Stuart Lancaster has named the wider England training squad for the 2015 Rugby World Cup, including five uncapped faces in the group of 50. Maro Itoje, Sam Burgess, Henry Slade, Luke Cowan-Dickie and Elliot Daly are the lucky five.
Burgess is expected to train as a centre, the position he first occupied following his move to union from league in 2014, despite impressing most so far when wearing the Bath number six shirt. Manu Tuilagi’s disciplinary problems also open the door for young tyros Daly and Slade, both of whom have been in scintillating form form Wasps and Exeter respectively.
Itoje, after captaining England to Junior World Championship success in 2014, has had a breakthrough season at Saracens, and his ability to play at either blindside flank or lock is an invaluable asset.
Cowan-Dickie joins teammate Slade as the only other uncapped member of the squad, meaning there is no place for the in-form back-row Dave Ewers. Others unlucky not to make the cut include Wasps flyer Christian Wade and top try-scorer in this season’s Aviva Premiership, Thomas Waldrom.
There was better news for a couple of wingers who had previously been out in the international wilderness, with Saracens duo Chris Ashton and Dave Strettle rewarded for their fine international form with call-ups.
“It’s great to be able to include Alex Corbisiero, Joe Launchbury, Ben Morgan, Ed Slater and David Wilson, who missed the Six Nations because of injury and are close to returning to play or have recently begun playing again.
“There are a lot of experienced internationals within the squad with the likes of Chris Ashton and David Strettle, who are in great form, returning and it’s also good to have young players like Luke Cowan-Dickie, Elliot Daly, Maro Itoje and Henry Slade in there who have come through our player development pathway and had great seasons for their clubs.
“Ben Foden, Joe Simpson and Tom Croft have not been included at this stage due to ongoing rehabilitation from injury but will hopefully come into consideration nearer the tournament.
“A number of this 50-man squad, such as Joe Launchbury, Elliot Daly, Danny Cipriani and Marland Yarde will be involved in the England XV side playing the Barbarians on May 31 following the Premiership semi-finals. There will also be opportunities for the likes of Dave Ewers and Christian Wade who just missed out on the initial selection but could come back in further down the line.”
The England squad to play the Barbarians will be announced at 5pm on Sunday once the Premiership finalists are known as a number of players from the losing semi-finalists could be involved.
Players from Gloucester Rugby would also not be considered should they reach the European Rugby Champions Cup qualification final.
This training squad is set to be reduced prior to the training camp in Denver and subsequently reduced again as the QBE Internationals approach with the final 31 players for the Rugby World Cup being announced by the August 31 deadline.
England Rugby World Cup training squad
Chris Ashton (Saracens)
Dave Attwood (Bath Rugby)
Brad Barritt (Saracens)
Kieran Brookes (Newcastle Falcons)
Mike Brown (Harlequins)
Luther Burrell (Northampton Saints)
Sam Burgess (Bath Rugby)
Danny Care (Harlequins)
Danny Cipriani (Sale Sharks)
Calum Clark (Northampton Saints)
Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers)
Alex Corbisiero (Northampton Saints)
Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs)
Elliot Daly (Wasps)
Lee Dickson (Northampton Saints)
Kyle Eastmond (Bath Rugby)
Nick Easter (Harlequins)
Owen Farrell (Saracens)
George Ford (Bath Rugby)
Alex Goode (Saracens)
Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints)
James Haskell (Wasps)
Maro Itoje (Saracens)
Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby)
Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints)
Joe Launchbury (Wasps)
George Kruis (Saracens)
Matt Kvesic (Gloucester Rugby)
Joe Marler (Harlequins)
Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby)
Stephen Myler (Northampton Saints)
Ben Morgan (Gloucester Rugby)
Matt Mullan (Wasps)
Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs)
Geoff Parling (Leicester Tigers)
Chris Robshaw (Harlequins)
Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs)
Ed Slater (Leicester Tigers)
David Strettle (Saracens)
Billy Twelvetrees (Gloucester Rugby)
Mako Vunipola (Saracens)
Billy Vunipola (Saracens)
Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby)
Rob Webber (Bath Rugby)
Richard Wigglesworth (Saracens)
David Wilson (Bath Rugby)
Tom Wood (Northampton Saints)
Marland Yarde (Harlequins)
Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers)
Tom Youngs (Leicester Tigers)
Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images
57 replies on “Rugby World Cup 2015: Lancaster names England training squad”
I don’t really understand how someone like Slater has been selected, and Ewers hasn’t. Ewers has been outstanding all season, and Slater has been injured for most of it. Sometime I just don’t get the logic of these decisions.
