SIR CLIVE: A PERFECT DRAW FOR ENGLAND
That’s a really tough but ultimately good World Cup draw for England and will accelerate their teambuilding this summer.
World Cups are not romantic places. World Cups are won by the favourites and England are not yet remotely front-runners for the crown. the reality of what needs to be done to even reach the knockout stages — and the possibility of facing New Zealand in the semi-final — will sharpen English minds.
No team has ever lost a pool game and won the World Cup. and if the World Cup started tomorrow, I would not wager a huge amount on England beating France and argentina in quick succession on neutral territory in Japan.
England might be No 2 in the rankings and can look back on that world record- equalling run with pride, but they are not quite there yet. Eddie Jones has been the first to acknowledge that. It has been his mantra all season.
some have dismissed it as a soundbite to show England aren’t complacent but he really means it.
England were outplayed by Ireland in that final six Nations game, which was glossed over as they still took the Championship. Other than the 61-21 thrashing of scotland, they did not set the tournament alight. there is much work to do.
Given all that, what a timely tour England now face next month against a pretty much full-strength argentina side on home territory.
the Barbarians have also announced a stellar squad for their match with England at twickenham and I suspect Jones will now make that a full- on game. hopefully the Baa-Baas respond in kind.
the ante has been raised for the next wave of players who are looking to come through.
If I was one of the younger breed, looking at that draw, there would be a spring in my step.
Other than in the second row, there are places up for grabs in the England team although, with Owen Farrell, obviously it is a case of where he plays, not if.
so sale’s Curry twins, Ben and tom, could now get some serious game time in south america rather than just being in the squad for experience. We need to know if one or both fit the bill at flanker.
sam Underhill is another who must feature at some stage. Ditto dynamic prop Ellis Genge. and England need to start having a proper look at henry slade and where he might fit in, especially after a middling season from George Ford.
Farrell could be the No 10 going forward in which case there would be a vacancy for that playmaking 12 role which has worked so well.
Wing Denny solomona has made a big impression during his short time with sale. he looks well- equipped to score a load of tries but let’s test him as soon as possible.
England are travelling with a strong, experienced squad, it’s not as if such players would be parachuted into a callow XV. But, ultimately, so what if England do lose one or both tests against the Pumas?
If they identify three or four players who are likely to start the World Cup it will be worthwhile.
Elsewhere, the draw has been relatively kind to the other home unions who will all be confident of making the quarter-finals. the question is whether they truly believe they can win the tournament. that is what they must work on in the next two years.