Dombrandt isn't the next cab off the rank in some ways, taking a non Quins view out of it many have thought he's had a chance and not taken his opportunity (Only quins fans seem to argue the points above as a defence for including him). If the change in approach with SB etc is deemed to benefit Alex then he should be in the England 6n squad rather than the A team also, as I'm not sure what's gained from playing him with players he in theory won't be really lining up with, or have the same Borthwick mentality applied.

I suppose I was defining "next cab off the rank" as any player who is waiting in the wings for an injury or suspension to grant them an opportunity to step up into the main England squad. Clearly this A team is a bunch of players Borthwick would look to bring in if and when required - or if their form demands that they break into the main squad. In that sense, we can assume that Dombrandt has not been exiled entirely as a result of his previous international form and is still on the periphery of Borthwick's plans.

while I do love Kenningham he is absolutely not Underhill in physicality terms and Dombrandt has very rarely shone at international level, whereas Earl has been magnificent for England & the Lions.

That's why I say you need a different gameplan. Neither of them work well with England's current gameplan. But they are both fast, good with ball in hand, and excellent at turnovers, which neither Earl nor Underhill specialise in.

I'd expect them to get hammered. I think it's closer in the outside backs and some of those guys aren't a milion miles away from selection, although Ford/Smith/Smith are streets ahead of Searle and Bailey is significantly worse than Dingwall or Ojomoh or Lawrence (or Atkinson, or Farrell!). But that front 5 is miles off the main team, and while I do love Kenningham he is absolutely not Underhill in physicality terms and Dombrandt has very rarely shone at international level, whereas Earl has been magnificent for England & the Lions. Roots is Curry without the pace or talent, Pepper is twice the player he is.

You could argue that Tuipulotu is as good on the bench as LCD. You could argue it, and I can't stop you from doing it, but I can't see how it's even remotely true. LCD is an absolute monster of an international player. Tuipulotu is still trying to prove he's worth of a starting shirt at club level. Fasogbon has had a chastening season and Davison has been very good for Saints. And then you look at the fact that England has Itoje, Pollock, and Tom Curry waiting to come on...

Hendy's a fine player, mind, and I think the 'A' team has two better fullbacks than England's senior team has.

Even more unpopular opinion: Dombrandt's "plenty of chances" (which I don't disagree with in terms of numbers) all came under crappy management, with an even crappier game plan - thus setting him up to fail. Now England are gradually finding some fluidity and expanding their attacking game, maybe it's time for a few more chances as the next cab off the rank if and when required. I for one haven't given up on him showing the world what he so frequently does for us.

Wasn’t in when Conor went “ We’ve searched the globe “

Have a feeling it’s going to be a similar outcome