Cipriani selection is a bold move by Jones
The fly-half’s scintillating form for Wasps made it impossible for him to be ignored - however, that’s not stopped Jones from omitting Cipriani before.
It’s a bold move from the England coach that few thought he would make - but Jones hinted it could be in the 15 and not the 10 shirt.
It’s finally Dan’s turn to shine on the international stage. Snubbed during the Six Nations, Robson’s kept his standards impeccably high at club level to warrant a call-up that was increased in likelihood by the resting of Danny Care.
Forget his age, Jack has proven he is one of the best back rowers in the Aviva Premiership this season. His work rate, energy, tackle accuracy and breakdown potency make him a bold but appropriate selection for a tour to South Africa.
While many of his British and Irish Lions team-mates were rested, Daly must go again for his country this summer. With Anthony Watson and Jonathan Joseph out injured, Jones could ill-afford to rest an international-standard finisher.
Could’ve been considered for a rest but instead will be fighting for a starting role in the second row.
Launchbury’s form for Wasps shows no signs of tiredness and England will need all of his experience and power to be successful in South Africa.
Perhaps the most controversial of the England squad selections on account of the fact he is still playing in New Zealand - and will return to finish his playing duties there after the South Africa tour.
Shields qualifies for England through his parents, and will now likely arrive at Wasps for next season as an England international. COVENTRY’S winning run came to an end with a defeat at the Isle of Wight in the National League last night.
The Europress Bees came up against a determined home side fired up after two straight defeats on their own circuit.
With Ben Morley scoring a full five-ride maximum, and Ben Hopwood and Scott Campos on three wins apiece, the Bees were restricted to just three victories.
One of those came from Ryan MacDonald as Coventry picked up a 5-1 in the reserves’ race with Jamie Halder packing in for second after the Warriors’ Jamie Sealey had crashed out. But the hosts immediately responded through Campos and Chris Widman in the next, and Bees never hit the front again.
The scores were level after Connor Mountain won Heat 5, but an unusual occurrence in Heat 6 saw both Morley and Danny Phillips penalised for separate tape-touching offences – and it was Morley who won the race with both starting from the handicap.
The Warriors extended their advantage with 4-2s in Heats 8 and 9 with the Bees reserves missing out on both occasions, and another third place from recent IOW signing Shaun Tedham helped the hosts to go eight points up in Heat 11 as Hopwood headed Mountain.
Bees were unable to edge a heat in return, and although they shared Heat 12 with Halder getting the better of Tedham the Warriors had an unbeaten pair going to tapes for Heat 13. Mountain did manage to split the home duo by taking second from Hopwood, but there was no stopping Morley out front.
Luke Ruddick kept Bees in with a chance of a league point by winning Heat 14 but another third place from Tedham meant it was only an outside chance.
They needed a maximum advantage in the last race, but although Mountain and Ruddick shut out Campos, they were unable to prevent Morley from completing his full house, leaving Bees with nothing.