England squad named

[Puja]

I thought it was universally acknowledged that if you're shorter than 5'10" you're only allowed to play scrum-half and perhaps hooker.

No, we're not allowed short hookers anymore. If they're shorter than 6'2, then any scrum problems instantly become their fault for being "underpowered".

Puja

[Digby]

Was the charge of being an underpowered hooker leveled at Tom Youngs? It would have been against Mears, it is against Thacker, not sure about Youngs though

[Puja]

Was the charge of being an underpowered hooker leveled at Tom Youngs? It would have been against Mears, it is against Thacker, not sure about Youngs though

Oh yeah. Despite him being roughly square-shaped, he was blamed for any and all England scrum issues because he was a few inches shorter than Hartley and thus a weaker scrummager. Do you not remember him being the sole reason our scrum was crap in the RWC?

Puja

[oldbackrow]

Yes, it was the argument for keeping Hartley as starter even though he was making negative yards on carries, under 5 tackles and avoiding rucks. (although Toms lineouts were also a big issue!)

[Mellsblue]

I thought it was universally acknowledged that if you're shorter than 5'10" you're only allowed to play scrum-half and perhaps hooker.

Is 5'10" not within jngf's openside parameters?

[Which Tyler]

Stick Ford there.

I'm amazed it doesn't come up more as an idea. It's nice that it doesn't, but it does surprise me

The suggestion was made on occassion during age-grade rugby (including by myself; with a view to making him a French-style 9/10); but he's so good at FH, why would you seriously look to move him?
I wouldn't move anyone TO scrum half after the age of about 18 though; it's just too difficult a transition to make.

[Banquo]

Dunno if mentioned before, but Eddie says he picked Solomona over Yarde based on try scoring ability- 'we want a try scorer on the right wing'. Read into that what you will, if anything

[Raggs]

He wasn't thinking that way when Solomona wasn't in the picture but Wade was.

I think Yarde's recent discipline issues may be a factor too.

[Mellsblue]

Stick Ford there.

I'm amazed it doesn't come up more as an idea. It's nice that it doesn't, but it does surprise me

The suggestion was made on occassion during age-grade rugby (including by myself; with a view to making him a French-style 9/10); but he's so good at FH, why would you seriously look to move him?
I wouldn't move anyone TO scrum half after the age of about 18 though; it's just too difficult a transition to make.

Chris Cook did and he's making a decent fist of the position at Prem level. I think Robson made the move pretty late, too.

[Banquo]

He wasn't thinking that way when Solomona wasn't in the picture but Wade was.

I think Yarde's recent discipline issues may be a factor too.

Tru dat, but that was his almost verbatim quote when asked.

Wade should have had opportunity, but it seems he is out whilst Eddie is there.

[Stom]

Its hardly a great plan, really. If one gets injured in training, which can happen , what then?

Foden?

Maro Itoje more likely.

You mean Mauro Itoje?

[Banquo]

Foden?

Maro Itoje more likely.

You mean Mauro Itoje?

perzackly

[Mellsblue]

He wasn't thinking that way when Solomona wasn't in the picture but Wade was.

I think Yarde's recent discipline issues may be a factor too.

I think Wade's size will always count against him. Solomona obviously has his disciplinary issues as well and his were in the England camp. If for nothing more than disciplinary reason, I'd have liked him to at least miss the AI's.
Jones obviously likes the cut of his jib (or whatever the Samoan version of this saying is). I'm not sure many others would've survived the comedically bad defensive horror show in Argentina and an all nighter in camp and still come straight back in.

[Raggs]

I'm amazed it doesn't come up more as an idea. It's nice that it doesn't, but it does surprise me

The suggestion was made on occassion during age-grade rugby (including by myself; with a view to making him a French-style 9/10); but he's so good at FH, why would you seriously look to move him?
I wouldn't move anyone TO scrum half after the age of about 18 though; it's just too difficult a transition to make.

Chris Cook did and he's making a decent fist of the position at Prem level. I think Robson made the move pretty late, too.

Dan Robson switched between a few positions at a young age, but scrum half was included. His dad was also a decent level scrum half (england B, so I guess Saxons), so I suspect he knew what he was doing from a young age.

