Sir Ian McGeechan believes Owen Farrell critics should be careful what they wish for as he discussed how Eddie Jones team might line-up for their Six Nations opener.
McGeechan wrote: “As much as it has become fashionable in recent times to question Farrell and ask what he brings to a squad who have the up-and-coming Marcus Smith now pulling the strings at 10, in my view the 30-year-old remains a key member of this England group. His absence will be keenly felt.”
Using the team that the legendary coach picked during the Autumn combined with some of the changes he’s discussed in his column today, this is the England XV McGeechan would select against Scotland.
England Six Nations 2022 Fixtures
- Saturday 5 February: Scotland v England (16:45)
- Sunday 13 February: Italy v England (15:00)
- Saturday 26 February: England v Wales (16:45)
- Saturday 12 March: England v Ireland (16:45)
- Saturday 19 March: France v England (20:00)
SIR IAN MCGEECHAN: ENGLAND XV
BACK-THREE:
- 15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers)
- 14. Jonny May (Gloucester)
- 11. Max Malins (Saracens)
McGeechan wrote: “That’s a balanced back three that blends youth and experience.”
CENTRES:
- 13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs)
- 12. Mark Atkinson (Gloucester Rugby)
McGeechan wrote: “Atkinson is the obvious pick for carries on Smith’s outside shoulder in first-phase plays. In phase play, as we saw in the autumn, Gleeson used Slade as a first receiver with Smith playing out of the back.”
