CAN LIGHTNING STRIKE TWICE?

Can Ireland beat NZ twice in a row, a team they have never beaten before, and quite probably the most dominant team ever. By 1930hrs UK time we will know if lightning can strike twice. However, most non English people will be cursing the TV schedulers who, like last week, have put two big games on at the same time - Ireland v All Blacks and Scotland v Argentina - both at 1700hrs. Why the TV companies can't agree a sequential schedule is beyond me. And what makes it worse, my football team is playing at the same time, and I don't have Sky Q!

Nathan, the Fijian, will face his fellow Islanders today

My prediction for today - England by 17, Argentina by 10, NZ by 10, Wales by many

Enjoy another festive feast of beer and friendship.

BACK ON LINE: THANK YOU IRELAND

After a sabbatical of a few months, Ireland's marvellous win over NZ spurred me into action and has inspired me to pick up the blog again. Ireland were ruthless, clinical, marvellous last weekend in securing their first ever win over NZ, and Kiwis looked average under intense pressure. I wouldn't want to be Italy this weekend, as NZ will seek to remind people they are probably the most dominant All Black team ever.

This weekend's games will be interesting - England, with such a poor record against SA, should sneak a win against an underperforming Bok team in development. Scotland, with a few key player injured, including in front row, will struggle to match the in form Wallabies, and may have to wait to correct the injustice of the RWC 2016 QF. Wales, who were terrible last weekend against Oz, have dropped scared cows such as Roberts and Lydiate, in an attempt to overcome an improving Pumas team, who put 50 points on Japan.

And it is due to rain all day, which will favour SA, Scotland and Argentina, But, regardless I think the scores will be:

England by 10, Australia by 7, Argentina by 5.

Enjoy this festival of mud, beer and old friends.

ENGLAND v AUSTRALIA 1ST TEST PREVIEW

England and Australia have both named squads for Saturday's First Test in Brisbane.

England's starting XV includes Farrell at 10, replacing George Ford, Yarde in for Nowell on the wing and Burrell in at inside centre to give much needed bulk in midfield. Yarde will inject pace into the back three, but has scored few tries this season for his club, and is no better defensively than Ashton, who didn't even make the plane. Anyway, I, along with many others hope to eat our words come Saturday lunchtime, when he collects his MOM award having helped England win the game. England should get some impact off the bench from Lawes and Launchbury, with Itoje likely to cover back row, possibly replacing Robshaw in second half. It still concerns me that Haskell is not a natural 7 to combat the obvious Pooper threat at the breakdown.

England: 15. Mike Brown; 14. Anthony Watson, 13. Jonathan Joseph, 12. Luther Burrell, 11. Marland Yarde; 10. Owen Farrell, 9. Ben Youngs; 1. Mako Vunipola, 2. Dylan Hartley, 3. Dan Cole, 4. Maro Itoje, 5. George Kruis, 6. Chris Robshaw, 7. James Haskell, 8. Billy Vunipola.

Replacements: 16. Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17. Matt Mullan, 18. Paul Hill, 19. Joe Launchbury, 20. Courtney Lawes, 21. Danny Care, 22. George Ford, 23. Jack Nowell.

Yarde in for Nowell in First Test

Australia is forced to blood three new players as a lot of their RWC 2015 squad is still playing in France. Dane Haylett-Petty, the Western Force full back, makes his debut on the wing, Samu Kerevi of the Reds comes in as 12 alongside Kuridrani (combined weight of 33 stone) and, finally Rory Arnold, at 6ft 8in, partners Rob Simmons in second row. Despite absences, the Wallabies have experienced match winners in key positions from Folau at 15, Foley at 10 to Moore at hooker and Hooper at 7. Australia's front row has more strength in depth now than in years with Polota-Nau, Slipper and Kepu all on the bench, and Sean McMahon is another natural openside in the Pooper mould. Nick Frisby will become another Wallaby debutant at scrum half at some stage and Lealiifano would have started at 12 had it not been for the birth of his first child.

Arnold the Brumbie becomes tallest Wallaby ever

Australia: Israel Folau; Dane Haylett-Petty, Tevita Kuridrani, Samu Kerevi, Rob Horne; Bernard Foley, Nick Phipps; Scott Sio, Stephen Moore (captain), Greg Holmes, Rory Arnold, Rob Simmons, Scott Fardy, Michael Hooper, David Pocock.

