BROWN DITCHED!
Brown exclusion marks changing of the guard
RUTHLESS EDDIE DUMPS Mr RELIABLE
MIKE BROWN’S status as one of England’s untouchables was shattered yesterday as Eddie Jones once again demonstrated his ruthless streak, to signal a changing of the guard.
Harlequins’ 33-year-old full-back was sent home from the Algarve and back to his club, along with nine other players deemed surplus to requirements for Saturday’s opening Quilter International Test of the autumn series, against South Africa at Twickenham.
There were some notable shocks as Ben Morgan, the only remaining No 8 specialist, and new flanker Michael Rhodes — who appeared on course for an international debut against his home country, were also released.
But the omission of Brown was the most dramatic development. The veteran has been a stalwart of the Jones era and a symbol of the dedicated, competitive, aggressive streak demanded by the Australian head coach since he took charge in late 2015.
He has amassed 72 caps and only missed two Tests under the current regime. He was rested from the victory over Fiji in 2016 and concussion kept him out of the autumn win against Australia a year ago.
But his status has not saved him this time. Brown’s removal is seemingly on form grounds. He has been the dominant figure at full- back for England for several years, but Elliot Daly took over that position during the summer tour of South Africa and the Wasps player is on course to retain the No 15 shirt against Rassie Erasmus’s reviving Springboks. As expected, Northampton lock Courtney Lawes has been deemed unavailable for the first of four matches at HQ next month, but he will stay with the squad here in Portugal to continue his rehab work, in a bid to shake off a back problem. Meanwhile, the decision to release both Morgan and Rhodes is something of a surprise. The Gloucester No 8 and Saracens flanker — a squad newcomer — had both appeared in contention for starting places.
There is a further sign of backrow strength in depth, as flanker Sam Underhill is returning to Bath, which serves as confirmation that Sale’s Tom Curry will line up at openside.
Another Bath rookie, Zach Mercer, has harnessed his supreme club form to graduate from an ‘apprentice’ role last season to the verge of a place in the matchday 23, which will be confirmed by Jones tomorrow morning.
Itoje didn’t train at England’s Algarve base yesterday morning but he was due to take a full part in the afternoon session and is fully fit to start, most likely at lock, although he could be deployed at blindside flanker.
‘We’ve talked about versatility and both Maro and Courtney have played at six from time to time,’ forwards coach Steve Borthwick said. ‘Having that versatility in the back five is really important. We have plenty of options available there, a lot of really good players.’
Recalled box-office backs Chris Ashton and Manu Tuilagi are both poised to play some part. Jones will weigh up whether to unleash a massive midfield partnership of Worcester centre Ben Te’o in alliance with Tuilagi at No 13.