For me Sam doesn't play unless Hardaker or someone in the halves has a shocker (I would be reluctant to play him at 6 though).

Regardless of how well Tomkins did/didn't play this year, I wouldn't be putting any player straight into the first test who hasn't played for months.

So it looks like we are all in agreement then? Sadly, this won't stop certain Leeds posters coming on here should Sam be selected and so much as knock on once. IMO he's on a hiding to nothing. Anything less than a clear MOM performance in a winning team and it will be full of Whinos on here blaming this forum for choices made by McNamara. Given the length of his layoff, his chances of a stellar performance are virtually nil.

Let's face it, Leeds fans have past form for booing him when he plays for England even if he isn't making mistakes. As Jamie Peacock rather digustedly pointed out.

There's no way Sam'll win over that set of phoneys, so his future England caps can't possibly be dependent on the opinions of a few Leeds fans. That said, he can't be fit and should probably not be risked on this occasion.

It's not just Leeds fans that don't think he should be selected at FB for England though, is it?

My word, you people are stupid.

Who do you think should pick the team, the coach or the fans?
My personal opinion is that Sam should have played last Saturday to prove his fitness, he didn't and as such Hardaker should start this Sunday, but I respect the coaches decision to pick HIS team. He's the one who will stand or fall on his decisions.

The coach, I don't think anyone has suggested otherwise.

FWIW, I agree with you, although I reckon Tomkins will start at FB against NZ.

And yet you're here. Yet again wondering what we're all talking about.

If they are both match fit then Sam plays. He cannot be match fit following his lengthy lay off so I think Hardaker should play.