Prop: Jamal Ford-Robinson – Northampton Saints
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The powerhouse prop demonstrated his skill in the scrum during England’s tour to Argentina and has had a positive start to life at Northampton after making the move from Bristol. The exciting young prop, who is a terrific ball carrier, would have let nobody down if he was in the squad.
Hooker: Tom Youngs – Leicester Tigers
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The Leicester hooker has been in the international wilderness since the 2015 Rugby World Cup but has been in terrific form for the Tigers so far this season. With a number of up and coming young hookers available, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Jamie George and Tommy Taylor to name a few, it’s unlikely he’ll be able to get back in.
Prop: Kieran Brookes – Northampton Saints
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The tighthead started off as a regular under Eddie Jones but slowly saw himself slip down the pecking order as a mix of injury and ill-discipline saw him nowhere near his best last season. Thankfully, Brookes seems to be back playing close to his best and I think was a little unlucky to miss out.