Will Greenwood picks the players who can lead England to rugby redemption...

Full-back
Ben Foden ( age 26 / caps 22)
Mike Brown (26 / 3)
Happy with these two options. Brown the out-and-out in form full back at the moment; brave, solid, quick, and his power in the tackle is great. Foden is still England’s best counter attacking full back.
Foden should get the first crack against Scotland. Brown must start the first Twickenham game. This rivalry must get going.

Wings
Chris Ashton (24 / 18)
Christian Wade (20 / 0)
Charlie Sharples (22 / 0)
Chris Ashton is still the man we have to back, even if his post-World Cup form has looked off its best. If the team attacks and creates chances he is very much England’s best predoator, which is what wingers should be. And for that very reason Christian Wade of Wasps should get a trot in this squad.
He’s as close to a Shane Williams, Max Evans or Vincent Clerc as England have – a small, steppy flier. Charlie Sharples of Gloucester is an out-and-out flying machine, and physical.
One of those guys who if we are not careful might be labeled as having missed his chance even though he has only just started voting. Nagging feeling I have made a mistake leaving David Strettle out.

Outside centrs
Manu Tuilagi ( 20 / 7) Jonathan Joseph (20 / 0)
Manu Tuilagi is an outstanding physical specimen. His try in Dublin during the World Cup warm up game and the five-pointer in the Heineken Cup versus Clermont showed he can skin a cat two very different ways – he has an outside break and can run through traffic.
His defence is much more organised and he has the ability to hurt with a big tackle. England could build an attacking game around this man. Jonathan Joseph is a wild-card from London Irish.
Even if he is injured at the moment I still see him as a genuine England outside-centre, especially as it would let Tuilagi move to the No 12 position. Joseph has to be in the England camp. George Lowe and Henry Trinder are unlucky and if Joseph aggravates his knock then Lowe will be his replacement.

Inside centre
Brad Barritt ( 25 / 0)
Jordan Turner-Hall (23 / 0)
Both powerhouses, great carriers, incredible defenders. For the first slot against Scotland I would pick the one who shows more of a passing game and the temperament to look for space as well as contact in high intensity training.
At the moment, Barritt just shades it. Saracens say they can’t live without him and won the domestic championship last year. I have had my doubts but cannot doubt he deserves his opportunity. Turner-Hall fills identikit role for Quins.
Fly-half /Centre
Owen Farrell (20 / 0)
One man on his own here. Would be happy for Owen Farrell to start a game at centre with Hodgson at No 10. However if he has to play 10, I would like to see him come on from the bench the first time. Another of the new talents who has to get game time. Nerveless goal-kicking, feisty, excellent short kicking game. Time to test him.

Fly-half
Toby Flood ( 26 / 46)
Charlie Hodgson (31 / 36)
Two lads who have lived in Wilkinson’s shadow for a long time. Charlie Hodgson is still the best passer of a ball in the country and would suit a side who are willing to go out and play. Question marks over his goal-kicking will persist but not his defence, where there has been a huge improvement. Toby Flood, possibly out for the first game of the Six Nations against Scotland, performed and grabbed the shirt last year, but form and then selection went against him.

Scrum-half
Ben Youngs (22 / 17)
Ben Spencer (19 / 0)
Ben Youngs and Danny Care had made it the least contentious position out there. Then Care’s off-field indiscretion threw the door open. I was looking forward to two quality players turning their scrap for the shirt into a re-run of the “Bracken and Dawson Show”. Hugely competitive, massive long-term rivalry but pushing each other to higher and higher levels. But right now behavior patterns are more important and Care is gone.
England must pick Ben Spencer at Saracens. He looks more like Dimitri Yachvilli and Morgan Parra, players I rave about, than anyone else we have had. He’s jumped ahead of Joe Simpson, who we didn’t see in the World Cup warm-up games and now get his chance as third choice with Care’s scrapes with the law.

