ENGLAND SQUAD ANNOUNCED! | 6 UNCAPPED PLAYERS!

Steve Borthwick has named his 36 men for the tour to Japan and New Zealand. Who has made the cut? Who can feel most hard done by? What does the selection tell us about how England are going to play this summer?

[@HuwEvans.]

Overall it’s a good, young, promising squad. Feels like a new era for English rugby.

[@jackfrench7240]

Langdon came off in the final with injury which might be why he’s not picked

[@EggchasersRugby]

Makes more sense if that's the case

[@Rayrulesohye]

Yeah for me he was nailed on to get in

[@diggersdingo4282]

Numb arm after being steamrolled by underhill

[@rorymkirk]

Other Saints that might have been close… Pearson (needs to tidy up the discipline a bit) and Hendy (just needs to keep doing what he’s doing, won’t be long)

[@TobiasCassidy]

Yeah main miss for me was Ted Hill such a phenomenal player

[@brentpope100]

agree Hill has to be there

[@johnking2923]

Surprised at Ted Hill Omission..

[@EggchasersRugby]

Agreed!

[@henrybullock4514]

Only reason I can think Borthwick is being loyal to Roots as he’s been solid in the 6N and Prem. CCS is the obvious first choice who can be developed and probably has the highest ceiling. Also Coles can potentially cover 6.

[@jmurphy9657]

​@@henrybullock4514 Maybe so, though Root v average after the opening 6N game. Think CCS offers the size SB wants at 6 so maybe no dice for ted hill. Travesty imo

[@andrewthegraciouslordrober327]

We loom weak at tight head, but apart from that, when you look at those left behind, - Ted Hill and Malins e.g., it reminds you how strong English rugby is. I agree, I'd have put Hill in for Roots. He just appears to read a game so well.

[@Dihedrals]

I think it’s quite possible that Barbeary doesn’t get picked ever unless he works on other aspects of his game, Steve isn’t drawn to big carriers in his back row, he’s looking for dynamic runners who can contest the kick chase. He just isn’t a needed puzzle piece Steve needs to build his team, recovering a kick gains way more ground than a ball carrier can do in one game and with significantly less effort.

[@BertFlashman]

Exactly!

[@birdyboy9236]

Of course it’s only a summer tour , where inexperienced players need to get game time , but for me Daly has been hard done by , based on the season he has had . His position versatility ,goal kicking ability and experience is critical to England in those nz tests

[@ljm1894bcfc]

Feel Trevor Davison is hard done by, as with Ted Hill. Most excited to see Fin Baxter, really need some promising props !!

[@glennaston2412]

Very surprised that only 1 saints forward is in the squad. Also thought Ted Hill had done enough since coming back from injury to get a place. Overall though it’s a decent selection of experience and youth so am happy. It does highlight the paucity of choices at tight head though; a lot is resting on Opoku-Fordjour to step up and realise his early potential.

[@tcr_tiagy]

Very happy with Randall over JVP but really can't understand how Ted Hill is not in the squad. He works hard, tackles harder, great at lineout, crazy pace for a back row, great handling skills...

[@thewomble1509]

Yes, he should be a shoo in.

[@shonunezekiel]

Play Tim's game, and say who you would leave out (and, ideally, why) ;-)

[@tcr_tiagy]

​@@shonunezekiel I would leave Roots or Ben Curry out. Hill is a much more complete player, probably the most complete of England's back row. I always prefer a player that offers something unique, Roots and BC are good players but will not challenge for a starting 15.​

[@j.k.jerome2093]

Credit where it's due, happy with Randall over VPF. Didn't see that coming. Roots must train the house down, surely we have better back rowers who are English to choose from? Nothing against him but feel like he's lucky to be in tbh. Really happy for Dingwall. Seems in many analysis videos he's always portrayed as not enough of something or other but he's had a great season and deserves his chance. Ted Hill for Roots surely...surely?????

[@guyveegee]

You've said it

[@nguboyengwekaluvuyo6219]

Best rugby KZbinr 💯

[@kevindevane6175]

Watching the Northampton team play in Thomond and win with a man down this year I said "Shit! we could have a prob here" some fine English players coming through.