Replacements: Tatafu Polota-Nau, James Slipper, Sekope Kepu, James Horwill, Dean Mumm, Sean McMahon, Nick Frisby, Christian Lealiifano

The first test represents England's best chance of a victory, so it will be tight, but I predict Australia to win by 7 points.

MORE NEW LAWS ... HURRAH!

Yes, they have finally got rid of scrums and rolling mauls...

....unfortunately not!

World Rugby has introduced a number of law changes to the northern hemisphere game in an effort to stop simulation. Any player who dives or feigns injury in an effort to influence match officials will be liable for sanction.

Players who need to be substituted because of an injury following foul play will no longer count as one of their team's six allotted replacements.

And a change has also been made in the application of a maul law, punishable by a penalty. It means a player in possession cannot slip to the back of a maul, with the ball having to be moved backwards hand to hand instead.

The changes have been in effect in the southern hemisphere since January.

HOME NATIONS HEAD SOUTH FOR SUMMER TOURS

It is strange that a country not even involved in touring the Southern Hemisphere will have a considerable impact on the Home Nations summer tours. As the French season goes onto August (or close to it), so that the French Government (through companies) and/or millionaires who own the clubs can use rugby to show off their wealth or egos, this serves to deprive every other nation (bar NZ and England) of players in June and July.

England head to Australia for three tests, and despite having only won three tests in Oz before (total) must fancy their chances. They have enormous strength of depth (shown by their comfortable win over Wales without Sarries and Exeter players), whereas Michael Cheika, the Australian coach is rebuilding, and will not be able to rely on the (expanding) Aussie contingent en France. Like most nations, he will be using the series to blood some younger players, especially those playing in Super 18 form teams such as the Brumbies and Waratahs, although it must be concerning that Rebels, Reds and Force are again propping up the table (although they have only played NZ teams to date). If England win the 1st test in Brisbane then the 2nd test will be titanic...

Eddie arrives in his home country to find a rubber glove awaits

South Africa, with half their RWC 2015 squad playing for Montpelier, are also re-building, and have the added challenge of needing to field a higher percentage of black players. With many black players featuring for the Lions and Stormers, two sides in rich form in Super 18 (albeit not against NZ teams), I think they will still be more than a match for Ireland. I fear for Ireland, as without Sexton I think they will struggle to control test matches. I also cannot understand why they have not selected Gareth Steenson (Northern Irish) of Exeter at fly half as the English Premiership is of a higher standard than most of the Irish players are exposed to. The Irish selectors also seem to have been watching another league this season, as there are very few from the standout Connacht team, which has dominated the Pro 12. I predict an easy series win for SA.

I would like to say "Here's Jonny" but he won't be....

Lastly, Wales take on New Zealand, who despite being in re-building mode, and losing almost as many players to the French bistro's as SA, still look capable of fielding an incredibly strong side, consisting of a dreaded mix of RWC winning experience and youth. The Crusaders, Chiefs, Hurricanes and Highlanders all look impressive this season in Super 18, and the Blues are much better than their "season horriblus" last year. I fear for Wales, especially if they play defensively (and tactically) as badly as they did against England last weekend. They are also unsure when French based players such as Jonathan Davies and Luke Charteris will join the squad. Again, I predict an inevitable series whitewash for the Southern Hemisphere team.

Before I finish this post, can I express my dismay at the selfish "me, me, me" attitude of the owners of clubs like Toulon, who only care about winning themselves, deliberately attempt to intimidate players into not playing for their country (by threatening them with sanctions), and treat everyone else in the game with disdain (from journalists to other clubs to World Rugby). Guys leave our game alone, and go buy another Sunseeker or Tesla. It is time for the governing body to man up, leave its Howth seafood restaurant and show such gentlemen who is boss. It is our game, not theirs. The next generation need to be inspired by watching their national side competing at the highest level against other nations in a national stadium. The rugby equivalent of USA Utd v Abu Dhabi City is not the answer. Just look at the French national side.

