FIVE WITH POINTS TO PROVE:
Jamie Roberts (Bath):
Seems to have been around for ever but is actually only 31 and despite being surplus to requirements in this year’s Six Nations still harbours hopes of playing for Wales in a third World Cup. Has been moving around in recent years – Racing 92, Cambridge University and Quins – and has completed his medical studies in the process. Plenty of effort at Quins but rarely discovered his best form. Bath could be a better match.
Francis Saili (Harlequins):
Talented centre who has much more to give if he can find some fitness and form. A member of the fabled New Zealand U20 team that won the 2011 Junior World Cup, Siali was an All Black by 2013 but, amid much competition, struggled to command a squad place. In 2015 he moved to Munster and enjoyed two good seasons in Limerick but was plagued by a concussion injury at Quins last season and made just five appearances
Samesa Rokoduguni (Bath):
Was in excellent tryscoring form for Bath last season before struck down with a serious shoulder injury, an injury which put paid to any thoughts of challenging again for an England start. At 30, and with the next generation of wings coming through, it is now or never for Roko if he’s going to get back in the World Cup frame. If Bath click – and it’s about time they did – Roko will be a busy man.
Brad Shields (Wasps):
Fraught England debut in June, being dragged out of Wellington and Super Rugby for a couple of weeks, Shields now has the opportunity to bed down properly with Wasps where he could prove a fine signing. He will add some steel and Kiwi nous to Dai Young’s occasionally inconsistent pack and bring the best out of talented backrow colleagues. And if he does all that Eddie Jones will also be delighted.
Michael Le Bourgeois (Wasps):
Another Wasps man who will be looking to make a big impression. Le Bourgeois, left, has been the class back in the Championship for a couple of years and should possibly have moved to the Premiership earlier but he’s got his chance now. The Wasps backs are packed with stellar talent and game time might be limited initially but when he gets the call he has the talent to make his mark.