[@Gilescowdemdem]

Stoked for Sleightholme, Randall and Carpenter but have to feel for Barbery and Obano. They both probably had their fates sealed over the weekend going off early. Ted Hill is maybe the only other real surprise, although it's hard to see who he's picked over - Perhaps Roots but SB obviously likes his work rate around the park.

[@berjtekerian702]

Agree on feeling gutted for those 3 missing out. Well said. From a Quins point of view, Will Evans was incredible and deserved a chance. I also hoped that Murley might have done enough/be fit to play.

[@henryburton6529]

No idea why Hill isn't in. Could be our best 6. Johnny May reckons he's international winger speed. Line out height. Big strong boy.

[@brentpope100]

Agree Henry this seems a serious over sight, they need big men, look at Ireland's backrow for instance

[@kev63inuk]

Love to know the thinking over that decision Henry myself. Can only think Borthwick likes Roots more and wants to continue with his continuity plan.

[@henryburton6529]

@@kev63inuk Fine keep roots but Ben Curry has never really impressed at international level - drop him!

[@robw7676]

Hill is properly rapid. Watch the breakaway try he scored Vs Feyi-Waboso & Hodge this year

[@mjgclutch]

@@henryburton6529that’s not true.

[@KingTay4568]

Could see Borthwick going 6-2 with Furbank and Slade covering 10. Pick an extra backrower, B Curry or Dombrandt. Twindaloo vs Japan/Eddie would be tremendous. Ben would give it beans

[@user-wt4xw4bv3u]

Saw Ogre regularly at Wasps. Light but powerful, fast and great hands.

[@mhorlor]

Twindaloo - priceless dad pun. Well done!

[@jamesmilligan2797]

Id go for Smith at 10...🤔

[@sozilla]

No! I want Smith!

[@jamesmilligan2797]

@@sozilla shut up, Smiths much better!!

[@Capri42PRG]

Lunacy

[@allangriffiths9555]

Surprised by your comment about the quality of Jack van Poortvliet's box kicking! I can't think of any England scrum half who's had more box kicks charged down. He's just not quick enough at international level, and I think Borthwick's come to realise that. I know I'm biased because I'm a Bears fan, but for me, Randall is the best scrum half on the planet. He's so exciting to watch - pure box office! Otherwise, I agree with just about everything you said. Love the show. Keep up the good work.

[@mjgclutch]

On the planet?!! Is that the planet where Dupont is a sevens only player? When you say quick enough I assume you mean speed of thought. JVP is quick.

[@allangriffiths9555]

@@mjgclutch I said I was biased! LOL

[@user-hy5wd6xh3o]

Hi Tim. Still waiting for your chasing the fern reviews. You are 3 episodes behind boet. 😂😂.All of them are now available. Thanks again for a great show 🤙🇿🇦😎

[@IanGould159]

Curtis Langdon and Ted Hill, how is Oghre in ahead of him???

[@TP1988]

Maybe Langdon isn’t as physically up to test…? But Oghre is quite small, and Langdon looked ok against Leinster. Would LOVE to know what Ted Hill doesn’t have. He does spend a lot of time out wide given his speed, maybe that’s just not what he wants from a 6? Whatever it is, I’m sure he’s at least explained it to Hill, unlike some other England coaches… 👀

[@gurucartel3422]

No Ted Hill is another shocker. What does he need to do to get into the squad? Massive, quick, lineout jumper, does a lot of the gritty stuff.

[@newkasmir5759]

Big Trev left us at Newcastle, he's down in Northampton

[@EggchasersRugby]

I know. Slip of the tongue

[@JustSavageThings]

Yes absolutely. The best 15 I think too

[@jimmylovescake6813]

Randal icer JVP....common sense decision, cracking play maker.

[@agray2587]

Great squad. I would start CCS at 6 with Tom Curry on the bench. And I would be tempted to put Northmore or Roebuck on the bench instead of Steward.

