Centres: J Joseph, B Barritt, H Slade, L Burrell, B Twelvetrees, K Eastmond, S Burgess, E Daly.
Fly-halves: G Ford, O Farrell, D Cipriani, S Myler.
Scrum-halves: B Youngs, R Wigglesworth, D Care, L Dickson, J Simpson.
Props: A Corbisiero, J Marler, M Vunipola, D Wilson, D Cole, K Brookes, M Mullan.
Hookers: D Hartley, T Youngs, R Webber, L Cowan-Dickie.
Locks: J Launchbury, C Lawes, G Parling, D Attwood, G Kruis, M Itoje, E Slater.
Back row: C Robshaw, B Vunipola, B Morgan, T Wood, J Haskell, N Easter, M Kvesic, C Clark
Rumour has it that this is the England training squad for the Rugby World Cup this year, according to the often reliable Steve James of the Telegraph, and it has to be said that it looks a pretty strong one. Having called for the inclusion of Joe Simpson, Elliot Daly, Henry Slade and Kyle Eastmond in this article here, and Tuilagi's exclusion may have played a part in this, but it's safe to say we are pretty happy with Lancaster's selection in the backs. One omission from that article, if this squad proves to be correct, would be the electrifying Christian Wade, who has once again lit up the Premiership with his shocking pace and lightning-quick feet.
Wade is still being unfairly omitted from the England squad, and especially when you consider that Jonny May has made his way in, then it can't be just for his apparent poor defence, which has improved a lot over the season. 45% of you in our poll said that Christian Wade is one of the guys that most deserves a chance, only beaten by Henry Slade on 58%, whilst Joe Simpson, who you ranked the lowest in the poll, only received 19% and made his way in. Of course, Wade isn't the only notable absence from the back three, some might have thought Rokoduguni deserved another chance in the England shirt, but it doesn't look likely even though many of the players in the squad can cover fullback, so it is a surprise that Lancaster hasn't gone for an out and out winger like the two mentioned above.
Many fans were calling on Lancaster to consider this world cup as "exceptional circumstances" and draft in two of Europe's finest, Steffon Armitage and Nick Abendanon, yet Steve James doesn't believe they will get the call-up as he believes they are "not world class" considering the fact they shine at "mere club rugby", which, I have to say, is frankly ridiculous, but that is a debate that has been had many times before and will be had many times again in the future I'm sure.
Whilst this squad would be experienced, there is a good selection of youth in there as well. It is no secret that we here at Four Balls Blog are massive fans of Maro Itoje, who looks set to be picked, along with Daly, Slade and Cowan-Dickie, all of whom have shone over this past year and have plenty to offer England in the years to come.
It is young Itoje that excites us the most however, having captained the IRB Junior World Cup side to victory in 2014, the youngster is a natural born leader, as shown when he lifted the LV Cup for Saracens after yet another storming performance. He can also cover both second row and flanker, a versatility that proves very useful, and he is a similar mould to the well-established Launchbury and Lawes, who have both impressed on their return from injury. It looks as though Maro will be rightly joined by Ed Slater in the second row and Matt Kvesic in the back row, although the apparent exclusion of Dave Ewers is quite frustrating, as he has been shining at Exeter all season. There are no complaints about the front row really, Jamie George has impressed but the predicted squad looks strong in this department.
Who do you feel should be included in the squad? Who is in there that shouldn't be? And most importantly, are you happy with it?
No comments
Post a Comment