"So much potential there" - Ronan O'Gara would rip up England's backline

Saturday, 30 July 2022 at 20:11

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byRugby Rucker

Ronan O'Gara sparked rumours of one day coaching England after admitting he would "love" the opportunity.

Rumours of England come at a time when incumbent Eddie Jones is under immense pressure and has confirmed he will depart after the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

"Yeah it would be a great job I think actually, what a team," said O'Gara.

"I think there's so much potential there, serious rugby players, serious passion for the game in England. It's a cracking job. You'd love to have a go off that."

Speaking to BT Sport, O'Gara went into detail on his strategy built around 'KBA', standing for 'Keep Ball Alive'. His time with the Crusaders was pivotal.

"It's a mindset, something that interests me hugely. There's a massive ruck focus in the northern hemisphere and then when you go to the Crusaders it's 'KBA' - keep ball alive." A

We made up this XV based on quotes from the former Ireland fly-half along with the style of rugby he currently deploys with La Rochelle.

RONAN O'GARA'S ENGLAND XV:

BACK-THREE:

15. Freddie Steward
14. Anthony Watson
11. Henry Arundel

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

BACK-ROW:

6. Tom Curry
7. Lewis Ludlam
8. Alfie Barbeary

O'Gara on Curry: "In the back-row, I think Curry - I saw him live against New Zealand in the World Cup semi-final and he blew me away. Obviously we came across him at club level this year and he was incredible."

Tom Curry of England Rugby during the Six Nations Championship match between England and Italy at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on January 13 2021. - PHOTO: Micah Crook/PPAUK

CENTRES:

13. Elliot Daly
12. Joe Marchant

O'Gara believes Daly is an underrated operator and world-class goal kicker, selecting him in his 2021 Lions XV to face South Africa.

Joe Cokanasiga of England talks with Joe Marchant of England after the Summer International match between England and Ireland at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on the 24th August 2019. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK.

HALFBACKS:

10. Marcus Smith
9. Jack van Poortvliet

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
2. Luke Cowan-Dickie
3. Kyle Sinckler

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