England’s back pack proving a heavy burden
EDDIE JONES arrived for England’s training camp in Portugal wrestling with what to do about his back row.
Badly hit by injury and suspensions, it has become a jigsaw with no certainty as to what will make the most effective unit.
At No.8, it is Ben Morgan’s bulk versus Zach Mercer’s feet – a choice between a player who has not pulled on an England shirt for three years and another who has never worn one.
At No.6, the scrap is between four players with six caps between them or, at a pinch, playing Maro Itoje or Courtney Lawes out of position.
Only at No.7 is there a degree of clarity and remarkably it appears England are building their back row around a 20-year-old.
If there were doubts over whether Sale’s Tom Curry was ready for Test rugby ahead of the summer tour to South Africa, he proved his maturity against the Springboks. Callow kid or not, he was the find of the trip.
“The South Africa tour gave me a lot of confidence in terms of my physicality and being able to step up to that level,” said Curry.
“This season I’ve probably been less cautious physically. It’s made me feel better about myself. There wasn’t much reflection on what happened. It was just a case of getting a good rest and coming firing into the season.
“I was told to make sure I came into the season fit and carry on pushing forward and make sure everything I do is with 100 per cent intent. If I’m going for the ball, absolutely go for it – if not, pull out.”