JONES OMITS ASHTON FOR OZ TOUR

Eddie Jones confuses me. In contrast to the Culture Club that Stuart Lancaster ran when England coach, Eddie's Living on the Edge philosophy was quite refreshing, selecting players more on physicality, attitude and how streetwise they are. That is why I simply cannot understand why he has selected Marland Yarde over Chris Ashton to tour Australia. I am not Ashton's biggest fan as many know but he has scored 10 tries in 8 games for his club, by far the best team in Europe not just the UK. He was outstanding for Sarries in Lyon as was Andy Goode (although EJ didn't think so). Ashton has his issues, like Farrell and Marler, but there is no better player in his position currently, so why leave him at home. It is either a Development tour or a chance to beat Australia in their own backyard with your best team. I know Ashton's wife is expecting a baby at end of June and that may be the real reason for him not touring with the Normans, but let's not let the facts get in the way of a good post. Eddie is quite happy to include such lunatics as Dylan Hartley in the squad, who spend more time banned than playing these days, and helicopter in some Southern Hemisphere guy who has not even played for a Premiership club (registered...just), yet leave Ashton out, expecting Yarde to dominate the Australian back three. And how he can justify picking Ford at 10 ahead of Farrell is beyond me ... anyway, enough!

SCOTLAND AND CONNACHT DO A LEICESTER CITY

Yes I know Sarries are a great side who have had a wonderful season. I was in Lyon to watch their final which they won comfortably to take their first Champions trophy. And I know Exeter, Wasps and Leicester are also great teams, but there is other rugby going on in the UK which merits coverage. The English press column inches given to Connacht's achievements this season has been woeful, even this weekend, when having beaten Glasgow for the second time in a fortnight (admittedly at home) they now march onto the Pro 12 final to play the mighty Leinster. Most non Irish people have never really understood how Ireland can fund four professional teams, especially one based in Galway, with a 7,000 capacity stadium, full of journeyman from other clubs. But Pat Lam, the Samoan legend and Connacht coach, has done a marvellous job over a number of seasons culminating in them being the dominant Irish team this year from start to finish. If they win the Pro 12 it will be (almost) as good as Leicester City's title win. Let's hope that, despite the inevitable promotion of some of their players, like Robbie Henshaw, to bigger Irisher provinces next season, that Connacht's progress is not a one off.

Connacht beat Glasgow again to win tight game and make Pro 12 final

Likewise, Scotland Sevens team, who despite being 12th in the World Rugby rankings, won their first 7's crown in London beating Kenya, England (how sweet) plus USA on the way, and SA in the final. An achievement (almost) as good as Leicester City, etc ... I missed it live, but the three tries scored in the last 2 mins must have been a marvellous spectacle, crowned with Dougie Fife's winner after the hooter had sounded. Thrilling stuff, and it's a shame that more Tier 2 nations cannot repeat their achievement in the 15 a side game, dominated by its size, set piece and money.

I love the smell of heather in the morning, smells like victory

Again, coverage of the win was token in the English press, with the Telegraph squeezing it in almost as a support piece to a feature on the England 7's captain's injury. Don't get me started on Simon (English coach) Amos' English dominated selection for the GB squad, which doesn't look so exciting now England are so desperately short of form, having suffered easy defeats to Scotland in the last two tournaments. In my view there are too many 15 a side players in the squad, and not enough of the specialist 7's talent on show in London this weekend.

Great Britain Sevens Men Squad for Rio 2016: Cory Allen (Cardiff Blues), Mark Bennett (Glasgow Warriors), Dan Bibby (England Sevens), Tom Bowen (England Sevens), Phil Burgess (England Sevens), Sam Cross (Wales Sevens), James Davies (Scarlets), Alex Davis (England Sevens), Richard de Carpentier (England Sevens), Jamie Farndale (Scotland Sevens), Alex Gray (England Sevens), Charlie Hayter (England Sevens), Warwick Lahmert (England Sevens), Ollie Lindsay-Hague (Harlequins), Gavin Lowe (Scotland Sevens), Ruaridh McConnochie (England Sevens), Tom Mitchell (England Sevens), Luke Morgan (Wales Sevens), Dan Norton (England Sevens), Scott Riddell (Scotland Sevens), Mark Robertson (Scotland Sevens), James Rodwell (England Sevens), Joe Simpson (Wasps), Luke Treharne (Wales Sevens), Marcus Watson (Newcastle Falcons).

