roll on Saturday should be a good day
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Lots of talk about Wilkinson & Farrell, and quite rightly so, but a solid pack with an pure openside, a very solid looking defensive back line, but with some interesting attacking options in Robinson (in his best international position I think) and Balshaw, could be a interesting game in more ways than one
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Scotland will have thought they had a real chance of a rare victory at Twickenham. This selection will make them think again! In JW, AF and MT you have 3 ferocious tacklers. There strength and power will upset the weakest part of the Scotland back line, their centers!
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Finally a team to smile about..... (well sort of).
Please, please, please let Jonny Wilkinson get through 80 minutes without injury, let Andy Farrell perform with the power and skill that was his by word whilst he was at Wigan and let us win!!
Bar the certain relics of the Andy robinson era, this does genuinely look like a good team that has some players capable of world class. If these players can replicate their form for their clubs fo recent weeks on Saturday, England should blow Scotland away. Play at pace, play with power and most importantly win.
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After Saturday Wilkinson is fit but is he ready for a full 80 minutes of international rugby? If in doubt I think it is better to start Wilkinson and bring on Flood midway through the second half. If the game is won by then - great - if not Flood will add to the attacking options. Starting Flood would add to the pressure on both of them if the game is tight (saint Jonny waiting to come to the rescue).
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I say I'm delighted is an understatement. Huge risk with Wilko, but let's face it, if we're going to do anything of any note in the 6N and WC we need to start with our best team now and not when the easier home matches are over and change it round for the tough ones. Bold, bold selection. But I cannot believe there's an England fan in the country who isn't excited by it. There's many uncertainties for sure: Wilko's injuries, Farrell lack of union experience, robinson's form etc etc, but we have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Can't wait till Saturday!!!
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Those that say "Wilkinson is one of the best fly halves in the world" perhaps forget that the year is 2007, not 2003. The same people probably say that Robinson is back and will liven up the backline. Again I say, the year is 2007, not 2003. Similarly, those that say "Balshaw will add speed and a cutting edge" again forget that the year is 2007, not 2001.
Scotland have a great opportunity on Saturday.
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Does no one else think this is a massive and potentially irresponsible gamble, up there with Woodward parachuting Jonny into the Lions test team?
If he hobbles off after 25 minutes with an exploded buttock or a dislocated head (or whatever unlikely injury the rugby gods have in store for him next) surely Ashton will look like an idiot.
Also, Tindall/Farrell seems like a stodgy, blinkered pairing if ever I saw one.
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This is a typical Ashton selection full of attacking intent.There are worries over the fitness(Wilkinson)and experience (in rugby union)(Farrell) but how are we to find out if they can cut the mustard if they aren't given the chance.Like the back-row were we finally have a decent combination instead of a 6 playing at 7.Roll on Saturday should be a good day
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Gordon -
I don't think we're moaning specifically about one player in quite the sense you mean - the greatest area where Jonny has been missed is in kicking. If you look at the number of games we've lost by less than 6 points, in which the #10 (normally choke-choke Hodgson) missed 4+ entirely makeable penalty opportunities its revealing! We'd have been 2nd or higher in the last two 6nations, possibly winning them if you take into account the effect of momentum and confidence at this level...We have REALLY missed a #10 that can kick reliably. That is JW and that's why he's being rushed back.
Lets just hope his radar's the one piece of him to remain intact!
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This team is awesome with Jonny Wilkinson looking in great form at training i would hope that he can really show us what he is made of. Andy farrell at centre, well i hope he is worth the money that was spent on his conversion, but im sure it will be worth it, with both his and wilkinsons kicking games on form im sure we will give the back three lots of balls to run on to, and aslong as tindall gets out of the right side of bed we should see some thundering runs from him. Bit of a disappointed to see Balshaw in the back three, i have never really seen anything amazing from him, but with Lewsey and Robinson you cant really go wrong, and the pack is spectactular, a great fiery front row, and a second row thats looks strong, in the back row disappointed that Dan Ward-smith isnt there and that lewis moody is missing but i think it will turn out alright.
CANT WAIT TILL SATURDAY!!!
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This is the most exciting team England have named in a long time, not because of any great amount of flare but because from 1 to 15 it looks solid, is packed with experience and looks like a side that could beat Scotland and dare I say it go on and make an impression on the championship. The back line has 4 of the back 7 that started the WC final. My great worry was putting Flood in at 10, he is so inexperienced and could well have unravelled the whole team. He is a cracking player but this is not his time. Ask the Scots who they would rather see at 10 and it won't be JW. Finally we are seeing some common sense in selection, one openside, one blindside and an 8. Not rocket science is it Robbo.
I have approached the last two Six Nations with dread at what I would see and I wasn't let down. Now JW is back, Andy Farrell might just be the keystone for the back line this side looks like it means business.
One gripe is the way Jamie Forrester is consistently overlooked, I would have liked to have seen him come in following Ward-Smith's injury.
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Good to see Farrell selected. I have watched him play league and rate him as one of the best all round players I have ever seen. He can tackle, pass, kick and run. He is a natural leader and leads from the front. What I hope you will see now is something he did for Wigan on countless occasions and also GB and inspire the team back into form. When he plays for his country you can sense the pride and how much it means to him and this will be no different. I expect we will be talking about how great a union player Farrell has become.
I also hope JW comes back and is fully fit. He is a very talented player and England need him. Hopefully with Farrell there to take the hard yards and soften them up in the tackles, this should give JW time and space to marshall the troops.
Come on England!
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I have been waiting for this combo 10/12 for a while. I would prefer Tait at 13 but I'm sure he will play a part later in game. I hope Ellis leaves the majority of the decision making to JW and AF It should be exciting to watch.
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Biggest problems England have are at hooker and scrum half. Without Thompson neither Mears nor Chuter bring sufficient physicality to the position whilst Harry Ellis has never come out of the blocks at this level and I suspect it may be beyond him. Good to see Robinson back, I just hope he is fit.
England to win by a nine to 12 point spread but I don't expect it to be pretty.
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Good to see Farrell selected. I have watched him play league and rate him as one of the best all round players I have ever seen. He can tackle, pass, kick and run. He is a natural leader and leads from the front. What I hope you will see now is something he did for Wigan on countless occasions and also GB and inspire the team back into form. When he plays for his country you can sense the pride and how much it means to him and this will be no different. I expect we will be talking about how great a union player Farrell has become.
