Jason Leonard would select new front-row to fix England's dismal scrum record

Wednesday, 30 November 2022 at 09:26

byRugby Rucker

England have had officially the worst scrum of any Tier One nation during 2022 as they suffered their worst run of results for a calendar year since 2008.

What is most alarming is that the problems seem widespread, from a tendency to concede clusters of penalties, to a set piece that can crumble at inopportune times, to an alarming drop in basic handling standards of late.

With Eddie Jones job now under threat, the head coach will be under serious pressure if he does retain his position heading into the 2023 Six Nations, which kicks off with tough game against Scotland.

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England's dismal scrum in 2022

England's most-capped prop Jason Leonard believes Jones needs to get back to basics and pick a front-row that, first and foremost, can dominate the set piece.

The 54-year-old, who won a then-record 114 caps for England men’s rugby team during a 14-year international career, is renowned as one of the greatest scrummaging props of all-time on both side of the scrum.

Leonard said: "We have a lot of props these days who are very talented rugby players. Some of the things they can do with, and without, the ball is incredible.

For Rucks Sake

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England have 2 of the best ball playing props in the world. But I can’t see England doing anything significant like winning a WC unless they have a better scrum.

6:17 PM · Nov 26, 2022

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"However, we need to get back to some basic scrummaging if we're going to be successful at next year's World Cup in my opinion.

"Joe Marler and Dan Cole are probably still the two best scrummaging props we've got. I'd not be shocked to see them back in the frame for the Six Nations whether that be starting or on the bench."

Jason Leonard Picks Dream Team With ‘Fantastic Itoje’ And Monstrous Front-Row

FRONT-ROW:

1. Od Du Randt (South Africa)
2. Keith Wood (Ireland)
3. Phil Vickery (England)

Honourable mentions: Sean Fitzpatrick (New Zealand), Brian Moore (England), Jeff Probyn (England), Paul Rendall (England)

England's, Phil Vickery - PHIL MINGO/©Pinnacle - Photo Agency UK Tel: +44(0)1363 881025 - Mobile:0797 1270 681 - VAT Reg No: 768 6958 48 -13/02/05 - SPORT - RUGBY UNION - SIX NATIONS - ENGLAND V FRANCE - TWICKENHAM, LONDON, ENGLAND