[@madmoggy5098]

Yeah I’d put roebuck over steward personally

[@andrewclayton2739]

Agree with you mostly. Exciting team and hopefully a lot to look forward to! Personally would have Northmore ahead of Steward just because I don’t think stewards strengths suit the ‘new England’ but either way I’ll be wearing my rose from Aus. Time zone will suit me on this occasion!

[@flyboy970]

The Times say Langdon had a shoulder injury. Gutted for him.

[@newchannelname3395]

Flabbergasted that Langdon hasn’t been included. Not sure why Oghre has been included over him. I had hoped to see Tuima and Moon selected. We could do with another big tighthead lock to backup Martin, and with Earl starting at 8, Roots and Cunngham-South also able to cover 8, and Barbeary and Fisilau likely to break though in the next few years, its not clear if we need to still be investing in Dombrandt, so he could have been dropped to allow another locking option. I also would have gone for Pearson over Ben Curry, but appreciate its a marginal call. At scrum half I think its a massive shame we’re not going to see JVP in action. He’s a massive talent. I’m on the record as saying I think Cairns should have been the 3rd scrum half selected, but with JVP out of the picture I think the duo of Spencer and Randall is pretty good as backup to Mitchell. Not sure why Northmore and Carpenter are in the squad. At fullback the pecking order goes (1) Furbank; (2) Steward; and then arguably (3) and (4) would be Marcus Smith and Tommy Freeman, so its not clear what Carpenter adds. Similarly at 13 Northmore is unlikely to get a look-in ahead of Slade, Lawrence, & Dingwall, and might also be behind Freeman. Given we lack any specialist 12s, I would have liked to see someone like Seb Atkinson get picked, and if we dropped both Northmore and Carpenter that could allow both Tuima and Moon in in the forwards. Finally, its hard to question the selection of Tom Roebuck, but given that Roebuck, Feyi-Waboso, Freeman, and Sleightholme are all primarily 14s, I wonder if there’s an argument that Murley could have been included instead of Roebuck as he is a specialist left wing? I appreicate not many people will agree with me on this given that Freeman and Sleightholme can both do a good job at 11, but they are different roles and it is good to select specialists where possible.

[@kev63inuk]

Don’t agree altogether with your view , but you make some interesting points.

[@robertscriven602]

Northmore had been playing 12 a fair bit for Quins. I think he's being converted by Quins/England. It would be a shame as he's better at 13 (at the moment) IMHO.

[@lucacox3589]

JVP has been very good for Leicester post-injury and I know he’s not played well for England but nor did Furbank with his first chance at international level. I think he’s the best young scrum half in terms of completeness (yes I agree Spencer and Mitchell are clear) but I think he should’ve traveled as a future prospect

[@expressoevangelism80]

Generally the whole group seems to be a good mix from whom to mature together and train. As usual, I think Dombrandt is a waste of space, especially as there are so many excellent players contending for any of those 3 positions as each of them can be interchangeable. An extra centre would be my option to add to the mix. Interesting to hear you mention Henry quietly as an extra 10 option😄. I’m beginning to think people might actually read my little rants. It’s going to be an interesting series to learn from. I have no idea as to who is retained in the All Blacks selection. I seem to remember some rather sparkling new character at No 8? I’m sure they’ll have enough to keep us occupied.

[@Jjaaccoobb..]

The only changes I’d make if fitness wasn’t an issue: Marler/Rodd - Obano/Iyogun Oghre - Langdon Heyes - Davison Ewers - Chessum Roots/B.Curry - Hill/Pearson

[@williambotha5864]

Strong prediction ... if this team can test the Kiwis at home then the 2027 RWC is going to be very tight indeed!

[@johncahalane7327]

Not a hope in hell Razor is sharpening his new team it's going to be very messy, they might survive Japan but the All Blacks are a different proposition...

[@knoll9812]

Too early to call. But change is needed and borth is refreshing the teM

[@williambotha5864]

@@johncahalane7327 You can't ever write off England, they've been in the final more times than the Boks would like to remember, they're stubborn, indomitable and all they've ever needed is a decent coach ... and the Kiwis' glitter is starting to tarnish a little ... a McCaw team would have taken the Cup last year ...