I also hope JW comes back and is fully fit. He is a very talented player and England need him. Hopefully with Farrell there to take the hard yards and soften them up in the tackles, this should give JW time and space to marshall the troops.
Come on England!
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Biggest problems England have are at hooker and scrum half. Without Thompson neither Mears nor Chuter bring sufficient physicality to the position whilst Harry Ellis has never come out of the blocks at this level and I suspect it may be beyond him. Good to see Robinson back, I just hope he is fit.
England to win by a nine to 12 point spread but I don't expect it to be pretty.
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I can't believe what I'm reading. Dad's army bunch of misfits and old timers. Wilkinson, 40 minutes versus a second XV who put 30+ points on them. Farrell, a LEAGUE legend, but with as many starts at blind side wing forward as Centre. Come on Scotland. Robinson, due to get a bus pass soon. Balshaw? Made to look ordinary every time he plays with Simpson Daniel.
PS - When are Johnno and Backy coming out of retirement? Along with Fran Cotton and Dicky Jeeps!
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come on england wilkinson and robinson r gonna kik ass
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Biggest problems England have are at hooker and scrum half. Without Thompson neither Mears nor Chuter bring sufficient physicality to the position whilst Harry Ellis has never come out of the blocks at this level and I suspect it may be beyond him. Good to see Robinson back, I just hope he is fit.
England to win by a nine to 12 point spread but I don't expect it to be pretty.
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I'm excited but I'm not sure why. On paper a very strong team with most of the Autumn dead wood chopped off. It's really cruel for Dan Ward Smith but at least we have an abundance of back row forwards in form right now. Tick in the box for playing Jonny, but Ellis looks to me like the weak link and Richards, well, I don't even want to think about him having to come on.
Will not be a bit surprised to see a huge score against Scotland - but I hope Perry is selected against Italy - and if all is together, the rest of tournament. The speed and length of his pass will give Jonny that little bit of extra space and time - and help stay away from the clutches of those that want to see him back on the injured list i.e. every opponent.
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Leaving the unfortunate Matthew Tait on the bench, England have picked the least creative midfield of recent years and that really is saying something. However, that astonishing lack of flair should see them do a lot better than the last few years - after all, they won the world cup without any.
Good luck Jonny - shame Jason White isn't there to greet you on your international return.
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This selection worries me... as a Scot. Wilkinson, Farrell and Tindell will be itching to get into the action and the pack looks better/ more balanced than anything Robinson ever put out. A few big hits on Wilkinson early doors could however unsettle him especially after only 45 minutes of recent rugby. The selction of 10 and 12 is a gamble but has the potential to come off in spectacular fashion. I just hope JW manages to stay in one piece. He has had the worst run of luck imaginable. Jason White has been one of the outstanding forwards over the last couple of years and will be sorely missed.
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I think Ashton has picked a really well-balanced side with Wilko, Farrell and Tindall powerful in the backline. Wilko and Farrell should also provide the distribution for the quickies. The pack also looks strong and well-balanced. If the system works the younger players can smartly be fed in over the next few games. Looking forward to it. Let's give Ashton and the boys our support !!!
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Very excited about this team, apart from the inclusion of Balshaw at full-back. Lewsey is world-class in that position - remember his tackles in the autumn internationals - whereas Balshaw is a lightweight who has never played a decent game for England, despite a number of chances.
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as a scotsman i am absolutely delighted with the england side. wilkinson( good player that he is), is totally undercooked and will be exposed as not having enough game time under his belt. farrell i also feel has been thrown in at the deep end and i am sure his inexperience in union will see the england team come unstuck. im sure frank hadden will have men running at these two all day, there are bound to be holes there.
prediction- a record winning scottish margin.
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I love how Scotland have been written off already, it only makes us stronger. I will feel sorry for Jonny Wilkinson once Hogg/Beattie/Brown or Taylor have him in their sights. Also, You say Farrell or Robinson will waltz through the Scottish centres? Tell me when was the last time Andy Henderson missed a tackle and why did he have the Saracens backline in his back pocket at Hughenden 10 days ago?
Thank God we have a coach smart enough to dismantle this England team.
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to be honest the selection of johnny wilkinson is a sign of desperation among the england camp. they dont want to risk what would be an embarrassing defeat to an injury strewn scotland at twickenham and so they are hoping for johnny to conjour up a performance of 4 years ago.
of course it could be a sign of complete disrespect to the scots as here is a player who has been out of international rugby for 4 years suddenly being thrust back into the fray against a team that could very well provide an embarassing debut for ashton (and very likely another injury to JW)
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There's understandably a lot of excitement about the new(/old?) look three-quarters, but many of the backs' recent problems are linked to the poor platform provided by the fat boys and the scrum half.
Rarely in the autumn internationals did the forwards recycle the ball efficiently or get momentum going for the backs to have a run at vulnerable defences. Each time ball was slow and second and third phases often saw the team going nowhere.
Six seven eight and nine especially need big games if we're going to see the potential in this back line realised.
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No, unfortunately from a Scottish perspective, this team looks near enough the business, though Balshaw may gift us a few points before he's substituted
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Firstly, this is not desperation but on the contrary, this is actually a case of things being put right, people being put in the correct positions after years playing out of place on the team and a whole new atmosphere of confidence. We're not expecting anything but we look forward to a decent match.
The banter coming from North of the border that this is merely desperation is just that, banter.
Banter has no bearing on the fact that the match on Saturday will be a total corker. A first Scotland win at Twickenham for two decades isn't assured or gauranteed. On the other hand an English walkover isn't written in the stars.
On the issue of whether to play Wilkinson or not, I find the softies wanting to protect their little lamb by the name of "Wilkinson" to be a little on cautious side.
Wilkinson is fit. We can't run away from that fact and we can't hide from the fact that he seems to be already in peerless form.
To be blunt: he isn't old, he isn't injured and he is chomping at the bit to get stuck in....so why are we so anxious to keep him wrapped in cotton wool? Yes, thats correct, it isn't 2003 any longer, so what?
The selection of the squad is sound apart from the selection of Balshaw and Ellis. Balshaw tends to make the completely wrong kind of decisions when at Full back.
Ellis is a different case. He tends to spend ages digging the ball out and wouldn't know quick ball even if it came along and spear tackled him. Also he can be short tempered and needlessly brutal which can seriously backfire on him, especially if the guy is twice his size.
