England forwards coach Graham Rowntree says he is excited if slightly daunted by the prospect of several injured players becoming available for this weekend’s game against Ireland, admitting that selection was going to be tough, given the way the incumbents have performed in the opening two rounds.
“Everyone’s trained this morning,” he confirmed to England Rugby Podcast at Pennyhill Park this morning. “There’s a real pool of players now available for me. It’s going to be hard work selecting a 23, never mind a 15.”
Courtney Lawes, Geoff Parling and Tom Wood all took a full part in training this morning, Rowntree said, although no decision will be made on their readiness to take part this weekend until they have come through the Tuesday afternoon session, always one of the most intense of a match week.
“We announce our squad later in the week and we’ll train this afternoon. We always see how this big afternoon session goes before we make any real decisions.”
Mike Brown, meanwhile, continues to be monitored closely by the medical staff, and came through a running session unscathed this morning.
“Browny completed the running based session this morning, and we’ll see how he recovers from that overnight and see what part he can take in team training. Tomorrow he won’t be doing any contact, by any means.
“We’ll take it day by day, and follow the appropriate protocols. The only thing that matters here is him, and his health.”
The England coach has inside knowledge of several of the Irish forwards, having worked with them on two Lions tours. He admits that the loss of a player of Jamie Heaslip’s calibre is a blow for Ireland, but is quick to point out that the back-up will fit in seamlessly.
“Having worked with Jamie on two Lions tours, he’s got an all court game, and is a very clever player,” said Rowntree. “He’ll be missed, but having analysed them a lot and seen this kid Jordi Murphy play, he’ll be handful as well.”
Having a full squad to choose from is a bonus for England, who will need to be at their best to win in Dublin. Joe Schmidt has transformed the Ireland team from an inconsistent force to one that has won nine games in a row – their last loss came at Twickenham this time last year.
Rowntree knows the magnitude of the task facing England.
“It’s always difficult to win over there. It took a very good performance to win two years ago – I thought our defence was outstanding that day. I’ve got so much respect for the Irish team – they’re very well coached, very experienced, and they’re on a roll.
“We did our analysis very early last week. We’ve been ready from day one of last week to play Ireland – they deserve that respect. We need a performance up there with that Welsh performance if we’re going to get near beating this team.”
By Jamie Hosie
Follow Jamie on Twitter: @jhosie43
Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images
5 replies on “Rowntree relishing renewed competition as walking wounded return”
One area where England are becoming genuinely world class again. It will be interesting to see who does make the 23 for Ireland,particularly among the tight five selections.
I would start with the same pack as previously,and I’d be tempted to go with the same reps too.
I have seen it suggested that Corbisiero should replace Mako V on the bench but I can’t see it.
Corbs seems to be a little out of favour at present. I’d go for Mullan and Brookes if not MV.
One player I would love to have seen included was Ewers but I get the impression that SL wants a lineout option,so it looks like either Croft or Wood .
Pet subject I know but I’ll say it again: Lets hope Billy V has an 80 minute game on sunday.England really cannot afford to carry any passengers in Dublin.
I don’t think that Corbs is out of favour so much as Marler has grabbed the shirt and made it his own, and Vunipola is playing at a consistently high level. Until Corbisiero can stay free from injury and plays well enouhg to demand inclusion, he doens’t deserve his place in the matchday squad. It’s the strength of the forwards that no one can walk back into the team. Certainly not as starter.
I agree.Marler has been superb in tight and loose.First class scrumaging too.
I wasn’t suggesting Corbisiero should just walk back in. Just seems a long long time since he was being hailed as England’s only genuinely world class Loosehead.
Interesting comments, complimentary to the opposition, focussing on the positives within his own camp as well. Wales coaching staff take note!
Think I read somewhere that Brooke’s is out with a hip strain so interesting to see who may be on bench.