A new coach off the pitch always brings about a change in personnel on the pitch. Eddie Jones has said that everyone has a clean slate, and there are scores of players that could ignite an international career under his watch. We’ve picked five that are thrusting their name to the top of that list with their performances early this season in the Premiership and Europe:
1. Elliot Daly (Wasps)
Daly’s name has been murmured in conversations about the England midfield for a while; but now, those murmurs have become roars. There is no obvious area of weakness to his game. With ball in hand he is the closest replacement for Jonathan Joseph, with quick feet and devastating acceleration making his outside break a real weapon. He can smash penalties over from 50 metres plus, and his defence is surprisingly robust for a man who is not the biggest.
Longer term, where he plays and with whom is still uncertain, but with both Manu Tuilagi and Jonathan Joseph facing races to be fit for the Six Nations, and Daly carving up in the Wasps 13 shirt, Jones would be mad not to have a look at the flyer there.
2. Joe Simpson (Wasps)
Another buzzing Wasp, Simpson too has flirted with the England squad in seasons past – actually winning his first cap way back in the 2011 World Cup. While he has always been a brilliant free-running scrum-half, and comfortably the quickest option England have, he has added consistency to his game, as well as strengthening the areas that were previously weaknesses.
Dai Young, who is of course slightly biased, went as far to name him as the best kicking nine in England – which, if a bit of a stretch, does go to show how he has worked at other areas of his game. But he has not lost any of the skill or devil that makes him such a threat, and it is high time he was given a run in the team to put pressure on the established order of scrum-halves.
3. Brendon O’Connor (Leicester Tigers)
The two biggest areas of concern for England at the World Cup were the midfield and the back-row, with Australia proving the necessity of having at least one – if not two – out-and-out ‘fetchers’ on the pitch. And there aren’t too many that can lay claim to that title in England – Matt Kvesic is an option but struggles in a Gloucester pack that has its issues, while Will Fraser and Luke Wallace haven’t had the consistent opportunities at club level due to injuries and the form of others.
Now, I realise O’Connor hasn’t shown that consistency yet either, given that he’s only just arrived at the Tigers – but given the impact he has made in such a short time, he is guaranteed to be the Tigers’ first choice seven this season. He has ensured quick ball in attack, been a nuisance at the breakdown and shown some lovely touches in the loose. Not needed by New Zealand (despite winning a JWC with them in 2009), and with an English grandmother, if he continues this form he could be the ‘genuine’ openside that England have been looking for.
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens)
Itoje, at the age of just 21, has captained a team full of vastly more experienced Saracens players to a stellar start to the season. Capable of playing both lock and blindside – although you feel the former is probably his long term position – he has comfortably dealt with every single one of the significant challenges that have been thrown his way in a fledgling career.
People are already discussing him as a future England captain, and while that is premature, it would be a huge shock not to see him picked in Eddie Jones’ first squad for the Six Nations. He could well be the poster boy for the new regime.
5. Kyle Eastmond (Bath Rugby)
The Eastmond experiment never quite worked under Stuart Lancaster, but with the propensity towards ball-playing centres that emerged during the World Cup, the Bath centre’s skill-set could well be back in vogue when Jones comes to select his midfield. He would be the perfect man to release the host of exciting outside backs at England’s disposal, with quick feet to hold inside defenders and good distribution to put others in space.
He has started the season strongly for Bath, and playing with the likes of Ford and Watson – two men who look like they will be linked to England’s long term future – at club level can only help his cause.
Of course, there are many others that will enter into Eddie Jones’s consideration – who do you think could emerge onto the international scene under the new England coach? Leave your thoughts below.
By Jamie Hosie
Follow Jamie on Twitter: @jhosie43
Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images
I just hope everybody realises that on current form the England number 10 has to be Owen Farrell, tore Ulster apart and the week before bossed Toulouse around.
Chances are that on here too many people are blind to his talents, but even the most myopic commentator must see he is the form horse at 10 at present.