Loosehead Prop
Alex Corbisiero (23 / 10)
Joe Marler (21 / 0)Joe Simpson (23 / 1)
A position that Jason Leonard filled for 13 years now needs a man to come in, make it his own and win 40 caps ahead of the next World Cup.
There are three players in the mix at present: Alex Corbisero, Joe Marler and Nick Wood. Corbisero has had a run and has the potential. Marler has exploded on to the scene and must get game time in the Six Nations. Wood, the oldest, has never had a sniff, cruelly.
All three can carry and handle. Wood is a better scrummager right now than Marler, but the Quin demands to be in the mix. Wood should get a run on the summer tour to South Africa. A Wood v Marler selection epitomises the here and now v 2015 debate. And I have changed my mind seven times.

Hooker
Dylan Hartley (25 / 34)
Jamie George (21 / 0)
Joe Gray (23 / 0)
Dylan Hartley will start, has time on his side, and can add real quality. He needs to tighten up his discipline without taking away the edge. Control is key and he needs to be a leader and understand his responsibility. So, who’s next in line? Not an easy one and here is my first gamble: Saracens’ Jamie George.
An outstanding young prospect who is big, quick and carries. However, now that Sarries have John Smit as Schalk Brit’s deputy, George will get very limited game time. So he may be third choice at his club, but I still think he is quality.
Another player who has impressed me has been Joe Gray of Harlequins.
He is the best thrower in the Premiership and runs superb support lines. He needs to find himself in a Test match scrum to determine his potential.


Tighthead prop
Dan Cole (24 / 23)
Matt Stevens (29 / 39)
Dan Cole, the Leicester man, has the class and the age to lock England out for a long time yet. I think Matt Stevens still gets the second berth here. He is very useful to have on the bench if England decide to try an uncapped player in one of the games as he covers both sides of the scrum. Will Harden of Gloucester will get his chance further down the line.

Second rows
Courtney Lawes (22 / 13)
Matt Garvey (24 / 0)
George Robson (26 / 0)
Steve Borthwick (32 / 57)
You need an enforcer in the second row and I have picked two. Courtney Lawes has to start and is the first second row on the list. He is a real tough guy and can only get better.
The second enforcer is Matt Garvey of London Irish. Uncapped but a big unit who carries and hits in the style of Brad Thorn and Bakkies Botha. Unluckily for Mauritz Botha, who I rate highly, Garvey has caught my eye.
You also need a line-out specialist. George Robson is, simply put, one of those guys we have to find out about. Most will say he is not big enough to mix it at top level, but his levels of consistency in the league and in Europe means England have to find out whether he is or not. The second man is Steve Borthwick who was kicked from pillar to post as England captain.
That has been written about. What gets forgotten is that he is a lineout and re-start guru extraordinaire. I don’t want him handling the ball very often but he can teach a huge amount to Robson, and if England are going to be blooding a new back line then it is vital that the lineout is sown up.

Openside flanker
Chris Robshaw (25 / 1)
Luke Wallace (21 / 0)
Huge opportunity here, and for me the first name on team sheet, not least as a potential captain, is Chris Robshaw. He has been capped against Argentina but in a summer period.
This is the big time for the first time for him. His lung capacity is off the scale, a dog on the floor and leader by example. He has worked hard on his handling and is one of the new breed of player: untarnished, hard as nails. His back up was tough. I like Gibson of Irish, Saull of Saracens and Seymour of Sale.
But I will go for a kid again with Luke Wallace of Quins. An outstanding prospect and worth a punt at highest level.

Blindside flanker
Tom Croft (26 / 31)
Tom Wood (25 / 9)
Two quality players who England know are good and can compete at the highest level. Both are athletic, both great in line-outs; Tom Wood better in contact, Tom Croft better out in open spaces. Lancaster can vary the game according to who he picks. Tom Johnson of Exeter is very unlucky not be in my squad.

Number 8
Nick Easter (33 / 47)
Ben Morgan (22 / 0)
The best English No 8 by a street is Nick Easter. Brilliant since returning from World Cup. Angles, hands, toughness and in back to back games against Toulouse he was exceptional, even in the loss. Provides stability at the base and loves an open game if England can find their rhythm.
Ben Morgan of Scarlets reminds me of David Lyons, Australian guru, clever footballer at 22 Wales tried to poach him but it was about time England won one tug of war.
Phil Dowson is the unluckiest man on planet. Narraway close again. Have to mention Thomas Waldrom, whom I regularly make man of the match, but Easter gets old stager vote and Morgan is the man for 12 months time.

