The Rugby World Cup edges closer by the second and between now and the opening match in September versus the Fijians, Lancaster must cut his squad of 50, to just 31.
Arguably one of the positions under the most scrutiny is hooker. Lancaster’s dilemma for this position grows by the day.
Dylan Hartley has been England’s man for a long time, and you can see why. He’s a good all round player with the attributes needed to help lead England to winning the World Cup. Hartley is the captain of his club team, Northampton Saints, and therefore possesses leadership qualities – something which you need in abundance in a World Cup. However, once again his discipline let him down. Having headbutted Jamie George in the semi-final of the Premiership, Hartley was banned for four weeks, and as a result was dropped by Lancaster.
Therefore speculation over his successor grows ever greater, as does Lancaster’s headache.
Tom Youngs has been consistently Hartley’s understudy. The Leicester Tigers man is experienced, and has proven his quality on the domestic and international stage. Youngs is a strong ball carrier, who also has a high tackle rate. However, his biggest weakness is his throwing at the lineout. Whereas Hartley was very good in this area, Youngs needs to work on it. England cannot afford to be complacent in their set-piece if they are to triumph in the final at Twickenham.
The Exeter Chiefs youngster, and highly rated by many, Luke Cowan-Dickie is of course also part of the squad. He’s a similar player to Youngs, and is guaranteed to always put the team on the front foot whilst carrying. His awareness of the game is also impressive; this was seen most recently in the match against the Barbarians where he set up Marlon Yarde’s try. Furthermore he seems to be a player for the big occasion. His try and hugely remarkable performance versus Saracens in the penultimate match of the domestic season enabled Chiefs to leave Allianz Park with an unexpected victory and a chance to reach the play-offs. However, just like Youngs, he also needs to work on his throwing and this is what is most likely going to stop him being in the match day 23.
Bath’s Rob Webber had a poor end to the season, and I’m sure he feels this way too. Webber is now firmly Bath’s second choice hooker behind Batty and his chances of a World Cup place seem to be dwindling. His cameo in the Premiership Final as a substitute only decreased Bath’s chances of winning the title, due to an incredibly disappointing appearance. If he can regain his form then he could still be a part of the 31 man squad. However, he isn’t as good of a ball carrier as Youngs or Cowan-Dickie, and like them, struggles with throwing the ball.
Jamie George wasn’t initially a part of Lancaster’s 50 man squad, but rather ironically was called up when Hartley was banned for headbutting him. I believe George’s most valuable asset is his ability to control the lineout and ensure his team are going to win it by being able to throw accurately. A hugely impressive season for Saracens makes him worthy of a place, and I was surprised when I didn’t see him selected in the initial squad. Like Cowan-Dickie he seems to rise to the big occasion, and as most will remember he scored a try in the Premiership Final.
Therefore who does Lancaster pick for his 23 man match day squad?
If he’s looking for experience, a quality you need to have at a World Cup, than Youngs and Webber are his men. If he wants this position to be filled with youthful exuberance and flair than George and Cowan-Dickie would rise to this calling. Apart from George, they all have problems with throwing at the lineout. I suspect Youngs will be Lancaster’s first choice because of his proven ability and experience, but his competition is strong, and I wouldn’t rule out a surprise.
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