Farrell would always be my first choice England 10; I’ve always been a huge fan of his. His running game is better than given credit for, but it seemed as though the previous England management encouraged the more conservative side of his game.
For Farrell though, the key is pairing him with the right people. Two blunt instruments in the centres just make no sense outside him. Whilst being a strong distributer, he doesn’t have the feet to make use of a partnership like that.
I agree Jacob (although at Sarries him and Barritt do work with Taylor, Wyles or Bosch outside them) so I’d pick Slade at 12 with either Daly, JJ or Eastmond outside. That way would work great. If you play Ford you’d have to play Farrell at 12 for his defensive leadership.
The beauty of Farrell and Slade is they could interchange at 10/12 which you couldn’t do with Ford.
Completely agree that Farrell is the form 10 but no way should he ever play at 12
Please don’t suggest picking players for their ‘defensive leadership’ is something England will look to replicate again, not our most successful strategy in the recent months…
Why ever not? You still need to defend and you need it organised.
Definitely agree with the first four. O’Connor walks into the 7 shirt for England as far as I’m concerned. I’ve long been happy enough with Robshaw on the basis that none of the “fetcher” types in England are actually a better player. O’Connor certainly is; his form for a pretty poor Blues side last season was phenomenal too.
Eastmond I just don’t rate at all. His passing is good at best and he he has no kicking game to speak of; I struggle to see how that makes him a good play making option. His feet are incredible, and for the most part I think they are what blind people to his other faults. Options like Slade, or even Farrell, are better midfield distributing options for me.
Quick centre options: Daly, JJ
Midfield Distributers: Slade, Farrell
Ball carriers: Tuilagi, Burrell
Those are the 6 that I’d like to see used regularly by England. The balance of the centres largely lies on the rest of the back line. I.e. if a Roko or Yarde plays on the wing, there is less need for a ball carrying centre, but without one of those two I feel we need one. Or, if Goode played fullback then we may be better of without a distributer there and having a big ball carrier inside a Daly/JJ.
Spot on on the centres in my opinion. Those six should be the backline that England look to lock in place for at least the next two years.
As for 7 – I think we need to test Fraser and Kvesic in the short term and see what the result looks like.
I think you’re being a bit premature on O’connor Jacob and I would not consider Farrell for IC. Whilst some players can switch positions at ease they tend to be the sort of heads up type players that Farrell is not . Farrell appears to be coming into good form at 10, let’s build on that, there are better options at 12 who play there for their clubs, Slade, Eastmond and maybe in time Devoto.
If I was too pick a team to play tomorrow I’d have to go:
1. Vunipola
2. George
3. Brooke
4. Launchbury (vc)
5. Kruis
6. Ewers
7. Fraser
8. Vunipola
9. Care
10. Farrell (capt)
11. May
12. Slade
13. Eastmond
14. Nowell
15. Goode
16. Auterac
17. Thomas
18. Cowan – Dickie
19. Itoje
20. Beaumont
21. Simpson
22. Daly
23. Watson
Seriously Jez, your myopic selection of Sarries players is hilarious but none more than Farrell as captain. If ever there was a hot headed character not suited to Captaincy it is him and whilst there are valid claims for him to start at 10 on current form, it is an incredibly competitive position and he will do well to hold onto it long term.
I’m a Farrell fan, but I can’t fathom what qualities you see in him that make you think he’ll be a captain. Also not sure why you need four playmakers in a back line and limited strike runners; seems like a strange blend of players to me.
I’m not sure, I think O’Connor is a top player. He was last year at the Blues so his form at Leicester now is not a surprise; I expect him to continue in this vain. Assuming he does, I don’t see a better English 7 about.
Nick Auterac and Henry Thomas must also come into the equation surely. The way they took the Leinster front row to the cleaners bodes well for the future. We need to give young props international experience now to start building for the next WC.
I’m as yet unconvinced by O’Conner, please remember that he was on the bench for the Blues for the last couple of seasons and never really established himself in Super Rugby as he was always stuck behind Luke Braid.