FORD TAKES EARLY BATH

Mike Ford, the Bath coach, is leaving the club with immediate effect. He moves on after four years, having failed to move forward from last season's successes, with Bath only winning 9/22 league games and finishing 17 points off play offs. OATH has been critical of underperforming Bath this season, and the club never really recovered from the "Burgess" saga post RWC 2015, also losing two more players due to ill discipline towards the end of the season, along with Stuart Hooper, the captain, to injury, and finally the calming influence Neal Hatley from the coaching team to England. There appears to have been a lot of emotion, pressure and intensity at Bath, led by the owner, Bruce Craig, as well as Mike Ford. Some players respond to this, obviously most at Bath, did not. There wasn't a lot of fun to be had, and key players form dipped as a result (Joseph, Watson, Denton). Some decided to leave like Ollie Devoto, who is moving down the road to the new West England powerhouse, Exeter Chiefs.

Few smiles at Bath this season...

So who will pick up the poison chalice and try to transform a great club into Premiership Top 4 next season. The bookies favourite is Heyneke Meyer, the ex-Springkoks coach, as others in the running, like Stuart Lancaster, either look set to move elsewhere (Queensland Reds or Highlanders), or stay put, as in Pat Lam (Connacht) or Gregor Townsend (Glasgow) to finish off what they have started. Bruce Craig may have to be patient for success as Nigel Wray has been financially supporting Saracens for 20 years, and has only just won the European Champions Cup.

BEALE CONFIRMED FOR WASPS

As predicted in OATH on 9th March Kurtley Beale has signed for Wasps for next two seasons for a reputed £750k annual salary making him the highest paid player in the Prem. So despite losing the Piatu brothers the Wasps backline of Simpson Gopperth Beale Daly Wade Cipriani still looks pretty good.

TALKING POINTS AT CLOSE OF SEASON

So a festival of rugby awaits those going to sample the culinary delights of Lyon in a couple of weeks time, with Sarries squaring up against Racing Metro 92 in the European Champions Cup Final on the Saturday evening, and Harlequins facing Montpelier the day before in the Challenge Cup Final. A great blend of French v English, although Montpelier could play in the Super 18, based on the number of Saffers they have in their side. I think, despite Dan Carter, Saracens will have too much for Racing, and Montpelier, going great guns in Top 14, will just pip Quins. I will be there, ensconced in some bouchon somewhere, savouring the finest St Joseph someone else's money can buy.

Can Bristol finally make it back in the Premiership after 17 seasons of disappointment in the Championship (well it feels like it). They have a considerable points advantage over Bedford going into next weekend's semi-final second leg, and, assuming they beat Yorkshire Carnegie at home, should play Doncaster in the final. This will make it a 1st v 2nd in the table clash, and Bristol should win (but as I said, we have been ...etc)

Rob Andrew has finally been fired, and replaced by Nigel Melville, who returns from running USA Rugby on Colorado. Mr Teflon, as he was known, has somehow survived the English rugby debacles of the last 10 years, including the managerial appts of Andy Robinson, Martin Johnson and Stuart Lancaster, plus RWC 2015 early group exit.

And Ruaridh Jackson is having to leave Wasps to find more regular rugby with Harlequins next season, as Danny Cipriani moves South to act as understudy at Wasps to Jimmy Gopperth. Ruaridh was awesome early season and it is a shame that he has to move on. Cips was a Wasps legend first time around, before his injury, but time is against him and I can't see him getting regular starts with Gopperth on form. And Bath have fired their Japanese no.8 Mafi, after a bust up with the physio, so having lost both, Neal Hatley to England, and a tight game v Saints last weekend, not a good end to a bad season for the "money boys".

