England to use Jack Nowell as ninth forward in Six Nations 2019 opener - Ruck

England to use Jack Nowell as ninth forward in Six Nations 2019 opener

Speedster Jack Nowell will have an early opportunity to demonstrate his credentials as one of Eddie Jones’ ‘new breed of player’ when he returns to England’s starting XV against Ireland on Saturday.

When Jones announces his line-up for Dublin on Thursday morning, Nowell is set to be recalled on the wing — but with a brief to help combat Ireland’s ferocity at the breakdown, acting as a ninth forward for England.

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Jones insisted the Exeter Lion could be a contender to play at openside flanker when he named him in his Six Nations squad two weeks ago. 

He said: ‘He is going to be the new breed of player. He is definitely an option at seven, because he has great ball-carrying, great tackling skill; he puts his head over the ball, he’s a tough little bloke. There is no reason why you can’t play nine forwards.’

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