Give him a year or two and if he’s proved himself as being a top performer in the Premiership and Europe then he can have a crack for England
Pretty sure he was player of the year at Blues last season?
If he’s proved himself as a top performer by January, I’d have no qualms with him being in the England fold. He was the only redeemable player in a poor Blues team this year and has continued in the same vein with Leicester.
By the time Jones has to pick his squad, O’Connor will have come up against Louw, probably the best established 7 in the league and Fraser, probably the favourite to take the England 7 shirt as it stands. If he comes out of those games with the required performances then there’s no reason Jones shouldn’t take a punt on him for the 6N.
Agreed I would like to see the first 4 given some international experience sooner rather than later.
Eastmond however is not what England need and given the wealth of options we now have at centre with Daly and Slade coming through JJ establishing himself and Tuilagi coming back from injury I can’t see him getting near this England squad.
My new look England Squad with a look to the future but not complete overhaul would be:
LH: Marler, Vunipola, Autrac
HK: George, Youngs, Hartley
TH: Brookes, Thomas
LK: Launchbury (vc), Itoje, Kruis, Lawes
BS: Robshaw, Wood, Ewers
OS: O’Connor
N8: Vunipola, Morgan
SH: Youngs (c), Simpson
FH: Farrell, Ford
CE: Burrell, Joseph, Slade, Tuilagi (if fit, if not then Yarde on the wing)
WG: Watson, May, Nowell
FB: Brown, Daly
Extended Training Squad Players: Cowan-Dickie, Mullan, Sinkler, Cooper-Wolley, Kitchener, Gaskell, Fraser, Kvesic, Hughes (if allowed), Spencer, Cipriani, Devoto, Hill, Lewington, Yarde, Pennell
Good team, really like the look of it. However still a bit lightweight in the lock department, I’d have Attwood over Kruis.
And yes I am a Bath fan! But Attwood has proved himself to be a good 60 minute or impact sub player who has the size necessary at international level to do some damage.
I think many are guilty of over-excitement when it comes to O’Connor. A couple of decent games do not an international open side make
He could be the real deal but let’s see how he gets on over the next few months.
Other players who Jones should be considering or have on his radar
Prop – Auterac, Thomas, Cooper-Wooley, Mullan, Hill, Sinckler (long-term)
Hooker – Ward? Thacker (long-term)
Locks – Attwood, Kitchener, Slater, Gaskell
Flankers / 8s – Ewers, Beaumont, Hughes, Fraser, Clifford
S-H – ?
F-H – ?
Centres – Devoto, Sloan, Hill, James (all longer term)
Wings – Yarde, Lewington, Rokocoko, Wade
F-B – Foden, Pennell, (Arscott?)
Shame Rokocoko isn’t English qualified :-)
I think you meant Rockduguni
Exactly! Thanks Leon
Hi Leon. I think Robshaw’s days are numbered. And just the one open side? Just shows the dearth in that area. I half expect Jones to bring someone on there, to be a force in next world cup. All very exciting.
Fact of the matter is Robshaw has the making of an excellent blindside but only an ok openside and a poor captain. I have only selected 1 openside as i’m not convinced Fraser or Kvesic are ready for England yet and Robshaw is still capable of covering the role in case of injury
For me time to leave robshaw behind. There are better players who are also long term options. Robshaw is 30 ( correct me if I’m wrong) so he should already be an excellent blind side
Agreed, look at the quality openside at RWC. All can operate at 6 or 7 easily (McCaw, Both Burgers, Loew, Hooper, Lobbe). Robshaw is not as good as any of these and neither is Wood.
I disagree that all those players can play both sides as the backrow requires balance
I like Robshaw as a 6. he has and excellent workrate, high tackle count, good physicality, useful in link play and is capable of the occasional turnover. However he is not the classic fetcher that the modern game demands at 7.
Good point Snewe he is 29 but would help the transition phase before giving way in a year or two when someone else (probably Ewers) has proven from the bench that they should start.