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How good it is to have Johnny back. Hopefully we also now have an inside centre that can pass. I also like the look of a balanced back row and a strong bench. Fingers crossed for Saturday and revenge for last year.
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Personally, I'd rather see someone with possible injury/fitness worries start a match. If JW fails to come through the full 80, you can always bring on a substitute.
The danger with JW as a replacement is that, if he is brought on to change the game and then breaks down, you would have to use another sub, which would require a different line-up on the bench.
And as far as the back three are concerned, any worries about Balshaw at full-back might well be assuaged when we see him, Lewsey and Robinson changing positions regularly and with a good deal more fluency than we have come to expect from England of late.
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This England team certainly looks powerful on paper. I'd be worried if I was an England fan about rushing Wilkinson back to soon. I know England are weak at 10, but look what happened when he was rushed back for the Lion's in 05. Surely he needs time to prove his fitness. This is a great talent but what's the point playing him early and then missing him for the world cup, especially in a match that england will almost surely win with the scots missing 2 of the back row that were so impressive for them last season.
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Where is Paul Sackey he could be in this pussio england side with a broken neck! and Heskey!!!
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I'm feeling more than positive...
Rightly, we're now playing 7's at 7 (although I'm bemused as to why the walking penalty Moody is ahead of Rees on the bench), and I'm looking forward to crash-bang-wallop centres.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed for Wilko, I just hope he can do his kicking, and not take the ball into contact too much...which is possibly where the centres come in again.
Like many others, I'm not too keen on Tom Palmer not making a starting appearence, because without Borthwick we don't have much of a lineout...while Deacon, Grewcock and Corry are 100% English beef, the only real lineout treat, in my opinion at least, is Lund.
With the back three, Balshaw has had glimpses of what a great player can be, he is still too shakey under the loose ball. I would've liked Sackey at 11, Cueto at 14 and Lewsey at 15, but you can't have everything, can you?
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i believe this is the only way ashton could go as its saying to me that england will try and crash the ball and get quick ball from the rucks with lund winning quick ball.should be intresting to see how balshaw plays i rate him myself but would of like to see him on the wing with lewsey at full back as thats the best combination.but if the starting 15 stays fit i can see no reason why we wont finish in the top 2 proberly behind france.BRING ON SCOTLAND!!
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Good to see England confident again and treating the opposition disrespectfully, The Scots (as usual) are saying very little but must be quietly smiling to themselves at the prospect of taking on yet another overhyped overconfident England team. Do you never learn?
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Don't the names Rooney, Beckham and Flintoff come to mind? When will we learn?
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If BA really is looking for tries in the centres rather than out wide as some earlier posts have suggested, Farrel is going to be the best player available in order to produce that. Unleashing a top drawer league player who will specialise in cracking the toughest of defences in league on a tired unorganised union back line will surely produce some spectacular 2nd half break throughs. It is a shame to not see some young raw pace in the backs considering BA has simpson daniel, tait, varndell, ojo and armitage to name but a few of the exciting young back three talent in the country ATM.
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In the end a single choice scenario. Wilkinson's club say he is fit. He is one of the best and will want to play test rugby in world cup year. If he is injured again, it could well be the end for him, but the alternatives without hodgson were not strong enough for this vital, 'must win' game against a good Scottish team. Travel in faith as they say,
Jon, Cheltenham
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The difference is post 64 that wilko is going to get injured again within the next dozen games or so, therefore he might as well do it playing for england!
While he is playing what a defence we have! Wilko, farell, tindall - i wouldnt fancy running at that
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I think that it looks positive. As for the controversy of the selection of Farrel and Wilkinson, look to the bench. Modern tests are 22 man games and coming into the game later is 2 finishers from Newcastle. Good luck to them all.
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this selection intrigues if nothing else.like most on this blog worried about Balshaw's inclusion.
ward-smith,stevens,forrester injured; a pity.
as a tigers fan would like to jordan crane on the subs bench,also hoping js daniel can keep injury free.
so long as we don't underestimate the scots,i take a narrow England victory.
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Those people who are doubting Farrell, should think back to Robinsons debut from league. He was sensational and there is no reason that fareell will not be the same.
In league he was always the big game player and was versatile to play all over the pitch and do all the kicking. I am really looking forward to seeing him on Saturday.
I do not think you should be dismissive of the Scots but look at performances this season. Three of our clubs are in the quarters of the HC wheras none of their regions gots a sniff of qualifying. Sorry, did that sound dismissive!!!
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Lets all pray that the exploding buttock, disclocated head or any other gruesome-type injury remain figments of Sam Best's imagination. If Wilko gets stretchered off this time....well it doesn't even bear thinking about. I am not only impressed by Ashton's bold, brave selections but also with the comments of fellow bloggers making good sense on Englands chances of renewal this weekend. I just want to make one point that no-one else has thus far. At this level you need players with genuine stature and a warrior mentality. And though they may be different sizes both numbers 10 and 12 have those qualities in abundance. As far as I am concerned that will make a huge difference against Scotland. I think Wilko and Farell will inspire the rest of the team and when that happens the sky will be the limit.
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As an Irish fan, and fan of rugby, I am excited and concerned in about equal measure.
I am excited because England need Wilkinson - All Blacks aside - every team in the world needs Wilkinson. Great to see he is in contention.
I am concerned because this is world cup year, and although it may not look like it at times - England will always be the best hope of giving the home nations some credibility.
I think the Lions tour showed that a "half fit" anyone is a risk in international rugby.
If Wilkinson gets a knock - then he is out, and no England fly-half has the confidence of a good six-nations behind him.
I hope it works - I spoke to a former Ireland and Lions player last autumn, and he stressed that by some distance Brian Ashton was the best coach he had ever worked under.
Let hope they are all proved right.
Also - note to fellow Irish fans. We have in the past accused the England supporters of over-confidence, or arrogance.
Let us be sure not to emulate them!
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Wilkinson has played a game and a half of international rugby in the past 3 and a half years.
Farrell untested at this level and hardly a youthfull looking backline.
May cause Scotland some trouble up front but expect the Scots first win at 'Twickers' since 83.
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Fantastic, can't wait to see some free flowing rugby with the ball being whipped out the back line with slick hands.......whoops started to write this before realising that the centre partnership of Farrell and Tindall were in the starting line up.
