The England World Cup 2015 Squad - Is it a Winner?

Well, it's done.

D-Day for the England players has arrived, the calls have been made, careers have been defined and broken in an instant. Shouts of joy and the clap of high-fives are cancelled out by the soft sounds of sobbing and the gentle scraping of a baseball bat being dragged towards Stuart Lancaster's car. That means it's time for a review of the head honcho's calls – what's he got right and wrong in my unenlightened opinion? What's the safe, unadventurous call, and what's the balls-out, "take-that" decision? Or something like that.

I've thought long and hard about how to present this, but when the England squad news came out I was chatting with some colleagues, admittedly with a certain level of cruel humour, about the dwindling careers of ex-gameshow hosts – think Michael Barrymore, Matthew Kelly and Les Dennis. You can't say I don't focus on the rugby issues. Anyway, I've decided to copy that old classic, Family Fortunes in terms of approval/disapproval sounds – specifically, a nice 'ding' for "good call", and a harsh 'Wah-wah' for "oh for f*ck's sake". And when we get to a controversial selection – in red, with big capital letters – try to imagine that classic "AWOOGA" alarm sound on repeat.

If you've got that, you have my respect. Now, let's play Stuart Lancaster's Family Fortunes…


Props

Joe Marler: Safe call with minimal controversy, unlike his haircut. Looked very rusty against France though and, having missed so much of late last season due to injury, he worryingly didn't look match ready in his last outing.  Our survey says: DING!

Dan Cole: Despite a disappointing showing against Les Bleus, the 'polar bear' is still probably the first name on the teamsheet and it's doubtful we'll see him second-best in the scrum too many times. Still superb over the ball, too.  Our survey says: DING!

Mako Vunipola: Questions still remain over his scrummaging but his power and athleticism look to have gone up a notch over the summer. Despite having freakishly long earlobes, he's a great bench option to have.  Our survey says: DING!

Dave Wilson: Ah Davey, you part-time truck-driver you. I hadn't included him in my original selection but he is a solid operator and has been around the squad a long time. Showed enough in his substitute appearances to remind us of his solidarity. Our survey says: DING!

Kieran Brookes: CONTROVERSY ALERT. Big and beardy, that should be enough for any forward to get the nod. But beyond that, Brookes has shown that he is a real handful with the ball in hand and is usually a solid operator in the scrum (and can work both sides), notwithstanding his recent struggles against Les Bleus. But is he good enough to replace Alex Corbisiero? I would say, currently, yes. Corbs hasn't looked the same since his injuries following the Lions tour and, to be frank, is a liability in the set piece these days as referees seem to pick up on his angling in on a regular basis. His fitness also always remains under the spotlight.  Our survey says: DING!





Hookers

Tom Youngs: Like most of the hookers he has to be selected by default in Hartley's absence. But there's no questioning what he brings to the side by way of his workrate, tackling and carrying attributes. The age-old question about his throwing remains, though, and the coaches have to figure out why a player who has a 90%+ success rate for his club can't hit the mark for his country.  Our survey says: DING!

Rob Webber: I wouldn't have selected him personally, because I think he's had a pants season. But, like Wilson, he is a pretty solid presence and has been around the squad for a while now and so is a fairly safe pick. Needs to work on not looking like a gardener, however.  Our survey says: DING!  But only due to lack of other options...

Jamie George: CONTROVERSY ALERT. The Saracens man wouldn't even be in the extended squad if Dylan Hartley hadn't inadvisably banged his bonce in George's direction, but here he is, having leap-frogged Exeter youngster Luke Cowan-Dickie. LCD was the hot name on everyone's lips for a while, but his cameo against France counted badly against him – although all the hookers didn't exactly enjoy success in the lineout, he was the only one to clearly over/underthrow his deliveries under pressure. His mullet also has to come under severe questioning. In any event, George has shown this season that he has the potential to be the complete hooker, so would have been in for either Webber or Cowan-Dickie in any event – he currently has the bench spot in my opinion.  Our survey says: DING!


Locks

Courtney Lawes: Big old Courtney was always going to be a shoe-in, even if he was worryingly soft in Paris. England will want to see much more of him cutting pansy fly-halfs in two, in accordance with his usual service, as the World Cup progresses.  Our survey says: DING!

Joe Launchbury: Looked worryingly short of match-fitness, for me, but I suspect the bullying he received against the French will have put him good stead. It doesn't help, however, that he has the face of cherub – Bakkies Botha got his reputation by looking and acting like a furious alligator, not Cupid.  Our survey says: DING!

Geoff Parling: Mr Beard of the Year is also Mr Industry in the England pack, but questions always remain about whether or not he is physical enough to handle the really nasty packs. Judging by the problems England have, however, he may be a necessity for his lineout knowledge.  Our survey says: DING!

George Kruis: CONTROVERSY ALERT. To be fair to the Saracens man, he's had a cracking year. He's come from being 7th choice lock, behind Attwood, Slater and Kitchener, to making the World Cup squad and he does have a reassuring snarl about him that perhaps the others lack. But, for me, Dave Attwood should feel pretty hard done by – he didn't get to start either of the warm up games but added some energy when he came on, and he has the size and aggression to offer something different, too.  Our survey says: WAH-WAH!





Back Rows

James Haskell: Brilliant one week, crap the next, Brand Haskell hasn't really nailed down that whole 'consistency' bit yet. I do like his energy though and, when he's on form, he is bruising presence to have in that 6 shirt. No-brainer for me. As in, it's a simple selection, I'm not calling him a 'no-brainer'. Well, certainly not to his face.  Our survey says: DING!

Chris Robshaw: He's the captain, so duh, he's in. Cue lazy arguments about him not being a 'proper openside' despite statistically wiping the floor with his northern hemisphere rivals in the Six Nations – but he has to find that form again quickly if England are to have a hope.  Our survey says: DING!

Billy Vunipola: The big man was a one man wrecking ball during the Six Nations but was worryingly easily contained against France – for me, he took the ball far too many times when standing still. When he's on the charge, however, he's a completely different prospect. Needs to watch his discipline.  Our survey says: DING!

Tom Wood: Meh. That's the only noise I can raise about Tom Wood these days. He seems to have lost that athleticism that really set him apart in his early years and doesn't offer enough grunt in the loose for my liking. But there's no doubting his experience, line-out and leadership qualities, so I guess it's a straightforward call. That said, if Steffon Armitage was in the mix and/or Sam Burgess was being considered as a blindside, I think – on form – he'd struggle to get in. Give Maro Itoje another year, too, and he'd be right up there.  Our survey says: DING!  But only because Armitage and Burgess weren't in the recking...

Ben Morgan: CONTROVERY ALERT. Morgan looked like one of the premier eights in world rugby during the summer and the Autumn Internationals, so the controversy isn't really about his quality – it's about his fitness after eight months out with a broken leg and an invisible 40 minutes against France in London. Nick Easter is the man to miss out, despite showing up well in training and off the bench in Paris and having bags of character and experience, but I suspect that the England management are banking on Morgan regaining his fizz quickly before the tournament starts. If he can get that from training and from another warm-up game in Paris, I think it's the right call.  Our survey says: DING!

Scrum Halves

Ben Youngs: Another easy selection, really. He was very quiet against France but he had no platform to work from, but he offers the best balance of the nines in terms of tactical ability and running threat. He's developed into a leader to, but England have to hope he can rediscover his Six Nations form sooner rather than later.  Our survey says: DING!

Richard Wigglesworth: Not particularly sexy, as far as scrum-halves go, is our Richard. I should clarify, I mean that in a playing sense. But when you have two scrum halves who love to attack and enjoy broken, open games, having an option who can offer a bit more control is not a bad shout at all.  Our survey says: DING!

Danny Care: Hmm. Not especially controversial, but I don't think I'm exaggerating when I say that he was absolute horse-manure last season. Which was odd because he was spectacularly good in 2014. But his decision-making has generally been pretty appalling and we unfortunately haven't had a chance to see if he's fixed that in his two cameos off the bench. If Joe Simpson was fit – and I'm not sure if he is – he'd get my vote after an electric season.  Our survey says: WAH WAH!

Fly Halves

George Ford: Still the man in control of the 10 shirt, but his last two starts – against Saracens and against France – have again raised questions about whether he can perform under pressure and play the tactical game needed in tight games. An attacking genius, however.  Our survey says: DING!

Owen Farrell: Yes, he's pretty uninspiring, but he's reliable, a tough tackler and a superb kicker (sound familiar?) and that, for me, is invaluable in a World Cup squad. Almost an easier decision than Ford, even if he doesn't start.  Our survey says: DING!


Centres

Brad Barritt: Out of curiosity, when was the last time England had a centre who didn't have their nose smeared across their face (think Mike Tindall)? Anyway, despite having taken a knock and missing the warm-ups, he's had a cracking season and is the sort of solid, aggressive, nuggetty centre you probably need when you have Ford and a livewire like Joseph either side.  Our survey says: DING!

