Only one way to find out, start him against Oz.

If nothing else it will send a clear message to the squad that Form will pick itself.

Picking on form Crabtree will be in the 17. The decision on whether to start him or not should be based on him being more effective as an impact prop off the bench. It says nothing about him being either a better player or in better form than the two props who will start.

Indeed, RL is not a 13 man game any more

I don't understand why you can't have an impact from the start, then interchange. TS knows England needs a good start.

but impact isn't much use if you are already 20 points down! Seems silly to have the best two forwards sat on the bench then having to bring them on to play catch up.

That's a different problem though. Playing someone out of position (starting an impact prop) to try and fix it isn't a good solution.

Given that we actually have a good set of props the problem is that they weren't they as effective as you'd hope in the first 20 minutes. Personally I'd be looking at the decision to start an impact hooker (again, out of position) who isn't particularly known for his distribution skills.

we weren't 20 points down because of the pack. Our packs stats are better than the Aussie pack stats. They threw it wide and our backs couldnt cope.

not that simple its a team game. the backs rely on players on the inside not leaving them exposed.