Full-back
Ben Foden ( age 26 / caps 22)
Mike Brown (26 / 3)

Wings
Chris Ashton (24 / 18)
Christian Wade (20 / 0)
Charlie Sharples (22 / 0)

Outside centres
Manu Tuilagi ( 20 / 7)
Jonathan Joseph (20 / 0)

Inside centre
Brad Barritt ( 25 / 0)
Jordan Turner-Hall (23 / 0)

Fly-half /Centre
Owen Farrell (20 / 0)

Fly-half
Toby Flood ( 26 / 46)
Charlie Hodgson (31 / 36)

Scrum-half
Ben Youngs (22 / 17)
Ben Spencer (19 / 0)

Loosehead Prop
Alex Corbisiero (23 / 10)
Joe Marler (21 / 0)Joe Simpson (23 / 1)

Hooker
Dylan Hartley (25 / 34)
Jamie George (21 / 0)
Joe Gray (23 / 0)

Tighthead prop
Dan Cole (24 / 23)
Matt Stevens (29 / 39)

Second rows
Courtney Lawes (22 / 13)
Matt Garvey (24 / 0)
George Robson (26 / 0)
Steve Borthwick (32 / 57)

Openside flanker
Chris Robshaw (25 / 1)
Luke Wallace (21 / 0)

Blindside flanker
Tom Croft (26 / 31)
Tom Wood (25 / 9)

Number 8
Nick Easter (33 / 47)
Ben Morgan (22 / 0)

Its funny...as much as i wouldnt have picked this lineup....i actually like it...and the only ones i would disagree with is Borthwick and Stevens....and even Stevens has his merits as he can play both sides....

I agree Geordie mate.

That is about the best playing squad, only arguments for change would be for younger players over older ones etc, with the future in mind.

Though reading about Lancaster he seems a pretty pragmatic type of coach and I doubt the squad will be full of surprises.

He wants this job. So I imagine he will pick a squad to win.

Georgie,

If that was the squad then it seems a good mix:

3 aged over 30

1 aged 29

9 aged 25/26

15 aged under 25

So potentially 24 of that squad would be there in 2015

I rated Greenwood as a player, don't mind him when commentating but he can come out with some rubbish.

Jamie George is his first gamble? I think Spencer can comfortably fit into that category. Don't get me wrong he looks a fine prospect but straight into the international squad - at least give him some more premiership and HC experience, along with the Saxons before we potentially throw him in front of the likes of SOB, Ferris, Warbuton, Dusitiour etc. I wonder if he would change his mind on this one based on Dickson's display last night and find space for him in the EPS.

Jamie George. Again another great prospect in a area where we are short but ready for international rugby? Along with Spencer get him in the Saxons (sorry beshocked but you do have a couple of decent hookers who can cover whilst he is away!)

Borthwick? Line-out and re-start specialist? I know he was harsly treated before but an international second row needs to be able to a little more than that.

I stopped reading after that.

Totally agree there, thank god Greenwood isn't a selector.

Some mistakes in there in my opinion

Marler is not ready to prop up an international scrum, give him time in the Saxons.

Borthwick is a backwards step, I believe Lancaster may call on Palmer even if he is abroad.

Not sure about Stevens but as long as he keeps him as a tight head maybe, we are not blessed with so many options.

I would include Haywood from Northampton in the hookers.

Dickson should be pushing for a place behind youngs

I wonder too if Lamb has done enough to merit consideration especially as Flood is out

Oh and I would love it if he dropped Ashton, yes he is good but I would really like to see him striving to be the best he could be and I don't see that which is a shame. Give him a kick up the proverbial.

Why don't we just throw Farrell in at 10? He was hands down the best 10 in England last year and I do think he's a bit lightweight for a 12 and he's not a 13

I like the fact that Hodson at 10 Barrit at 12 and Farrel at 13.

