Former England fullback Mike Brown attempted to predict the XV that will take to the field in the first game of the 2023 Rugby World Cup back in January 2021.
BACK-THREE:
- 15. Tom de Glanville (Bath RFC)
- 14. Anthony Watson (England)
- 13. Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs)
BROWN SAID: “De Glanville has all the skills. Get him in now to see if he can make the step up.”
RUCK’S PICKS: 15. Josh Hodge (Exeter Chiefs), 14. Joe Cokanasiga (Bath RFC), 11. Ollie Thorley (Gloucester)
CENTRES:
- 13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs)
- 12. Owen Farrell (Saracens)
BROWN SAID: “Slade has got the natural ability that we associate with All Blacks. Farrell showed against Wales what he can do as second receiver, bringing outside backs into the game and off-loading when taking the line on himself.”
RUCK’S PICKS: 13. Joe Marchant (Harlequins), 12. Owen Farrell (Saracens)