Jonathan Joseph: Just yes. Even if Manu was fit and not shoving coppers, I don't think he'd get the 13 shirt off this man (the 12 shirt is another question, though…). Electric acceleration and quick feet, he's got the x-factor England need in the backline.  Our survey says: DING!

Henry Slade: CONTROVERSY ALERT. We all seem to be in the middle of a Henry Slade love-in at the moment, but I will admit he was impressive against France on debut. He has a superb all-round skillset and doesn't seem to mind pressure, either, which clearly works in his favour (as does being another fly-half option). I'm not convinced, but his versatility probably swings it – and there's no doubt he's in a better run of form than Twelvetrees, who has looked all at sea in his cameos, despite trumping in the experience stakes.  Our survey says: DING!

Sam Burgess: CONTROVERSY ALERT. Ah, the headline maker. Look, the bloke is a phenomenal athlete but, when he stands at 12, does he not just look like a flanker playing in the centre? I should know, because I am one myself. I think he would have had a look-in at 6 (see above), notwithstanding the fact he's not a lineout option, but in the centres he doesn't have the pace and is too exposed for my liking. He'll give everything and, if called upon, there is every chance he could step up to the plate and perform. But is that unrealised potential worth taking ahead of the established Luther Burrell, even if the Northampton man hasn't been at his best over the last season? Some would say yes – I, boringly, would say no. Not at a world cup. Burrell should, quite rightly, be hacked off at being left out. In my view, though, neither would make the cut as a centre because their spot would be filled by the electric, versatile and big-booted Elliot Daly. But there we go.  Our survey says: WAH-WAH!

Wings

Anthony Watson: He looks very, very sharp at the moment. Has the feet and acceleration to beat defenders in minimal space – which is good enough by itself – but the fact he plays fullback regularly means he is a good option under the high ball. An easy call.  Our survey says: DING!

Jack Nowell: I've made my feelings about his rats-tail, and about wingers who wear scrum caps in general, abundantly clear, but I'm willing to look past that because he is another winger who seems to have that ability to just slip past defenders. He's deceptively strong and, like Watson, has experience in the 15 shirt, so this is another good call for me.  Our survey says: DING!

Jonny May: Not a controversial call, given that he was one of just three wingers in the squad, but I'm still yet to be convinced – even though he has apparently been looking very sharp in training and performed well against France. We've seen him flap at the high ball too much and have 'one of those days' where he seems to spend all his time running sideways – if he is genuinely back in the groove, then great. If not, then my choice would have been Marland Yarde. He hasn't had an easy season but his raw power and pace frightens teams – and even the All Blacks struggled to handle him.  Our survey says: WAH-WAH!

Full Backs

Mike Brown: Another nice, easy call. After missing for several months with concussion, Brown was one of the few bright sparks in Paris and seems to have retained that ability to win 90% of his aerial battles and wriggle out of challenges, all whilst looking like the sort of character you expect to see nabbing WKDs from his local offy. I'd still like to see him join the line more, though.  Our survey says: DING!

Alex Goode: CONTROVERSY ALERT. Poor Alex. Not only does he share the surname with arguably THE least fashionable person to ever wear an England shirt (sorry, Andy, mate) but he also just seems to be perennially slated for, well, not much. He's had a fine season for Sarries, and he showed some touches of real class against the French, as he did against Ireland in the Six Nations. But he doesn't offer that real thrust, pace and directness that fans love from a 15 – nobody gets on their feet when they see Goode running the ball back (like they do with Brown, Folau, Smith etc) do they? The fact is that he has taken the spot targeted by Danny Cipriani, and my vote would have gone with the Sale man. The fact is that he has shedloads of international class, as he showed in his bench-appearance at the weekend, and offers a real point of difference and quality. Some might say that to select him leaves us shy of cover at full back, but then we have to remember that 15 is Watson's preferred position and Nowell played there for the Under-20s in their title-winning season (also, had Daly been selected, 15 cover wouldn't have been a problem). For me, Cipriani would have been the correct call – not because I don't rate Goode, but simply because Danny is, in my view, better.  Our survey says: WAH-WAH!

What do you make of Stuart Lancaster's selections?   @RuckedOver

World Cup Warm-Up - France 25 - 20 England

Oh dear.

Although I wish to avoid bagging myself a catchphrase, the sad fact is that I say "What the hell do I know?" after a game far too many times for someone who fancies themselves as a rugby 'blogger' (I was called a poor man's Jeremy Guscott the other day, which at first I was delighted with when I thought it put my centre play on the same page as one of country's finest in that position; less so when I realised they were referring to his bum-clenchingly crap punditry). But I found myself muttering that phrase once again on Saturday night after I had confidently predicted that a fired-up England team would step up to the plate and put down a marker – especially in the pack – ahead of the World Cup. Well, a marker was set down, but not by the English. Instead, the French seem – in typical Frenchy fashion – to building up a bit of momentum going into the global showpiece and, for the second week running, they shunted an English eight all over the park.

Despite both sides fielding arguably first choice packs – many of whom who had played in England's hammering of Les Bleus in the Six Nations – there was a sense that this would be a game where the visiting pack would get on top and physically dominate their opponents. With a quarter of the game gone, it was clear that this notion was very, very wrong.

Of course, I should point out that the men in white did hand the hosts their early lead pretty much on a plate. After two minutes Scott Spedding had slammed over a penalty following a lazy attempt to roll away by Luther Burrell, supposedly a man on a mission after Sam Burgess and Henry Slade had impressed the week before, and then that man who defines the word 'mercurial', Freddie Michalak added another 3 just five minutes later, after Dan Cole had come in at the side after Ben Youngs had done well to hold the ball up out of a ruck. I actually thought that this was a pretty harsh call – Youngs latched onto Damian Chouly to hold the ball up, leading to Jaco Peyper to declare the ball out of the ruck, which usually means 'free for all'. So the Leicester tighthead, assuming it was now open play, trundled in from the side to try and hold the ball up, only to be informed that Peyper had intended for a maul to already be in progress, despite not declaring it as such. Now that is a very boring couple of sentences, I admit, but it does serve to highlight how important it is for referees to communicate with players clearly…and how important it is for props just to avoid getting involved in 'loose play' altogether.

The French were dominating possession and, worryingly for England after their wobbles the previous week, the lineout was still not overly reliable – with one in every three throws going awry. Tom Youngs inevitably, and correctly, got a lot of stick for this but, looking at the missed lineouts, I don't think it is all to do with the throw. This is the second week in a row where the French have easily read the plays and simply got up next to, or marginally in front of, the English jumpers to pinch the pill. This didn't change when Jamie George came on later, either, which shouts to me that there is a bigger issue with the lineout – one to do with the calls, or even the plays themselves, which are far too easy to read – rather than the oversimplified 'blame the thrower mentality'. Anyway, England had no platform, no ball and were only saved from being further behind when Brown superbly plucked a deft chip out of the air with Yoann Huget challenging hard. Michalak did punish them further in the 15th minute though, when Billy Vunipola was penalised for offside.

Things went from bad to worse just two minutes later as the English front row – usually so dominant – was completely marmalised in the scrum to hand another 3 points to the hosts, and Stuart Lancaster's side were 12 down with just 20 gone. This wasn't how it was meant to be, but this was an English side that lacked any sort of fire or aggression from the pack in the loose – something that is usually ever-present in England teams. A glimmer of hope was given to the visitors when Cole earned a penalty following good work in a ruck after the restart, but then the rest of the half followed the early precedent – only, fortunately, with only one further 3-pointer for the French. England had barely had 30% possession and, when they did have it, the passing was lethargic and runs badly timed, with George Ford looking particularly 'off'. However, against the run of play, they did manage to claw back another 3 points when the French were caught offside following a powerful burst from Burrell, leaving the halftime score at 15 – 6. But this flattered the visitors.

The steep hill that faced England became a mountain shortly after the restart when, despite a promising start from the visitors thanks to a Jack Nowell dart, Michalak delightfully sent Huget searing through the line with a delightful inside ball, and the classy winger stepped passed Brown to finish expertly by the sticks. Michalak's conversion ensured the hosts were well in control and, to really hammer home the point, another penalty gave Les Bleus a seemingly unassailable 19 point lead with only 15 minutes left to play.

England, truthfully, could have been further behind were it not for some impressive defending, and they had looked as threatening as a bag of bunnies in attack, but the introductions of Jamie George, Danny Care, Nick Easter and, in particular, Danny Cipriani, seemed to spark England into some sort of life with their energetic approach in the loose. Or perhaps a cynic would say it was the French taking their foot off the gas. Either way, England finally generated some momentum through their pack and grabbed some field position and – from a lineout – Danny Cipriani should great pace and awareness to hold off Huget and crash over for the try. On the 70 minute mark, this was just a consolation, surely?

