i've a spare golfing brolly that all you away fans can borrow if you like?

I was critical of Crabtree's inclusion over Carvell in last years internationals, but I'm glad to say he impressed me. Its nice if your 4th choice prop has a bit more wow than the other three grafters for coming on against tired defences.

I was suprised at Scruton's inclusion, I think he's pretty good, but there's pleanty better in SL, including Mace the Ace and other guys like (for instance) Paul Wood and Andy Coley.

Lynch is a superb player and should be involved in the international set-up infront of most of the names mentioned above. However he has been struggling with a leg/thigh/hamstring injury which I can only think is the reason Crapbanana's left him out (especially given the inclusion of his inferior team mate).

I'd say tonight is an interesting night for the likes of Mason and Crabtree to prove themselves. Saints away is a tough fixture, but we're really going to be struggling with Graham (who make half our yards) and Roby (who makes half our tackles) misssing. We're still missing Wilkin and Soliola from the back row and Flannery has been filling in in the centre. You [ishould[/i blast us up front with your more formidable pack.

Just in reference to Scuton - I see McNamara has made him 18th man and therefore will play with 3 props and a fairly light bench. I wonder if this is because he has one eye on the Bradfords game against Crusaders and this way Scuton can play for Bradford?

You cynic you!

I don't know, its a fairly big pack with Burgess in the backrow and Westwood on the bench. I'll not worry about it sorting the frogs out.

Lets face it, chances are England juniors could turn over the France team being put out tomorrow, so depleted by injury they are, so our forwards wont be an issue.

As for forwards England has always done well in the pack, and in recent years has, imo, the best pack in the world and absolute masses of depth, the fact we can have this debate about which or maybe 6 or 7 props are the best choices pays testamant to that I think.

where we fall down is the backs and halfbacks though, only time will tell if the new crop (and I include Brown in that) can match the efforts of the forwards.