Why Are We Always Last.....

[GB72]

Honest question that I do not know the answer to:

Why in pretty much all sports are England the last to announce their team. I am waiting the hear the team for the Six Nations on Saturday and Scotland have announced theirs but no sign of who is playing for England. It is not just rugby but look at pretty much any team sport and the oppostion name the team nice and early in the week whereas all England teams seem to leave it as late as possible, sometimes only just before the match. Even when the opposition name the team late in the week it is always before the England team is announced.

You cannot tell me that there is a massive tactical advantage, all of the game plans will have been well drilled by now and few teams ever put in that surprise selection to fool the opposition (aside from one center I could probably name the England rugby team for Saturday now). Besides, if it were such a massive advantage then there would be rules for releasing team sheets simultanously.

So, anyone know why we are always last or what advantage it gives.

 

[DCB]

The English camp are waiting to see who recovers best after they all fell about in fits of laughter after the Scottish team was announced

 

[Aztecs27]

The English camp are waiting to see who recovers best after they all fell about in fits of laughter after the Scottish team was announced

Seems legit.

 

[CMAC]

Seems a git.

..fixed :smirk:

 

[daveyc2k2]

(aside from one center I could probably name the England rugby team for Saturday now)

Can almost guarantee that centre will be Billy Twelvetrees!! Other than that, and apart from injuries it will be a much unchanged side from that that beat NZ in the Autumn.

 

[SS2]

Why in pretty much all sports are England the last to announce their team.

Because they've got lots of players to choose from.

 

[Captainron]

Your managers usually hold on to the last minute to allow less time for the press to crucify them for picking someone who is either past it, too young, out of form, a foreigner straight off the boat or a nobody. Best tactic they will ever employ because the teams usually don't do the business either....

 

[pokerjoke]

The Scottish team can be announced early,purely because it doesnt matter whos in the team
they will lose anyhow.

 

[Doon frae Troon]

As a Scot, for the first time in my long life, I am really not looking forward to this competition.

 

[drawboy]

proper Rugby starts in Feb, something to look forward to instead of 30 farm labourers rolling about making mud pies.

 

[daveyc2k2]

proper Rugby starts in Feb, something to look forward to instead of 30 farm labourers rolling about making mud pies.

You're right, the 6 Nations does start in Feb!!

 

[Aztecs27]

Can almost guarantee that centre will be Billy Twelvetrees!! Other than that, and apart from injuries it will be a much unchanged side from that that beat NZ in the Autumn.

Good selection if he does get the start. Been awesome at Glos this season.

 

[ludders]

Can almost guarantee that centre will be Billy Twelvetrees!! Other than that, and apart from injuries it will be a much unchanged side from that that beat NZ in the Autumn.

I heard his nickname is 36 because of his surname

 

[HotDogAssassin]

Jon - When has that ever been reason not to be overlooked for selection?

 

[bobmac]

I believe they're phoning round the clubs to see who's got nothing better to do.

 

[Aztecs27]

Jon - When has that ever been reason not to be overlooked for selection?

Fair point. See also Freddie Burns, who should be playing 10.

 

[SocketRocket]

I believe they're phoning round the clubs to see who's got nothing better to do.

Not a bad plan that Bob. Rest up the good guys as they only need the reserves to stuff Scotland.

 

[daveyc2k2]

Fair point. See also Freddie Burns, who should be playing 10.

That's a tough call between Farrell and Burns in my eyes. I think both are better than Flood, and Burns is better attacking wise but Farrell is really on form at the moment and I think just about edges it in my eyes.

Definitely agree that Twelvetrees deserves to start though. Has been a great player for some time, the best thing he did was leave Leicester to get regular game at Glos. Hope he gets the start he deserves, even if it is only cos Manu is injured.

 

[Doon frae Troon]

England have really improved since they put a Scotsman in charge.

 

[Aztecs27]

That's a tough call between Farrell and Burns in my eyes. I think both are better than Flood, and Burns is better attacking wise but Farrell is really on form at the moment and I think just about edges it in my eyes.

Definitely agree that Twelvetrees deserves to start though. Has been a great player for some time, the best thing he did was leave Leicester to get regular game at Glos. Hope he gets the start he deserves, even if it is only cos Manu is injured.

What I don't get...is why, when you have a 10 the quality of Burns, do you play Farrell at 10, who's natural (club) position is 12? Then Tuilagi is free to play on the wing if needed. Gives you a lot more options and Burns' vision and creativity is something that England desperately need.