In an unexpected twist, Richard Wigglesworth has unveiled the intriguing inclusion of George Kruis during England’s training session in Le Touquet-Paris-Plage this past Tuesday.
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Kruis, the 33-year-old who bid farewell to Test rugby in 2020, made his exit from the sport in spectacular fashion, showcasing a memorable back-heeled conversion kick for the Barbarians against an English XV at Twickenham in June 2022.
When probed about the reasoning behind Kruis’s presence at England’s training camp, the assistant coach provided an explanation.
“George helps with lineout, so he and Steve chat for hours behind closed doors and I really don’t want to listen to those conversations. He is a proper lineout nause,” said Wigglesworth
“I know he helps the callers and the lineout menu that they get and all that detail that I definitely don’t need to know. I’m sure he is incredibly valuable.
“It’s great to have him around because he has got such an affinity with so many of them [the players], so it has been really nice to have him here for a couple of days.”
So what is the arrangement? “I think he is due to come back. What day is it today? Tuesday. He might be going home tomorrow [Wednesday]. I’ve seen enough of him now. It’s nice to see him but he is going back. He has got his big company to go and run. He is going to be jetting in and out a little bit but he always going to be on the phone and speaking to Steve.”
Wigglesworth quipped how Kruis now looks very different from when he was a player. “He has lost a lot of weight,” he added. “He got a bit of stick this morning for his weight and he actually compared his body to mine. He was 117kgs when he played. Not the best compliment for him.”
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Expected England line-up against Japan:
Here are RUCK’s predictions for the England squad to face Japan, in Pool D of the Rugby World Cup this Sunday.
BACK THREE
15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers)
14. Henry Arundell (Racing 92)
11. Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby)
COMPETITION:
CENTRES
13. Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby)
12. Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks)