LK: Mouritz Botha – He packed a punch in the tackle but never really looked comfortable at Test level. Won 10 caps between 2011 and 2012.
LK: Louis Deacon – Now Deacon was as tough as nails, but was about as mobile and athletic as the very comfy sofa in the RUCK office and offered next to no threat to opponents. Unfortunately, he falls into that category of England players whose best quality was ‘being brave’, which fills you with admiration…but not a whole lot of confidence. Won the last of his 29 caps in 2011.
FL: Callum Clark – Not the most popular player due to his discipline issues but with his ability should have won more than one cap.
FL: Hendre Fourie – The powerhouse was a relatively late developer at an elite level, only realising his potential under the tutelage of his mentor Andre Bester at the Rotherham Titans. He went onto make a signifcant impact in the Premiership with Leeds and Sale, but never really brought the same boom to international rugby during his eight caps between 2010 and 2011. Never let the team down, just didn’t hit the heights fans wanted.
N8: Jack Clifford – Back in 2015, we tipped the versatile Harlequins back-rower to captain England at the 2019 Rugby World Cup. However, despite being a part of Eddie Jones plans back in 2016, a succession of injuries have prevented him from reaching the level we thought he’d hit. Therefore, seven caps has to be seen as disappointing. He’s still only 26, but right now he seems miles away from forcing himself back into the England fold.