Well, you would have thought so. But just 5 minutes later, the visitors were over again as Cipriani, Vunipola and Brown expertly worked an overlap to send Jonathan Joseph scorching over into the left hand corner, and Ford's expert conversion had England, unbelievably, within a score with just one minute to play.

Ultimately, it was too little, too late. But they came close, surging to within 10 metres of the French line before a superb, thumping hit by Huget on Billy Vunipola forced the knock on, and the end of the game. The final score was 25 – 20, a deserved win for the French that was undeservedly kind on the English, who simply weren't at the races for 65 minutes.

That stats though, make for confusing reading. England made more ground in attack, beat more defenders and made more clean breaks, and they missed less tackles. How could they have been so comprehensively outplayed? Well, the statistics don't measure the tough inches. The blades of grass you claw your way across to get your side on the front foot. They don't measure the collisions in the tackle or the rucks. They don't show which was a side bullying the other, and which one was spectacularly second best in every department, aside from a few fleeting moments of promise.

OK, there's no need to despair. This is what warm-up games are for; to get these performances out of the system. But the best tonic for that is a good performance, and fast – because time is now up.


England Player Ratings

1. Joe Marler: 4. Really struggled in the scrum, where his bind with Youngs was regularly split by Slimani. Pretty invisible in the loose, too. Looked rusty, unlike his freshly-prepped haircut.

2. Tom Youngs: 4. England's top tackler with 16 – in just 50 minutes – but the old lineout worries have come back to haunt him again. He's not entirely to blame but it doesn't instil confidence.

3. Dan Cole: 5. Disappointing for a man who probably has the mantle of the best tighthead in world rugby. Second best in the scrum, although the damage was really done on the other side, and gave away a silly penalty – although his work over the ball was again impressive.

4. Joe Launchbury: 5. Battled bravely and made his tackles, but was frankly bullied by his opposite numbers. Very little bite in the breakdown and in the contact area – another to look rusty.

5. Courtney Lawes: 6. Like his baby-faced partner in crime, he was physically outdone for most of the game, but came into his element in the wider channels a bit later.

6. James Haskell: 5. Selected for his physicality and he didn't deliver – which is a shame after he impressed so much in his cameo last week.

7. Chris Robshaw: 6. Annoyingly, he would have given his detractors lots of ammo after England were bossed at the breakdown. I think this was because of the lack of bite in the tackle area, more than anything else, but at least Robshaw once again impressed in the tackle count.

8. Billy Vunipola: 5. The stats show that he made more metres than any other forward, but it didn't feel that way. He was worryingly easy to contain – simply double teamed most of the time and failed to make the metres needed. Once crunching tackle does stick in the mind, though.

9. Ben Youngs: 6. Not a game to be a sniping half-back. Starved of possession and no decent ball in the first half, but swept well enough and helped win a turnover.

10. George Ford: 5. Worryingly out of sync. His passing and decision making was uncharacteristically erratic – he grew into the game in the second half, but questions about his ability to perform under pressure will surely crop up again.

11. Jonny May: 5. I have to concede I had completely forgotten he was playing. Utterly invisible but not really his fault, as he was starved of possession.

12. Luther Burrell: 6. A couple of good, direct runs caught the eye but so did two brainless and unnecessary penalties. I still don't know how much he can really offer in the midfield.

13. Jonathan Joseph: 7. No ball to work with in the first half but gradually got a couple of opportunities, and we saw him show his pace for a try. Always a threat with his quick feet.

14. Jack Nowell: 8. Seems to have that Mike Brown-esque ability to always beat the first man, and – with TEN defenders beaten – was the most effective attacker on the park. Has probably sealed himself a starting spot. Such a shame about his sh*t haircut, though.

15. Mike Brown: 7. A promising return for Brown, who showed up well with a couple of slithery runbacks which got England onto the front foot. Didn't see him in the line a lot though.

Subs: 8. Danny Cipriani was electric when he came onto the field and grabbed a deserved try, whilst Jamie George and Nick Easter both added energy in the loose. George's lineout throwing wasn't much better than Youngs' though, and the rest of the bench was solid – with the exception of Twelvetrees, who was guff and spent most of his time chucking the ball on the floor.

World Cup Warm-Up Preview - France v England

Tick tock. It doesn't seem all that long ago that we were casually supping on beers, lazily throwing names about left, right and centre for World Cup selection. Few of the names were the dead-certs such as the Robshaws and Youngs (that would be boring), but most were marginal calls (such as Luther Burrell), contentious issues (Steffon Armitage, anyone) left-field selections (Elliot Daly as the 'wildcard') or just downright bonkers ("Wilko is still great shape, you know"). But whatever the days musings, it seemed that any decision-time was an age away. And now, all of a sudden, here we are at the last chance saloon.

If it seems to have crept up on us as mere bystanders (or bloggers with too much spare time on their hands), I can't think what it must be like as a player. Years of hard works with your club to get into the picture in the first place, all those weeks of being flogged in the UK and USA and, if you were lucky enough to avoid the initial 'culls' to that point, you're fate rests squarely in the hands of a quiet bloke northern bloke with no hair. A sobering thought. But at least these lads have had one last crack to show their worth – either against France at Twickenham last week, or against the same opposition in Paris tomorrow. Make or break time indeed.

After many of the 'possibles' had a run-out last week, it's the turn of the 'probables' this week. And that for me says that this game will be more about winning and getting match fit, than trying to show off what you can do. That means that points will be kicked at the posts instead of at the corner, and maybe the territory game will come into play a little more, but with England's emboldened style of play, and the talent on show in a near full-strength French line-up, we should still be in for a cracker. But just because there are more 'probables' on show this time doesn't mean there aren't questions that need to be answered – and not just general ones like "can the first choice pack dominate like the second choice couldn't", but ones relating to specific players. Can Tom Youngs bring his throwing up to par with the rest of his game? Can Luther Burrell and/or Billy Twelvetrees grab themselves a centre spot with Burgess and Slade setting down markers? Can Jamie George prove he's worthy of a World Cup spot? Will Cipriani touch the ball more than once if he comes off the bench this time? All big questions, which need big answers.

As I said last week, trying to guess the winner in a World Cup warm-up game is a pretty tricky exercise – there are ulterior motives for players who perhaps are under pressure to perform, so they may be more selfish than usual, and there isn't that usual win-at-all-costs mentality. Well, there shouldn't be. But I have a feeling that England will take this game rather seriously. The French can almost rely on past form and be fairly comfortable in the fact that, even if they are appallingly bad in the World Cup warm-ups, they will probably still be a genuine threat when the tournament starts itself. That's just how they seem to roll. But England, after struggling physically last week, could do with putting down a marker. Forget about individual pressure for places, if England go to Paris, dominate the forward battle and claim a comfortable victory, that does catch the eye; that does instil some momentum. And, as an individual, that certainly doesn't harm your chances of making the cut.

It's last chance saloon alright, and it’s last orders. Drink up!


France Team News

France head coach Philippe Saint-Andre has made 12 changes to his team to face England in Paris on Saturday. Lock Pascal Pape, 34, captains the side in the absence of injured Thierry Dusautoir (who is replaced by Bernard Le Roux) while fly-half Frederic Michalak also starts. Centres Mathieu Bastareaud and Wesley Fofana are also named in the starting XV for the World Cup warm-up. Only Louis Picamoles, Yoann Maestri and Scott Spedding remain from the side that lost 19 – 14 last weekend.

Starting Line-up: 15 Scott Spedding, 14 Yoann Huget, 13 Mathieu Bastareaud, 12 Wesley Fofana, 11 Noa Nakaitaci, 10 Frederic Michalak, 9 Sebastien Tillous-Borde; 1 Eddy Ben Arous, 2 Guilhem Guirado, 3 Rabah Slimani, 4 Pascal Pape (c), 5 Yoann Maestri, 6 Damien Chouly, 7 Bernard Le Roux, 8 Louis Picamoles.

Subs: 16 Benjamin Kayser, 17 Vincent Debaty, 18 Uini Atonio, 19 Alexandre Flanquart, 20 Yannick Nyanga, 21 Rory Kockott, 22 Remi Tales, 23 Gael Fickou.