These three play together week in week out, so continuity with other will be better for England.

Please, Please No BORTHWICK. i personly think that he is a great club player, great for Sarries, but not good enough(to old)for international rugby.

I would like to see Dickson of the Saints Not only getting in the EPS, but maybe starting infront of Youngs. Young seem to go off today limping, any one if it is serious or not?

yeah pick Borthwick!!!!!!

Gatts Borthwick is the best Lock in the AP.

maestegmafia wrote:Gatts Borthwick is the best Lock in the AP.

I really hope not.

Borthwick has always been a pretty good lineout operator, but seriously lacking in other parts of the game.

Maes

Based on what? You may be right but its almost irrelevant; if England are to rebuild, they must start now, and SB is not the future form or not (its like saying Jonathan Thomas or Duncan jones should be picked on form for Wales and some do)

England are faced with a probable further disruption to their rebuilding when lancaster is replaced in the summer. In making up lancaster to do a job now because the RFU is in disarray they run the risk of dragging out the rebuild even further as a new coach will inevitably want to change personnel again. That means a new coach will be faced with their first 6 nations in 2013 and a year or more will have been lost.

Anyway, they'll probably scrape a win of the 6 nations and then everyone can pat themselves on the back and Lancaster will stay.

Gatts wrote.

Anyway, they'll probably scrape a win of the 6 nations and then everyone can pat themselves on the back and Lancaster will stay..

........................................................................................................................
What if England do more than scrape (A) win? What if England actualy win the 6ns. Iam not saying that they will but, it is the first 6ns after the Rugby World Cup, and England are not the only team with alot of changes/injuries going into the 6ns.

If England did win the 6ns, then wouldn't they be justified in keeping Lancaster. Dont you think.

Whatever team they pick they will get smashed by Wales.

bigballbag wrote:Whatever team they pick they will get smashed by Wales.

You do sound very confident bigballbag.

Becarefull you dont get smanshed by Italy.

You're right. Italy could prove a threat. Wales will be very tired being the only home nation to make the semi's and then playing that extra game in the 3rd place play off.

Another Welsh wum with nothing more to do than post unfunny comments on an English thread, pathetic.

I have my doubt's that he is Welsh

I don't.

Cymroglan wrote:I have my doubt's that he is Welsh

Ditto

Maybe he's Italian.

daft selection from Greenwood.

Borthwick -0 never was good enough, certainly isn't now. Easter - slow donkey and dropped by Lancaster quite rightly

What Greenwood has failed to realise is rugby has moved on - the players are faster and you cannot afford to have lumbering donkeys on the pitch

What does rugby redemption refer to?

Getting spanked in the 6 Nations for a while before a good RWC isn't redemption.

England (and other successful) always did the best by building upon success. They won last years 6 Nations. Why not try their hardest to win this tournament too. Keep most of the team together and make a small number of key changes like Tindall, Sheridan and Cueto.

Picking 13 uncapped players (as Greenwood suggests) is throwing baby out with bathwater. Big changes are needed in some areas like centre. By all means go wild with change at 12. But keep the nucleus of the squad,

Evolution not Revolution.

majesticimperialman wrote:Gatts wrote.

Anyway, they'll probably scrape a win of the 6 nations and then everyone can pat themselves on the back and Lancaster will stay..

........................................................................................................................
What if England do more than scrape (A) win? What if England actualy win the 6ns. Iam not saying that they will but, it is the first 6ns after the Rugby World Cup, and England are not the only team with alot of changes/injuries going into the 6ns.

If England did win the 6ns, then wouldn't they be justified in keeping Lancaster. Dont you think.

actuellement maj i agree, i mean't they will probably win the blasted thing but give up a Slam in the process and then of course everyone will spend the next god knows how long telling us how good they are as in post RWC 2007 when of course we know things are drastic and that Wales are the best team, since Noah put together an All Stars Animal XV to play the Barbarians in 2024 BC

As long as he doesnt pick himself against Wales I'm happy!

red_stag wrote:What does rugby redemption refer to?

