There's a big Six Nations clash going down this weekend, so you know that that means..
It's time for the UK media to make up their combined XV's! And it's time for us to complain about how there aren't enough Irishmen in them, although this time it is proving to be a bit more difficult.
The Telegraph have included six Irish players in their combined XV with England, and really the only selection that has upset us here is the inclusion of Dylan Hartley over Rory Best, with the immense unlikability of Hartley and the likability of Rory Best playing a major role in that emotion.
Here is the XV in full:
15. Mike Brown
14. Anthony Watson
13. Jonathan Joseph
12. Robbie Henshaw
11. Jack Nowell
10. Jonny Sexton
9. Conor Murray
1. Jack McGrath
2. Dylan Hartley
3. Dan Cole
4. George Kruis
5. Devin Toner
6. CJ Stander
7. James Haskell
8. Billy Vunipola
And here is the comment on each Irish player picked:
Robbie Henshaw:
Owen Farrell had one of his better games at inside centre against Italy, but he really should be at 10 for England. Henshaw could yet be at 13 this weekend should Payne not pass muster, but his carrying has been particularly impressive at 12.
Jonny Sexton:
Sexton has his injury troubles and he is clearly not the authority he was at 10, but I still think he is playing better than George Ford at the moment. Would have been close with Farrell playing at 10.
Conor Murray:
No question. Murray is playing superbly well in all parts of his game and would be a shoo-in for a British and Irish Lions spot at the moment. England still cannot decide upon their best option here.
Jack McGrath:
Tricky one this. McGrath has his faults, not least in conceding too many penalties, but his tackle count has been extraordinary. Both Mako Vunipola and Joe Marler have brought more influence from the bench than when starting.
Devin Toner:
Toner is lucky because he has not been playing that well, but the problems he caused England last year in Dublin clinch it for him. Would probably be Joe Launchbury (at 4 and Kruis at 5) but he was ill against Scotland and had to come off the bench against Italy, where he duly impressed.
CJ Stander:
Has been a revelation with his carrying game. No one from any country has made more carries in the opening two rounds. Will certainly be interesting when Peter O’Mahony is fit again. Chris Robshaw has been no more than steady for England.
You can see the reasoning for the English selections over on Telegraph.co.uk
Do you disagree strongly with any selections? Be sure to let us know.