Key Player

Freddie Michalak. Who knows what to expect from the veteran half-back, these days. As usual, we do see flashes of brilliance from him in a Toulon shirt, but more often than not that shirt has the number '9' on his back these days. For some reason, and frankly who knows what goes on inside Phillipe Saint Andre's head, the French management still love to see him in the fly half spot though – but, to be fair, it's getting harder to blame them. Time and again we've seen players like Lopez, Tales and Trinh-Duc given the quartermaster reigns and fail to produce the goods with any form of consistency. Unfortunately, one word you don't associate with Michalak is 'consistency' (unless you're talking about him being consistently inconsistent, but that's just picky). If Freddie wants to have any shot of nailing down that shirt for the World Cup, he simply has to play in aggressive manner that shows off his sublime skillset – his quick thinking, he slick hands and cultured boot. These are wasted when he plays miles behind the gainline (as he often does for France), so he needs to be threatening the English defence all day…especially when he has Bastereaud running hard outside him.


England Team News

Stuart Lancaster names a much more recognisable England side for their game in Paris, with Mike Brown playing for the first time since his concussion in March. Wing Jonny May is the only player to keep his place from England's 19-14 win over the same opponents last weekend. Captain Chris Robshaw returns to a pack that includes a front three of Joe Marler, Tom Youngs and Dan Cole. Luther Burrell starts at centre, with fly-half Danny Cipriani on the bench.

Starting Line-up: 15 Mike Brown, 14 Jack Nowell, 13 Jonathan Joseph, 12 Luther Burrell, 11 Jonny May, 10 George Ford, 9 Ben Youngs; 1 Joe Marler, 2 Tom Youngs, 3 Dan Cole, 4 Joe Launchbury, 5 Courtney Lawes, 6 James Haskell, 7 Chris Robshaw (c), 8 Billy Vunipola.

Subs: 16 Jamie George, 17 Mako Vunipola, 18 David Wilson, 19 Dave Attwood, 20 Nick Easter, 21 Danny Care, 22 Danny Cipriani, 23 Billy Twelvetrees.

Key Player

Tom Youngs. It's come as a surprise to some that the Leicester man hasn't been wrapped in cotton wool up until the World Cup actually starts, given that he's now clear first choice with a significant quality and/or experience gap to those behind him in the pecking order, but the England coaching team and staff will need some calming re-assurance in Paris on Saturday. Last weekend, the set piece creaked badly with a second string side and Youngs has to make sure that the lineout is a well-oiled machine under his stewardship. Only, of course, throwing has been the Achilles heel of the ex-centre who, in every other department (such as defensive work and power on the carry) is the best hooker in the UK. I'm confident that, after a full summer of practicing and working as first choice with the starting locks, he will have ironed out any problems – his lineout work for Leicester is always solid – but he will be under extra scrutiny on Saturday night. And, for the love of God, please don't get injured.


Key Battle

Mathieu Bastareau v Luther Burrell. It can't have been easy for Luther listening to everyone harping on about the qualities of Sam Burgess and Henry Slade – it's easy to forget that, in just 2014, Burrell burst onto the scene with a series of impressive performances in the Six Nations and was very much the man of the moment. But the fact remains that he did not show up well in this year's tournament and concerns remain about his decision making at key times (he topped the 'bombed tries' guilt list), his occasionally turnstile-esque defence and his exaggerated cheek-puffing. Good job he's up against one of the most physical centres in world rugby then on Saturday – but if Burrell wants to put his doubters to bed and claim that centre spot for the World Cup, then he couldn't have asked for a better opponent against whom to make his case. Solid, aggressive defence and hard running lines should be enough to sway Lancaster in his favour.


Prediction

As above, there are lots of considerations to think about with a World Cup warm up – and I've mentioned why I think England might want this more. But, even if this was a Six Nations game, I would still have England as favourites – which is something I've never really done before. The first choice pack oozes power and guile and, with a rapid and creative backline playing to a coherent game plan, the visitors just strike me as the better side currently. The French, of course, have individuals in most positions to match – if not exceed – their counterparts, but I suspect we will still witness a Les Bleus side that is tragically short on ideas for a team of such talent. Famous last words… England by 10.

World Cup Warm Ups Review: England 19 - 14 France

Twickenham hasn't held many pleasant memories for the French in recent years, not least their last visit. A topsy-turvy, ball-bouncingly entertaining encounter ended with the final score at 55 – 35 to England – yes, Les Bleus got over 30 on the board, but it was still a mighty fine spanking. Perhaps then, as they approached this World Cup warm-up game, and with two second string sides named, they felt that this encounter may be a tad gentler on ego and on body. Possibly, until they checked the England line-up and, amongst several other exciting debutants – such as Henry Slade – saw the headline-making name of S.Burgess next to the number 12. If you're hoping for an easier ride at Twickenham (a 'friendly' if you will) you probably don't want to face a 6 foot 5, 18 stone pile of ex-international rugby league muscle that's desperate to prove a point.

It didn't take very long for Burgess to introduce himself to the Twickenham crowd, however. Well, it certainly didn't take long for the ex-League superstar to introduce his shoulder to the chest of Dimitri Swarzewski, anyway, as he smashed the French hooker backwards with one of the first hits of the game. Despite that, the French held on to possession with worrying ease and indeed came close to scoring as Remi Lamerat grubbered ahead to exploit acres of space behind the defensive line, only for the electric Johnny May to chase back well and win the race to the ball by a whisker (or a fingertip). Perhaps it was the fact that England lacked punch without Courtney Lawes and Tom Youngs in defence, and the ability to challenge for the ball offered by Chris Robshaw and Dan Cole, but Les Bleus were able to build the phases comfortably and well deserved their three points, courtesy of the boot of Morgan Parra, when the hosts infringed.

The lead didn't last for long, however. Skipper for the day, Tom Wood, elected to put a kickable penalty into the corner and, although the driving maul splintered, Ben Morgan wriggled infield. From there, it was another debutant – Henry Slade – who pulled the strings, pulling the ball back across to the blindside in an attempt to exploit a brief overlap. The ball came back to Anthony Watson and, although Bruce Dulin had done well to cover across in the first place, the Bath flyer skinned his man in about two metres of space to scorch over into the corner. It was mesmeric stuff, reminiscent of Jason Robinson v Chris Latham in 2001, and Owen Farrell followed it up with a superb conversion to put England 7 – 3 ahead.

Seven minutes later and England, with unnerving precision, were at it again. Slade, Burgess and Farrell all combined in a wrap-around move, but it was the injection of sheer pace by May that sucked in the outside defenders and gave Watson room to tear down the wing and do a lovely in-and-out to score his second in the right hand corner. Unforgivably, Farrell missed the touchline conversion, but England were 12 – 3 up after 20 minutes, and were flying.

Unfortunately, after that, the English backs had their wings clipped somewhat by an increasingly dominant French pack. Despite Burgess creaming opposite number Alexandre Dumoulin with another classic hit, the forwards were starting to look significantly second best. The scrum was starting to creak and a couple of infringements, by both Mako Vunipola and then Kieran Brookes – who had both been lively in the loose – led to Morgan Parra clawing back the scoreline with two well-struck penalties. These sandwiched a barnstorming stampede upfield by a resurgent Louis Picamoles, who gave a reminder of just what the French have missed over the last couple of years with some brutal carries – the number 8 was eventually hauled down by Morgan, who showed impressive pace to track back, but things did get worse for England when Burgess was shown yellow for grabbing at Parra as the scrum-half scooted away following a quick tap. Given the location of the offense, a yellow card from John Lacey was a pretty harsh call, but England still finished the half 12 – 9 up with 14 men on the field.

The momentum may have been with the visitors at the end of the first 40, but it was the men in white who charged out of the blocks in the first half. The French ballsed up a defensive lineout which was snaffled up by Rob Webber and, after some sumptuous hands by Slade, Alex Goode chipped a delightfully across to May, who scooted over for a well-deserved try.

It was exceptional vision and use of space by an England side that was still down one man, but in all honesty it was the last bit of supremacy they had in the game, as the French bludgeoned their way to dominance in the set piece and at the breakdown. The hosts' cause wasn't helped when debutant Calum Clark was shown a yellow card for a dangerous 'neck roll' clearout - the kind of clear out that would probably have been ignored just a few months ago but is now on the referees "hot list". Harsh or not harsh, it's not a great clearout technique in any event and France set about laying siege to the England line, with Uini Atonio coming within millimetres of scoring - only for Geoff Parling and Burgess to force a drop over the line, when for all the world it looked as if the giant prop would (and should) score.

However, the French – and the English luck – wouldn't hold out for much longer. Shortly after Kieran Brookes left with a nasty-looking wrist injury that made it seem as though he had stuffed a tennis ball down his arm, a well-worked rolling maul by Les Bleus splintered the white pack and the impressive Fulgence Ouedraogo crashed over the line for a hard-earned try. Parra missed the conversion, but the England pack was worryingly under the cosh now, with debutant Luke Cowan-Dickie throwing everywhere except to his receivers in the lineout and both substitute props Dave Wilson and Alex Corbisiero getting a work over in the scrum. It wasn't much better in the loose either, although James Haskell showed his class by weighing in with a couple of superb turnovers at critical times, probably putting Tom Wood's hopes of starting in the 6 shirt to bed in the process.