Worth noting that during his time as England’s 7, a position that everyone seems to have decided that Robshaw is not suited too, he has beaten (at least once) every nation he has played against with the exception of South Africa, where he has had to settle for a draw
That includes playing against and beating teams including sevens such as Warburton, McCaw, Hoooper, Pocock, O’Brien, Lobbe, Dusautoir, etc, etc
There aren’t many other 7s who can say the same
He is a superb player with an incredible work rate and whilst not the future, he is perfect at 6 for England whilst players like Ewers are bought through
I completely agree about Robshaw. He got outplayed by David Pocock so now hes rubbish? He was still consistently the best back row player England have had over the last 4 years. Probably even since the holy trinity was broken up.
arguments could be made for Croft
This is the best bit. So much excitement. So many options. Everyone has a chance with slate clear. Need balance. Front row Scrum v ball carrier. Hooker Lineout v Scrum. Locks Power v Line out options. Back room Ball winner v Ball Carriers. Backs are easier… Ball players heads up rugby!! If you can’t tackle then not good enough!!
I know it risks being a Wasps love in but Christian Wade should’ve been mentioned, on Sunday Toulon looked petrified he got the ball with space to run into.
I would like to see him as a impact player off the bench.
Not until this has not happened for a full 6 months.
http://wasps.co.uk/waspstv/video/highlights-harlequins-26-21-wasps
Watch from 0:44 into the video.
Bit unfair, what about all he does do right?
I bet you could find videos of equally statured players such as Shane Williams and Jason Robinson having this happen to them, actually not only these but any winger on the planet.
Oddly enough Mr B I was just discussing the option of Wade as an impact sub yesterday with a friend. The major obsticle in my head is that Nowell would get the nod for the bench as he can cover 4/5 positions. Wade would be great at around 60 minutes when we need that wonder try and everybody is flagging. Zoom, zoom, zoom Try!
The other option of course is to play him at 14 and play Watson at 15. I’m not knocking Brown as he is first choice but as Watson is being groomed for Fullback it would make sense for him to train more with the master and learn the tricks of the trade from a true 15. Nowell although he can play 15 is better on the wing. Rocko is an odd choice, he is amazing but I dont see him moving May off that left wing. Lewington though…..perhaps.
May as far as I know is still the fastest wing in England and I think we can all agree that the training for the world cup has made him much much better. Can’t knock Andy Farrell on that one.
One the Fareel point has everyone turned heel on Farrell and nepotism? I think Owen is the in form 10 and that should be it. Slade is a 12 not a 10 and should be molded into the perfect 12. I think Farrell and Ford will rotate the starting shirt. If one starts the other is on the bench. I really didnt get the big issue in dropping one fly half for anouther to suit a game. Farrell is the better kicker and defender. Ford is the better attacker and has rockets in his shoes. Horses for courses. Farrell at 12, on paper looks fine as long as he is playing with Ford at 10 but we dont need it anymore as we have Slade. Owen is a Flyhalf who can cover 12 and not a 12 who covers 10. Simples.
its going to get really interesting when Manu is fit and he, JJ and Daily are fighting for one slot. I cant see an England without Tuilangi but no one can argue against JJ and Daily has done nothing but impress this Season.
Slade is in at 12 for me and there arent many who can shift him from that slot. Burrell will be on the bench and will be a great impact sub. It’s a shame that Burgess was not retained for the Uraguay game as Slade and Burgess ran riot in France prior to the World Cup. He might have stayed. But I digress, the Slade-Burell axis could be devestating but then so could Slade-Tuilangi ………and Slade-Joseph. What the heck Slade – X would be a good centre partnership.
This is a frustrating thing we sit and discuss so many talented players yet Bomber still screwed up the World Cup, still the past is in the past, no dear god not that song again……..
When he is eligible, which is not to far away, the stand-out player at number 8 has to be Nathan Hughes of WASPS.
Itoje is good and promising at the same time but he’s a better second row than he is back row but unfortunately he’s not as good as lawes or launchbury so he’s a long way off being captain but a good option off the bench for either of those two.