Being serious for a moment, if lewsey was at full back where he should be, there was a fully fit half back pairing and there was something resembling (dare i say it) flair in the centres, then Scotland would get thrashed. Unfortunately for England this is not the case and Scotland will probably scrape a win via the boot (as we can't score tries either).
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I think that Wilkinson is a qualiy flyhalf, that cannot be doubted, however, even at grass root club levels, u dont put a player back into action after effectively 3 years not playing! its madness, he wont be as quick or as strong as he used to be, he has a wealth of experience and i dont doubt that, but you need game time as a player! Andy Farrell will either be a huge success or another Matthew Tait failure, for his sake i hope it is the former...... tindall is a quality centre and im sure he shall aquit himself nobly. Balshaw i have my doubts about, but he has sverything to prove, Lewsey is one of the best players in the world, Robinson is struggling for form? i think it is a good team selection but it could come apart at the seams....... and everyone seems to have forgotten Scotland can actually play rugby....... they beat France and England last year, they are a strong and promising side with everything to prove..... expect a lot of broken english bodies! coming from a half welsh half english u15... i expect the 6 nations to go well for england..... but i would back wales or ireland because of the strength in depth!
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Both Wilkinson and Farrel are a risk but surely Ashton calculates that the English pack will take care of the Scots and allow the two of them to work their way into the championship. History shows England can boss their opponents up front and give the backs an armchair ride. If that goes well then it's Italy next where the same will happen and by the time England face the big guns both Johnny and AF will have their confidence up. ..that's if the fast back row of the Scots doesn't get to Johnny first..he has - in my view - two weaknesses. One is that he doesn't offer a genuine threat ball in hand for a top flight stand off...his career so far has been spent behind the best pack in the world over a five year period with world class guys outside him so he just shipped it on. And second his confidence is fragile...he didn't play well in the world cup 03..winning it apart!.. and needed Mike Catt to help out. He needs a good and well protected start on Saturday...although if it's windy he might fall over and be out for a month. I'm a Scot but it is good to see him back. I bet his sponsors agree..isn't it great the six nations is here?!
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Great selection BA! I'd hate to face you at poker.
Listening to the radio, people were worried that Wilko coming in ahead of Flood would dent the youngster's confidence. The kid's his protege, of course it won't. If Jonny blows up after 20 minutes, what's the problem? Flood comes on without a worry, and for the rest of the 6N BA goes back to selecting the youngsters that everyone expected anyway. Let's not forget Charlie will back in the summer too. Nice.
Same principle goes for Robinson and Tait - if Billy isn't whizzing, then bring on the new boy. No brainer. JSD and the stuttering bouncer (Cohen) are waiting in the wings along with Cueto and Sackey.
In fact, he's got it spot on all through the team. Vicks falls apart, hey presto, have a bit of Julian. Second row is an embarrassment of riches and Palmer wll be itching to get off the bench. As for the back row, the mad-dog was a 50-50 call for blindside or open, and the Sweatys won't want to see him after he's been fizzing on the sidelines for 60 minutes. Even if Cozza breaks, Joe or Deacon can play 8.
In my eyes, BA's got nothing to lose, he's taken a punt but covered all the bases at the same time with a hugely intelligent bench. Even Richards plays a mean game at centre.
REALLY looking forward to it. After last year, it time they went homeward tae think again...
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There is another test series on at the moment - called the ashes. Has anyone running english rugby been watching what happend when england rushed back half-fit players [giles, anderson, vaughn etc.] into the test side? Picking a man who hasnt played test matches for years and has had only forty minutes playing time in the last three months... Have they learned nothing!!! At least they've brought in a good rugby league player in farrell but is english rugby relly as devoid of talent as english cricket?
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well done BA yet more poor england selections... Wilkinsons boot and lets be honest he never had much more even when fit he can tackle but has nowhere near the distribution skills of a Carter or Hook.. the crash and bash of tindall and AF real expansive rugby gunna happen there!... and one winger well past it, ones a full back and the actual full back has been lacking in form all season. Your pack as ever is strong and finally you have a 7 playing 7!! scrum half... i thought even being across the border in wales (where we know a thing or two about half backs) Richards is on fire so why pick a "hit and miss" ellis? oh and what the hell are moody and white doing on the bench? their both in superb form! ah well... u may make it to 3rd in the table this year i guess!
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#62, I agree with you on the inside center that can pass but that can't be said for the outside center. I think we'll see alot of misses to the wing
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As a Welshman living in old Scotia it's interesting and could be a success or a dismal failure.Unfortunately from our mutual point of view it wo'nt prove much.Scotland has little chance so a victory against us might make you feel better but a defeat would be a disaster for you.The big test will be the away matches,Dublin and Cardiff and I ca'nt see much happening for you there whatever the team.France are a bit jaded so that might be a win.Incidentally watch out for Italy,they've a mean pack and Pierre Berbizier is no fool,they might cause a few problems this season as it's the most open for a long time.Ireland favourites unless they choke again.Bring the RBS 6 nations on whoever wins!!
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Jonny Wilkinson is to Rugby what Zidane is to Footbal: a genuine genius, magician. He enhances the level of northen hemisphere. Any French rugby fan feel very sorry he's got wounded so often and so bad. We miss his excellence on the field and hope he will get back undestructible as in 2003.
May the rosbif let him his chance, and God protect his health!
Good luck Jonny be good!
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There is a lot of criticism here of Ashton's choice at 11, 14 and 15 - but this could yet be his master stroke - picking 3 experienced full-backs who are as happy attacking through midfield as they are running wide. If England can get quick ball and Farrell delivers, expect to see Robinson, Lewsey and Balshaw popping up anywhere in this back line - and all three counter-attacking from deep. It's a bold move and a big ask, but if it clicks you'll see 70+ points on Saturday. Good on you Brian!
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Think the selection is great. Get the hospital beds ready!!!!! What's the odds on JW picking up an injury before the ko? Scots are surely going to target him.
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There is a lot of criticism here of Ashton's choice at 11, 14 and 15 - but this could yet be his master stroke - picking 3 experienced full-backs who are as happy attacking through midfield as they are running wide. If England can get quick ball and Farrell delivers, expect to see Robinson, Lewsey and Balshaw popping up anywhere in this back line - and all three counter-attacking from deep. It's a bold move and a big ask, but if it clicks you'll see 70+ points on Saturday. Good on you Brian!
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I think that everyone will be stunned by Andy Farrells contribution. Dont forget he was the worlds best rugby player quite recently and he will bring a huge amount of combativeness and presence to our back line.
