England vs. Barbarians 2015

Now that the domestic spoils have been it is time for an England XV take to the field at Twickenham Stadium against the star studded Barbarians. The annual clash with the Barbarians is always a chance to see a few different faces wearing the red rose of England and whilst every player always endeavours to give their all, this year strong performances are even more important due to the small matter of the forthcoming Rugby World Cup. 

Stuart Lancaster has included 10 of his RWC Training Squad in the side to face the flair of the Barbarians and it is fair to say that all of them have points to prove, even after a long domestic season. Christian Wade will start on the wing, eager to highlight that he can cut it defensively and hold his own against those with greater physicality and a good few inches in height. Matthew Tait's will pull on an England jersey for the first time in 5 years after an hardy and successful season with the Leicester Tigers and the recent RFU disciplinary decision has thrust Luke Cowan-Dickie into the spotlight and his performance will be scrutinised to the nth degree. 

Daly in England action
vs BaaBaas 2014

The prospect of a Henry Slade and Elliot Daly centre partnership outside Danny Cipriani is delectable for all three make rugby look effortless and the prospect of the trio playing what they see on the Twickenham turf sets the rugby pulses racing. The back row of Mark Wilson, Jack Clifford and Josh Beaumont was described by Danny Cipriani as the ‘fastest row’ that he has ever played with and with all three under the age of 25 you know that the England management are looking beyond 2015 as well as developing the options in case the unthinkable happens and injuries ravage the current England crop. 

The eyes of Stuart Lancaster lit up when he described how fresh Joe Launchbury is following his long time out on the sidelines, indeed his words were; ‘We have missed him. You see him train and you forget how good and effective he is as a rugby player, never mind as an athlete. He's been fantastic. Seeing him and Ed Slater together in the second row was hugely exciting.’ It will be Launchbury's first outing on the Twickenham turf since the RBS 6 Nations 2013 against Italy and whilst Dave Attwood, Courtney Lawes and latterly George Kruis have all worked wonders in England's Second Row and fully fit Joe Launchbury is unrivalled and his contribution to this year's World Cup will be instrumental.

The Barbarians will be led out by Brad Thorn on his last professional match, it will be a fitting way to end the career of the man that has achieved so much in the game and that has set the standards for professionalism and output for so long. It will also be Ugo Monye's last professional game on the wing and he'll run out alongside his Harlequin team made Dave Ward. When you look down the Barbarian's squad it is packed with talent and their match against Ireland on Thursday night showed that they mean business and will be a tough, tough challenge for this England XV. 

On paper this England side has every element to shine and shine brightly, the weather may curb a fully free flowing game with the expected rain, however all 23 players will adapt against one of the most organised and competitive Barbarian’s side of recent years. 

England XV; 15 Mathew Tait 14 Christian Wade 13 Elliot Daly 12 Henry Slade  11 Marland Yarde 10 Danny Cipriani  9 Lee Dickson  (C) 1 Matt Mullan  2 Luke Cowan-Dickie  3 Kieran Brookes  4 Ed Slater  5 Joe Launchbury  6 Mark Wilson  7 Jack Clifford  8 Josh Beaumont Replacements; 16 Tommy Taylor  17 Alex Waller  18 Gareth Denman  19 James Gaskell  20 Jon Fisher  21 Will Chudley  22 Shane Geraghty  23 Alex Lewington 

Barbarians; 15 Gio Aplon 14 David Smith 13 Joe Rokocoko 12 Wynand Olivier 11 Ugo Monye 10 Tusi Pisi 9 Tomas Cubelli 1 Saimone Taumoepeau 2 David Ward 3 Matias Diaz 4 Samu Manoa 5 Brad Thorn (C) 6 George Whitelock 7 George Smith 8 Thomas Waldrom Replacements; 16 Deon Fourie 17 Roberto Tejerizo 18 Adam Jones 19 Nathan Hines 20 Pablo Matera 21 Ruan Pienaar 22 Stephen Brett 23 Yoshi Fujita