Originally Posted by MeicY:
“15: Hook - Halfpenny
14: Stoddart - Cuthbert
11: Shane - North
10: S Jones - Priestland
8: Powell - Faletau
”
Five of Englands pack had 3 caps or fewer at the start of yesterdays game.
The half backs and centres totalled 12 starts between them.
All bar one of these nine were playing their first international at Twickenham.
And England did not play 'above par'.
They played like a team that has been rebuilt, been together for 3 weeks, set in place a good defensive system and are starting to gel in attack (having played their first two matches in poor weather/pitch conditions).
There were no expectations for this 6 Nations but some of the criticism by the likes of Stuart Barnes (no shock) have been stupid. Brian Moore, always a better judge, had it right in his article during the week when he observed that such a new team always take time to find their identity, especially in attack.
I like the front row - and there will be Marler to add before long (an incredible passer for a prop and strong all round), a little more depth at hooker would be handy.
Botha looks good and with Lawes fit that should be fine for a while.
I've thought for a while that Robshaw was a poor mans Richard Hill (mind you, that's still darn good), Morgan looks good and Croft is one of those criticised if he's not brilliant in one poarticular area but the whole package is overlooked.
Youngs will get his form back and with Dickson, Care, Simpson etc theres great depth. Same at 10 (don't be shocked to see Freddie Burns in before so long with Farrell sliding back to 12 - and Billy Twelvetrees ain;t that far behind Farrell for me).
Tuilagi is a tank, again one with more skill than hes given credit for - and Turner-Hall would impress if given a run.
Even with Ashton slightly out of form the back 3 are fine - and there;s good young depth around.
Lancaster will likely be more aware of the background players in the Saxons and U20s as well.
Too many fans are not patient - if the team and managemnet are they'll be fine.