Who should start England’s opening Rugby World Cup match? Our XV revealed

By is not on the criteria. 

You know there is a systemic problem when the form players of the premiership are being omitted from even training squads. Eddie Jones has capped over 50 new players and only a handful have received more than 1 cap. What does this tell you, other than Jones consistently goes for his tried and tested.

It is easy to say that Jones is picking his favourites from afar, as Jones will be balancing characters in camp, as opposed to picking an English qualified fantasy team, which is every coaches dream. But on the face of it, it feels as though the players selected have not warranted their position. Jones has his criteria, but as far as the Autumn Nations Series team was concerned, the universal feel is that form

I believe this is the best team to take on the Puma’s in the first World Cup game next September:

Ellis Genge has been one of the best individual players in the world this year, walking into any World XV. Captaining Leicester Tigers to a Premiership Title in the Summer before making an impressive two time try scoring-debut for Bristol in September. Genge has to start, he is the best loose-head prop at the moment, and England need his strength and technique to dismantle the Pumas.

Cowan-Dickie’s lineout throwing has raised some questions, but it is his play in the loose which is why he should start against Argentina. While George is perhaps more mobile, often finding himself on the wing during open play, Cowan-Dickie’s defence sets him apart, Lewis Moody-esque throwing himself into tackles seemingly inches off the ground will be imperative for stopping Argentina’s powerful ball carriers.

For me, Will Stuart is a shoe in. Recently touted as part of Eddie Jones’ South African inspired bomb squad, his power game around the park and his improved scrummaging are needed against the famous pack of Argentina. Sinckler has ball skills that can change a game, but I just feel as though this is more easily dealt with than Stuart’s power, as the game unfolds, Sickler’s deft hands can help open it up.

Itoje is perhaps the best player to come out of the Jones’ regime. Making his debut in 2016, Itoje has galvanised England performances and become a regular starter, either at second row or flanker. Itoje is one of the best in his position resulting him to become a member of England’s leadership group and was thought of to be captain when Owen Farrell was injured last Autumn. Maro is one of the best lineout operators in the world and his athletic ability round the pitch makes him a nuisance for any opposition. 

Whilst only showing glimpses of his vast skillset, his offloading game and operating in the lineout has caught the eye of many fans who had not heard of Ribbans before, whereas those who have seen him do this week in week out for Northampton are now sitting with smug grins. Ribbans also has the grit in him which is what is needed in a dominant England pack.

Jones’ once said Tom Curry could be as good as arguably the greatest rugby player ever, Richie McCaw, which is a statement as to just how good Curry is. While usually an openside flanker, Curry is equally as comfortable on the blindside. While not always doing the flashy work which gets the headlines, Curry is England’s most consistent performer. You will struggle to find a player as hard working as Tom Curry.

Earl is the form player in the premiership so far this season. His pace and ability to turnover sets him apart of any other flanker in England’s arsenal.  Already capped by Eddie Jones, Earl has fallen out of favour but if he keeps his form, he will become irresistible. Argentina have a very mobile pack and Earl will need to be at his best to counter act this. Sam Underhill is unlucky to be injured, he along with the injured Courtney Lawes, are England’s best defenders.

Mercer has to play. Out of the England set up following his two caps in 2018, Mercer went to Montpellier in the Top 14 to develop as a player. Following his first season overseas, where he was voted by his playing peers as Top 14 player of the year, Mercer has signed a deal to come back to England, for Gloucester, in time to be selected for the Rugby World Cup. Mercer is the player England have been crying out for. Billy Vunipola had briefly found his form in the Summer but this Autumn has presented him to be a shadow of his Summer-self, Simmonds has been trialled at 8 but is out of favour by Jones who famously prefers a bigger ball carrier. Dombrandt has been injured, but I feel as though even if everyone is fit, Jones will look to Mercer to carry England from the base of the scrum.

JVP is one of the few players who have recently played their way into the white jersey. Following a great set of performances in Australia over the Summer, JVP has all but cemented himself has England’s starting 9. Despite his youth, JVP has shown himself to be a mature, decisive player. Despite a rare poor performance against New Zealand in game week 3, JVP proved to any doubters that he is able to control the game. Come the World Cup, with additional experience in the Six Nations, JVP will become a master of his craft. 

