Big decisions for England coaches
Andy Farrell says the England coaches have gauged a great deal about their 45-man training squad over a pivotal week in Glendale, Colorado, but insists they will not rush into any selection calls without due deliberation.
The group is set to be trimmed ahead of next month’s opening international against France at Twickenham and Stuart Lancaster's management has spent the past few days drilling into the detail of their Rugby World Cup plans.
Unsurprisingly, the intense competition for places has enhanced the intensity and match situations are providing a stark picture of individual ability.
"We're learning every day and [as a coach] little things change in your mind all the time," Farrell explained.
"Contact has started a little bit more this week live set-piece has come to the forefront.
"Different permutations change within your mind and [players] keep you guessing. We've got to stay patient and make sure we do the right thing.
"After we train on Saturday we have a week off [back in England] and then we come in for a big week before we make some big decisions."
As Lancaster alluded to last week, Ben Morgan has returned to full training and – bar "a couple of niggles" – there is a clean bill of health.
Farrell's rich past in rugby league and current position in charge of England's backs mean he was also at a prime standpoint to discuss the progress of Sam Burgess.
The Bath man is to challenge for a centre slot rather than the back row and his mentor – who featured in midfield under Brian Ashton during the 2007 Rugby World Cup – was very complimentary.
"Obviously we've picked Sam in the 45-man squad as a 12, so we think he can do that," Farrell added. "He's made a very good account of himself so far this week.
"We've got into the rugby stuff and he's shown up very well in that. Like Stuart said last week, competition is fierce in that position – everyone is really enthusiastic, really competitive, really showing every attribute that they can do.
"It's everything we expected it to be, but Sam's in the mix and doing very well. He's very comfortable in the position."
While reinforcing the quality of his potential rivals for a 12 shirt – Billy Twelvetrees, Brad Barritt, Luther Burrell, Kyle Eastmond, Owen Farrell and Henry Slade to name but six – Farrell suggested such versatility would serve him well.
"If you look back to his league days, he’s played in a lot of positions from the front row to loose forward.
"Those positions are miles apart, but what you find with a good footballer is that they can adapt. Sam will be one of those.
"But he's like everyone else. He's trying to give himself the best chance of getting into the warm-up games by playing the best he can."
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