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Maybe Jones is scared for Ford's defence
This is an argument I have made in the past. But the more I have seen of the two, the more I have changed my view. Ford might not be the biggest, but he stays in the fight, slowing up the runner for his back row (or others) to complete the tackle. Farrell, complaints about no arms blah-blah aside, either makes the initial tackle or acts like a turnstile - there is no middle ground. I am actually more wary of his frailties in defence than Ford's.
Slade wasn't completely fit during his previous outing in the group stages. But he has all the skills. Unfortunately,we've yet to see his best at international level - seems like something in the top 5 inches. Hope he proves me wrong.
Joseph unlucky, his marshaling of the outside defence from 13 is excellent and he's a real threat to the line also. Maybe lacks the kicking game of Slade, which is where I think Eddie is going with this. Also, I think we will see England mixing up the first receiver with Slade and Farrell (and Mako and Sinckler), on occasion pushing Tuilagi into the 13 channel to attack the young lad for Aus.
But I'm an ex-hooker; what do I know about back play?
c00ps-
I wasn't questioning Ford's intentions in defence, I was never thinking he was scared or anything when I saw him play, far from it, but more in his physique that might lead (rightly or not) Jones to think he needs "topher" players.
It's one thing that has been bothering me for quite some time, many players are disregarded because they seem to be lacking physical aptitude or anything, but Rugby value shouldn't be dictated by who's the biggest or anything like that, you can always adapt your system to protect a player. I think Australia did something sismilar to protect Giteau last world cup with switching players in defense with Hooper at 10 and Ashley-Cooper who is bigger closer to him, and placing Giteau or Foley (can't remember) on the inside wing.
If you take the example of Kolbe, he is definitely ridiculous compared to someone like Etzebeth, Whitelock, or even Tuilagi, but good luck catching him and I am certain that any player attacking against him will try going straight through him, which is the most incredible way of letting someone defend easily (maybe it will be difficult in terms of impact etc., but defending a player going straight through you is easy compared to one that is trying to go past you avoiding contact) -
I agree entirely re Ford is a far more capable and brave defender than, say, Cipriani, and you don't need to hide him in the same way, but he does tend to go backwards and doesn't bring an aggressive defensive game. I heard someone argue once that Farrell's rush defence (with consequent missed tackles) was a specific game plan and when he goes it's when he knows there is cover behind him and he's trying to make the dominant hit/stop a move at source. From memory I don't feel like many of his missed tackles have led to clean line breaks but I may well be misremembering...
RE Slade - I agree - I'm sure he's in for his kicking and distribution, we need to get the ball to the back three and having Slade standing at 12/13 makes that more likely. I would also expect a lot of big runners coming off Slade's inside shoulder to target their young 13. He hasn't quite shown his Exeter form at international yet, although he stepped up this 6 nations in partnership with Manu, was immense in that performance against Ireland so hopefully he can bring that form into the world cup now...
paulbiche
owl
Did not follow carefully the pool games of England, but was under the impression that Ford was installed on 10, and Farell on 12 ; now Farell is back on 10 and Slade on 13. Did Slade play during pool stage?
I think Slade is a very good option but isn't it risky to move Farell constantly between 10 and 12 despite his competence, and mostly to install Slade if he hasn't play much? If they 10-12-13 association are on the same page, England's lineup is pretty scary I must say because the pack seem already very strong and backline combine kicking, high impact, and good speed overall.
Maybe Jones is scared for Ford's defence if he's got to defend against Kerevi, Koroibete etc. or if he's under pressure with Hooper and Pocock? Australia is pretty unpredictable so it will be interesting.