Don’t think it is really a fair comparison – Slater is in as a second row, not a 6 or 8. It wasn’t one or the other. If you feel Slater is lucky, then its guys like Kitchener who are unlucky to miss out. And remember last year he was in fantastic form and captained the midweek side in New Zealand. He is someone you want in this squad, regardless of being injured for the season.
But I think Ewers should 100% be in this squad. Personally I can’t understand why Clarke is in ahead of him. He has been in the squad for ages and they have never selected him – to be honest he has never shown to me enough for me to believe he is good enough for test level. Surely time to give someone else (and one in such amazing form) a go.
Point taken, but Slater did play at 6 for Tigers at the weekend. My main point was really that a player who’s barely played gets in, but a player who’s been in fantastic form all season doesn’t?
As you say what does Clark bring to the team? Ewers is one of the most devastating ball carriers we have, but still doesn’t get in the team? Makes no sense!
Think Slater was just at 6 as they wanted both Thorn and Kitchener on the pitch as well. And Gibson is off to Saints (boo).
On the Ewers thing, I am just hoping that Lancaster is actually being clever – give Ewers and Wade a glimmer of hope and coax a world class performance from them in the non-cap game.
I think they see Clark as a 7 primarily, with the option of cover at 6 or in the second-row.
Ewers (whom I agree is very unlucky) is a 6/8.
Absence of Ewers may also be due to the rise of Burgess at 6 despite England seeming to see him at 12.
Aren’t you being anti-English? If state stuff like this I am… but that’s another story.
Seriously tho & I don’t know or have seen enough of each player to make a balanced call, what you state seems to make sense. I’ve heard Ewers mentioned plenty, incl here, presumably for good reason, so it would seem sensible for SL to @ least have looked @ him in this squad.
Slater has been around for a while & seems like another decentish lock, but as you state he’s been out, so on what basis is he in? Can’t be form? Rep then?
It’s for reasons such as this & e.g., giving Cipriani bugger all game time when he’s more exp than Ford & if the latter gets crocked what then?, that I ? Lancaster’s judgement @ times.
However there are plenty to pick from & it’s the final comp that will count in the end… that & whether they have the skills to implement an appropriate game plan to contest the WC.
The latter sentences are likely, @ least in part somewhat off the subject for some, but the eventual team make up & style of play are going to matter come Sept & so, surely, they can’t be divorced from one another.
SL needs to have got them both right… incl the selection or not of Ewers & Slater maybe?
I think on the Cipriani game time issue; most WC squads will have two fly halfs. England will clearly pick Ford and Farrell – rightly so on current and historic form. Ford is inexperienced (as you state), and SL knowing he was likely to pick those two for the WC made sure Ford got as many minutes during the 6 nations as possible.
Farrell was dropped. He’s a goal kicker & tackler. In a WC, esp v the SH, to be blunt, do you really think he’s going to ask any serious ?s of the opposition? Farrell is literally club class.
Yeah, surprised Lancaster hasn’t bothered to at least have a look at Ewers in the big training squad… probably the most consistent player this year and combined with Waldrom made one of the most formidable back row partnerships in the Premiership.
So the 4th best club has the most representation in the squad? Seriously. Strettle a good club player but 14 appearances and 2 tries says to me he is not Interantional class. Also what is the point of telling the likes of Ewers, Wade, Rokoduguni that the door is still open when they have missed out on on such a large squad. They must be devastated. I also question Slater coming straight in after the season out. Callum Clark? They didn’t trust him in the AIs or the 6N, is he really a contender for the world cup? If not, why pick him.
Everyone in this squad should be deemed a potential squad member, which is why it is disappointing that we have so many tried, tested and failed candidates in the squad (Ashton, Barritt, Burrell, Goode, Haskell, Webber), the perenial squad members who yet to force there way in over the last 2 years, and one assumes they won’t now (Mullan, Clarke, Kvesic, Slater, Myler). Whilst there is enough talent in there to pick a very promising 31, I have little faith in SL and AF to pick one.
Also just realised that Cowan-Dickie is in the squad, but no Jamie George?! I know Cowan-Dickie is a good player (throwing a little dodgy?), but George has been outstanding this season, and never see him have a bad game?
