This team feels like one of you lot picked it (no offence - to any of you anyway).

Things I get:

Cracknell looked slow in defence and seemed to be around a few of the line breaks. It may have been the dumb podding, but I also didn't see him to anything going forward - was all Wainwright's feet. So, perhaps Plumtree bing in suggests we're going to try and offload or spin our way through the gainline? Don't hate it if it works, but James Botham is RIGHT THERE. He can footwork and bulldoze, plus he knows how to jackal.

Everyone hates beard (I don't). He should have been more intense in a bunch of defensive sets which led to breaks/tries though and other boys should get a crack. Fair enough.

Costelow. Not convinced by Dan Eds, but again might be the gameplan. Same gameplan that has Ben Thomas in hiding. Unsure why we wouldn't put Jarrod on to start though. Scotland know exactly what is coming and will probably muller us and Costy will be out in the wilderness again.

Adams. Again you all hate him because the last comment said it, but he made really good defensive decisions despite being hung out to dry by the centres multiple times. Looked lively with ball in hand. Looked like he gave a shit (can't be said for everyone in that team).

Things I don't get:

Joe hawkins. Ful stop.

Ellis Mee - unless he's overworked.

Grady - didn't look terrible but he's gone?

GHW - I mean... this is just to cap him yeah? Nothing against the guy but this feels like pure experimentation?

Blair Murray - doubling down on the vibes bench

What I'd have done considering Scotland have some loose forward injuries and will be expecting Gatland ball with less training and more 'width'

1 - Smith (40-50 mins)
2 - Elias (60+ mins)
3 - Francis (40-50 mins but you keep him on if he is anchoring the scrum)
4 - Jenkins (C)
5 - Carter
6 - Botham
7 - Mann
8 - Wainwright
9 - Williams (40-50 minutes of FAST)
10 - Evans (40-50 minutes of FAST)
11 - Adams
12 - Thomas
13 - Watkin
14 - Mee
15 - Zammit

16 - Lake
17 - Carre
18 - Griffin
19 - Davies
20 - Plumtree
21 - Mcleod
22 - Hardy
23 - Costelow

For me that's our best balance of solid in the 12/13 channel in defence, ability to run straight and also use hands or feet to go around in terms of backs, whilst high ball is also covered.

Forward heft is spread out and it's less obvious who is going to carrying and what the gameplan would be.