[Digby]

Dunno if mentioned before, but Eddie says he picked Solomona over Yarde based on try scoring ability- 'we want a try scorer on the right wing'. Read into that what you will, if anything

Right wing being where Nowell normally plays, yes, well, okay then

[Digby]

He wasn't thinking that way when Solomona wasn't in the picture but Wade was.

I think Yarde's recent discipline issues may be a factor too.

I think Wade's size will always count against him. Solomona obviously has his disciplinary issues as well and his were in the England camp. If for nothing more than disciplinary reason, I'd have liked him to at least miss the AI's.
Jones obviously likes the cut of his jib (or whatever the Samoan version of this saying is). I'm not sure many others would've survived the comedically bad defensive horror show in Argentina and an all nighter in camp and still come straight back in.

What stood out to me wasn't the defence, rather it was the try he scored, that was a wow moment.

[Raggs]

So what we're reading into it, is that Eddie will pretty much just say anything to give the press a simple answer and get them to leave him alone.

[Mellsblue]

So what we're reading into it, is that Eddie will pretty much just say anything to give the press a simple answer and get them to leave him alone.

This is the only point of view this board will unanimously agree to.

[Which Tyler]

Chris Cook did and he's making a decent fist of the position at Prem level. I think Robson made the move pretty late, too.

Both were certainly scrum halves by U20s level (IIRC usually Cook starting, Robson benching).
I was unaware that Cook had ever played anywhere else (excepting by injury requirement) - was certainly a SH through Bath academy (starting aged 18)and various DR deals.
Robson I was aware had moved about - but my memory still suggests he'd settled on SH by U20 RWC

[Raggs]

So what we're reading into it, is that Eddie will pretty much just say anything to give the press a simple answer and get them to leave him alone.

This is the only point of view this board will unanimously agree to.

Getting universal agreement is why I'm king of the universe, it's not a job they give to just anybody!

[Digby]

So what we're reading into it, is that Eddie will pretty much just say anything to give the press a simple answer and get them to leave him alone.

This is the only point of view this board will unanimously agree to.

Getting universal agreement is why I'm king of the universe, it's not a job they give to just anybody!

I've noticed the outbreak of peace in your neighbourhood with interest, congrats.

[Digby]

Was the charge of being an underpowered hooker leveled at Tom Youngs? It would have been against Mears, it is against Thacker, not sure about Youngs though

Oh yeah. Despite him being roughly square-shaped, he was blamed for any and all England scrum issues because he was a few inches shorter than Hartley and thus a weaker scrummager. Do you not remember him being the sole reason our scrum was crap in the RWC?

Puja

I remember people noting Hartley was/is the stronger force in the scrum, but I don't recall that being based on Youngs' height. One of the very things Youngs tends to put people in mind of is that he's a powerful player.

[Mellsblue]

Chris Cook did and he's making a decent fist of the position at Prem level. I think Robson made the move pretty late, too.

Both were certainly scrum halves by U20s level.
I was unaware that Cook had ever played anywhere else (excepting by injury requirement) - was certainly a SH through Bath academy and various DR deals.
Robson I was aware had moved about - but my memory still suggests he'd settled on SH by U20 RWC

IIRC, Cook moved at u19. Which is after your 18yo cut off. Granted it's about the only example I can think of at the top level but I've been stuck in the office all afternoon and I'm feeling contrary.

[Which Tyler]

Well, at 19 yoa, he was playing SH for England U20 (and Bath academy); at the same time as Robson was 18 yoa, playing SH for England U20.
Quite honestly though, very few players appear on my radar before they reach U20 level. I don't recall any talk of Cook converting to SH on joining Bath, though it is possible.

Either way; I'm saying I wouldn't advise it; not that it's impossible and has never happened.

ETA:
On Cook - his England U18 profile lists him as a scrum half; as did his SW U18 profile aged 17
On Robson - I've found an interview with him aged 18 being "equally comfortable with playing him at scrum-half and fly-half"

[morepork]

That midfield looks....messy.

Best you keep it that way.