Could not agree more. Gutted for him.
So yes I am disappointed in Strettle over Wade/Roko and Clarke over Ewers (as I said above) but lets just get a little perspective.
Realistically the world cup is not the time to chuck every capped player out and replace them with all the exciting new talent who us ‘the armchair critics’ know would suddenly turn the team into world beaters.
I would also say that keeping the ‘door open’ for Wade and Ewers will hopefully coax out of them a word class performance in the England XV game that means he brings them in. Give them a little push and great players will respond.
The contentious players: Slater has had a year out because of injury, but fully fit he would be my bench spot (over Atwood or Kruis anyway). Kvesic is in such form he made several premiership team of the years – not sure any other 7 candidates for England did. Likewise Haskell has had a couple of brilliant games for England recently. Just because he tailed off at the end of the 6n shouldn’t be a reason to discard him so quickly. And Webber? Wouldn’t call him a ‘failed’ candidate. He looked pretty good to me when he played for England? Though I would have liked to see Jamie George there as well.
He has included Daly, Slade, Itoje and Cowan Dickie. The first two we have been clamouring for him to call up for the past year. That’s a victory from my perspective.
We have the makings of a very good team – there is world class competition for most spots in this side, we only need to resolve 6 (balancing the fetcher/ball carrier and line out option roles), 12 and 14 – and maybe the 23 shirt.
For my money keep Haskell at 6, stick Slade at 12 (he’s not lightweight in defense like some suggest – certainly did ok vs Tuilagi at the start of the season and has the best tackle stats for a centre below Barritt I believe). Watson and Nowell wings and Daly in the 23 shirt.
Sorted.
Based purely on this squad (not what I would pick if other options available), and caveated by how various fringe players perform in the warm ups here is my 31:
Props (5) Marler, Cole, Corbs, Wilson, Brookes (Mako loses out as Corbs is a better scrummager, and Brookes covers both sides)
Hooker (3) Hartley, Youngs, Cowan Dickie (Webber has been awful, LCD likely to get very limited game time against the minnows)
Second Row (4) Lawes, Launchbury, Parling, Attwood
Back row (6) Robshaw, Vunipola, Woods, Morgan (Ewers if injured), Easter, Burgess (Easter did more in his cameos than Haskell did over the entire 6n, so comes in as the experienced carrier. Burgess in by virtue of having a bosh option in the centre and an extra carrier in the backrow, depending on where he plays)
Halfbacks (5) Care, Youngs, Dickson, Ford, Cipriani
Centres (4) Slade, Farrell, Joseph, Daly (Now that Manu is out and none of Barritt, Burrell or 12t have done enough, England should settle on the kicking 12 and fleet of foot 13 (Burgess as a bosh cover if needed)
Back Three (4) Brown, Watson, Nowell, May (between, Brown, Nowell, Watson and Daly we have plenty of FB cover)
What I think SL will pick:
Props (5) Marler, Cole, Corbs, Wilson, Vunipola
Hooker (3) Hartley, Youngs, Webber
Second Row (4) Lawes, Launchbury, Parling, Kruis or Slater*
Back row (6) Robshaw, Vunipola, Woods, Morgan (Ewers if injured), Haskell, Burgess*
Halfbacks (5) Care, Youngs, Wigglesworth, Ford, Goode*
Centres (4) Farrell, Barritt, Joseph, Twelvetrees
Back Three (4) Brown, Watson, Nowell, May
* Burgess to cover Burrell’s bosh option at centre, which may strengthen Slater’s case over Kruis as he can play 6, Goode at 3rd FH/ FB cover
Possibly one of Slade or Daly might push out 12t.
Agree with all that- but Vunipola gets in over Corbs for me. Corbs is nowhere near back to his best yet, would actually say Mako looks better in the scrum at the moment! Have to stick to my guns on Haskell as well (for Burgess).
I would probably have Barritt in over Farrell for centres (never been a great Farrell fan). Yes I love the idea of Slade/Daly/Joseph combining, but our centres having a combined total of about 10 caps? Slightly mad. Need Barritt in there – he can work, especially with creative players either side.
My wildcard would be Slater or Itoje over Atwood. They have a lot to prove, but it wouldn’t surprise me. Never been a massive Atwood fan.
