Shortage at No9 could yet be costly for Jones
THERE is much to like about Eddie Jones’s Six Nations squad, which includes some exciting selections, but for me it’s also a tale of two lessons from the World Cup in Japan — one learned and one not.
England blew it in the World Cup final because they were not able to pick two strong scrummaging props, with another on the bench, against a mighty Boks pack that targeted England in the front row. So I am encouraged to see the return of Exeter’s Harry Williams along with Bath’s Will Stuart who has impressed all the scrummaging aficionados I know.
The England squad in Japan was two world-class tightheads short, and by doing that Jones closed down his options. Williams should certainly have been there and probably Nick Schonert as well.
With the retention of Joe Marler and Mako Vunipola back to full fitness — he was short of scrummaging fitness in the final — England now have four powerhouse props.
Your more mobile props will always have their day. Kyle Sinckler and Ellis Genge will often come into contention, but when you are up against scrummaging beasts — like France on February 2 — you start with your strongest scrummagers every time.
So does that seem to be a lesson learnt? Maybe.
The lesson that has not been heeded is the need for a topquality third scrum-half. Myself and Jones will never agree on this. There is no logic in going with just two senior scrumhalves and not having a clear third choice at all times.
Scrum-half is pivotal and you must have three class operators on call when it comes to tournament rugby. Two are always involved in every match, but they get injured or need resting just when you have a full training run-out.
I could never imagine having less than three nines in my squads. The danger of not having scrum-half cover was there for all to see in the World Cup final.
A week after enjoying a magnificent game against New Zealand, Ben Youngs wasn’t in the groove against South Africa behind his struggling pack. He needed to come off early in the second half. England needed to make something happen.
But the problem was that Willi Heinz was up in the stands with a ripped hamstring from the New Zealand game and his replacement, Ben Spencer, had only flown in a few days earlier. What England needed was a fully acclimatised, top-quality scrum-half already with the squad who could give England 40 minutes.
Alex Mitchell is promising, but I don’t buy this apprentice
AP stuff at all. I was hoping England had moved on from these gimmicks. Don’t use a Six Nations squad for development. Is he ready to play 80 minutes against France in Paris? No!
That’s my one gripe, the rest is good. There is a ‘turning a new page’ feel to some of the selections.
Ben Earl has enjoyed a magnificent season for Saracens despite all the distractions, and with Billy Vunipola injured he could go straight into a starting role at No 8 alongside Sam Underhill and Tom Curry. ‘Three flankers?’ I hear you say. Well three flankers didn’t serve England too badly at the 2003 World Cup.
In the backs, Jones has spotted some wow factor which he wants to test. George Furbank has pace at full-back and is a lovely balanced runner. He is not the finished article but he is a specialist 15. He looks comfortable there even though, at 23, he makes the odd mistake.
Ollie Thorley has pace and strength — they love him at Kingsholm — and opponents cannot relax for one second against him. He looks ready if Jones needs to rest Anthony Watson or Jonny May.
‘I’d hoped they moved on from gimmicks’