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.”