IF Ford and Farrell can work, I see it as being at least as solid defensively as Barritt, but providing more attacking options. We are where we are re the inexperience of our midfield. Barritt is too easy to defend against, and makes those around him a lightening rod for rush defences as they know BB is no threat. I think BB will be the 12 (unless Burgess proves a revalation which would seem unlikely).
I would say this on the “caps front”. Haskell has 50 caps, still a liability. I have noticed that the alumni from successful junior world cups, Farrell, Ford, Nowell etc, have tended to acclimatise without much difficulty, hence my punts on Slade, Daly, LCD. Burgess is SO experienced on the international stage, that I have a sneaking suspicion he may take to test rugby better then club rugby.
Alumni! Great word Benjitt and we tend to agree on most things but Farrell ??!!!?? Eff me!! Not at centre at any price. Slow,(slower than Barritt), not experienced enough and still a little hot headed. And yes I know,under 20’s etc ,had a great partnership with Ford etc…… just no!
Have to agree with you on Corbs vs Mako. I think Mako has adapted his game to suit the new scrum laws (not that new anymore), but Corbs has struggled. Mainly because he spends so much time injured, and for that reason I’m not sure SL will take him. Brookes has been in excellent form, and I would have him in the squad ahead of Corbs.
Ford and Farrell can definitely work. It worked for SL when he coached them in the U20’s, and I think a combination of Ford, Farrell and Joseph is a great option. Ford and Joseph will bring the best out of Farrell. Slade gets the 22 shirt because he can cover 10, 12 & 13, and Cips or Daly get the 23, covering 13 & 15.
I would also consider moving Watson to 15, and possibly having Brown in the 23 shirt. Brown’s not back to full fitness yet, and will be pretty much untested for match fitness before the world cup starts. Watson at 15 and give Ashton the 14 shirt. Ashton will run all kinds of great line of the sort of ball Ford can provide. He is still the best tracker we have, and we should use him while he’s on form.
Not sure I will ever be sold on Farrell at 12 – until I see it working in a match… I know it worked at under-20 but although Farrell is a good 10, I just don’t see him as a 12. Slade offers much more in that position for me (bar kicking percentages).
I am also warming to the idea of Ashton back in the squad. I know that he has had loads of chances, but I can’t help feel with a much more creative midfield he will prosper. He is not the kind of winger who can just ‘create’ tries – he doesn’t have the raw speed or size like a North, Wade or Savea. What he does do it read the came and pop up at the perfect moment to take that final pass and score. Guys like Ford, Joseph, Daly, Slade – they will suit his game much better than Farrell, Barrett, Tuilagi, Burrell (Tomkins ha).
(I know most of the guys I just mentioned are Saracens – but Ashton really benefits from Goode at 15 in that team, and recently Wyles at 12)
Oh and please no Twelvetrees. Please
I wonder what centre combinations we’ll see in the 4 matches? I’m assuming that the play off finalists will not be selected for the Baa Baas match. Given that we know what BB, BT & LB can do (or not do), I imagine management will want to see how the following work:
Ford/ Farrell & JJ
Ford/ Slade & JJ
Ford/ Burgess & JJ
If Bath players not available, could we see Farrell, Slade & Daly together or Farrell, Barritt & Slade?
Daly or Slade is my question, who would you rather see in the side?
Very good question Phil. My instinct, is that Daly may not quite make it at International level (though I hope I am wrong), whereas Slade looks ready.
I think it is about where they play in the centres as well. I see Daly as more like-for-like with Joseph (lightning quick with a wicked step) so they will compete for the 13, where as Slade has more of the all round playmakers skill set England have said they want at 12 (even though he played at 13 for Exeter – but that was because of Sam Hill being a 12).
So want to see Slade and Joseph at 12/13 with Daly at 23 – can cover wing and 15 really well. Daly to slot in for Joseph in case of an untimely injury.
Like the squad. Only player I’d question is Ewers otherwise I’d have picked the same squad. Can’t say I’m sure who I’d take out though. Really rate Clarke, great at the breakdown. Wood and Robshaw are top class. Haskell has been brilliant this season and other than the brain fart against Ireland he has a brilliant 6 nations, in particular the Wales game where he was MOTM. So in that sense, I’m a massive Ewers fan but I do understand why he wasn’t picked.
