Four Balls's England Team To Face Scotland

The Six Nations starts in just 4 days time, so to start off our coverage we've taken a look at the starting XV that Eddie Jones should pick for England's opener against Scotland. This would be one of the youngest and most inexperienced England sides of all time, but also one of the most exciting in recent history.

1.      Mako Vunipola

Mako is without question the most dynamic loosehead in the premiership right now, however, questions have been asked in the past about his ability at the set piece. This season these criticisms have been dismissed, being a key part of a Saracens scrum which has been dominate across Europe. 

2.      Dylan Hartley

If the choice was presented two weeks ago then Jamie George seemed to be a shoe-in based on current form. However, with Hartley having been named as captain it’s clear that he will start in the number 2 jersey.

3.      Dan Cole 

Having timed his recovery from injury near perfectly, Kieran Brookes has snuck into the 23 man squad retained by Eddie Jones, and due to lack of match fitness it is unlikely that he will start. Instead Dan Cole will be England’s tighthead come Saturday. Hopefully the deceptively young veteran can find some of the form in the set piece that made him one of the best tightheads in the world a few years back.

4.      George Kruis

Kruis has grown from strength to strength following the World Cup disappointment and it appears that he has the complete game required of an international lock. He carries hard, has soft hands and will hit ruck after ruck. I’m sure his early playing days with Borthwick will make him a favourable, yet justified selection.

5.      Joe Launchbury

Tipped by many as a future England captain, the young Wasps second row has to be one of the first names on the team sheet. He does the basics very well, but also has the dynamic game which matches many back row forwards. He is a player that quite literally stands above most on the field, and it would not come as a shock if he was named as Englands captain for the Australia tour. With age being in his favour, and the potential to be world class, he is perfect to build a team around.

6.      Maro Itoje

There is absolutely no doubt that Itoje will play for England, the question is when and in which position. Most see the young Saracen as an England lock. However, as he has proven time and again at club level he can cover 6 and this is what I believe is his best position to give the England pack the balance it needs. Anyone who has watched Itoje play over the last season and a half will know he is more than dynamic enough to play in the back row. He is a constant nuisance for teams in the lineout and at the breakdown. On current form it would be hard to dislodge Kruis or Launchbury, and although Itoje is one of the few players that potentially could, he is lightweight compared to either. England need to sort out their set piece. Having him at lock may hinder the power coming through the scrum, while having him at 6 provides an excellent extra option in the lineout and gives the pack the balance it needs.

7.      Matt Kvesic 

The World Cup proved the need for an out and out 7 on the international stage. It is not just the turnovers produced that, but the amount a proper 7 slows the other team down by which makes this position a match winner. Right now there is only one real 7 eligible to play for England who has previous international experience. In the Argentina tour of 2013 Kvesic was outstanding, but proceeding that he has had to be very patient due to the openside shirt being possessed by England’s captain. Kvesic deserves another chance, it was not until Woodward came in that Neil Back was given a chance, and then look at what he went on to do.

8.      Billy Vunipola

One of the easiest positions to select right now. Billy was one of the few England players that turned up to the World Cup (before being injured), and is one of the form 8s in the Premiership. His current experience, combined with his current form make him a dead certain at this position. However, it should be noted that Beaumont is playing very well, and could feature at some point in the campaign.

9.      Ben Youngs

When Youngs first burst onto the international scene it quickly became apparent how dangerous he was around the breakdown, or from the quick tap of a penalty. However, his technical game required work. It was clear he developed this area of the game, and almost to the point where it was detrimental to his natural game, distorting the flair he could once call upon. This season has seen a revitalised Leicester with the addition of Aaron Mauger to their coaching set up. This influence has been noticed in Youngs’s game too; he has not lost any of his technical ability but he has rediscovered his sniping ability from his early years of rugby.

10.  Owen Farrell

      With Ford and Farrell of such similar ages, and with both players having clear natural talent this is a battle that will continue for the next ten years at least. Many expect Ford to play 10 and Farrell 12 this weekend due to England’s lack of depth at inside centre. However, I do not think this is England’s best option. For this reason, Farrell must start at 10, as his performances have dwarfed Ford’s since the world cup.

11.  Jack Nowell

Nowell has grown from strength to strength since his international debut, and he is one of the key factors of Exeter’s development from a championship team to a genuine Premiership title contender. Nowell does the basics well, and always seems to beat his first man. Playing in different positions for the Chiefs has bettered his all round game and rugby brain.

12.  Ollie Devoto

Eddie Jones has already stated his desire for Slade to be England’s answer to the 12 shirt. If he is adamant that Slade is going to play in this position, then he must play a like for like replacement. Farrell does have the hands and boot of Slade, but he does not take to ball to the line in the same way and will not function with Ford at 10 because of this. Therefore, the best option for this brand of rugby is Ollie Devoto. Devoto’s one flaw is he is not starting for Bath, which makes this a risk. But it’s a risk worth taking, he is a big guy that will carry hard and straight when needed, but also has subtle hands and a good left foot.

13.  Elliot Daly

Joseph is unlucky to miss out given his form prior to the injury suffered during the World Cup. However, it’s Daly’s current form that puts him in the driving seat. Arguably the best 13 in Europe right now, having a MOTM performance versus Leinster, and tearing through Bastareaud and Nonu the week before showcase the skills at his disposal. He has sound defence, a long range boot and some surprising pace to back this all up. It’s been over a year that we’ve been requesting Daly’s admission into the England match day squad, and now it would be criminal to deny him of this opportunity.

14.  Anthony Watson

Watson appears to have cemented his place in this England squad, with his great pace, ability under the high ball and overall dynamism, the young winger/fullback who scored three tries in England’s disappointing World Cup campaign will look to continue his good international and club form. He has scored 8 tries in 15 international matches and has shown the threat he possesses.

15.  Mike Brown

He gets a lot of stick, but he won’t care one bit. The gritty Harlequins fullback will be a sure pick once again for England as he looks to build on his impressive international form. Always one to rise to the occasion, Mike Brown’s lack of tries won’t dissuade Eddie Jones one bit when it comes to selecting Mike, whose defence and goal-keeping ability will earn him the 15 shirt ahead of the likes of Alex Goode.

Let us know what you think of this team? Do you agree with it? 

Written by Sam Bigden - @SamBugden