There’s no doubting there are some talented players in England and if all were fit we could have gone further in the World Cup but they also all need to continue to improve if they want to reach the pinnacle of the game so those that don’t should be left behind, like Goode, mako vunipola and wigglesworth
Whats wrong with Mako? He was far better than Marler at the RWC. Decent scrummager and an excellent ball carrier. Goode and Wiggy can both go
Mako should be first choice, he’s been immense for Saracens this season. As has Goode who is best FB on form in premiership.
As far as I am concerned Goode can play out of his skin for Saracens and should still never be let near the international team again.
He has proved time and time again that he is not fast enough, not strong enough and generally not good enough at international level. What works for him at club level does not work against international teams
There’s nothing wrong with that, there are plenty of great club players who aren’t or weren’t quite able to make the step up.
Well Pablito that is sure a weird way to pick a player. Play out of your skin and not get selected. Stupid.
How is that logic stupid? You can’t only take into account someones club form when selecting them; that would be what I’d call stupid.
If a player has shown time and time again that test level is beyond them; why select them?
The AB’s are notable for not really taking into account club form for picking current players as though know it is different. Nonu was often indifferent at club level for much of this career. Cruden was picked last year to start at 10 when he was in pretty poor form for his club. They understand the qualities that are needed at test level and pick players accordingly.
On Goode specifically; he always looks short of that top speed which back three players need at test level. That being said, was he ever part of a decent pack line for any length of time for England? Most of his caps were with Brown out of position on the wing and a Barritt/Manu centre pairing. I wouldn’t completely write him off but to have blind faith he can transfer his club for to test level seems pretty stupid to me.
Exactly Jacob. We only need to look as far as Goode’s team-mate Charlie Hodgson for a prime example of a brilliant club player who didn’t look any where near as good when on the international stage.
For Goode, its not just his speed that’s a problem for me, its also his defense, both on the ground and in the air and the awful little stutter run he does when attacking
Wales wouldn’t be able to put out a team if we picked on club form! :D
For me there are some obvious ones: Itoje, Ewers, Auterac, Beaumont, Simpson, Daly, Fraser that we all want to see in an England shirt, but can I make a list of people I never want to see in the squad again, unless they suddenly find some amazing form way beyond anything we’ve ever seen before!!
Wood, Barritt, Myler, Wigglesworth, Waldrom, Webber, Dickson. Please feel free to add some others!!
Whatever team is picked we know that England are odds on with the bookies/the newspapers/the BBC to win the 6n 2016 and add a GS to it to.
‘If we were all fit we could have gone further in the RWC’
You are seriously deluded if you think that is the sole reason that you/the hosts went out at the earliest possible opportunity.
‘Slade and Burgess ran riot in France prior to RWC’
Was this guy watching the same game as the rest of us?? France f f s who were easily beaten by Ireland (who were trashed by the Pumas) and France who were slaughtered by the ABs.in the Qtrs
This is a team that England lost to in Paris and were v v lucky to beat at Nickersdown the week before.
Clearly the events of Sept/Oct 2015 have not made any English fans actually realise that they did not win RWC 2015 after all and are now way way off pace.
Lose in Murrayfield at the start of the 6n and it could be a very very tough tournament for England that is the reality but none of you seem to realise this even now.
Anyone getting ‘House of Lancaster’ from Santa this year?
What about some England 2015 merchandise at 50% off from the England Rugby store?
Get a grip and realise 4 years of planning, millions in cash and endless toil has ended in disaster and utter utter humiliation.
You even lost at home to the ‘shitty chippy little nation of midgets….the trogs from over the bridge’ whose team resembled a scene from MASH BEFORE/DURING/AFTER the Pool A victory over England!
A team you had beaten home and away in 2014 and 2015.
We ain’t going to let you forget this one for a long long time.
And you were even worse v the Aussies!
You are a cockwomble of the highest order!
I think this guy’s wife ran off with an Englishman
Not sure poor Enoch has ever had a girlfriend, well not a real one. I suspect the lady in question who ran off with an Englishman was his mum.
strart putting wade, get him experience and he will get his defense better and better, his attacking does not need to get better as it is already AWESOME. pd: lancaster should have done this 2-3 years ago, and wade could now be world class player.