My squad:
Props (6): Marler, Vunipola, Corbs, Cole, Wilson, Brookes
Hooker (3): Hartley, Youngs, Webber
Lock (4): Launchbury, Lawes, Parling, Slater
Back row (6): Vunipola, Morgan, Robshaw, Haskell, Wood, Burgess
Scrum half (3): Youngs, Simpson, Care
Fly Half (2): Ford, Farrell
Center (4): Burrell, Barritt, JJ, Daly
Back three (4): Watson, Nowell, Foden, Brown
Now I know that I have 32 there, but I can’t decide whether I want to lose a prop, a hooker or a scrum half. From each I would lose Brookes, Webber and Care. Feel like I’d probably lose Brookes as I think Corbs can cover tight if it’s really needed.
I was a big Haskell advocate ahead of the 6n.Wales match aside I thought he was utterly underwhelming. He will get picked as SL is obsessed with having a certain number of caps for the squad, so it won’t surprise me if 12t and Ashton get in for that same muddled rationale.
Not sure SL is that bothered by caps to be honest so surprised you think that. Having experience is important but he has never taken it as the first and foremost reason for picking someone.
Robshaw was selected as captain having 1 cap, and he has often selected others before Haskell despite his caps. Dickson was selected before Youngs and Care at one point too when he was on top form despite the cap difference.
Can’t see Ashton being selected either, not before Watson and Nowell. I can’t see enough room for more than 4 back three players in the squad, so with those two and Brown a shoe in I assume the last spot is between Foden, Goode and Yarde.
Jacob he has stated many times that having a certain number of caps is needed to compete in the wprld cup:
“I’ve looked at the balance of youth and experience that is needed within teams to win World Cups and I think having 600 caps in the team provides the right level of experience. It sounds quite clinical and calculated to think of it that way, but I’m the team’s leader, and part of being a leader is having a clear vision for the future”
Maybe his stance has changed, and I hope he doesn’t pick experience just for the sake of it. Experience is important, don’t get me wrong, but form has to come into it too. Haskell, like Strettle, has had many, many chances. Time to move on.
It’s certainly a factor and rightly so – my point was more that it isn’t the sole factor. Experience and leadership are vital in test match rugby and having that blend is important.
More what I was getting at is that are plenty of examples where he has gone for form over experience when the blend is right; I’m sure he will again.
For me Haskell and Strettle are in no way comparable. As I mentioned outside of Haskell’s stupid moment against Ireland, his 6 nations was good. He has had some great games for England, the last test away to SA always sticks out in mind mind from 2012. Strettle has not once looked up to being an international winger; I would discard him.
Surely Haskell’s moment of dumbness came against France? Oh and Ireland! Not making a good case for himself really.
Those of you puzzled by Clark’s inclusion (self included) are forgetting SL’s Achilles heel: He likes to surround himself with his protégés and malleable types.
Ewers must be wondering what else he has to do.I really don’t think Burgess has gained enough experience to have got anywhere near this squad. It smacks of a desperation to include him anyway,anyhow to me. Ewers has had an immense season. Surely you want players in your squad who are tip top form wise and desperate to be given a go?
Strettle? Another puzzler. And is Easter in to cover lock and b/side/eight? Surely Kitchener would have been a better option at lock with Ewers and Easter battling it out for the 6/8 berth?
Oh and a quick word of consolation for Wade. For some reason he is obviously not a Lancaster type player.
I think Benjit that his point is that he needs a certain amount of experience to win a RWC, because caps are a reasonable indicator of experience.
The intent behind this is to get the right players, and develop and build toward this number of caps with the right players.
I don’t think that Haskell and Strettle have been picked solely because of the the number of caps they have. Haskell was in prime form when he was picked, and Strettle is in prime form now (as is Ashton).
For me, I would prefer Nowell, May, Wade and Watson ahead of the two Saracens wings, but I couldn’t argue that they are in good form. I would also wonder what Strettle ever did wrong in an England shirt, in order to fall out of favour.
Am in accord with Benjit on this.
Thought Haskell’s form before had to see him selected for 6N and I was pleased when he was. Then thought he was great in the Wales match – runing into the post aside. After that, he really didn’t make any kind of impact and in fact went backwards, culminating in that idiotic trip against France
Haskell has managed to rack up almost 60 caps but with no consistency at all. Even his experience doesn’t help as he somehow still manages to be a liability. If it was a choice between him and Ewers then SL made entirely the wrong call
Feel sorry for Waldrom, Ewers and Kitchener – think all 3 should be in wider squad with lack of game time and fitness of others.
