Eddie’s brave new back-row era

eddie Jones’s selection yesterday signposted big changes in the england back row over the next 12 months. Tom Curry, still only 19, and sam Underhill, 21, were retained from the summer. exeter’s sam simmonds, 22, was promoted into the squad and Zach Mercer, 20, was introduced as an ‘apprentice’ — a new term in rugby for me. it’s probably eddie-speak for, ‘Mate, promising kid’, but at least it makes more sense than ‘finishers’. With James Haskell dropped (which, based on form, is the right call) england are now forced to pick Curry or Underhill at openside flanker for the three Tests. excellent — this gives us the chance to really see them tested at the highest level. neither is an absolute tearaway no 7 but they are both pretty mobile. Curry looks more of an all-rounder — very good hands, good carrier, strong in contact and a possible lineout option — while Underhill is more of a warrior, very destructive in the tackle and very strong over the ball. i don’t want to typecast them, though. Both are young enough to develop other facets and, in international terms, they need to start that process now. But what an opportunity for them both. simmonds is an intriguing player and we must also resist typecasting him. He’s not tall but is very powerful and exceptionally quick — he would clearly make a high-quality centre. He is an unusual talent for an england back row. i don’t remember many of his ilk. so how does that fit with england? is he a blindside/no 8 where he mainly plays for exeter? or is he worth a go at openside, where he has very little experience? i would be very surprised if he wasn’t the quickest of all the england back-row players in a race. And other factors come into play. england need to beat Argentina and Australia, and they will still need some continuity and experience in the back row this autumn. Chris Robshaw is playing well and i would not advocate england denying themselves his services until they are absolutely convinced the new man in at blindside can be a consistently better player. it’s also important that england don’t overcomplicate the issue by selecting Courtney Lawes or Maro itoje at blindside. eddie must bite the bullet at lock and pick his preferred pair with the next man on the bench and the fourth second row up in the stands watching. england need to give serious game time to their young back-row specialists. We need to know if they are the real deal. There’s only one way to find out.