Manu Tuilagi

Missing the World Cup FFS!!!

The guy should be looking at a stretch IMO

Hi there,

This is clearly very disappointing, whilst Tuilagi had had a few daft moments in the past - jumping off the ferry, the bunny ears behind David Cameron - they could have been written off as fun or just a bit silly.

This, however, is much more serious and one can only hope it will serve as due warning to him, as regards the punishment, none of us know the full detail over what happened and thats best left to the law to sort out. On England I think Lancaster has got it right, he's served clear notice to Tuilagi, but given him the chance to reform, its now in Tuilagi's court.

The effect on England will be hard to tell, it clearly costs possibly England's most outstanding individual talent, a player with that vital X factor, however, it migth be a positive overall, in bringing greater cohesion to the team. Joseph has been outstanding this year and whilst he does not have the raw power his distribution of the ball is better.

Some have question the inside centre issue, but I think England are pretty strong here with Burrell, Barritt, Farrell, Twelvetrees and Eastmond all as good options. Essentially you can select a player here dependent on the opposition, for more physical sides - South Africa, France - go for Barritt with his tackling and defensive strengths. For less physical but more tactical go for Twelvetrees or Farrell whose tactical kicking will give England options and for real fast play go for Eastmond alongside Ford and Joseph.

I don't think Burgess will make it at 12, tactically its not suited him so he's now at flanker with Bath but with Robshaw, Wood, Croft, Haskell, Kvesic et al ahead of him I don't think he'll get a spot there. Its the right thing to have him in the big squad, but I think its just too soon for him yet at international level, and perhaps club level too.

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I think thats the right choice, similarly for players like Itoje and Cowan-Dickie, whilst I wouldn't see them making the 31 player squad, it gives them the chance to develop and gain familiarity with possible future team mates.

Nice to see Chris Ashton back too, likewise David Strettle. Good to see the likes of Launchbury and Morgan back too

50 names, but not a surprise among them really. No wildcard youngster being told, Go on young man, show us your moves.

I think that's a bit harsh, there are 7 uncapped players in the 50 after all

SARS

OK, Itoje is uncapped, but hardly a surprise. And can you imagine the clamour if Burgess (the new Andy Farrell) hadn't been picked?

Please tell me who are the surprise picks.

Itoje is a legend in the making, I can see him getting in the match day 23 for the WC. As for Burgess, nope, and I have seen him play alot.

Btw Show, the mercenaries gave you a right seeing to last weekend didn't they.

Demus

I refer you to the answer I gave SARS some days ago. I couldn't give a ratsarse what happens in the Moneybags end of season nonsense.

You may even remember me saying last year that Sarries were champions. In the past I have, through very gritted teeth, acknowledged Tigers as champions when Sarries got given the trophy. Saints are champions this year, end of, just like I predicted at the start. I also predicted Glasgow would prevail.

As for the weekend, I couldn't believe, apart from Wood, how many of our big players just didn't show up as they should. Lawes was strangely quiet and Manoa went out with a whimper. Pity, since he has been awesome for 3 seasons.

As for the final, like I say, I couldn't give a ratsarse who wins, but good luck to your boys,

Yeah was strange and I agree manoa been superb for a long time. You will miss him next year big time. Looking forward to the weekend, should be a good game.