England Rugby - Squad Watch Pt. 1 Backs

Today the full England Rugby World Cup Training Squad assembled at Pennyhill Park for the start of the largest and most intense camp of their lives. England's extended 50 man squad must be reduced down, Stuart has already confirmed that he will only take 45 to Denver in a little over three weeks time and then we all know that the magic number is 31 when it comes to Rugby World Cup Squads. 

At this moment England Rugby are in a strong position with the depth of talent that is housed within this wider squad and whittling it down will not be easy. With less than ninety days to go before the tournament starts let's review the runners and riders of this training squad and start with the backs. 

Full Backs -  Mike Brown, Alex Goode & Ben Foden (injury watch) with Anthony Watson & Danny Cipriani also capable of donning the jersey

Expected Number in 31 Man Squad – Part of 5 Back Three Players
Shoo-In – Mike Brown

There is absolutely no question about the fact that England's 15 jersey belongs to Mike Brown, he combines an innate attacking instinct with a intense defensive mindset. Behind Mike, Alex Goode has waited patiently and excelled for Saracens, he is your ever present and ever reliable second choice. Alex has every attribute that you'd want from a Full Back, it is just that the man ahead of him does them all a touch better. Ben Foden could throw a spanner in the works and give the selection team a very big decision to make if he recovers from injury and fires from the first moment during the QBE Internationals.

Wingers - Chris Ashton, Jonny May, Jack Nowell, Semesa Rokoduguni, Anthony Watson & Marland Yarde

Expected Number in 31 Man Squad – Part of 5 Back Three Players
Shoo-In – Anthony Watson

Out wide it is fair to say that Anthony Watson has his name sewn on one of the wing jerseys courtesy of his electric pace and defensive solidity and the fact that Anthony is a talented Full Back adds extra merit to his selection. Jack Nowell has certainly taken his chance well and shown similar attributes to Antony; flair going forwards and physicality in D, the question is has he done enough? Versatility is also in Jack’s favour, with proficiency at 12 and 15, as is his ability to take direction and improve extremely quickly however competition is rife. Marland Yarde was finding his straps towards the end of the season and we have seen the electricity that Jonny May is capable of going forwards. Chris Ashton is experienced and back in the form that gained him an England starting jersey in the first place and there’s no question about the fact that Semesa Rokoduguni will grasp the life line handed to him with both hands. 

Centres - Brad Barritt, Luther Burrell, Elliot Daly, Kyle Eastmond, Jonathan Joseph, Henry Slade, Billy Twelvetrees. Also capable of running out; Jack Nowell and Sam Burgess

Expected Number in 31 Man Squad – 4 
Shoo-Ins – Jonathan Joseph & Brad Barritt

Earlier in the year the injuries to Manu Tuilagi and Owen Farrell forced selection and boy did it pay off with the emergence of Jonathan Joseph. In my view Joseph is the first centre in the squad and one of the first names on England's team sheet. Brad Barritt’s defensive solidity, work rate and proven track record means that I believe that he will be in the 31 and then it comes down to personal interpretation and what goes on during camp. All of the other centre options must raise their game and their differing attributes mean that it will be down to the type of features England's coaching team want to bring to the mix. Kyle’s distribution is first class, however physically can he match the huge Fijians, Welsh & Australians? Both Henry Slade and Elliot Daly don’t have experience but they do make rugby look effortless and are mentally tough. Billy Twelvetrees has experience but personally I still have question marks of his consistency and could Luther be the perfect blend of power and distribution? Clearly this is a critical area of selection and one that must be handled carefully.

Fly Half - Danny Cipriani, Owen Farrell, George Ford & Stephen Myler

Expected Number in 31 Man Squad – 2 
Shoo-Ins – George Ford & Owen Farrell

The question here is around whether the above men will be ‘in’ as 10s or in other areas for example Danny Cipriani covers Full Back and Owen Farrell may in fact be England’s answer at 12, so in theory they could be part of a 31 man squad classified as another position. This is where the blend of the 31 is vital and where true versatility comes to fruition. The fact of the matter is that Owen and George are leading the way for the 10 jersey and whilst they’ll push each other and be pushed by Cipriani & Myler neither should be shunted out of the squad to make room for anyone else. 

Scrum Half - Danny Care, Lee Dickson, Richard Wigglesworth & Ben Youngs

Expected Number in 31 Man Squad – 3  
Shoo-In – Ben Youngs

After a difficult period Ben Youngs has bounced back and firmly secured the England 9 shirt, he is the leader of the pack and it is up to others to chase him down. Richard Wigglesworth's kicking game puts his nose in front of the other two however we all know what an in form Danny Care can do. The other man to mention in this area is Joe Simpson, right now he is back running after his MCL injury and should he become fit and the coaching staff decide to bring him in he would offer a high tempo and dynamic scrum half option.

Part Two will focus on the Forwards where are some of the toughest selection decisions will occur for Stuart Lancaster and his coaching team...