[@kev63inuk]

Agree as to the team to play NZ in that first test Tim . Liked you to have a crack at naming the Japan team. Though conditions in that game may change Borthwicks thinking I still think think he will go with his strongest team . Surely his biggest aim is to win all 3 games .

[@fabianflay9907]

Randall and northmore are my favourite picks. I agree that picking Randall over JVP shows signs of englands attack evolving. Also think northmore is a great shout as I’ve seen him play 12 a few times although he’s primarily a 13 meaning it gives us a bit more balance in our centres. Disappointed about Ted Hill and abano tho as well. Although I would have like to of seen Tuima in there as well as I think that attacking game suits him really well with his offloading skills. Ewels is good but I just don’t think he is someone which will be promising for the future.

[@AllInTheGame01]

SO MUCH SPORT to keep track of this summer; Rugby Summer Tours, Euro Athletics Champs, Euro Footy Champs, Copa America, Wimbledon & Olympics! Pretty sure I'm missing something else!

[@casino3340]

Cricket test series home to West Indies & Sri Lanka.

[@AllInTheGame01]

@@casino3340 Thanks & T20 World Cup.

[@AllInTheGame01]

@@casino3340 Thanks!

[@clemfandango619]

Only the Rugby and Euros are essential watches, imo. The rest is wallpaper.

[@speleokeir]

Tour de France

[@seanmorgan1206]

Awesome effort,keep the good work up.As a kiwi it’s good to get a English perspective.

[@EggchasersRugby]

Cannot wait for the series. Do you know when Razor names his squad?

[@razza83]

@@EggchasersRugby Straight after the Super Rugby final, I want to say the Monday after

[@uniqueaerialvideoltd2863]

Whadya reckon? Lots of new faces? ​@@razza83

[@whitebear5405]

Hardest done by wothout a doubt - Ted Hill. He is actually the type of player you want to combat the Kiwi's. Right out of the Pieter Stepth Du Toit mould.

[@martinscholes2023]

Tigers fan here. JVP has looked great since his injury but no complaints at all from me at Randall coming in. Spencer is the best 9 in England, in my opinion

[@jimbo4890]

Agreed has been consistently excellent for the best part of a decade.

[@stephenb7528]

I'd have taken Ted Hill in place of Tom Curry (if only to give him more recovery time). Also Trevor Davison over Heyes or Stuart. Other than that, very happy.

[@EdLo3]

Tickled pink that both Randall and Sleighthome have made it! JVP is like-for-like with Spencer so doesn't provide a balance. Randall is the natural successor for Care and potentially even better when it comes to our running game. He could provide a genuine point of difference in our attack. Equally, to have Slieghthome who will push both Freeman and Manny in training for a starting spot. He's a breeze block of a winger and can make yards after contact. Feel really sorry for both Obano and Ted Hill. Not sure Charlie Ewels is the answer at lock but I suppose he offers another brain in the lineout and leadership where there's a big Lawes sized hole.

[@andrews1289]

If Langdon took a knock that makes sense. Ted Hill looks the real deal problem is England have had a wealth of riches in the backrow for a while now. I think its possibly less to do with the numbers on the palyers back than the overall balance. The great Courtney Lawes has been quoted saying he sees CCS as an 8. Looks like he needs to work on his fitness to be an 80 min player. I'd have liked to have seen Hill over Roots who I see as a good solid premiership standard and no more. Also surprised to see Steward in. I see him as a special teams type player a la the RWC semi final if its lashing it down. He's still young though so can hopefully add more to his game.

[@kev63inuk]

Yeah agree. Freddie got a great attitude and lots of growth in his game. Think he deserves his place on tour , though I do Love George Hendy.

