WORLD OF RUGBY
LIKE so many other England veterans, Ben Youngs is desperate to be in today’s first squad named by Steve Borthwick, but rather than spending yesterday in a state of anxiety, he had parental duties to perform.
‘My son has a big game on Sunday — Market Harborough Under Eights — so I’ll be there,’ said the scrum-half and Test centurion, after leading Leicester to victory at Clermont. ‘I’ll go and watch him daydream, make mudpies and occasionally chase a tag! What will be, will be.’
Perhaps this is the secret to the enhanced prospects of the 30- somethings who want to be part of Borthwick’s new England era — they are too busy with everyday issues to be consumed by tension or dread.
Youngs (right) is far from alone in the category of pplayersy who have children and a greater sense of perspective, tive, which comes with th experience. The older er contingent could d have a significant influence on England’s short- term future under their new head coach. ThereThe will be fresh h facesfac in the Six x NationsNat squad named med by Borthwick today,y, but thereth could be plentylenty of familiarf ones too.
Youngs was outstanding on Friday, as captain of a Tigers team which claimed a 44-29 win at Stade Marcel Michelin. OnO Saturday, Elliot Daly scoreds a hat-trick of tries for SaracensS in the space of eight first-firshalf minutes against Lyon. The first was a long-range gem, as was his massive 50- metre kick before half- time which showedsho his left boot is still a lethal weapon.
In Limerick, Courtney Lawes returned from his latest injury to play for Northampton, just in time to prove his readiness for an England return.
Dan Cole was rested by Leicester but the prop is poised for an England return more than three years after his last appearance. Anthony Watson is temporarily sidelined again, but that might re-open the door to Jonny May. Jamie George is destined to start at hooker and Billy Vunipola will hope to continue at No 8.
To twist the old sporting mantra, if they are good enough, they are young enough. Owen Farrell being retained as captain would be further proof that the revolution is on hold and that the older contingent will not be swept away. The fly-half is 31, Daly and Billy Vunipola are 30, George and May are 32, Youngs and Lawes are 33 and Cole is 35. Many are likelyy to have key roles to play. Why not?no With just a few weeks until the Six NationsNati and less than ninenin months until theth World Cup, EnglandE need provenpr pedigree as wellw as youthful vigour.vi There were veteransve aplenty in the World Cupwinningwin class of 2003 and the 2007 team which reached the final in Paris. B or thwic kB thiki is not afraid to turn to those with plenty of miles on the clock. At Leicester he brought in Richard Wigglesworth and Chris Ashton, and both had a significant hand in last season’s Premiership title success.
Providing the veterans still have fire in their bellies, Borthwick could deploy them in numbers.
Youngs will not assume past deeds provide any credit in the bank, saying: ‘It’s like everyone is starting again and you have to prove yourself again. It is a blank sheet of paper and a different philosophy of playing.’
But in reality, he and the other 30-somethings do have vast credit against their names and that must count for something as the new era begins.