England Rugby’s depth is showcased in full glory when it comes to the forwards as the competition for places is greater than it has been for a long time. From the back row to the front three every single player will be pushed to their limits to justify their position and under the tutelage of Graham Rowntree the set piece should be a huge area of strength for England during this Rugby World Cup. On that note let us start the analysis at the coalface;
Props - Kieran Brookes, Dan Cole, Alex Corbisiero, Joe Marler, Matt Mullan, Mako Vunipola & David Wilson
Expected Number in 31 Man Squad - 5
Shoo-Ins - Dan Cole, Joe Marler & Mako Vunipola
England are well stocked in the front row with all of the above names offering scrummaging proficiency of the highest order. In my opinion I see absolutely no reason why England’s starting front three from the RBS 6 Nations would not continue to start in the forthcoming tournament. The lingering selection question is which two individuals will join them as part of the 31 man squad? Many of us will have witnessed Alex Corbisiero deliver on the 2013 Lions Tour and it is my belief that if he gains his fitness during this camp he will be part of the 31. Kieran Brookes has the potential to push himself into contention, however fitness will be king in terms of Brookes’ chances and what has David Wilson done to not deserve his spot? Interesting calls ahead…
Hookers - Luke Cowan-Dickie, Jamie George, Rob Webber & Tom Youngs
Expected Number in 31 Man Squad – 3
Shoo-Ins – Tom Youngs & Rob Webber
The exclusion of Dylan Hartley from this training squad has opened up one spot in the 31 man squad for a Hooker and the race for that spot is between Luke Cowan-Dickie and Jamie George. Both have been excelling for their Clubs with the stock of Jamie George in particular rising very quickly over the course of the season. The extended period of training time is certainly enough for the England Coaching team to develop the two less experienced men and like so many areas this will be an interesting one to watch unfold... personally I think the Saracen might sneak it but let’s see shall we!?
Second Row - Dave Attwood, Courtney Lawes, Joe Launchbury, George Kruis, Geoff Parling, Ed Slater & Maro Itoje
Second Row - Dave Attwood, Courtney Lawes, Joe Launchbury, George Kruis, Geoff Parling, Ed Slater & Maro Itoje
Expected Number in 31 Man Squad – 4
Shoo-Ins – Joe Launchbury & Courtney Lawes
In the Second Row the partnership of Joe Launchbury and Courtney Lawes is World Class and in spite of us not seeing them together for a while due to injuries the prospect of a reunion is tremendously exciting. Behind these two the British and Irish Lion Geoff Parling leads the way in terms of experience and then it is a straight shoot out between Dave Attwood and George Kruis, both of which equipped themselves superbly in the recent competitions in terms of handling the pressure and applying themselves around the park. Ed Slater's injury time off has meant that he 'has a lot of catching up to do' in the words of the England coaching team but his performance against the Barbarians and credit in the bank from his tour to New Zealand where he captained England's mid week side will count for a lot. Maro's rise this year has been astounding, he is included in this squad on merit and won't take a backward step at all during this time in camp.
Back Row - James Haskell, Chris Robshaw, Billy Vunipola, Sam Burgess, Ben Morgan, Calum Clark, Tom Wood, Nick Easter & Matt Kvesic
Expected Number in 31 Man Squad – 5
Shoo-Ins – Chris Robshaw, Billy Vunipola & Ben Morgan
In my eyes the back row is where selection is the most interesting of all, obviously Chris Robshaw will Captain England from 7 and his partner at 8 must be Billy Vunipola based on his recent performances in the England jersey. In my opinion Ben Morgan walks straight back into the squad after his injury time off due to the ball carrying proficiency and work rate that he can deliver. By all accounts the 6 jersey is between James Haskell and Tom Wood, both deliver endless energy and physicality leaving a final spot open for one other back rower. A fair few questions are up in the air; do you add a 'specialist' in the mix like Kvesic? Do you put in Nick Easter with his proven ability to cover the Second Row as well? Is Sam Burgess a back rower or do you 'class' him a centre? No doubt the answers to all of these will unfold during the course of the camp.
Needless to say English Rugby is in a great situation in terms of the strength in depth and it goes without saying that whichever combination is selected on 31st August it will be a competitive one and one that is ready to take on the best in the World on home soil.