On a different note, how can you ban Tuilagi but continue to select Hartley and Clarke – for me this is a little selective?
I’m sure I see how that is selective? Hartley and Clarke were both banned for their issues, then came back. Tuilagi is banned for his and will be back in 2016.
Seems like the exact same treatment to me?
Same went for Danny Care too.
Also Tuilagi was convicted of a criminal assault and damage charge, not banned for a rugby misdemeanour (though you could argue that Clarke should have been up on assault charges as well…)
Hartley was banned for 9 months missing out on the 2007 world cup. Clark likewise received a hefty ban and underwent some serious psychological therapy to banish his demons. Manu committed assault on a civilian and 2 police officers. I don’t this that compares, but he could do worse than follow Clark ‘ s rehab.
As always with SL it’s mixture of good selection – Itoje, Cowan-Dickie, Daly, Slade – in with the bad – no Dave Ewers, Strettle, Goode
Ewers must be just a tad disappointed. I’m not sure its possible to play any better in a problematic position and not get selected for your national side.
Also, am I the only one who thinks that Corbisiero, as good as he was, should be nowhere near this squad on his form since returning from injury?
I haven’t seen enough of Corbs. Thought he did ok at the weekend in a weakened pack. Mako does worry me at scrum time when playing for England
I was thinking this earlier to be fair. Matt Mullan has been in such good form for Wasps, and has always been extremely good when playing for England too. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him ahead of Corbs in the pecking order based on current form.
How is Ewers playing in a “problem” position?
Unless the “problem” is that there are too many to choose from.
I see blind-side as a problematic position and am suprised you don’t. We have options but none are world-class (or at least not yet)
Wood – nowhere near his best form. And even at his best i don’t think he offers the carrying that we need
Haskell – 90% ok, 5% great, 5% complete liability
Itoje (if he’s not being viewed as a lock) – looking good, will probably step up to this level, but we don’t know yet
Burgess – like Itoje, looking good but again untested at this level
Anyone I’ve missed?
England need another big, destructive ball carrier. BV is great but other options are needed. Ewers is a great ball carrier and this season seems to have added some breakdown nous to his game. To my mind, he is exactly what England need and is physical enough to equal players like Kaino, Vito or Alberts
I don’t think any of the players are “world class” necessarily but I also don’t think it’s a problem position.
Wood is definitely world class at the breakdown but I do agree he needs to carry more. I think with Launchbury back in the side, that lifts the weight off of Vunipola though and offers a good mix.
It certainly isn’t a position I’m that worried about. 12 is the only real position that concerns me, as well as 15 if Brown is out.
The problem with that is it effectively gives Launchbury two jobs to do. Either select him as an out and out lock or at B/side. The poor sod must be double knackered after England games!
It comes back to the lack of a genuine 7 again. Unfortunately that problem isn’t going to solved this side of september,if at all.
Not sure why that gives him two jobs? Launchbury is a naturally good ball carrier, does so a lot, he’s got great hands. Why does that give him two jobs?
I also can’t see the relevance with the 7 role. Robshaw hits more rucks and makes more tackles than most international 7s so I can’t see how that has any knock on at all.
Should note I’m not a massive Robshaw fan but he is the best 7 we have.
Have you not noticed the amount of turnover ball Launchbury is expected to win? Robshaw’s tackle count is excellent but he always needs help securing turnover ball. Launchbury becomes a second o/s in effect because the balance of the back row is out of kilter.
Think it is quite obvious that Launchbury is great at the breakdown too. My point is more that Launchbury offers that anyway – irrelevant of who is selected in the back row is doesn’t change that about him.
Launchbury doesn’t have a high workload – he has a high work rate; there is a difference.
Fair one re bans, I had a bit of amnesia there! I don’t think Corbs has done enough since coming back either, personally think he would be a liability due to injury proneness.
A lot of players did who should have made the cut & others who should’ve not made the cut. Rokoduguni is one of the people who should’ve made the cut, his form has improved massively & i would argue he is the better all round player instead of Ashton. Ashton i feel like only got in for his 4 tries against London Welsh. There is also kitchener who deserves to be in the squad & what happened to Chris Pennell, i don’t trust Goode to command our backlines which he leaves in a mess or those silly commands for Ford to keep kicking down to Irelands hands with no one really challenging it.