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Wilkinson ? Great Stuff !
Look fo Scots line to be well up (maybe even worth being offside)as scrum half delivers and............WALLOP !
New Kicker please :o)
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I love it how just last week Wilko wrote in the Times how Ashton thinks he wasn't ready. This means that this is either a last minute decision because Flood played badly on the weekend and Wilko was supposadly immense or the best held secret cause untill Sunday not many people thought it was possible, i did though. If you look at Wilko he always got injured playing for Newcastle because he had to do too much, due to bad forwards, the Engalnd pack is impressive, so he will be fine. Also I know its not 2003 but just look at the form he showed at the beginning of this season. I am so excited I'm a big fan of tindall and with Farell playmaking we will see how good he really is. Only dislike Balshaw, bring in JSD or Cohen, Robinson is certainly not the player he was I agree but on the wing he is still something special. sadly he plays fallback for Sale. I predict Wilko isn't there to protect Farell but its the other way round. it gives him a get out of jail free card, what a great call by Ashton, shows you what a Bath man can do!!
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Why do people have to be negative? The team looks good, with some talent on the bench too. Its the start of a new era, lets not be judgmental too early. Ashton has been employed in his position because he is the best man for it. He makes the decisions and as yet has not done anything wrong. Too many people out there think they should be selecting sides, we all do it, but lets keep our negative opinions to ourselves until we have something to cheer or moan about! Hopefully we'll have something - or more than one thing to cheer about! Welcome back Jonny, I'm backing England to do very well indeed.
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As an Irish fan I am hoping Andy Farrell plays well in his first few games - until we embarress him in Croke Park.
I thought Centres had to have foot speed. Andy will not know what has hit/run over him lol.
Every team in the 6 nations will target the gaps between Jonny, Andy & Co, it is easy to see why.
England do not have a pack to break down teams as they did in the past, so how do you expect to win games ?
Do not get me wrong though Jonny Wilkinson is real class & great to see him back.He will make a difference to England in the World Cup when he really is match fit.
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Good selection, though having seen Freshwater at wasps in Heineken Cup, i would have selected White, who easily bossed the wasps scrum when Leicester beat us at home. Surprised by Moody's sub place as he has also been brilliant this season, however Lund has been showing signs of greatness which could be helped if he plays like he did last season. I agree with back three as Lewsey has shown his best performances for wasps on the wing, Balshaw, i thought, was good during the Nov. internationals and it is always great to have Billy Whizz on your wing when you need someone to finish off a try in the corner.
However you can never rule out a Scottish upset. As much as i hate to say it they also have good players who have the ability to cause problems to our defence.
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Nice to see that the English fans are back to their very best at underestimating the opposition. For their sake I hope the bold and brave moves of BA come unstuck to an improving but understrength Scots team.
On the Johnny Wilkinson - class act prior to 2003 - remember his last displays on the international field in New Zealand. He was anything but class.
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my goodness, i'd just like to say to all the moaners, lets have some positivity! this is a good selection, there is a balance of playing styles and experience, everyone is going to be going for it because they kno world cup slots are up for grabs and every performance counts, brian ashton is showing some intent, purpose and intelligence which we never really saw with andy robinson. and whatever anyone says, if you've got the chance of selecting wilkinson you take it, he's class. oh, and andrew allman - johnny??????? johnny?!?!???! it's JONNY!!!
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Good evening gentlemen. Seems like your hopes are all high with the new team.. It's always good to wish for something good my friends... Someone mentioned that the sky was the limit.. I imagine your own 22 will be a good place to start..Look forward to having you in Dublin.
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Everyone here is raving about Andy Farrell is this the same A.Farrell who converted from rugby league? Andy may be a big man and hit hard but has he the pace to catch the speedy opposition. Great to see Jonny superboot back, terrific for world rugby and just pray his body stays in shape, if so England will be competitive in the world cup. Good luck in the 6 nations.....
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Just a message from a pom in New Zealand thanks for such an exciting team selection,it's a pity the cricket team could n't follow suit.
Get behind England stop any player slagging this will be the start of a new era for English Rugby
Just a thought for Johnny Good Luck mate if anybody deserves further success you do.Oh to be back in England.
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Great to see a lot of positive thoughts on here, and to those detractors- give us a break, we have had a tough time of late, in more than 1 sport, allow us some enthusiasm and wishful thinking. You never know, we may actually be backing the right horse(s) this time.
As far as this selection being 'desperate and risky' goes, I think I understand that- BA has just a few months until the WC, and even those blind English patriots amongst us recognise that a successful defense is very unlikely. IMHO he was left with 2 choices, either accept we have no hope and begin a complete rebuild now for the next WC, or simply go for it! Take some wild risks, go with his heart and see if something unlikely just might happen, you can't do any worse than lose!! I think he has taken this second option, knowing that the time for the complete re-build for the next WC can wait until later this year. I for one back this choice and am excited. Good luck to him and all his players, and best of luck to the other 5 teams also. Heres to a great competition.
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Alot of you are speaking about JW as if Robinson wouldnt have played him if he was fit, does anyone actually believe that!?? Also in the midfield Henderson and Dewey are hardly small units my any stretch of the imagination and if England decide to thump it up the middle I am sure that will be dealt with pretty well. Scotland have plenty of options in the back 3 too so I am expecting a decent game. I think the front row is the only area of real concern for us, 2nd and back row will be solid enough. Should be a good game and a good tournament, I look forward to it!
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I am also in New Zealand and it has been a very bad couple of months to be a Pom in The Antipodes. The cricket has gone from bad to worse, but now I have The Six Nations to look forward to. Really, really hoping for a good performance and something to build on for World Cup in September.
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JW will last about 20 minutes and JR will fizz around but ultimately not achieve anything. Dont see how these two will make much difference. Same old(old), same old(old).
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I'm surprised to see so much excitement has been generated by Mr Ashton's selection. It is one of the least adventurous selections which could have been made and offers any number of get out clauses for the management team should they lose. JW is not world class! He was 4 years ago arguably the best player on the planet. He may become this player again but currently isn't the best no 10 at his club. AF is still learning the game and hasn't shone as yet. The one thing Scotland can do is tackle and showed last year against England and France if you lack imagination at the end of the game you will lack points.
BA will happy that Scotland don't have White available for the match as I'm sure he would have relished a showdown with JW and AF!
