Maggie Alphonsi picks her combined England/Scotland XV - and it's controversial

Friday, 04 February 2022 at 14:23

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byRugby Rucker

Eight Englishmen and seven Scots feature in Maggie Alphonsi's controversial combined selection that sees Finn Russell and Ben Youngs both missing out.

#BACK-THREE:

15. Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
14. Darcy Graham (Scotland)
11. Duhan van de Merwe (Scotland)

Alphonsi on Hogg: "Hogg edges it, though. His leadership seems to be improving all the time and he remains such a threat."

#CENTRES:

13. Chris Harris (Scotland)
12. Henry Slade (England)

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 (England)
9. Ali Price (Scotland)

Alphonsi on Smith: "This was so hard, because I absolutely love watching Finn Russell play and he seems to relish Calcutta Cup games. Smith sneaks ahead of his mate and fellow British and Irish Lions tourist because of his recent run of comeback wins."

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. Ellis Genge (England)
2. Luke Cowan-Dickie (England)
3. Kyle Sinckler (England)

Ellis Genge of England celebrates after winning with his son Ragh Ellis during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Tonga at Twickenham Stoop on 6 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

#SECOND-ROW:

4. Maro Itoje (England)
5. Jonny Gray (Scotland)

Alphonsi on Itoje: "There cannot be much of a question here, I do not think. Itoje was a nominee for World Rugby’s Player of the Year in 2021, and still wants to improve his carrying to take himself to the next level."