England Team for the Baa Baas

15. Brown (Harlequins),
14. Simpson-Daniel (Gloucester),
13. Trinder (Gloucester),
12. Banahan (Bath),
11. U Monye (Harlequins),
10. Hodgson (Sale),
9. Hodgson (London Irish);
1. Marler (Harlequins),
2. Paice (London Irish),
3. Doran-Jones (Gloucester),
4.Kitchener (Worcester),
5. Attwood (Gloucester),
6. Johnson (Exeter),
7. Fearns (Sale),
8. Narraway (Gloucester, capt)

Replacements: Gray (Harlequins), Brookes (Newcastle), Gaskell (Sale), Gibson (London Irish), Young (Newcastle), Myler (Northampton), Turner-Hall (Harlequins).

Pretty good...with some youngsters getting a good chance.

Looking to see how Banahan goes at 12...our second row.....and how our backrow stands up to their very impressive one.

A massive test for a lot of these young guys- can't wait to see how Trinder does!

I suppose Ireland must no be resigned to losing out on Kieran Brookes.

Yes i agree he obviously wants to play for England...and his move to Liecester will enhance that prospect.

If we can overcome the difference in experience...im looking forward to some of the younger guys like trinder as you say having a right go....

Yeah, you've got to believe that Brookes really wants to play for England too because (how do I say this without sounding like a knab?) Ireland really need a long term replacement for John Hayes.

It upsets me that he is leaving Newcastle, but from an England point of view I can see it making him a better player. I am also left wondering what is going to happen with Dan Cole. Castro just signed a long term deal, Brookes just come in on a long term contract and all the while Cole is getting to the age where isn't going to want to play second fiddle. I know he is Leicester through and through but could he be on the move in the next couple of seasons?

Interesting to see they've put Banahan at 12. Not sure if that will work or not!

What do you guys think of Tom Johnson? Had an outstanding season for the Chiefs, and is a big and very physical back-rower with genuine pace...

I think johnson will do well his work rate is usually fenominal for the cheifs so could have a good game against the baa baa's

What if this team hammers the BaBaas, how will Johnson explain overlooking some of these guys?

Fairly easily. The usual English team won the 6 Nations, defeated Australia in the Autumn, beat a southern hemisphere team away. The reason these guys are getting their chance is that many of the others were playing in a very physical Heineken Cup final last week or in the English final this week.

He then talks about strenght of the English game and that this is a good chance for players to look at players outside of current squad. He talks up how well such a scratch side has done and reminds everyone of their 6 Nations win again.

But he won't remind them of that advert then, Stag?

No he shouldn't. Muppets what a silly ad.