ONE RULE FOR THE FRENCH, ONE RULE FOR THE REST

In the excellent Guardian Breakdown blog, Paul Rees reported on the contempt that France shows to bans handed out by other bodies like the European Champions Cup Committee. It is truly disgraceful. At the end of January the Stade Français hooker Laurent Sempéré was suspended for 15 weeks after being found guilty of putting a hand near the eye area of the Leicester prop Marcos Ayerza in the European Champions Cup match between the sides. He had been cited for the offence and appeared before an independent disciplinary panel convened by the tournament organisers, along with his team-mate Paul Gabrillagues, who was given eight weeks after admitting making contact with the eye area of Dan Cole. The week before, the Saracens wing Chris Ashton had been suspended for 10 weeks for a similar offence in the Champions Cup match against Ulster and missed the Six Nations having a few days earlier been recalled to the England squad. He completed his ban and returned to action at the beginning of this month. Sempéré, meanwhile, was playing again for Stade within a month of his suspension despite not appealing against it. He profited from French law which, put simply, does not recognise the sanctity of bans laid down outside the country. Its code du sport means they have to be upheld in France to be applied internally. Quelle farce! The full article is here... http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/apr/14/france-rules-world-rugby-rfu-laurent-sempere

HOW DO ENGLAND CLASS OF 2016 RATE AGAINST 2003?

As England secure first Six Nations Grand Slam since glory days of 2003, how do today's England starting XV compare to their RWC winning compatriots of 13 years ago? Well, the majority of the 2016 team played in RWC 2015, where England were eliminated at the group stages for the first time, whereas the 2003 team beat all the Southern Hemisphere teams in their own backyard. Consequently they were the no.1 ranked team in the world, whereas today's team are ranked 4th by comparison. If we compare backs of Dawson, Wilknson, Greenwood, Tindall, Robinson, Cohen and Lewsey from 2003 against Care, Ford, Farrell, Joseph, Watson, Nowell and Brown, I personally think only Tuilagi at his best would get into the 2003 side for Tindall at 13 (and his coach thinks he is a 12). Up front compare Woodman, Thompson, Vickery, Johnson, Kay, Hill, Back and Dallaglio from 2003 to Marler, Hartley, Cole, Kruis, Itoje, Robshaw, Haskell and Vunipola. Again, you could make an argument for Itoje for Kay and possibly Vunipola for Dallaglio (or maybe not) but no more than that. The England side of 2003 had leaders and try scorers all over the pitch, whereas today's lineup has a decent back three out wide, a very good goal kicker (but no Jonny), an effective second row, especially in the line out and a bulldozing 8. They lack real leaders especially under pressure and too many have not been in consistently good form recently especially those who play for Bath. I reckon that if the two teams played each other that the 2003 side would win comfortably by two scores.

MARLER ESCAPES PUNISHMENT

Wow not long after Browngate where Mike Brown escaped punishment for kicking Connor Murray in the face, now we have Joe Marler "getting away with it" as James once sang. Even Joe must have thought that he would struggle to survive both a punch on Evans and the gypsy jibe on Samson Lee. But the Six Nations Disciplinary Committee cleared him of all charges so his only sanction is England moving him to the bench, and that is for tactical game plan reasons only. In fact, Eddie " Win at all costs" Jones went on the offensive yesterday claiming Wales were trying to derail his Grand Slam plans when they merely expressed surprise at the surprising decision. If Joe "Teflon" Marler scores the winning try tomorrow to secure the Grand Slam then eyebrows will be raised and bottoms squirmed from World Rugby to the RFU.

PLAYER NEEDS 11 STITCHES IN APPENDAGE INJURY

A rugby league player says his appendage was nearly torn off in a game last month. Haydn Peacock suffered the partial dismemberment while playing for French team AS Carcassonne last month. The intimate injury happened when a player from St Esteve Catalans Dragons grabbed his groin. Haydn needed 11 stitches, which is quite impressive.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/35801847/rugby-players-penis-almost-torn-off-in-tackle

Ouch...

WHAT IS WRONG WITH ENGLAND AT U20 LEVEL?

Having discussed the damaging impact of increasing English and French club money on the international game, it is worth a look at the U20 Six Nations table after four weeks. Unlike last year, when England followed up their U20 RWC victory with the Six Nations Championship, Wales sit on top, having won 4 from 4, France are second, having won 3 and lost just one game, Scotland and Ireland are next with 2 wins, 2 losses followed by England and Italy propping up the table with only 1 win and zero wins respectively. England have had a dreadful season, losing to Scotland for the first time at this level, and also conceding 40 points to Wales, the first time they have lost to Wales in England. I am not sure whether you can blame the structure, as it was good enough for a clean sweep last season, or the coaching team, although there are changes afoot. Some blame the fact that despite fewer professional clubs in the Celtic nations, the lack of foreign stars in the Pro 12, allows U20 players to get more game time at a higher level, whereas in England a lot of them get farmed out on loan to Championship clubs like Bedford and Jersey. It maybe that last year's crop were golden, which will benefit England's adult team over the next few years, but, with the system & resources (especially playing numbers) that England have, you don't really expect them to have this problem.

