"He's started the season brilliantly" - Mike Brown picks his England XV with surprise number 8

Tuesday, 26 October 2021 at 16:47

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byRugby Rucker

England legend Mike Brown has selected the backline he'd like to see head coach Eddie Jones deploy during the quick approaching Autumn Nations Series.

Using the article he wrote over the weekend for the Mail Online, combined with his XV prediction for the 2023 Rugby World Cup, we present how the 72-cap fullback would like the team to look moving forward.

England’s autumn fixtures

England vs Tonga, 3.15pm on Sat 6 Nov
England vs Australia, 5.30pm on Sat 13 Nov
England vs South Africa, 3.15pm on Sat 20 Nov

Where to watch the Autumn Nations Series:

Prime members can watch the Autumn Nations Series live from 30^th October with the Prime Video app on TVs, mobile devices, Amazon Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, Fire tablets, games consoles, on Virgin’s V6 TV Box, the Talk Talk TV set top box, Apple TV, Chromecast, BT TV or online.

For a list of all compatible devices visit amazon.co.uk/watchanywhere.

DID YOU KNOW? Brown married long term partner, fashion designer Eliza Scarlett Woodcock, the daughter of former England international footballer Tony Woodcock, in summer 2016

MIKE BROWN PICKS HIS ENGLAND XV FOR FUTURE:

BACK-THREE:

15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers)
14. Max Malins (Saracens)
11. Adam Radwan (Newcastle Falcons)

Brown wrote: "Marcus is great at bringing the wide men into the game and I’d love to see him combine with a back-three of Adam Radwan, Max Malins and Freddie Steward.

"There’s some electric running ability there and they could provide brilliant back-field cover. All three have started the season positively and Eddie deserves credit for selecting players on form.

"PS I was gutted to see Anthony Watson pick up another injury at the weekend. He’s exactly the type of attacking player England need and would have been one of the starting wingers this autumn. We wish him a fast recovery."

CENTRES:

13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs)
12. Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks)

Brown wrote: "I would like to see Manu Tuilagi and Henry Slade outside him.

"They’re all in good form for their clubs and there would be a nice balance of skills. But Eddie named Owen as captain this week so I expect he will start."

HALFBACKS:

10. Marcus Smith (Harlequins)
9. Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers)

Brown wrote: "There are other selection combinations to look at, too. It would be a big ask to put two new faces in at No 9 and No 10. Raffi Quirke looks like a real prospect but for now Ben Youngs should start at scrum-half.

"Ben’s been a big part of Leicester’s resurgence and his experience will be invaluable."

FRONT-ROW:

1. Joe Marler (Harlequins)
2. Jamie George (Saracens)
3. Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears)

SECOND-ROW:

4. Maro Itoje (Saracens)
5. Jonny Hill (Exeter Chiefs)

Brown wrote (2023 article): "Itoje would make a World XV without debate"

BACK-ROW:

6. Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins)
7. Sam Underhill (Bath RFC)
8. Callum Chick (Newcastle Falcons)

Brown wrote (2023 article: "The Tom Curry-Sam Underhill combination is too defensive for me. Dombrandt brings an X-factor in attack and his defence has improved.

Brown wrote: "There’s an opportunity for Alex Dombrandt and Callum Chick in the No 8 shirt. Alex is dangerous in the wide channels and already has a connection with Marcus — they’re pretty much neighbours! — so that may give him a headstart.

"But Callum has started the season brilliantly and if you wanted someone to pick hard lines off nine and 10 then he’s your guy."