Marcus Smith will play. It is almost the stage where he is becoming undroppable from the 10 shirt. While Farrell has performed well for Saracens at 10, Smith can do things not many players can do with the ball in hand. Smith is a generational, natural talent who has become a sponge since first introduced to England camp, after learning off of Owen Farrell and Jonny Wilkinson. Smith relishes open play, but the way he can manipulate defences to put other players through gaps is unparalleled.

Big Joe has definitely earned his name, weighing in at 112kg Big Joe is finally finding the destructive form that saw him draw early comparisons to the great Jonah Lomu by Sir Clive Woodward in his early days. Big Joe has deft hands and an athletic finishing ability which makes him a real threat around the pitch. Big Joe has to start England’s first game, he creates opportunities and finishes them well, his impressive try to game ratio speaks for itself and he is deserving of his starting position on the wing.

Centre is a hotly contested position for England, perhaps because there are many impressive talents in this position which haven’t had a shot at England duty due to current captain, Owen Farrell. No one is doubting Farrell’s inclusion to the England squad, it is just about maximising his performance and those around him. The Ford-Farrell axis worked well and the Smith-Farrell axis is still finding its feet but has shown glimpses of improvement. Farrell is a great leader and motivator and his ability to spread the ball wide to England’s deadly wingers is key, provided Eddie Jones’ game plan permits the ball to touch the wings.

This is a controversial pick. Manu Tuilagi on his day is unstoppable, his defence is bone-quivering and his carrying must feel like someone has pushed a wall onto you but at the moment, I have seen bigger differences with Slade at centre. Slade has shown his versatility, stepping onto the wing occasionally in the Autumn, but for me, he has found his best form and is showing himself to be a real threat ball in hand. 

Still yet to make his England debut, Murley has shown blistering pace and defensive nous for Harlequins, earning a call up to England’s training squad. Murley reminds me of a Jack Nowell type player, hungry for work and packs above his size on the pitch. The main contrast for me, is Murley has more pace in his locker than Nowell, which is necessary to play international rugby on the wing, especially when up against players such as Cheslin Kolbe or Damien Penaud. Against Argentina, Boffelli will need to be reeled in should he make a break.

Steward is England’s star man. His mantle as the best fullback in the world at the moment is safe after showcasing not only his unworldly aerial ability, but also his kicking and his kick returns. His positional play is exceptional meaning he rarely loses territory. Argentina will play expansive rugby, so Freddie Stewards inclusion is a must

Finishers: Forwards

A regular 5/3 split will be key against Argentina, as they are a team with dangerous backs as well as a powerful forward pack. Jamie George has the experience to bring a collected head onto the field to either dig the game out, or to bring a point of difference to win the game. Mako Vunipola will have a similar impact to Jamie George. Mako is not famed for his scrummaging, but both his and Sinckler’s handling around the park and carrying power can have game changing affects. 

Courtney Lawes and Sam Underhill bring with them experience and the sort of defence you’d need in a close fought game. Both players have stepped up their ball carrying making them threats on both sides of the ball. 

Finishers: Backs

Ben Youngs, England’s most capped player, is closely followed by Alex Mitchell. Youngs just pips Mitchell because of his experience and his affect on the players around him, for example JVPs intercepted pass against the All Blacks this Autumn was also similar to an attempted intercept from a Youngs pass v France, to which Youngs recognised this and dummied and then sent the pass on its way. JVP will be excellent to start with Youngs closing out the game. Ollie Lawrence is the form centre at the moment, proficient at both 12 and 13 and would be starting if it wasn’t for his lack of international ability. Lawrence’s ability to draw defenders and set up classy passes whilst having the power to gain impressive metres after contact make him a nightmare, his defensive reading has greatly improved. Lastly, is Anthony Watson. When fit, Watson is untouchable. He will need to prove himself fit, but already his performances for Leicester (especially against Bath in the premiership) have proved enough to me that he will find his best form, worthy of an England recall sooner rather than later.