England, jubilant after last year's U20 Six Nations victory

SIX NATIONS REVIEW WEEK 4: ENGLAND WIN WITH WEEK TO SPARE

England won the Six Nations 2016 yesterday, without having to play their last match next Saturday against France. Following their close win on Saturday against Wales, which won them the Triple Crown, and Scotland's impressive victory yesterday against the French, nobody can now overhaul England's current points total of 8. They therefore have just the Grand Slam to go for, a feat they last achieved in 2003.

Shouldn't Dylan be holding the trophy Chris?

England's performance in the first half against Wales was so dominant that they should have been further ahead on the scoreboard than 16-0 at halfway, having has two tries disallowed by the ref. As it was, even with a Wales chargedown try against the run of play early in the second half, the scoreline of 25-7 looked definitive until Wales staged a late comeback, scoring two tries whilst Dan Cole was in the bin. Whilst, the first half was all England, who dominated the Welsh in all areas - scrums, line outs, contact area, etc, the second half belonged to Mr Joubert, making his first appearance on UK soil since, well, you know what. He looked nervous all day and understandably overused the TMO, which didn't allow the game to flow at all. He also failed to manage the scrum properly. I have never seen a scrum wheel so often beyond 360 degrees without penalty (to either side), with the ref just saying "ball out". It was a mess, and England benefited from this free for all in the second half, when Wales started to gain dominance up front, and Cole & Marler disrupted illegally 3-4 times in a row without a card being shown. Cole was eventually binned late on, resulting in the late Wales tries when England only had 14 on the pitch, but he should have gone earlier. The Welsh bench surprisingly had more of an impact than their English counterparts, with Tipuric and Charteris especially effective in the last 15 mins. Many thought that North offloaded before hitting touch after Tuilagi's great tackle on the whistle, and that play should have been allowed to continue, but touch judge raised his flag, so Mr Joubert had no option. There were two class moments, worth the £90 ticket price alone, the first being Itoje's break and pass for Watson's try (he looks a great prospect), and the second, Jonathan Davies' try scoring pass for George North (although his miss pass at the end of the game to put North away again was almost as good).

England deserved the victory and the Championship, with their forwards dominating every other team, and Farrell kicking everything (reminds you of Jonny). They also managed to gain quick ball (unlike in the RWC) and allowed the likes of Watson, Brown and Joseph to show what they are capable of given the ball in space. However, having only beaten Scotland by 6 points, Ireland by 11 points and Wales by 4 points, they still remain work in progress and messrs. Hansen and Cheika will not be quaking in their boots. Only a convincing win in Paris will start to gain the attention of the Southern Hemisphere.

SIX NATIONS WEEK 4: SCORE PREDICTIONS

Okay here we go!

Ireland by 7 (Ireland by 43 !!!)
Wales by 5 (England by 4)
Scotland by 5 (Scotland by 11)

PREPARE FOR TRENCH WARFARE

I hope to say I was at the England Wales game tomorrow where regardless of the result rugby was the winner but I fear the worst.  Someone will win and ugly.

The head to heads are everywhere - Jones v Gatland or Kruis v Wynne Jones or Biggar v Ford or Vunipola v Falateau or Haskell v Lydiate, unfortunately most them forward battles. Despite forecast for a dry day crying out for running rugby. I am not sure the scrum halves call for quick ball will be heeded as the egos of the fat boys up front takes hold - bosh bash head down stumble fall whack etc

As my ticket is costing an eye watering 90 quid if each scrum takes 5 mins to reset I will ask for a refund. Nobody wants to watch, what is simply meant to be a way of resetting play, dominate the game. Kids certainly don't love the resetting of scrums or the eternal rolling maul. NZ have dominated world rugby by playing a 15 man game not 8 or occasionally 9 (who then under pressure gives it back to the fat boys).