[@andreemurray7039]

A fresh faces in the squad hopetom curry is fit and not get injured I do agree about root has not shone for me

[@hggvcv3085]

I think like you that Ted Hill is a giant amongst back rowers England need him in the squad

[@iLovettGolf]

A best of the (English) Prem players packing down with the Saints back line with slade @ 13 would be really interesting to watch 🔥

[@tomallen9377]

Great channel! Good squad! I would have had tuima over ewels because tuima is the future at lock along with martins and chessum. Pleased for Randall but also feel sorry for obano and Barbary. Prefer barbs to dombrandt

[@jstone5239]

Yeh I would have also dropped Roots for Ted Hill

[@thewomble1509]

Ted Hill and Tom Pearson are both better that Roots and C-Cunningham South right now.

[@charley3707]

@@thewomble1509Ethan roots yes, ccs no

[@henrymilleruk100]

Lovely team - and importantly lots of exciting players not in (which is only a good problem to have reeaally) props and centres are a bit light in terms of depth but there are a few younger players emerging in those areas with another season or two could be ready to step up

[@GBNE-kh1fs]

Hill definitely hardest done by - he's been ace this season

[@BoulderAndy]

Nom massive surprises for me I don’t think anyone in that list doesn’t deserve to be there, I’m looking for to seeing this young group go and get stuck in

[@jamesmilligan2797]

Currys - 'Twindleoo', nice 😂 Wld it be crazy to put Earl or another back rower at 12??

[@24hr_rugby_jake]

Yes

[@natsmithrugby5518]

Madness

[@jamesmilligan2797]

@@24hr_rugby_jake ok cheers

[@jamesmilligan2797]

@@natsmithrugby5518 👍🏻

[@jamess3408]

I would like to have seen Beno and Hill in there!

[@fraserposford144]

The Randall selection says to me that Borthwick is prepared to build this team around Marcus Smith, especially when Dombrandt has gotten in ahead of Barbeary and other competitors. Whether either Dombrandt or Randall actually see the field this tournament remains to be seen but everyone who's ahead of them in selection should also work well with Smith.

[@callumnotman5145]

If Beno Obano would make the switch to tighthead (even if it took him 2 years), he could be quality and hard to replace.

[@adamwhittington4399]

Zach mercer, I understand there is some argy bargy there. Also back row is our most stacked area. Also Curtis Langdon. Best hooker in the league this season So happy for Sleights so deadly. And ben Spencer should have 40 plus caps by now

[@brentpope100]

Ted Hill was a must for me, he has the size to be a great No 6, extra height at the line-out, bulk and speed. Huge mistake. Barberry, Hills, Willis not a bad alternative

[@jackdixon418]

If that team you put at the end is the team I’ll be very happen and be a brilliant watch

[@jamesbelshaw4926]

Definitely think take Hill over Roots. I think not taking JVP is harsh but hes only played a handful of games post injury. He made a significant inpact for Tigers since hes been back. Hopefully this means Tigers will be better next season as JVP will have a point to prove

[@gurucartel3422]

No Curtis Langdon is a shocker. At least to be part of the squad and get a good look at him

[@kevinbaxter7390]

Meself I look out for Back Row monsters,we 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 blessed! That’s a Wordly 7 ! If Ben C Red Carded he can start next game as Tom C unless both are picked. #twins 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Langdon if Fit reminds me Shalk Brits all around game.👍

[@zkavess7294]

Are there still rules around how many changes the England coach may make every tour/year? There certainly used to be under previous coaches. Wonder if that's played into some of the decisions? On Roots specifically, I don't mind him staying on even though I think T Hill is probably better. Not much thinking has changed since the 6Ns and Roots was decent in that. Roots has the tour to restate why he's one of the best choices at 6. If he fails we'll see someone like Hill in the autumn or next years 6Ns. And Hill has had some injuries this season and recently - a summer break to check how he's going in that respect won't do him harm.

[@kev63inuk]

Good points 👍

[@speleokeir]

Ogher is an interesting choice considering he's second choice to Harry Thacker at Bristol. Thacker's recent injury record has probably kept him out and/or his small size. He was Bristol's top try scorer and has a 95% accuracy in the lineout, the best in the Premiership, so deserves a call up when fully fit.

