"Curry back to his position" - Sir Ian McGeechan's England XV for Six Nations

Sunday, 23 January 2022 at 21:19

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byRugby Rucker

Sir Ian McGeechan believes Owen Farrell critics should be careful what they wish for as he discussed how Eddie Jones team might line-up for their Six Nations opener.

McGeechan wrote: "As much as it has become fashionable in recent times to question Farrell and ask what he brings to a squad who have the up-and-coming Marcus Smith now pulling the strings at 10, in my view the 30-year-old remains a key member of this England group. His absence will be keenly felt."

Using the team that the legendary coach picked during the Autumn combined with some of the changes he's discussed in his column today, this is the England XV McGeechan would select against Scotland.

England Six Nations 2022 Fixtures

Saturday 5 February: Scotland v England (16:45)
Sunday 13 February: Italy v England (15:00)
Saturday 26 February: England v Wales (16:45)
Saturday 12 March: England v Ireland (16:45)
Saturday 19 March: France v England (20:00)

SIR IAN MCGEECHAN: ENGLAND XV

BACK-THREE:

15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers)
14. Jonny May (Gloucester)
11. Max Malins (Saracens)

McGeechan wrote: "That's a balanced back three that blends youth and experience."

Freddie Steward of England goes over for a try during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Australia at Twickenham on 13 November 2021. Photo: Micah Crook/PPAUK

CENTRES:

13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs)
12. Mark Atkinson (Gloucester Rugby)

McGeechan wrote: "Atkinson is the obvious pick for carries on Smith’s outside shoulder in first-phase plays. In phase play, as we saw in the autumn, Gleeson used Slade as a first receiver with Smith playing out of the back."

Henry Slade of England kicks the conversion during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Tonga at Twickenham Stoop on 6 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

HALFBACKS:

10. Marcus Smith (Harlequins)
9. Raffi Quirke (Sale Sharks)

McGeechan wrote: "We should not forget that Smith also has a very good understanding with Alex Dombrandt, who can operate inside and outside him as attacks evolve."

Marcus Smith of England celebrates after winning during the Autumn Nations Match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on 20 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

FRONT-ROW:

1. Joe Marler (Harlequins)
2. Jamie George (Saracens)
3. Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears)

McGeechan wrote: "As for the pack, England and Smith will be looking for ball-carriers to carry off second and third phase in all positions. The front row could be Joe Marler at loosehead, plus Jamie George at hooker and Kyle Sinckler at tighthead."

Joe Marler of England celebrates after winning during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Tonga at Twickenham Stoop on 6 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

SECOND-ROW:

4. Jonny Hill (Exeter Chiefs)
5. Maro Itoje (Saracens)

Maro Itoje of England during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Tonga at Twickenham Stoop on 6 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

BACK-THREE:

6. Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints)
7. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks)
8. Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins)

McGeechan wrote: "If Dombrandt comes into the back row, and Courtney Lawes – the natural choice to take over as captain and a man who rose to the occasion in the autumn – starts at six with Tom Curry back to his favoured openside position, and Alfie Barbeary coming off the bench, they have no shortage of pace or power."

Alex Dombrandt of England warms up before the Autumn Nations Match between England and Australia at Twickenham on 13 November 2021. Photo: Micah Crook/PPAUK