YOUR TEAM MAKES NO SENSE, EDDIE

Sir Clive piles in: Zero logic behind baffling England picks

EDDIE JONES was under fire again last night after naming several players out of position for England’s crucial Six Nations match against Ireland, with a rookie forward as emergency back-line cover.

Bath centre Jonathan Joseph is on the wing for tomorrow’s clash at Twickenham, with wing Ollie Thorley released to play for Gloucester today. Jones (left) claimed he had left out full back George Furbank because he is unfit but retains him as a matchday reserve. Of the two backs on the bench, Exeter centre Henry Slade has been out injured since December. Lock Courtney Lawes is recalled at blindside flanker and specialist openside Tom Curry continues at No 8.

Ben Earl is the replacement back-rower but the young Saracen, who only made his Test debut a fortnight ago, is on stand-by to play in midfield or on the wing.

World Cup winning coach Sir Clive Woodward expressed grave concerns, writing in his Sportsmail column: ‘Eddie Jones’s selections are making England fans very nervous — me included.

‘If individuals being asked to play out of position struggle and cost their team the game, then massive questions will be asked.’

Woodward cast doubt on the use of Curry and Lawes, and the

non-selection of Thorley, adding: ‘It is all very confusing. Selecting all these players out of position and packing the bench with six forwards and only two backs is high-risk and could unravel. If we see (scrum halves) Willi Heinz or Ben Youngs end up on the wing, it will have spectacularly back-fired.’ Explaining why he had switched Joseph to the wing, Jones said: ‘He’s one of our best defenders in space, competent under the high ball and has great running skills. With the resources we have available, he’s the best guy for that spot. We train him at winger a lot.’ Asked about the omission of Thorley, Jones added: ‘He’s got some work to do on his game before he’s ready for Test rugby.’