[@akawd41]

Lucky to get in donbrant, unlucky to miss out rusi tuima

[@feliscorax]

George Ford. The man finally has a chance to get out from under Owen Farrell’s shadow and show what he can really do pulling the strings behind a pack able to win him some go-forward only to pick up an injury and risk being sidelined for what remains of his career by the two most promising flyhalf prospects from England’s next generation of players. Shakespeare himself couldn’t write a better script if he was looking to create a character to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous (mis)fortune.

[@feliscorax]

Otherwise than the above, isn’t this an exciting squad selection? Credit to Steve Borthwick and coy. for this selection: it’s certainly positive and focussed on growing England’s future potential towards the next RWC. Awesome stuff.

[@nickkitchen8944]

Agree with your three unluckiest players. Broadly agree on your team, though I'd bring CCS in at 6, Underhill to the bench; swap the Smiths to have Fin starting; and would start Slieghtholme, Freeman to 23.

[@bensummers6211]

What's the latest on global calendar? Seems odd to schedule japan match so soon after prem final, if this makes it harder for players who competed in the final to force their way into the 23 v Japan?

[@euanwalters8246]

Minor point but whenever Curry and Underhill have played in the backrow together before Underhill has played at blindside and Curry has played at openside.

[@fraserposford144]

I wouldn't drop Freddie Steward but I would move him to 12 ASAP. He has all the attributes to be an excellent ball carrying centre with a defensive leader outside him at 13. Just a question of whether, he, Borthwick and Leicester are willing to take the gamble. I don't rate him as a top international fullback anymore, his lack of pace has been exposed in the open spaces and although Furbank is a little erratic, I'd much rather have him for the flair he provides rather than not selecting him because of his weaknesses, he needs a run of games to work on those at the top level.

[@mikedellar5653]

….but he couldn’t tackle a crossword!

[@mlguy8376]

@@mikedellar5653I think he can tackle - but lacks the international speed to get to the player to make a tackle, and his positioning. But attacking Furbank is better because he has the speed and glide to get through the broken line.

[@andrewharris1837]

Good squad,still think we will be killed in the scrums against AB's but the breakdown should be interest with this back row😊

[@henryburton6529]

Completely forgot - thankfully i'm subscribed to Eggchasers

[@wrightyy]

Timbo, Alex Mitchell is the best English broken field scrum half.

[@tiekumark]

I picked the same three as hard done by. For me Ted HILL over roots all day!!! plus Hill is another line out option. I really feel for Beno and Langdon

[@nathanlewis3034]

I think Beno missed out because of his card but gutted for Ted Hill and Curtis Langdon, what more can you do!! 😂 Not a bad squad though, I hope Lawrence gets a shot at 13 against Japan with Dingwall inside him

[@matthewrollo8732]

Do we not still have a problem in the second row if we get injuries, with Itoje only able to play one match?

[@beneardley8875]

Any merit in converting Ted Hill to a hard running IC? ;-)

[@Greg-ql8yt]

Heard your comments about Marcus over Finn. I feel for England to truly step forward club connections might be the difference. Nice squad overall but lacks quality and depth (understandable given injuries and departures). Not sure why carrying MI as only has ~90 mins of rugby left this year. Think they should have been bolder in the front row selection to build experience….

[@fabianflay9907]

Also does anyone know where the Japan game will be streamed?

[@darthmong7196]

I'd swap Hill in for Tom Curry - does he need to play? I'd give him more recovery before rushing him back in. That can only be goof long-term. Langdon has had a an awesome season - I'm just wondering if SB has seen something in the tight that needs work.

[@tallshort1849]

The sides starting to pick itself

[@hithere3035]

What happened to Pepper? didn't he get selected initially before the final? i know he should be one for the future only being 21 years old and i know it's early to say but i really think he could be one of Englands best ever players. I think his potential is massibve. He probably need another season or 2 and now he's at Bath i think that's going to elevate him to a new level.