By the time that 80 minutes ticked over, the flamboyant sense of exhibition rugby had long passed and the desire just to escape with a win had taken over, as the ball was booted deep into the stands to confirm a 19 – 14 win for the hosts. It would be just as easy to get carried away with the problems with the forward pack as it would be to bang on about Sam Burgess, Henry Slade, and the precision and talent of the English backline but, at the end of the day, these were second-string sides and there were good displays and poor displays across the park - that's what helps Stuart Lancaster pick his squad, and makes sure those who he picks are in form. And that, at this stage, is all that matters.



Player ratings

1. Mako Vunipola - 7 - Struggled at times in the scrum but barrelled around the park to pretty good effect. Looked fit and up for the fight, making more metres than any other forward.

2. Rob Webber - 5 - He still looks like a local chippy to me but perhaps I'm being harsh. Solid about the park but the lineout did creak at times.

3. Kieran Brookes - 6 - Like Vunipola, was under pressure in the set piece but put himself about very well in the loose before a nasty-looking wrist injury ended his day.

4. George Kruis - 6 - Seemed to struggle a bit with the physicality as the game went on but was an athletic presence in the lineout and got about the park well.

5. Geoff Parling - 7 - His work in the loose was impressive and again he carried to pretty good effect. Has to take a bit of blame for the lineout wobbles though.

6. Tom Wood - 6 - He's still not really hit the heights of two years ago, has he? Struggles to dominate the breakdown or the contact area despite obvious commitment to the cause.

7. Calum Clark - 4 - I'm not a huge fan of Clarke and he was pretty ineffectual until his dangerous clear out saw him yellow-carded. It was probably a bit unlucky, but that'll put his World Cup hopes to bed. No real threat over the ball, either.

8. Ben Morgan - 5 - It was just good to see him get through 80 minutes and he'll improve - he has plenty of credit in the bank - but we only saw him with the ball in hand on the charge twice, and neither time in space. Hopefully we'll see more of him soon.

9. Richard Wigglesworth - 6 - Did what he does well - kick intelligently and provide good service, despite a couple of loopy passes, but didn't offer much of a breakdown threat (one lovely pass to Vunipola aside).

10. Owen Farrell - 6 - Didn't get a whole lot of good ball to work with but he was smart and efficient when spreading the play.

11. Johnny May - 8 - He does look lively and focussed. I had my doubts about retaining May but he's one of the quickest players in the world and he caused France plenty of problems in the wide channels.

12. Sam Burgess - 7 - A very solid debut, despite a slightly harsh yellow card. A couple of crunching hits showed what he's selected for but I think he carries the ball too high to be really effective on the charge. Still a better 6, and in fact it still came across as if he was just a flanker playing in the centres.

13. Henry Slade - 8 - I said that Slade could turn out to be the more significant debut and I can smugly say that I think I was right. Some delightful touches and his composure in the backline sees him leapfrog Twelvetrees and potentially Burrell in the race for the centre spots.

14. Anthony Watson - 8 - The Bath man looks very, very sharp indeed on that right wing spot. He beat Bruce Dulin in a phone box for his first try and his second showed good finishing instinct. Always beat players with the ball in hand. Man of the match.

15. Alex Goode - 7 - Grew into the game as it wore on, culminating in some good footwork and a brilliant kick-pass for May's try. Has potentially sealed a squad spot.

Subs - 6. Nothing of note aside from the excellent James Haskell, who nabbed two key turnovers during his 40 minutes and looked like one of the few forwards up for the physical battle with the French, and the very disappointing Luke Cowan-Dickie, whose throwing was sadly all over the shop on debut.

World Cup Warm Ups - England v France Preview

It's that time of year (well, every four years) where it's ok for grown ups to start getting just a bit excited. And nervous. Like a kid before Christmas who is unsure if their mum picked up on multiple dropped hints for a playstation, or if she will just go ahead and get swept up by the latest Furby craze. Testing times indeed. And it's also that time of year when coaches tend to enter silly season; when the injury-prone, the unreliable, the discarded and the wildcards all get a chance to show what they're made of and force their way into World Cup plans.

Of course, we can all see the benefit of warm up games for match fitness and 'trying combinations', but when England take on France at Twickenham on Saturday it's worth remembering that there is one question that everyone is looking to see answered. Sure, we have our injured (Ben Morgan), our unreliable (Danny Cipriani) and our discarded (Jonny May) making their cases, along with a number of fringe players, but the guy we're all looking at is Sam Burgess. Again. Just when it looked as if he was turning into very handy blindside flanker, Stuart Lancaster has pulled out the old 'square peg in a round hole' conundrum and is trying to shoehorn the Bath man into that 12 shirt.

There are several reasons why inside centre isn't the best spot for Burgess, which I've delved into elsewhere, but that isn't to say he can't do a job - and an effective one - in that position. I've heard some people say that it's too late for anyone, even a man of Burgess' stature, to make the World Cup squad, having never played test match rugby before, but that's nonsense - remember Manu in 2011? That giant, gumshield wearing, ferry jumping, wrecking ball of a man was just about England's standout in the showpiece event, despite only making his debut in the warmups. England miss him now - and they want Burgess to step into his shoes.

Of course, aside from Burgess, there are plenty of other selections which catch the eye - the debuts of Henry Slade and Luke Cowan-Dickie (from the bench) will certainly be worth a watch, and Calum Clarke makes his debut as well - although it's unlikely he'll make the final cut. It's probably fair to say, in fact, that the debut of Slade carries far more significance in terms of long term England prospects, but he's not a headline maker at the moment. The form and fitness of Gloucester duo Johnny May and Ben Morgan, as well as Kieran Brookes, will also be of huge interest to the coaches but make no mistake - this is a line up to look at Sam Burgess. There's no real game-breakers in the side, with the exception of Watson and May - rather it's a side designed to play simple and accurate rugby; a much easier model to measure Burgess in than the thrillingly chaotic and ambitious efforts we saw in the Six Nations.

As for the French? Well, I could talk about the French in these warm-up games, but we all know it would be completely pointless. By the time the World Cup starts, there'll be a completely new first choice team and the players who looked great before will be woefully out of form, and vice versa. And they'll still be serious challengers. That's the French way.

For England though, it's crunch time. Results day may have just passed, but for these boys, the exams have just begun.


England Team News
Stuart Lancaster hands debuts to Sam Burgess, Henry Slade and Calum Clark, with Luke Cowan Dickie also due to win his first cap off the bench. The recalled Alex Goode and Johnny May both have chances to impress after being dropped during the Six Nations, Kieran Brookes can nail a front row spot with a big display, whilst Ben Morgan completes his comeback from a broken leg to start at number 8. Tom Wood captains the side from blindside.

Starting Line-up: Alex Goode; Anthony Watson, Henry Slade, Sam Burgess, Jonny May; Owen Farrell, Richard Wigglesworth; Mako Vunipola, Rob Webber, Kieran Brookes, George Kruis, Geoff Parling, Tom Wood (c), Calum Clark, Ben Morgan.

Subs: Luke Cowan-Dickie, Alex Corbisiero, David Wilson, Dave Attwood, James Haskell, Danny Care, Danny Cipriani, Billy Twelvetrees


Key Player

Ben Morgan. Well, I've already banged on about Sam Burgess and I'll bang on some more below, so for the sake of variety, I will focus on the player who probably holds the key to actually winning this game. After so long out, how long he actually stays on the field for is up for debate, but when he's in his game he's one of the most destructive ball carriers in world rugby. Him and Billy Vunipola seem to be pushing each other to new heights, which is great for England, but it also means that Morgan needs to hit the ground running if he is to force his way into the starting line up. If he can do that, then his ability to always make yards, bounce off defenders and hit smart lines should set a positive platform for England to win from.


France Team News

I can't say, because the French have gone all 'French' again and decided to name the squad only the day before the game - I.e. Not at the time of writing. Mavericks. Since there's no team, I'll simply comment as if it's a typical Phillipe Saint-Andre selection.

"Saint-Andre had made a several eyebrow raising selections ahead of the warm-up game against England. Concern over the experience levels of the backline has seen the legendary Serge Blanco recalled from retirement despite his heavy smoking, back problems and inability to get up his stairs without having a breather. Using his desire for a 'more direct approach' as justification, prop Vincent Debaty is selected at fly half, making his first appearance since under 8s in the 10 shirt, whilst Napoleon Bonaparte has been resurrected to provide some real dog at the breakdown from openside".