England Team - Dull dull dull!
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So it's "BRING ON SCOTLAND" is it ??
...
...
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Don't worry lads, we're on our way.
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Yaaaawwwn!!!! loads of inspiration and agility in the centres.Are we going to see "lets bang it in the centre and then do it again and again and then errrrrr?????senario"I hope not,its so frustrating to watch not to mention tear factor when we lose.one decent thing though but good to see wilco at no 10.
Come on England a bit of dash would'
nt go a miss.Snotrags on stand by.
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i think its an absolutely great selection by ashton. Ellis had a stormer against munster and showed his class. If wilkinson is fit then he should definately start against scotland, his experience will help out farrel.However, would like to see josh lewsey at 13 with simpson daniel back at wing.
bring on saturday
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They say that one man doesn't make a team, but J.W can help to give the England team some hope and belief that they are capable of springing a surprise on the doubters and knockers. So go out there England and give it to them big style!
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Lots of moaning, come on get behind the boys, give them a chance, no one plays badly on purpose.
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How can you Brits keep claiming Wilkinson is "one of the two top fly halves in the world". Good God, the man cannot even make the field for his club team and hasn't played a full international for almost FOUR years! Get real.
On the World Cup; having had to sit through your current domestic club competiton, with its dreary 10 man rugby & its pedantic referees, your national team will be pushed get revenge on Argentina.
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Does anyone else not think it is unfair to ask Wilkinson to play after only 40 mins of premiership rugby? For a man who is coming back for the 10th time it is too much to ask. He should be given time at Newcastle to play 5 or 6 games or more then he truely would be match fit. Ok it might mean that he misses the 6 nations but surely it is for the good of his career. The man hasnt been played any solid amount of rugby since that drop goal! Im not saying he isnt ready or cant handle because if anyone can it would be Wilko but why risk it?
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Everybody knows and respects J.W for his sheer class, amazing rugby mind, and abilyity to bounce back from injury, but sticking him straight into his first international in nearly 4 YEARS is a mistake no matter what is said.
First scottish upset at twickenham in 75 years...oh yes, come on lads.
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Hopefully this game will be a massive turning point for England. We need to keep it in perspective though as Scotland are not necessarily world-beaters and are missing their talisman White. Thompson will be missed and a bolder move would have been to replace him with Titterel(?) and I was personally excited about seeing Ward-Smith in England colours with Corry possibly playing second row. For once we also have some impact on the bench with Richards, Moody and White. Time for England to deliver, maybe not win the 6 nations but at least give Ireland and France a run for their money.
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Hopefully Wilkinson doesn't get injured again during the Six Nations campaign. We're not expected to win, so there won't be too much personal expectations of JW but on the other hand, we do nned to assert ourselves in the rugby world as a force to be reckoned with. In ANY sport, no matter how long a world class player with calibre and experience as JW has been out of the game, the inclusion in the line up raise the team as a whole, not only in terms of spirit but also in performance. Go out there and enjoy yourself JW!
Come on England!!
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Full credit to Ashton. England has enjoyed huge amounts of possession recently but lacked penetration. Farrel and Balshaw are the key to success. Farrel can either take the ball himself, pop a pass the flanker/second row called Tindall next to him, or fly a miss pass to Balshaw coming in at pace outside Tindall. Balshaw is right at 15, he can do things other players cant, and although he has some hesitant moments in games, when he is on fire he is world class. Two changes make a team. The wings both lack devestating pace from distance, but are dangerous close to the line. Ellis is geting better at firing quik ball as long as he remember snot to take an extra step. Wilko is a risk but proven class, and it was too much pressure to put on Toby Flood who is still finding his feet at club level. As for the forwards, they have the pwoer for the scrummage and can mix it in the line out. Corry should have probably been dropped but, his inclusion, gives others a target. Ashton is clearly telling youngsters with promise that they have to porve thmeslves to make the team.
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'As a true england fan, it gives me the upmost confidence that Jonny is starting. His skill, experience and ambition will generate the lost passion of the World Champions. Jonny's return will certainly send shockwaves across the rugby network ahead of the World Cup'
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As a jock in geordieland, I am seeing both sides of the fence, and have to say I come up worried for big Frankie Hadden.
English pack looks dominant - picking Freshwater instead of White shows the confidence Ashton has in the set piece, and he will look to cause damage at the breakdown.
Tindall's going to have an awesome game - good quick ball and Marcus di Rollo to beat; I'd back him to get his hands free and put one of the back 3 through every time. Look for Balshaw picking a line off him and cutting through the drift defence.
JW - I think he'll find playing with England easier than Newcastle - better pack, better halfback, but he needs to attack the spaces at and around Dan Parks rather than sitting in the pocket. Big pressure, big gamble, but I think he'll relish it.
Ah yes, Dan Parks. Will get a face full of Farrell & Lund - and any stray kicks should be run back with interest. Might be a tough day at the office.
Some hope for Scotland? If we can win our own ball cleanly I think we can stand AF & MT up in the middle and put Lamont through the spaces. I like the 2nd row choices for raw aggression, but that won't make up for White. Cusiter needs to keep the fringe defense honest and work the blind side. And Paterson needs to hit at least 7 penalties to be in it -and win it when Mad-eye Moody comes on!
Love the 6Ns, Ashton's put the cat firmly amongst the pigeons, and I can't wait for the weekend...!
Andy
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People need to look at the bigger picture. We play our so-called easiest 2 games first against Scotland and Italy, primarily easier as they are at home and neither have a great record at HQ. Therefore if you are going to pick JW and Farrell then you either do it now or not at all. Added to that a fit JW is going to be our 10 at the World Cup so what's the point in not picking him.
Secondly those who are slating Tindall and his handling obviously forget how much he contributed in the WC side and previous Grand Slam as well as the number of tries being scored out wide by Glos these days.
Finally, although BA has brought back some of the old boys its because they have got their form back and because he's had them in training for the last week and therefore sees more than us. The only worries for me are that I think Robinson has lost a bit of his zip of a few years ago (hope to be proved wrong) and also the loss of DWS who is the dynamic 8 we need to play a more open game but that wasn't BA's fault.
Here's to a good opening in the most open 6-nations for years, hopefully we'll win a few more than recently buit above all be proud to support our team again.
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fantastic selection with farrell at centre. Natural leader, great hands, genius like brain and in defence is as good as the worlds best flankers.