Our centres Slade & Daly deserve the call up, but i hope Daly is only looked at as a centre & not someone who could play at full back, if you look at what happedned when Daly met Hosea Gear. There is also one centre who i feel deserves a call up & that is Ollie Devoto & is the one who i feel could’ve been the bolter. Devote has shown that sometimes he has failed to find touch, not that great kicking penalties, but he is a really great 12 who is very sly & cunning. There are also other reason why i think Devote should’ve been in the squad. Has a partnership with Joseph & understanding of Ford, Is not small, has a brain with great passing & offloads. Also i see Devote as the most quickiest to ease in compared to Slade or Daly. With the amount of bath players in EPS.
Our flyhalves well with Ford, Farrell & Cipirani there, why is Myler there. I really don’t see the point why he should be there over someone like Burns. I would bring Burns in because he been in England Camp far longer then Myler so should be more familar with the calls. With Burns though i would not have him above Cipirani but it’s nice knowing someone who been in England setup for a while in the case our flyhalves get injuried. My worst case scenario would be Myler at 10 with Farrell at 12, two players who play alike.
Our wingers Jonny May i just feel he should play at right wings instead of left wing. Left wing just sometimes happenes to have the ball alot in close quarters. Jonny May if you ask me is more dangerous when he attacks deep. If you look at the try against the all blacks, it came from Farrell passing really deep, follwed by Barritt doing the same, which looked to have given May the chance to back himself.
I also Forgot to add in the event of Mike Brown not recovering from his concussion. I would rather go with Chris Pennell instead of Alex Goode. I would hopefully think with the world cup warm up and Baba match with full 80 min should be enough? to ease Pennell in. Because having Alex Goode start in the 15 shirt for our pool of death does not insipre confidence.
My full assessment of Stu’s picks and who i think should make the final squad
LH
In Marler
In Vunipola
Maybe Mullan
Out Corbs Struggling since return (vs Exeter, vs Leicester)
HK
In Youngs Tightened up his set piece excellent in the loose
In Hartley Needs to find a way to keep the aggression without getting carded
Out Webber Lineout concerns
Out Cowan-Dickie Lacks consistency
TH
In Cole Excellent since his return. Esp over the ball
In Wilson
Maybe Brookes
LK
In Lawes
In Launchbury Playing well since his return
In Parling
Maybe Attwood
Maybe Kruis
Out Itoje Too soon needs more big game experience
Out Slater Not good enough
BSF
In Wood
In Haskell
Maybe Ewers Stu should have him in the training squad
Out Croft Not been good enough on his short stints back from injury
OSF
In Robshaw Under rated
In Clark Saints player of the season seems to have sorted some of his discipline demons
Out Kvesic Flatters to deceive
N8
In Vunipola Upped his game recently and playing full 80
In Morgan Should be first choice if he is back to his best post injury
In Easter Versitile, good bench player
SH
In Youngs Excellent form
In Wigglesworth Provides a change of tactic with good boxkicks
Maybe Simpson Excellent form, bad time for an injury
Maybe Care Great snipping and quick taps
Out Dickson Not offering enough now that others have sped up their delivery
FH
In Ford Should start every game
In Cipriani Edging Farrell on form but too similar style to Ford
In Farrell Needs to sharpen up post injury should be looking to bench
Out Myler Solid but not spectacular
IC
In Burrell Edging it on attacking threat
In Barritt
In Eastmond
Out Twelvetrees Poor form
Out Burgess Not a centre, been terrible here for bath and Saxons. Wouldn’t make Flanker in my book either
OC
In Joseph
In Slade All round skill set should have been involved earlier
Out Daly Lacks consistency
WG
In Nowell
In Watson
In May Lucky to make the squad but we need a spare back 3
Out Ashton Our attack is good enough without him our defence doesn’t need weakening
Out Wade See above
Out Yarde Poor form
Out Strettle Not able to perform on the big stage
FB
In Brown Hope he recovers
In Foden Ditto
Out Goode Please no he has been a liability everytime he has worn the red rose
Maybe Pennell Given the injuries this guy ought to be in the training squad
I think it will be close to this, but not quite. You have 31 ‘In’ players which is the size of the squad, therefore no room for any of the maybe-s.
I think there are too many inside centres, especially with Farrell and Slade who may cover that position. I also think there will definitely be four locks in the squad (although I guess you have Easter covering this) and a fifth prop who can cover both sides (probably Brookes).
