Potential England Team For Autumn Internationals

The attention of the rugby world now turns to the Autumn International season. Here, we have a look at what Eddie Jones’ England team is likely to look like.

The Red Rose face the Springboks in the first game at Twickenham on November 12. This is followed up by games against Argentina, Fiji and Australia. Eddie Jones has been hit by a recent spate of injuries, with many key players ruled out. Up front, Itoje, Kruis, Haskell and Clifford would all have had a role to play in the series. The first choice wing pairing – Anthony Watson and Jack Nowell – will also miss the Old Mutual Wealth Series.

So what is the team likely to look like?

Potential England Team For Autumn Internationals

Loose-Head Prop – Mako Vunipola

One of England’s strongest positions. After an impressive start to the season, Mako Vunipola is likely to wear the number 1 shirt at Twickenham. Joe Marler will probably have to settle for a place on the bench on his return to the international arena – a more than capable replacement. Ellis Genge will look to make an impression if he gets the chance – possibly off the bench against Fiji.

Hooker – Dylan Hartley (c)

One of the first names on the team sheet. Hartley’s leadership has been vital to England’s resurgence under Jones. Whilst there is an argument over whether Hartley is the best English Hooker, he’s an important cog in Jones’ wheel. Hartley will hope that he is able to overcome concussion issues that have plagued him recently. Jamie George will be an able deputy, after a strong start to the season. Tommy Taylor waits in the wings and with Exeter’s Cowan-Dickie injured, England’s strength in depth in this position is enviable.

Tight-Head Prop – Dan Cole

The cornerstone of the English scrum. The ever-reliable Cole will surely retain his place at Tight-Head. An exceptionally strong scrummager and effective in the loose, Cole has been a stalwart for England over the past few years. Although perhaps the weakest of the front row positions depth-wise, in Kyle Sinckler, Kieran Brookes and Paul Hill England have plenty of promise coming through.

Second Row –Joe Launchbury

England’s best player in the ill-fated 2015 World Cup, Launchbury will surely come back into the fold this Autumn. Despite being just 25, Launchbury has already amassed 35 caps – experience that will come in handy for the home side. The Wasps captain’s workload around the field will be vital for Jones. He will look to use this opportunity to force his way into the picture, given Itoje and Kruis’ injuries.

Second Row – Courtney Lawes/Dave Attwood

Although he’s been taken to the training camp in Portugal, there are doubts over Lawes’ fitness following a knee injury. If fit, Lawes will surely start. If he does not make it, however Jones has an interesting call to make. Bath youngster Charlie Ewels has enjoyed an impressive start to the season as part of their resurgence. The 21-year-old will win his first cap at some point this Autumn, perhaps against Fiji. Against South Africa, however, Jones may plump for Bath team-mate Attwood. Given the quality of the Springbok second row, the Australian may decide that the more experienced Attwood is the better choice.

Blindside Flanker – Chris Robshaw

Following the injury crisis in England’s back row, there has been talk of Robshaw moving across to the 7 shirt. Jones has been clear from the start, though, that he sees Robshaw as a 6 – 6 ½ at best! It will therefore be a surprise if the Harlequins man is not wearing the number 6 shirt on November 12.

Openside Flanker – Teimana Harrison

The toughest decision for Eddie Jones. First and second choices Haskell and Clifford are both injured meaning Jones required new blood. Wasps flanker Sam Jones got the call – and subsequently an injury – deepening the crisis. Until injury, there was even talk of Itoje moving back a row to fill out. It appears now that Jones will select Harrison in the 7 jersey. The Saints man was yanked off after just 30 minutes on debut, so will see this as a chance for redemption.

Number 8 – Billy Vunipola

Possibly the easiest decision. Vunipola is one of the best 8’s in world Rugby and one of England’s three vice-captains. Nathan Hughes, Ben Morgan and Josh Beaumont are all part of the EPS, but it will take a lot to dislodge the big man.

Scrum Half – Ben Youngs

Appears to have won the battle with Danny Care to become first choice 9. The Leicester man will hope for a big series to cement his place – with one eye potentially on the Lions tour. Care is a more than able replacement off the bench. With the likes of Dan Robson, Joe Simpson and Will Chudley not in the squad, this is another area of strength for England.

Fly Half – George Ford

Another position that picks itself. Ford has been instrumental for Bath so far this season and will retain his place this autumn. Since being made Co-Captain at Bath, Ford’s levels have been back to the standard they reached in the 2014/5 season. He has the potential to be a truly world class player.

Left Wing – Semesi Rokoduguni

A problem position for England with both Watson and Nowell injured. Rokoduguni has enjoyed a breath-taking start to the Aviva Premiership season. The Bath flyer tops the stats charts for tries scored, metres made, clean breaks and defenders beaten. Rokoduguni will get a chance to add to his solitary cap this Autumn and potentially push for a permanent place. Jonny May’s comeback from injury may just have come too late for him.

Inside Centre – Owen Farrell

One of the most important players in this England team. Vice-Captain and lead kicker, Farrell provides the perfect foil for Ford. The Saracens man provides a calmness and tempo to the game at 12, allowing Ford more freedom to be creative. Jones may give Ben Te’o or Henry Slade a run against Fiji, however Farrell is comfortably first choice inside centre.

Outside Centre – Jonathan Joseph

No question about this position – Joseph has been one of England’s most consistent performers in recent years. Exceptional at attacking on an outside arc, with good distribution skills and solid in defence, Joseph is the perfect 13. Expect the Bath centre to play a big role in all that is good about England’s attack this Autumn.

Right Wing – Marland Yarde

Jones is known to be a big fan of the young Harlequins winger. Yarde should get the chance to prove his potential in the number 14 shirt through November and December. A quick, powerful runner with a high work rate, it is easy to understand what the Australian sees in him. Yarde will hope for a big series to press his case for a permanent spot in the back three.

Full Back – Mike Brown

The third Vice-Captain, Mike Brown is likely to retain his place this Autumn. Although Alex Goode continues to press his claim, Brown’s old head could be vital given the inexperience either side of him. Many people argue that the Harlequins full back’s powers have waned in recent years. Despite this, as part of the squad’s leadership group we can expect Brown to start against the Springboks.

Replacements

  1. Jamie George
  2. Joe Marler
  3. Kyle Sinckler
  4. Charlie Ewels
  5. Tom Wood
  6. Danny Care
  7. Henry Slade
  8. Alex Goode

Conclusions

The quality of team that Jones is able to put out despite the injuries is a fantastic sign for English fans. The strength in depth that the Australian is able to call on will please him. If the Red Rose can get four wins out of four this Autumn with so many key players missing, they’ll surely cement their spot as the number two team in the world.

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