Then Johnny how can you leave him out if hes fit get him in, will bring some of the old dog back to england that they have been lacking. And he WILL be able to make the simple kicks. Good luck for the weekend vickers as well, great choice for captain.
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I think it's a great move (and exactly what I would have done). I hate to predict but I think there will be a few points from England! If JW doesn't cope then he can be replaced- it's the best (or possibly Italy) time to put him in.
Good Luck Jonny!
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After seeing Scotlands team my optimism has plummeted (I'm a Scot), the match ups are scarily in Englands favour. Wilko v Parks. Farrell v Henderson. Tindall v Di Rollo. It's in the midfield I can see the game being won and lost, and looks stacked heavily in Englands favour, on paper at least. Hadden seems to have taken a conservative approach to this selection, leaving the likes of Dewey on the bench along with Webster and Kydd not even featuring in the 22! Here's hoping for some 'best evers' from the guys in the squad, and not the hammering I'm fearing!
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If I'm wrong I'll gladly hold my hands up on this after the game. Wilkinson's last experience of test rugby was when he was fast tracked into the Lions team after a period of injury. Whilst I'm not saying Scotland are New Zealand, he looked well out of his depth then, and may do this time also.
I agree while he may have 50 odd caps to his name, none of them have been recently. 'Mr Experience' you call him? Well he has no experience of playing for England for 3 1/2 years. Test rugby has moved on since. This is not a 'brilliant selection', but a massive gamble. I for one think Ashton's tactics will be to try and get the pack to put the ball up the jumper from the off as the half backs and Farrell will need at least 30 minutes to get in to the game. If this works, then all well and good, but if not, where next for England?
Scotland's main threat will be the back row. They will be instructed by Hadden to launch themselves towards a fly half who will be very rusty and a very inexperienced 12 (other excellent league players fast tracked into international centre have failed, remember Iestyn Harris?). If they pressure Farrell quickly then his inexperience of test match rucking could tell with turnovers. The Scots should target them. If they do, England could be made to look ordinary.
If the gamble doesn't pay off for England then where's plan 'B'? Bring on Flood? A player who is on form, yet behind Wilkinson in the international pecking order?
Triumph or disaster beckons for the Red Rose, it will be fascinating to watch....
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I cant not wait for both of them to play. I am actually excited about watching England play for the first time in a good while. Farell was immense in rugby league, Wilkinson as we all know if hes fit he has to be in the side. Good to see Robinson back in the side, sad no Cohen though.
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I think the selection is hypocritical. Managers of all sports bang on about selecting players based on form rather than their big names. Vaughan couldn't make the Ashes despite being basically fit, and surely match fitness/sharpness is more important in rugby than cricket?
I think Ashton is trying to get England supporters back onside, and show that he is big enough to make the changes. However I feel it could backfire if Jonny gets injured/can't deliver...
Being good in training doesn't amount to being good in the Calcutta Cup on the opening day of The Six Nations.
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2 main points I am worried about.
1) The now lack of pace at 12 and 13, Farrell will do 2 jobs at 12 both playmaker and cross the gainline. But tindall at 13 sucks, he has no pace. Ashoton has gone with a bold selection, be bolder and play Tait at 13 he is quick and has seriously bulked up or play Josh at 13 (if not 15, wing is a waste of his talents, I.E. his attacking lines of running), although there are a few injuries at wing why not Tom Voyce? He has played well in the appearances he has made.
2) Balshaw at 15. He is not as quick as he used to be (injuries have sapped him through time), he doesn't have a great kcik and his tackling is less than impressive, I would switch Balshaw and Lewsey round. If things are getting sticky around that area I see Ashton doing that at somepoint against the Scots.
I like Lund being called up, he is a 7 which Moody is not. Lund is probably Englands best out and out 7 in club rugby so he at last is given his shot.
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Dean, you forget one thing. This isn't just some new guy with his first cap in the bag.
This is Johnny Wilkinson, he's had way tougher moments than this and the pressure is also on other players like Farrell, Vickery and Tindall.
Also he was in peerless form in his match against Leicester. The guy is focused and really wants to perform. Ask him to step up and he will perform.
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A rough count suggests that 60-70% of us are excited and approve of BA's choice. Contrast that with 6, 12 or 18 months ago! While we can disagree about some individuals (Balshaw out of form, Corry not up to scratch etc) the overall selection is brave, exciting and positive. Players picked in position, picked on merit and on form! JW had to play if fit (and remember the latest injury was to a kidney so he has been exercising (albeit with no contact)for some time. This tyeam may not gel but at least it seems we are working towards our best team for the autumn.
Due to AR's selection policy we had absolutely no idea who were our best players last year. Now we can start to go forward. Too late for 2007 - probably, but we have to start somewhere and I predict a convincing win on Saturday (No! not arrogance just confidence in a new set-up). And then who knows where we will end up!!!
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I think you can argue about a couple of selections in the team - is Robinson still good enough, will Wilko be able to play 70 mins? They are all valid points, but for me, what this team has, in abundance is charcter and leadership. When the team are up against it, which they will be, by lets face it a decent Scottish side, minus 1 or 2 key players, then we will see what happens. But the likes of Vickery, Wilko, Farrell, Robinson and Tindall will stand up and be counted - something sorely lacking in the AI's. We might also see what Cory can do without all the other pressure - i expect a big game from him.
As for Scottish tactics - as always i expect fast ball, but then to see how England cope with the space between the new centres and back three, plenty of chips, higher kicks - Balshaw isnt the best under them, and basically to play a fast broken, aggresive game.
If Scotland let England settle and allow them to play through the phases, they will be history. If they can prevent that, disrupt England then they have a chance.
Either way, I can wait to take my seat.
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Those of you who say
"This will back-fire if Johnny gets injured"
Well, doh! What a bunch of Sherlocks.
What's the alternative? Wrap him in cotton wool? Send him back to Newcastle (where he's just as likely to get injured?). Keep him on the bench?
He's fit, he plays.
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As a Frenchman, and as such not a massive fan of "le Quinze de la Rose", I am still delighted to see Wilkinson back. We all want to see the big stars play, and Wilkinson's attitude on and off the pitch has always been perfect. I really hope he will be able to last the whole tournament. Plus, with a bit of luck, a French victory at Twickenham against a Wilkinson-led England would be even sweeter...
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For all those thinking it’s the wee Scots against the big English team
The facts speak for themselves, Scotland Team are Bigger and Heavier!