Agree on pretty much all this – would seriously suggest either Itoje or Slater are going to take the 4th lock spot. Kruis and Atwood are good and can do a job, but I really rate Slater (they didn’t make him Leicester club captain for nothing) and Itoje just gets better by the day. Really excited to see him in a warm up game.
Not a fan of Clarke I’m afraid, Kvesic over him. And would have Slade as a 12 rather than Eastmond – just not sure about Eastmond at test level based on previous performances. That brings Daly in as the back up 13.
And I think I may be one of the few who rates Goode… but a fully fit Foden does edge him out. It’s a race for him.
yeah good points Matt
Props if there is a 5th I would say Brookes as he can play both sides
Centres fair enough drop Eastmond as I have listed players in order of preference
Yes Easter is covering lock
Maybes would need to impress in camp and friendlies to steal a spot from the incumbents
Henry I think Itoje is a massive talent and clearly has a big game temperament I just think it may be a year too soon for him, but you’re right he should probably move to the maybe catagory. Slater has had months out and was struggling to get in before his injuries so not convinced there.
I have always been skeptical about Clark as I thought he gives away too many penalties but Clark has been very good this season and seems to have cut the penalty count and raised the turnover count. Still skeptical about Kvesic doesn’t do enough for me
Leon – are you an actuary by any chance?
DDD
More players in the squad than in Nth Korean Army or the entire NZ pop!
So many to pick from in the land of plenty it’s hard to miss too many ‘unlucky’ ones… Ewers & the odd other perhaps.
Don’t see it matters too much which tight fwds are picked altho it’s surprising for me that Corbisiero (Lion) & Mullan haven’t featured more for England already when they could/should have been rotated, esp as injuries have & will likely again play a part in the WC.
Regds Itoje’s pick being a ‘WC too soon’, age is relative. If he’s good enough, he’s old enough. And Lancs’ policy is one of youth after all. If picked for the WC it will be good exp for him & it should make him a better player. Plenty exp around him.
Burgess’ selection, @ centre(?) on the other hand, beggers belief for me. Illogical.
Interesting to see how Slade & Cowan-Dickie go. An opportunity for them I trust. Unsure about Daly though, but mainly from perception.
The biggest disappointment for me however, is Joe Simpson’s not being available. Above all the other 1/2s he seems to have the most determination, all round game & PACE – like a 3/4! Reminds me of Mike Brown (esp a yr back) in that he 1st looks to make something happen & thus keeps the opposition guessing… or honest @ least.
England will need to win the breakdowns in the Cup & with Robshaw @ 7 this has to be a ? mark for the team. Pointless going backwards, but they may live to regret omitting the Euro Player of the Yr. Kevesic? Seems to look the part… sometimes?
Billy, if a starter, @ 8 will need to do more than run hard & fast @ esp v the SH. Morgan will need to up his game too.
The wingers ought to include Strettle & Ashton in the final cut. They’re both exp finishers in the Premiership & score plenty… being in a top team or not, they still have to finish them & they have. Yarde’s positional sense would worry me a bit as does that of some of the others. Triers, but later in the tourney, will any have the guile? Roko also unlucky to be dished after 1 test! Playing good again… in a BATH back line! Shame for Wade. He’s electric, but size & ‘D’ against him.
And the centres really need to be settled or it could be an accident waiting to happen. Likely go Joseph & Barritt, Burrell as back up, but without Eastmond as a shoo-in where’s the creativity @ both inside & out? An issue which may come out later in the wash? Practise tackling technique & positioning again & again if this & size is of concern.
2 fullbacks? Ok if Brown stays fit, but Goode needs to stop meandering E to W.
Mentioned Ciprani so many times, but the point that he’s had eff all game time compared to the inexp Ford doesn’t go away. Any injury to the latter…. !? Ford looks good & played well & kicked most of his goals v Leicester. However, he still has the worrying habit of booting directly into touch from k.o., gets charged a bit too often for me & sometimes can be a bit hit & miss @ goal too. It ain’t going to get easier for him pressure wise, esp in the later stages of the WC & it’s almost miss the boat time for Cipriani. He’s no good to England sitting on the bench. Needs to start v Fiji IMO.
Anyway, injuries apart, it’s whom to cull next… but I’m too pooped for now.