Key Player

Well, see above. But in all seriousness, if France want to become a force again they need a fly half who can run a game with authority and poise, as well as an ability to take the ball to the line. Whether they select Remi Tales (talent), Francois Trinh-Duc (remember him? Good player) or Freddie Michelak (sigh...although I hear he's not in contention to start this one) they have to bring some sort of gainline threat and decisiveness to the French game plan. If they are being told by coaches to stand 10 metres back from the gainline, as they seem to have been over the last few years, ignore them. The outrageously talented backs outside them stand no chance when they get the ball 15 metres back with a wall of concentrated defenders facing them.


Key Battle

Sam Burgess v whoever. Fofana and Basereaud are rested, but Rémi Lamerat, Alexandre Dumoulin and Gael Fickou (in particular) are all decent footballers who will provide their own pressure on the ex-rugby league international. Henry Slade, himself on debut, will also be tested by the opposition but, with his game management skills, his big job will be more focused on constantly talking to his inexperienced partner in crime. If Burgess stays focused and avoids rushing up in defence he'll be fine, but he also needs to make sure that he does in job in attack - and, as a ball carrying 12, that means timing his runs and picking his lines better than he did in that slot for Bath.


Prediction

Well who knows with one of these warm up games. Nobody quite knows how the other is going to approach it but, seeing as this looks like an England side with an experienced and efficient spine, I think they'll get a decent win - especially when you take home advantage into account. England by 12.

England World Cup Training Squad - Who's Making the Cut? Part 2

Another few days have passed and we're another few days closer to finding out who will make up England's squad for the first home World Cup in 24 years. I've filled the time by watching AC/DC at Wembley, and now I have a sore neck - however, my entirely righteous thoughts of self-pity quickly dissipated when I saw what the England boys are going through in their World Cup camp in 30 degree heat. It looks brutal. I genuinely think Dan Cole has melted.

Again, there are more big decisions to be made, and more that I will undoubtedly change my mind about later. Like in my last article, where I picked Burrell but excluded Eastmond - I've changed my mind again on that. But, I have to put my money somewhere, so check out below to see who makes the rest of my World Cup squad.


Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints)

I like to think that most opposition teams wince when they hear Courtney's name announced in any line-up, and for that reason alone he gets in. Not only that, but his lineout work and discipline have improved considerably to compliment his athleticism and power in defence, and I expect he'll end up one of the first names on the teamsheet.

VERDICT: IN

Joe Launchbury (Wasps)

Yes, he may look like Cupid's older brother, but the cherub-faced Launchbury is one mean player. His comeback from injury was eye-catching, displaying that superb mobility, offloading ability and breakdown technique that have become hallmarks of his play, and if he continues his rehabilitation, he'll be a starter for sure. And, to be frank, the season out with injury will probably do him good in the long-term.

VERDICT: IN

Joe Marler (Harlequins)
By all accounts, big Joe is a little weird...but you can't knock his development into one of the best looseheads in the northern hemisphere. He remains impressively mobile around the park and is a real force in the set piece these days, having fully taken his opportunity when handed to him.

VERDICT: IN

Jonny May (Gloucester)

Jonny May is probably one of the most infuriating players in the game. Blessed with searing speed, he is capable of tearing teams apart, as he did to the All Blacks last year - but I bet you, like any England fan, have shouted 'bloody run straight' (or words to that effect) at the TV at least twice when the ball is in his hands. Some supporters say if you don't know where you're going, then the opponent certainly won't, but I just don't trust a headless chicken.

VERDICT: OUT

Ben Morgan (Gloucester)

Big Ben was having a superb season until breaking his leg, but by all accounts is looking in great shape and is set to play a full part in the warm up games. Assuming his leg is back in working order, he's a certainty to be included - with Lancaster's choice then being who starts at number 8. I would venture that Morgan has the better skill set than Billy Vunipola, but it's a great dilemma to have.



VERDICT: IN


Matt Mullan (Wasps)

Perhaps I'm a tad harsh, but I always used to think there was a bit too much of the 'Paul Doran-Jones' about Matt Mullan - I generally thought he wasn't really good enough for international rugby. He's proven me wrong though this year, becoming a destructive scrummager in a vastly improved Wasps pack and maintaining impressive versatility in the loose. For me, he's battling it out for the 5th prop spot with Corbisiero - but I think the Saints' man's experience of the big occasion may just way in his favour at Mullan's expense.

VERDICT: OUT

Stephen Myler (Northampton Saints)

Please can we have a show of hands for who genuinely gets excited of the idea of Stephen Myler pulling the strings in the 10 shirt for England? Didn't think there'd be many. If you do have your hand up, put it down for goodness sake, you look weird. Look, Myler is a great club fly-half, he is reliable and accurate - but how often to we really see him take a big game by the scruff of a neck? Not quite international quality, in my opinion.

VERDICT: OUT


Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs)

I've already had words with Jack about his rat's tail, so I'll leave his barnet out of the equation here, but the Chiefs man has had a very impressive return from injury for club and country. He may not be the quickest and I still think his defensive positioning needs work, but he is powerful, has great feet, and always seems to make a half break, partly because he is always looking to attack. I like his positivity and, when you chuck in the fact that he's comfortable in the 13/15 shirt too, he's a shoe-in.

VERDICT: IN

Geoff Parling (Leicester Tigers)

Despite being a relative late bloomer in terms of realising his potential - only following his move to Tigers, really - big Geoff has achieved a lot: Premiership Titles, a successful Lions Tour, an England stalwart and, most importantly, he beat Jonny Depp and George Clooney to win 'Sexiest Beard of the Year' in 2013. Despite enduring an injury-plagued season, Parling has the experience, leadership and facial hair qualities that the England squad will need.

VERDICT: IN


Chris Robshaw (Harlequins)

He's the captain. So he's in. Sigh, fine, I'll say some more - he is statistically the best 7 in the northern hemisphere in terms of internationals, so he's in. By that I mean he had more carries, more more tackles and, aside from Blair Cowan, more turnovers than any other openside in the Six Nations, so if I hear a claim that he's "not a true seven", I will dust off my slapping gloves. He's earned the right to lead the country at the World Cup and the balance of the back-row, particularly when Haskell is at 6, is key to England's chances.

VERDICT: IN

Semesa Rokoduguni (Bath)

'Roko' started the season in electric form, with some comically good steps and dazzling footwork lighting up the Premiership. But then England decided to ease him gently into international rugby, by starting him on the wing against the All Blacks for his first cap. He didn't do anything wrong, but didn't do anything great either, and injury meant that he remains a 'one-cap wonder'. I don't think he'll be losing that tag anytime soon either - he's capable of moments of magic but also has a tendency to go missing in games.

VERDICT: OUT

Joe Simpson (Wasps)

There was a time when Joe Simpson was heralded as the next big thing, but injuries and a lack form saw his star fall away quicker than his hair. But it's back with a vengeance this time around - his star and his form that is, not his hair (sadly). He's worked hard to become reliable with his service and get his box-kicking up to scratch, but he's got that searing speed still which makes him such a huge threat around the breakdown. If he recovers from his knee-twinge and maintains his 2015 form, he sneaks in ahead of Care for me.

VERDICT: IN




Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs)

Speaking of golden boys, Henry Slade is rapidly shunting himself into that category. I admittedly dismissed him as a typical 'pretty boy' fly-half when I first saw him play. But then I saw him tackle Rene Ranger head on. With his face. And I thought, this kid has serious stones. Add to that a great natural awareness of the game, good feet, game management and a strong overall skillset, and you have a certain future England international. But not yet - a World Cup is not the right place for a debutant fly-half and - as several kicking malfunctions have shown - he might not be ready to deal with the intense pressure just yet.

VERDICT: OUT

Ed Slater (Leicester Tigers)

Despite being a shoe-in for the lead role should Desperate Dan ever follow the well-trodden comic-book movie path, Slater has more to his game than just raw physicality. Although that is mightily impressive, too. His understanding of the play, his lineout work and his leadership has seen him rank highly in the ranks of England coaches - but not highly enough to get an England cap yet, although he surely would have done this season before a knee-injury ruled him out. He'll be battling Attwood for that fourth lock spot and, whilst I think his ability to play 6 could help him, he may be a fraction undercooked for the World Cup - and he doesn't have the credit in the bank that Launchbury has.

VERDICT: OUT


Billy Twelvetrees (Gloucester)

In a similar way to Jonny May (maybe it's a Gloucester thing), Billy has that rare ability to infuriate England fans. On one hand, he has all the attributes to be a perfect inside centre - a booming boot, lightening fast and accurate passes, as well as being a powerful unit himself to offer an attacking threat. But he just doesn't do it on a regular basis - in fact, he seems to consistently combine moments of genuine quality with moments of fresh turd-ishness. And for that reason, I don't trust him on the big stage.

VERDICT: OUT


Mako Vunipola (Saracens)

The 'Mak-Attack' (another attempt at a nickname I have coined which hasn't really caught on) has been very impressive in the latter half of 2015. Like Marler, he has worked hard on his scrummaging and his work rate and impact in the loose remains seriously impressive - look no further than his all-action display against Bath in the final for proof. Although the size of his earlobes genuinely freak me out, he is a dead cert for the squad in my book, even if he doesn't start.

