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Interesting. Will Collier really isn't a great scrummaging tight head either. I think Sinckler is the best we have available. Agree re Marler, but I think have to assume that's covid related. Isiekwe is playing well at the moment but as the only real alternative is Ewells I can see why he gets it. Another bad time for Launchbury to be injured.
Dombrandt and Simmons both on fire, I would personally have been tempted to pick both (Simmons at 6) but Ludlam has played well for England and probably deserves this start. Hope to see Barbeary against Italy...
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I agree Launchbury is a big miss. Collier has looked pretty good this season scrum time in the Quins games I've seen (admittedly not all of them). Arguably Cole has been the best 3 this season but it doesn't make any sense to bring him back.
It's odd though for the tight 5 to be a weakness of England, it was always their bread and butter. Proudfoot hasn't exactly enhanced his reputation since joining the coaching staff.
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(Simmons at 6)
My only issue there is that I think playing at 6 would negate a lot of Simmonds strengths, things like picking up from the base, where has been pretty devastating this season.
To be fair on the locks, we are missing Hill, Lawes and Launchbury, all three would be missed by most teams (with the exception of Ireland probably, who seem to breed them for fun.)
Saffronspokes
Sam_w
Sinkler is not an international standard scrummager and is only really good for a 2o minute cameo when/if the game becomes loose. Genge is also not dominant scrum time, I'd have gone Marler and Collier. There's an obsession with 'ball playing' props but you just need to nail that set piece.
Isiekwe is too lightweight at test level especially alongside Itoje (who's not huge by international lock standards).
I'd have gone Dombrandt over Simmons and Barbeary over Ludlam in the backrow. The Scots will fancy their chances!