If Wade cannot learn defensive positioning at premiership level after 80 odd games and four years at Wasps, I’m not sure what makes you think he can cut it at international level
Still, time is still on his side and if somehow he suddenly cracks it, then England will have a fantastic weapon on the wing
I really hope he does as he is a joy to watch, but I won’t be placing any money on it
No one has mentioned Jamie Gibson at Openside. He’s pretty handy.
Couldn’t agree with Mr B more. Time to see Christian Wade do some damage in an England shirt. England haven’t had an out and out pace man consistently scoring tries since Ashton or Cueto even! Amazed more people don’t clamour for him!
Just because he’s small means nothing. A certain England winger by the name of Jason Robinson and a Welsh one called Shane Williams proved it. A game for all sizes!
Good call, Chris Ashton should be there or thereabouts…
Don’t think anyone on here has even said that Wade is too small. However, his defensive positioning is very poor.
Think you’re being pretty harsh on the form of Watson over the past 12 months, even May must have a good strike rate over the last year or so too.
Yeah because Jonny May is really slow at 10.71s 100m
Wade is injured now for 2-3 months so that puts an end to that debate
Wade is an impact player. Bring him into the squad and on the bench for the last 25 mins.
My preferred back line for Six Nations: Youngs, Farrell, May/Nowell, Slade, Daly, Yarde, Watson with Simpson, Ford and Nowell/May on the bench depending on the starter.
Yarde coming into midfield to give a bigger carrying option in the centre, and Daly moving to the outside channels so no pace lost on the wing.
Also wouldn’t mind seeing a combination of Burrell with Slade.
Definitely like the look of that. I certainly want to see either Yarde or Roko on the wings if we see a midfield containing Slade with either JJ or Daly.
Dropping Brown certainly seem harsh, but I think it makes sense. Personally I wouldn’t mind seeing him still in there, with Watson on the wing, then Nowell on the bench. Harsh on May, and I’d happily see him come in if we see Burrell or Tuilagi in the centres, but I think you have to pick a balanced back line as opposed to just the best players.
I’m undecided who I’d rather see on the wing between May or Nowell. May certainly has more pace, but Nowell is a better all round player.
I much prefer Nowell’s all round game. He always beats people, and his skill set is pretty faultless. I think with Watson’s xfactor in the back three that I would prefer Nowell’s skill set on the other side. Again for me it is balance.
What does Wade do the hundred metres in? Anyone know. Must be sub 11!
For me its not Wade out and out pace that is key, but his ability to step, weave and change direction at pace. He is incredibly elusive when on form.
Well said Benjit. Agree with that entirely. Admittedly there is less space on an international pitch in the first place compared to club but unless Wade is picked and played over a six month period we shall never know whether he can make the transition.
New development:
Jones can only change a maximum of 11 players from the WC squad. i dont think that many are actually required but now we need to know who do we drop for each player coming in.
1: probably no change but maybe Marler for Auterac
2: Webber for Hartley and bring in Cowen-Dickie
3: None really
4/5 Again nothing wrong with what we have
6: Wood for Itoji and Haskell for Robshaw
7: Kivesic comes in as Robshaw moved
8:Hughes will come in post six nations once qualified on current form its Morgan who goes unless haskell was taken as an 8 then we can keep both
9:Wigglesworth for Simpson
10: Nothing wrong with Ford and Farrell SHARING the shirt.
11: I want Wade in but thats post 6 nations. I like May with Watson and Nowell on the bench
12: Burgess for Eastmond/Burell (on the plus side as it emerged the Bureel was listed in Injury call up he does not count in the 11 slots) Either way Slade is first choice.
13: Introducing Daly and Manu returns
14: Really dont think it needs changing but I would think about having Watson compete for Browns shirt
15; I like Goode but Foden is showing the promise of his previous form again so maybe a switch there.
Thoughts?
Thats 10 changes to the team…… I think brain is not working today