- Jack van Poortvliet
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
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.
- Joe Cokanasiga
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.
- Owen Farrell
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.
- Henry Slade
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.
- Caden Murley
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.
- Freddie Steward
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
- Jamie George
- Mako Vunipola
- Kyle Sinckler
- Courtney Lawes
- Sam Underhill
- Ben Youngs
- Ollie Lawrence
- Anthony Watson
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.