Well done Blucher. You were right, and we were wrong. But that’s not the important question any more. The important question is: “Is Eddie right?”
It’s downright bizarre to discard 320 caps’ worth of experience mid way through an RWC season when the players in question are still in good form. One of them is the only experienced player in his position. Two of them have only one experienced peer in positions that are frequently substituted.
Hartley I can understand, because his knee means he’s short of fitness. Robshaw has a lot of competition (and Wilson has definitely earned a place, though I am still at a loss as to what Shields brings). Care and Eddie reportedly had a falling out - but he hasn’t given any of the possible alternatives enough game time to settle in at International level. And while I can see the case for Daly at fullback in an expansive game, against any opponent that sticks to its game plan and has a good kick chase, England now have no international fullback whose been proven in those situations, and one who has been found wanting several times.
I’ve been pretty good at guessing what Eddie is trying to do over the past four years, but this time I don’t get it.
It’s utterly bizarre. Bizzle (we really can’t) had a great season and did all the things he was said not to do (pass, run lines etc).
He should be there. But Jones made his choice - and I understand why people tried to hope that it wasn’t final, but he’s not one to change his mind.