[@rorymkirk]

Lots of speculating around that Langdon is injured, he picked up that monster stinger in the final and it could be more serious than initially though… otherwise no question Oghre over Langdon is a weird choice. Davison probably warranted a pick too alas. Not sure why Steward is going. Only to cover 15 if Furbs has to go 10 for any reason.

Ted hill hard done bye. Has 100% deserved his chance. His speed is a point of difference and a great line out option. Roots is lucky (from an Exeter fan). Not because he has been bad, but Hill has deserved it more. Would also like to have seen Will Murr given a shot. Seems a very Bothwick player. Chases everything, great under the high ball and power in abundance. But to be fair we have a lot of options in this area. I personally would have left Steward at home (Considering we have Furebank and carpenter - Smith as back up)

[@ericdavison6186]

Ribbans at lock is a shame. At the back of my mind is injuries, the queue of replacements is good. Who do you think the spine of the starting 15 are?

[@dgoodall]

There’s not one premiership team who would pick Roots over Hill

[@mr_no_onee738]

I can't imagine Steward getting in the 23, think Borthwick will pick a reserve wing, probably Roebuck, to utilize Freeman's versatility if need be. Could also completely see a 6-2 Split occurring with Furbank covering 10 from fullback, I think at that point Steward would end up on the bench to cover back three as well. Pretty sure Itoje can only play one more game though so would you save him for the last test in case we need him?

[@neilbathe7752]

I would have no Marler, George, Cole, Maro (?) or Dombrandt (?). My opinion, prove me wrong :) This needs to be used as a rebuilding tour, and I cannot see the 5 ageing players improving before the next WC. They are great players but I cannot see them improving over what we already know they can do...

[@tim73639]

Tough on Hill, I had him down as a starter. After the final I'd go with Spencer over Mitchell to start, just seems to be more composed and capable of imposing his game.

[@marktucker7976]

Hill for Roots definitely

[@noelcusack8770]

Tim 👍

[@kelvynblue]

Obano I get if he is banned, Langdon must be injured, would have taken Davison ahead of Stuart even if to build a bit of depth, Hill has been miles ahead of Roots. Gutted for Pearson aswell. In the backs it's pretty much spot on although we are still lacking at 12, I like the back 3 but still gutted for Will Muir who has had a great season.

[@Bpt8825]

Looks good however cannot understand the following as surely: Langdon over Oghre Davison over Stuart Ted Hill over Roots Barbeary over Dombrandt Baxter, George, Heyes Itoje, Martin Coles, Earl, Underhill Mitchell, Fin Smith Freeman,Slade Roebuck, Carpenter, Feyi-Waboso Bench: Rodd, Dan, Cole, Dombrandt, T Curry, Spencer, M Smith, Sleightholme

[@newchannelname3395]

you're mad! Freeman's never a 12

[@24hr_rugby_jake]

That team is absolutely diabolical mate 😂😂

[@nickrad6966]

Poor team

[@newchannelname3395]

@@24hr_rugby_jake I really hoped he was just meaning this to be for the warmup test v Japan, in which case (Freeman being played out of position aside) its not a bad lineup. But if he thinks this should be the team v NZ then he needs professional help

[@HeidiLandRover]

Ecky thump!

[@NickWarne-bx3kv]

Would have had Ted Hill over Roots and Tuima over Ewels. I’ve read Langdon is injured, maybe he shoulder stinger from the weekend, but he’s been excellent and would have been my choice over Oghre.

[@JohnRidley12]

Surprised I'm saying this, but Ewels has been quality and deserves his place. Tuima is a top prospect, maybe a big pre-season away from being a contender at 4?

[@chrismoyse3529]

Ted Hill. Beno Obano (not available possibly?) Big omissions for me

[@user-rs2wc1vy4l]

Gabriel Oghre!

[@eoin8156]

Usually NZ are under very little pressure in these home series because they never lose them and the coach can usually experiment a bit. I think after nz lost the last home series there’s huge pressure now on razor to show that was a blip and go all out. Any ideas when the all blacks squad is out ?

[@brucefale6132]

Day after SR final