Staggering statistics since Back called time

WHY can’t England find a natural openside? It’s the position that continues to haunt the national team but it’s not a new phenomenon – England have struggled to find a natural openside since Neil Back was in is pomp. You only have to look at the 20 players no less who have worn the shirt since 2004.

The three most capped players at openside during that time are Chris Robshaw (46), Lewis Moody (39) and James Haskell (18) who I would argue could all be termed six and halves. Tom Rees, above, is next with 11 and his premature retirement through injury has arguably been English rugby’s biggest loss over the last decade, a natural born and bred openside. Gold dust.

Then come Joe Worsley (8) and Richard Hill (7) – both demonstrably world class blindsides although capable of doing a job at openside – followed by Michael Lipman (6), Magnus Lund (4) and Tom Wood (4) who again, for me operate better at six although you could make a case for Lipman at seven. Andy Hazell, below, was definitely a seven but earned a miserable 3 caps, Steffon Armitage likewise, and we never saw enough of Hendre Fourie (3 caps) to know what he was.

The list continues with Sam Underhill (3) while both Pat Sanderson and Teimana Harrison won two apiece before we come to another out and out seven in Matt Kvesic. Finally the one cap wonders – Chris Jones a lock, Callum Clark a six, Tom Clifford a No.8 or 6 in my book and Tom Curry, who will surely be given another run when fit again.

So out of the last 164 England caps at openside and even including Lipman I make it a grand total of 28 have been won by specialists in that position. Discuss!