VERDICT: IN


Billy Vunipola (Saracens)

One of my criticisms of big Billy in previous years - in fact, as late as last year - was that he is not an 80 minute number 8. Of course, part of that is because he was being hauled off after 50 in most games, but I wasn't convinced he could make it in any event. But he has worked seriously hard to correct those views and got himself into prime shape, to the point where he has - for most of 2015 - played the full 80 for club and country. His battle with Ben Morgan for that eight shirt is great to see, but Billy's impact means that he is in whether starting or not.

VERDICT: IN


Anthony Watson (Bath)

Another player to benefit from a droolingly good year from the Bath backline, Watson is still raw but is a serious talent, as he showed in the Six Nations - he has the ability to bamboozle defenders with his feet and has serious gas, but his decision making sometimes lets him down, as he tries to do too much. But he didn't look out of place at all for England in the Six Nations, and his ability to cover full-back and his strength in the air means that he is a likely starter come that game against Fiji.

VERDICT: IN


Rob Webber (Bath)

I have to admit I was never the biggest fan of Rob Webber. But then he really impressed me on the tour to New Zealand. And then he had this season just gone, and I'm back to where I was before. He just doesn't look fit to me and, indeed, his lethargic attitude and occasional set-piece melt-down led to Ross Batty being preferred in the latter stages of the season for Bath. Yes, he has experience for England but, right now, he doesn't bring enough to the table to warrant selection.

VERDICT: OUT


Richard Wigglesworth (Saracens)

Part of me feels sorry for Wigglesworth, and it's not just for having a ridiculous surname. He's been in and around the England squad for years and years, but he has - in truth - never been first choice. But then I realised that is, in itself, a reflection of the Saracens' man's strengths - he may not split defences apart like Youngs, Care or Simpson, but he is reliable, quick to the breakdown and a superb tactician. He's the perfect scrum-half to have on the bench when you need to calm things down and, after a great season with Sarries, he's earned his spot.

VERDICT: IN


David Wilson (Bath)

Yikes this is a harsh call on big Dave. After Cole's injury, Wilson filled the tighthead shirt with enthusiasm and no shortage of quality - leading some to even question the Leicester man's chances of getting the three shirt back. But then the injury bug has turned it's attention to the Bath tighthead, and since his return he hasn't quite hit the heights of earlier in the season. He's a great player, no doubt about it, but I do like the added impact Brookes gives from the bench and that, for me, leaves no place for Wilson.

VERDICT: OUT

Tom Wood (Northampton Saints)

In some ways, it's been a disappointing year for Tom Wood. He's had his share of injuries, James Haskell took his England spot and, to be honest, he has been very quiet for Saints. And not "quiet but he's doing the unseen grunt work" quiet, he's been genuinely quiet. But Wood is the kind of player who performs better on the big stage and, although he has a battle to win his shirt back, his leadership, versatility and experience should see him into the squad.

VERDICT: IN


Marland Yarde (Harlequins)

I bet when Marland Yarde moved to Quins, he thought "Finally, I'm going to get lots of ball in lots of space and I'm really going to show everyone what I can do". Sorry mate, but Quins had a shocker of a year (although they went relatively un-slammed by the press) and that affected the ability of all the backs to impose themselves, especially Yarde. But his raw ability frightened the All Blacks last year and, yes, he is still a bit raw, but he has the physicality and pace to make a real impact at Test level, and I think he'll excel behind a strong England pack.

VERDICT: IN


Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers)

Youngs junior deserves an awful lot of credit this year for how he's bounced back from a turgid 2013-14 season, where he was unfit and woefully out of form, to becoming arguably the best 9 in the Six Nations again. He still retains that eye for a gap, as he showed against France, but his kicking and passing have improved markedly and, having been given skipper duties for Leicester in Slater's absence, he is a key leader these days within the England squad. Frightening for someone who didn't realise humans had two lungs until a couple of years ago (@StuffBenSaid).

VERDICT: IN



Tom Youngs (Leicester Tigers)

You don't know the meaning of 'workrate' until you watch the human cube that is Tom Youngs play. With barrelling power on the carry and brutal aggression in defence, combined with a never-fading engine and serious mobility, you have pretty much the ultimate hooker. Ah, aside from the lineout throwing, of course. But he has been top-notch for Leicester again this year, and it only seems to be with England that there are issues - hopefully they can be ironed out pre-World Cup, because there is little doubt that, following Hartley's omission, Youngs is the first choice hooker.

VERDICT: IN

And there we have it, my England Rugby World Cup Squad:

Props:  Brookes, Cole, Corbisiero, Marler, M Vunipola

Hookers: Cowan-Dickie, George, T Youngs

Locks:  Attwood, Launchbury, Lawes, Parling

Back Row:  Haskell, Morgan, Robshaw, B Vunipola, Wood

Half-Backs: Cipriani, Farrell, Ford, Simpson, Wigglesworth, B Youngs

Centres:  Barritt, Burrell, Joseph

Wingers/Full Backs: Brown, Daly, Nowell, Watson, Yarde

Champions, all.

England World Cup Training Squad - Who's Making the Cut? Part 1

Well, we may all be enjoying the summer, having a few beers, burning a few barbecues and, in my case, developing a truly spectacular 'wife-beater' vest tan-line, but on some small patch of grass there is a group of over 50 individuals working themselves into the ground for the chance to represent England at the World Cup. I could almost feel sorry for them, if this beer wasn't quite so delicious.


Now, this is only Part 1, since I realised that the article would be even more tedious than normal if I tried to fit a review of all 50 in, but in the meantime, here's my take on the As to Ks of the squad - and there's some bum-clenchingly tight calls in there, which I will probably change my mind on tomorrow. Especially Burrell or Eastmond. That's a tricky one.


Stay tuned for Part 2, if you have nothing better to do...


Chris Ashton (Saracens)

Ah Chris, you absolute jar of marmite of a man. Another cracking season for Sarries, sure, but the harsh truth is that he wasn't able to get into the starting line-up for the Premiership Final and, whenever we think he's performed well enough to get into the England squad, he goes and ballses it up again in a white shirt. I'm a fan of the Ash Splash, but he's had too many chances for me.

VERDICT: OUT


Dave Attwood (Bath)

'Dangerous' Dave Attwood (I don't think that is his real nickname - he can thank me later) started the season superbly for Bath - and for England, for that matter. But he looked lethargic for his club later on and those towering displays became less frequent as the season progressed. He'll need to put in a mighty shift during the camp to impress the coaches, but he is in the front seat to go as lock number 4.

VERDICT: IN


Brad Barritt (Saracens)

He's not very fashionable, is he, our Bradley? But there is no denying what he brings to the side - defensive discipline, aggression, physicality and a nose smeared over half of his face. And no real attacking threat. And yet he remains a player who coaches and fellow players love to have in and around the squad, because he's so committed. For me, though, he works well with creative players outside him and is a great 'physical 12' option, so I think the Saracens man has the form and attributes to merit a spot in the squad.

VERDICT: IN


Kieran Brookes (Newcastle Falcons)

I'm a big fan of the 'Fridge'. He's worked hard on his scrummaging all year and, despite looking like an Oceana doorman, he's in great shape for such a naturally big lad. What he has massively in his favour now is his physical impact in the loose, especially given that his set piece is no longer an issue. I suspect his selection in reality will come down to whether or not the coaches will take 5 or 6 props but, for me, Brookes gets the nod over Wilson as back-up tighthead because of his impact from the bench.

VERDICT: IN



Mike Brown (Harlequins)

If Brookes is the man working the door of Oceana, the Mike Brown looks like the kind of inebriated scallywag who will getting booted out. His character on the pitch is aggressive and niggly (although off the field, by all accounts, he is a charmer) but his performances on the field before taking a bang to the head were very impressive. He seemed to have rediscovered that ability to beat the first man, was solid under the high ball and - if he returns successfully from injury - the 15 shirt is his.

VERDICT: IN


Luther Burrell (Northampton Saints)

After a cracking breakthrough season, this one has been far from vintage for the Saints centre. There's no doubt he is a superb physical specimen and he is excellent at puffing his cheeks out when he runs, but beyond that I'm not convinced of his rugby brain or his defensive solidarity. He did pick his game up towards the end of the season though, and his promising combination with Jonathan Joseph should be enough to see him into the squad. Although, Eastmond will push him all the way...

VERDICT: IN


Sam Burgess (Bath)

Slammin' Sam is an interesting one. You get the impression that England want him to be a 12, but he's always looked pretty average there. At 6 though, he was starting to do some very real damage at the end of the season - getting his hands on the ball, carrying well, offloading and making some huge hits. That versatility might be attractive but a big negative for him is that he does not present a line-out option - and given the importance the coaches give to that, I don't think he'll make the final cut.

