One 'rookie' in England's 25-man squad
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: England coach Eddie Jones has trimmed down his squad to just 25 players ahead of their Six Nations match against France on Sunday.
Despite being the only player not used during England’s 33-20 win over Ireland, Wasps scumhalf Dan Robson could be handed his first Test this Sunday.
The 26-year-old has been part of Jones’ set-up since June during England’s tour to South Africa but has yet to take to the field.
Meanwhile, the trio of Ben Te’o, Joe Cokanasiga and Brad Shields were all fit enough to take part in training this week, but only Cokanasiga and Shields have been retained by Jones, with Te’o not part of the final 25, despite being one of the Australian’s favoured performers over recent years.
The 21-year-old Cokanasiga has recovered from a knee injury and replaces Mike Brown.
Centre Manu Tuilagi was in impressive form against Ireland in England’s Six Nations opener and it seems as if he has done enough to keep his place at 12 going into the game against France.
Loosehead Ellis Genge, who was on the bench against Ireland, is another to miss out, with Exeter Chiefs’ Ben Moon kept on by England, whilst Harry Williams, who was also on the bench in Dublin, has been replaced by Leicester Tigers’ Dan Cole.
Nick Isiekwe, who was called up as cover for the injured Itoje has not been retained, either, signalling that one of Courtney Lawes or Joe Launchbury will start alongside George Kruis in the second row, with the other taking up duties as a replacement.
England squad:
Forwards:
Dan Cole, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Tom Curry, Jamie George, Nathan Hughes, George Kruis, Joe Launchbury, Courtney Lawes, Ben Moon, Brad Shields, Kyle Sinckler, Billy Vunipola, Mako Vunipola, Mark Wilson
Backs:
Chris Ashton, Joe Cokanasiga, Elliot Daly, Owen Farrell (captain), George Ford, Jonny May, Jack Nowell, Dan Robson, Henry Slade, Manu Tuilagi, Ben Youngs
Source: rugbypass
RugbyPass has created a next generation rugby rating system, based on machine learning and shaped by game winning moments. The system (RPI) is a world first for its complexity and comprehensive embrace of northern and southern hemisphere players and teams. By using in-depth data analysis, RPI determines exactly what it takes to win, in real time. Explore the RPI now!
