His return didn't really work out tbf. Limped off a bit. I'm guessing Launchbury-Attwood with Slater on the bench. Back row is a struggle. Gibson? Ewers maybe? Ward will 100% be starting hooker imo.
I 'spec Tom Johnson will probably be starting in the earlier games. I'm a big fan of his at club level but not sure he's got the size and power at international level. Does a good line in Croft-like wing play mind you.
Lancaster said that if Webber fails his fitness test an untested Hooker will get a go. LCD for at least the bench?!
No Tait? Man. With Brown potentially busted and Foden and Goode unavailable until the second test I'd thought he was a shoo in for a squad of this size. Still think he's one of the best open play runners we have.
George Ford's off the tour as he's having an operation over the summer. Who's next? Charlie Hodgson? I'll be keeping my boots clean just in case.
Didn't we confirm that months ago? He'll be on the bench anyway if Williams can continue as he has this season. Ghiraldini a good signing though.
Agree Ghiraldini is a smart signing, and Barbieri is a step up from Waldrom too afaic. Burns was c'd to be leaving Gloucester but it wasn't announced where. I gathered we were interested but thought that after he'd been dropped for half a season and Williams rose into a genuine top class player that we'd save some money and avoid Burns.
Williams' inexperience makes a big difference compared to Biggar, the latter makes better decisions IMO. But I think he could be a fair bit better in a few years.
Personally I wouldn't swap Ford, Slade and (admittedly last year's model) Burns + Cipriani and Farrell for Wales' current crop. One of the others really needs to start pushing Farrell though.
Maybe not... and tbf i don't have nay knowledge of the welsh domestic game. But Burns has had a nightmare season, Slade is incredibly raw and there are no words that can describe the way i feel about Cipriani
Cipriani didn't impress me when he was playing for England some years ago. Had a huge rep at the time too.