Food for thought!
Looking forward to a great game!
Av weight Eng 101. v Sco 102.5
Av Heights Eng 1.86m v Sco 1.89m
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Playing Wilkinson and Farrel is not a gamble. Lets remember everyone that this is the first game of the 6N against one of the weakest teams in the competition - if now is not the time to make a few slight experiments with the team then when will there ever be! We don't want andy funnel to become the rugby equivalent of theo walcott.
Those who are saying wilkinson is not fit, do you think he's been sitting at home eating crisps for 3 years? He is fitter and stronger then he ever was, and i wouldnt be surprised if his kicking is better either, due to the amount of practise he has had. And unless the Scots are going to bring a kidney lacerator onto the pitch, I don't see how the injury argument is valid.
Lets also not forget that if BA thinks the best way to knock the wind out of the Scots is by smashing it up the middle with two hard hitting centres, these are totally viable tactics, especially if then then speed merchants such as tait are brought on in the second half to inject to pace into the last 30 mins.
In reference to the back three, I think it is best to wait and see how they work off each other. But bear in mind that the full back is rarely under real pressure against a losing team. If Scotland are being pushed back in the forwards and by the centres, kicking the ball to the full back is not going to relieve any pressure. All that will be acheived is a dangerous Balshaw running at space, which should make for spectacular viewing.
I am really looking forward to the match - hopefully both teams play well but I am itching to see the zest in England that has been lost in recent years.
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Ashton's first choice #8 got injured, hence Corry keeping his place. I have always thought Balshaw to be an excellent specialist #15 and if he gets his form and confidence over the Scotland and Italy matches he could help provide England with the much needed pace required to take on the likes of France, Australia and New Zealand.
Whilst Farrell, Wilkinson and Tindall are all excellent players, there is a slight lack of pace about the trio. The loss of Greenwood has probably been the third big reason England have suffered in the past 2 seasons (no Wilkinson and no Johnson the others).
I am not a massive fan of Ellis, but hope he can prove me wrong. And I am glad that the pack has genuine forward rugby players rather than just brute strength and 18 stone men as in recent times.
Overall, the team probably lacks a bit of the inventiveness and quick passing of say Ireland, Wales or France in their pomp (and certainly nothing to challenge NZ) - however, Wilkinson and Farrell offer a kicking game par excellence. If they can hit form and England can dominate lineouts and scrums, the opportunity for drop goals and plenty of 3 pointer penalties is a real possibility that the inconsistency of Hodgson never offered. Throw in the fact Wilko can score from 40+ metres and over time the opposition will start to fear giving away penalties to England, and are then more likely to make mistakes.
I am a little worried about the lack of raw pace on the wings, but that's more a problem against better opposition.
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Post 146 - England are not expected to win!!!? What side of the moon are you from? Scotland havent won at Twickenham in how many years? Bookies show England as 1/6 to 1/8, or still odds on giving Scotland 12 to 14 points start. However I am hoping:)
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Can you image an All Blacks side containing a player who retired internationally 3 years ago and an ex-RL player who is well into his 30's?
The All Blacks will win the WC with a team averaging about 24 years with all of them having played rugby union since 5 years old.
That's the difference and it's a big one.
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I see that Carling is stirring things again with his comments about Wilkinson.He may have Captained England more times than any other other Captain, but to say that this sends the wrong message to Toby Flood is nonsense. Carling is, of course, the man who wanted Woodward sacked prior to the last World Cup. So much for knowledge or perceived knowledge. I'd rather listen to Rob Andrew, a man who knows Wilkinson better than anyone, who says that he is ready. Saturday's result will indicate who's talking rubbish. I believe that we are in for a big match from the Scots, ably coached by Frank Hadden, and it will be touch and go, with England just edging it.
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Carling has spent years displaying symptoms of sour grapes - perhaps because he never lifted the world cup and because since his time England have gone on to play expansive rugby instead of the 10-man game they played then. Remember how much time Rory Underwood spent as a virtual spectator? How many tries would he have scored if he'd actually been given the ball on a regular basis?
As for the message to Toby Flood, it says "Keep practising and you MIGHT get to be as good as Jonny".
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As an Irisman and Leinster supporter I think Brian Ashtons selection of Wilkinson and Farrell is seriously misguided. Wilksonson may not have any current injury but he is certainly not match fit up to 6Nations standard. 40 mins of Guinness premiership is just not long enough. I have doubts about Farrell too. Very few rugby league converts make it in Rugby Union. I can see him being serously outplayed by smart operators of the likes of O'Discoll and Darcy. Its a serious gamble which I believe will backfire when England meets Ireland, France and Wales.
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I would have played Tait at outside centre, were I England coach. I think, in terms breaking the line, Farrell and Tindall are both big lads who are going to look for the contact. Tait provides something different.
What I didn't really consider until now is the back three. Robinson and Lewsey are both reknowned for being able to break lines, being able to step past people. These days, wingers rarely stay out on the wing.
Nobody seems to be talking about the forwards. Moody finally being dropped for Lund is something that should have happened a while ago. Worsley seems to have played well, especially in the autumn, so he's been picked. Ellis - well, with Perry injured there wasn't really another choice.
As somebody has said, this is the time to put out an experimental team. Andy Robinson was too conservative - it's about time somebody tried something new.
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Some salient points made by 156 - Dean Hunt esq however, I feel that the current England squad doesn’t lack ability but confidence and therefore are right to go for Wilkinson to instil some much needed morale.
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Some salient points made by 156 - Dean Hunt esq however, I feel that the current England squad doesn’t lack ability but confidence and therefore are right to go for Wilkinson to instil some much needed morale.
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Some salient points made by 156 - Dean Hunt esq however, I feel that the current England squad doesn’t lack ability but confidence and therefore are right to go for Wilkinson to instil some much needed morale.
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to be honest Farrel is an absolute tank whose offload skills are incredible. he is the only choice for inside centre. wilkinson is an amazing player who has a knack of playing outstanding games when coming back from injury. i dont know about robinson, he hasn't been spectacular for sale. i think tait should be involved and possibly sackey.
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to be honest Farrel is an absolute tank whose offload skills are incredible. he is the only choice for inside centre. wilkinson is an amazing player who has a knack of playing outstanding games when coming back from injury. i dont know about robinson, he hasn't been spectacular for sale. i think tait should be involved and possibly sackey.
Complain about this post