VERDICT: OUT

Danny Care (Harlequins)
If you'd have said a year ago that Danny Care would not be a shoe-in for the squad, I would have spat on your back. OK, that's a bit strong, but Care has regressed alarmingly this year - and the key aspect of it is his decision making. Gone are the lethal darts because he is not spotting the opportunities, and gone are so many chances, because he goes the wrong way off a ruck. Assuming Youngs and Wigglesworth are shoe-ins, do you pick the in-form Simpson as your electric third choice? I'd say yes.

VERDICT: OUT


Calum Clark (Northampton Saints)

The big flanker has enjoyed a successful season at Saints, but he's going to have to beat some pretty established names if he's to even get a sniff at getting into the squad. He's a physical presence and decent over the ball, but there are questions over his temperament and I don't think he really offers anything 'extra'.

VERDICT: OUT


Danny Cipriani (Sale)

Oh Danny, what have you done? After another eye-catching season with Sale and some very decent cameos with England, the ex-golden boy of England rugby looked a certainty to swan his way into the world cup squad. But after being arrested (but not charged) for drink-driving, is he going to fall foul of Lancaster's hammer of justice? Assuming that no news is good news on the legal front, I think he still has enough pizzazz to warrant a call up to the squad.

VERDICT: IN


Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers)

Probably the first name on the team-sheet these days and one of the very few English players to have a genuine claim for a place on the hypothetical World XV. Since his injury issues have subsided, the Leicester man has looked in superb form - dominating in the scrum, snaffling at the breakdown and also carrying with more energy than we have seen before. Assuming the summer sun hasn't melted his fair complexion, he's guaranteed a spot.

VERDICT: IN 

Alex Corbisiero (Northampton Saints)

Eesh, this is a tough one. Joe Marler is now first choice for England, there can be no doubting that - but (assuming the injury clears up) who fits in behind him in the pecking order is a bit of a head-scratcher. My inkling is to lean towards Mako Vunipola - his scrummaging has improved over the season and his impact remains just as impressive, whilst Corbs doesn't seem to be quite the force he once was. That said, I reckon there'll be 5 props in the squad, so his ability to play both sides should see him sneak in ahead of Matt Mullan.

VERDICT: IN



Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs)

Now we will put discussions of that extremely questionable mullet to one side for now and concentrate on his rugby ability - which, as has been noticed by most observers - is very, very promising. He is prone to the odd lineout wobble and he is, of course, very inexperienced, but he does seem to be moulded from the same material as Dylan Hartley (minus the occasional bout of brainlessness) and that aggression and enthusiasm he has I think could be beneficial and infectious to the squad. I'd like to see him go as third choice hooker.

VERDICT: IN


Elliot Daly (Wasps)

Ah, my wild card selection. I could do him a huge disservice and say it's just because of his ability to play 13, wing and full back, but that would be to ignore an electric season for the Wasps flyer. Like Joseph, he is blessed with quick feet and searing acceleration, and is a like-for-like replacement for JJ should something happen to the Bath man. Chuck in his displays against Toulon on the biggest club stage, his versatility and a siege gun boot (which he uses to regularly slot kicks from 50+ metres), Daly could prove to be a surprise package if he's given a shot.

VERDICT: IN



Lee Dickson (Northampton Saints)

I do feel a bit sorry for Lee Dickson. Like Barritt, he seems to be perennially underrated and unfashionable to anyone outside his club - and, to be fair, he does look like the kind of bloke who might go to Harry Potter conventions every other weekend. Unfortunately for him, his form this year hasn't hit the heights of previous seasons, and whilst he is a reliable man to have in the 9 shirt, he hasn't done enough to warrant a spot in the World Cup squad.


VERDICT: OUT


Nick Easter (Harlequins)

Big Nick has been on a rollercoaster of a journey since the 2011 'That's 20 grand down the toilet' incident, and despite continually coming across like a beefed-up Del Boy, Easter's contributions and hard work for Quins made him impossible to ignore. He's a man who's been there before and is a good character to have around the squad - but, with Morgan and Vunipola fit, is there a place for him? I don't think so.

VERDICT: OUT


Kyle Eastmond (Bath)
Don't overlook Eastmond's contribution to Bath's drool-inducing back-play this year - both Ford and Joseph credit him with the footwork and vision to make the space for others, and to scamper through gaps himself of course. England's coaches don't seem to trust him though and - perhaps understandably - like a meatier presence in that 12 shirt, which does seem to work for them. In my view, he deserves a spot in terms of ability, but may well miss out because he doesn't fit in with the game-plan.

VERDICT: OUT


Owen Farrell (Saracens)

Everything about Farrell's display in the Premiership Final highlighted why he should not be written off after a season blighted by injury, in which he lost the England 10 shirt to Ford. In the first half, especially, Farrell was tactically superb with the boot and flawless off the tee, as well as being an aggressive presence in defence. He handles pressure probably better than any other fly half in England and - for that reason - he has to go...even if not as first choice.

VERDICT: IN

George Ford (Bath)

The man who pinched Farrell's shirt was, in many people's eyes, Premiership player of the season. Despite being the size of a smurf, Ford's ability to take the ball to the line, disguise his passes and time them to perfection makes him one of the best attacking fly halves in World Rugby. He was shaky in the Premiership final, but his Bath pack were being battered - behind an English pack largely expected to dominate, Ford is the first choice without a doubt.

VERDICT: IN


Jamie George (Saracens)

One of the very few men who can legitimately say that they were grateful to receive a headbutt, the Saracens man makes the preliminary squad after Hartley's brainless bonce opened the door for a World Cup squad spot. His form at the end of the season certainly deserved it - and I'd take him without question as second choice hooker. As well as being a solid lineout operator, he strikes me as the new Steve Thompson; unnaturally mobile for someone who probably has a Krispy Kremes loyalty card.

VERDICT: IN



Alex Goode (Saracens)

Poor Alex joins Brad and Lee on the uncool list, even though his club form this year has been very eye-catching. He's solid under the high-ball and has a great boot on him, but still it's hard to see how he offers more threats than the other 15s in the squad. A mixed display against Ireland saw his international season limited to one appearance and, whilst I don't think his England career is over, I don't think his inclusion would bring the right qualities or balance to this squad.

VERDICT: OUT


James Haskell (Wasps)


You have to love the 'Brand' Haskell. Well, actually, you don't (in fact a fair few don't) but you know what you're going to get with the Wasps skipper - physicality, tireless work rate, improved breakdown technique and first-class 'bants'. Oh, and probably a shed load of dumb penalties, too. If only he could reign in that reckless streak just a smidge, then he'd be a nailed on starter. That said, he is still a must for the squad.

VERDICT: IN


Maro Itoje (Saracens)

What a season the youngster has had - I could be smug and boast that I predicted this. But I won't. Even though I did. The lock/blindside has that frightening combination of speed, athleticism and power, and his display in the Premiership final has shown he is ready to compete on the top stage. But is he ready for a World Cup? I don't think so. He seemed to go into his shell when the pressure was on against Clermont, but the ability to deal with pressure will come with experience. He's got a big future with England - just not now. But if he is selected, you will hear no complaints from me.

VERDICT: OUT


Jonathan Joseph (Bath)

Another nice, easy selection. With Manu out and 'thinking about what he has done', there can be no debate over the current occupier of the 13 shirt. The level of consistency he found this year was astounding - tearing up defences for club and country all through the year. With the electric feet he possesses, he will cause any side problems as long as he gets the ball in space. And that is England's challenge.

VERDICT: IN



George Kruis (Saracens)


Kruis falls into the bucket of talented locks that England have at their disposal, but I suspect he will be one of the unlucky ones when it comes to selection day. He was a solid and physical presence for England during the Six Nations and performed with a maturity beyond his years, but now the three first choice locks have returned, it's hard to see how he will retain his place.

VERDICT: OUT


Matt Kvesic (Gloucester)

Kvesic may look like your stereotypically stern (and quietly violent) P.E. teacher, but his technical knowledge of the breakdown goes beyond mindless rucking. The problem is that, after being deemed the heir apparent to the 7 shirt, Kvesic hasn't really hit the heights expected of him. With the other flankers available, I'm not sure that he's done enough to warrant selection - and I don't think he'll bring the right balance to the back row either.

VERDICT: OUT



So, my squad so far:

Props: Cole, Brookes, Corbisiero

Hookers: George, Cowan-Dickie

Locks: Attwood

Back row: Haskell

Half Backs: Ford, Farrell, Cipriani

Centres: Barritt, Joseph, Burrell

Wing/Fullbacks: Brown, Daly



Thoughts? Criticisms? Abuse?