Wait up and smell the coffee boys - the crowd want you to entertain not just win (ugly). And spend less time in the gym and more time playing touch!

DUNBAR AND STRAUSS RETURN FOR SCOTLAND

Josh Strauss replaces Ryan Wilson at 8 for Scotland this Sunday against France. David Denton misses out altogether having been first pick a few weeks ago.  He is not the first whose form has suffered playing in a poor Bath team. Jonathan Joseph should not be picked for England ahead of Daly on current form as he has also suffered from PBD (Post Burgess Disease).

Alex Dunbar also returns at 12 pushing Mark Bennett out of the squad altogether with Taylor moving to 13. Funny thing form - Bennett had an awesome RWC but has been lukewarm in Six Nations, which is more of a forward slugfest in the mud meaning slow ball out wide.

ENGLAND UNCHANGED FOR WALES GAME

England select the same starting XV for Wales game on Saturday that started against Ireland a fortnight ago. On the bench, Jamie George (the best hooker in the country) is injured, so is replaced by Luke Cowan-Dickie of Exeter, Kieran Brookes is fit again, so gets nod over Paul Hill, Joe Launchbury replaces the injured Courtney Lawes, and Manu "Bosh" Tuilagi makes his first appearance since June 2014.

Luke Cowan-Dickie, and yes that is a mullet...

Wales will apply Warrenball as normal, try to disrupt the lineout, use back row and Roberts to target Ford at 10, and try and use the height advantage of their two giant wingers. They will also, bearing in mind England's high penalty count, target those with short fuses like Brown, Hartley and Haskell, who have to play with their heads as much as their hearts. The battle of the no.8's, close friends (not related as widely publicised), Faleatu and Billy Vunipola, will be compelling.

England team: Mike Brown; Anthony Watson, Jonathan Joseph, Owen Farrell, Jack Nowell; George Ford, Ben Youngs; Joe Marler, Dylan Hartley (capt), Dan Cole; Maro Itoje, George Kruis; Chris Robshaw, James Haskell, Billy Vunipola.

Replacements: Luke Cowan-Dickie, Mako Vunipola, Kieran Brookes, Joe Launchbury, Jack Clifford, Danny Care, Manu Tuilagi, Elliot Daly.

BEALE TO WASPS NEXT SEASON

The Rugby Paper reports that Wasps are lining up a deal for Kurtley Beale, the Waratahs flyer to move to the Ricoh next season. The reputed £750k salary would make Kurtley the highest paid player in the Premiership, and third highest ever behind Matt Giteau and Dan Carter - even "Slammin" Sam Burgess was only paid £500k by Bath (although he did not receive all of it, or did he?). It is a statement by Wasps, along with re-signing Danny Cipriani, that they mean business, and will hit that increased Premiership salary cap ceiling in no time.

Kurtley cannot believe that salary either...

Assuming Charles Piutau moves on to Ulster, Beale could play either inside centre or full back, meaning a potential backline of Simpson, Robson, Gopperth, Cipriani, Beale, Daly, Leuia, Wade, Tagicakibau, Halai, Miller, Jackson, Masi - wow, some talent! With only Daly in the current England squad, they should dominate their opposition during Autumn and Six Nations fixtures, although Jackson will probably move on to ensure he gets regular rugby at fly half, his preferred position. And once Simpson is fit again, he should be in the England squad - are Care or Youngs really the best two scrum halves in England. If a Lions tour was picked tomorrow they wouldn't even make my top five.

JOUBERT RETURNS FROM THE WILDERNESS

Craig Joubert returns to Twickenham this weekend, to ref the England v Wales game, the first time he has been seen back on UK shores since awarding Oz a dubious 79th minute penalty against Scotland which saw them progress to the RWC 2016 semi finals.

He has been reffing elsewhere in the world, not without further controversy, as he recently officiated the Pool A game between Australia and New Zealand at the Sydney Sevens, when the Kiwis scored a match-levelling try while having eight players on the field. The game ended in a draw, which prevented the hosts from topping the pool. NZ went onto win the tournament (whoops). Scots may call that justice but I am bigger and better than that :)

He is due to run the line in the Scotland Ireland game on the last weekend of the Six Nations and will be praying that neither team scores a controversial last try in his corner.

Craig Joubert out shopping in Glasgow