Getting spanked in the 6 Nations for a while before a good RWC isn't redemption.

England (and other successful) always did the best by building upon success. They won last years 6 Nations. Why not try their hardest to win this tournament too. Keep most of the team together and make a small number of key changes like Tindall, Sheridan and Cueto.

Picking 13 uncapped players (as Greenwood suggests) is throwing baby out with bathwater. Big changes are needed in some areas like centre. By all means go wild with change at 12. But keep the nucleus of the squad,

Evolution not Revolution.

Revolution is required and Lancaster has free rein to get away with it. He can make a royal pig's ear of it and it doesn't matter. its just more time lost. If you were to write the numbers 1-15 on a piece of paper how many positions are owned by a player?

I would say no more than 1/3 of the side picks itself. Too much talent and not a clue about what type of rugby they want to play. I have been saying it for years and maintain that England revert to leicester rugby because their coaches have no vision. Lets see what Lancaster's is. Vive la revolution!

Nobody is expecting anything from England at this 6 Nations...even Scotland will have a real sniff. Italy might be a much more interesting game and Wales Ireland and France will be confident of victory.

Wales will feel confident, With out Shane Williams, James Hook,Lee Byrne?

We will see. Cannot wait to be honest.

If Wales pick the right tight five the rest will be gravy

Paul Ackford in the Telegraph...!

Andrew Sheridan and Richard Wigglesworth are both long-term crocked. Louis Deacon, Manu Tuilagi, Courtney Lawes and Toby Flood are all also carrying injuries of varying seriousness.
Regulations require most to be named in squads for later matches, but availability for selection against Scotland on
Feb 4 could be severely hit. Anyone playing well at loose head prop, openside or lock has a big chance.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/england/9000290/Englands-interim-coach-Stuart-Lancaster-has-some-selection-issues-for-the-Six-Nations.html

Paul Ackford is an idiot. Has he seriously just suggested putting Nick Easter in the second row? What a stupid suggestion.

Give me his job please.

To be honest is it really that bad a list? It's certainly better than the rubbish the likes of Barnes,Dallaglio,Stephen Jones and Guscott come out with.

The most questionable selections in my opinion are Wade,Spencer,George,Borthwick and Stevens.

These you can argue for and against. It's a real difficult one.

Surprised there is no Trinder though.

I have been anti Twelvetrees in the past but now he is stringing some games together. A MOM performance has made him an contender for the inside centre spot.

There's a lot of 50-50 decisions in my opinion.

B191212 no worries.

It's funny how virtually no Sarries players were considered for England or the Saxons. Now England could take half the 1st XV in the EPS and Saxons!

No, the overall tea is not that bad!

But suggesting Easter at lock is beyond ludicrous.

We've got so many talented young locks coming through who could fill that spot alongside the experienced Palmer, but he chooses Easter out of position...why? waste of a pick in my opinion.

I think Sarries will be hit hard during the 6N unfortunately beshocked!

bluestone who picked Easter as a 2nd row?!

Yes. It's not really the number it's the importance of the personnel. England could potentially take our captain and key lineout man (Borthwick), our defensive backline general (Barritt), our no 1 attacking playmaker (Hodgson), our first choice kicker and back up fly half (Farrell) and one of our most attacking players (Strettle).

That's of course just the EPS, not the Saxons.

bluestonevedder wrote:No, the overall tea is not that bad!

That is meant to say 'team', although the tea in my hand is rather good.

@beshcoked: Paul Ackford did!

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/england/9000290/Englands-interim-coach-Stuart-Lancaster-has-some-selection-issues-for-the-Six-Nations.html

Unbelievable.

Who was that hooker for Tigers on the weekend - he is a monster and will surely get recognition in one of the squads. Is it Harrison?

I like Greenwoods squad - with the exception of Borthwick. I dont think he considers him to be in the match day squad but more in the training squad to mentor the younger locks - that would be fine. But, if thats the case surely get him in there as a consultant coach rather than in the EPS.

Rob Hawkins propdavid. He's a very good player, physical too. As Barnes said he's similar to Bismarck Du PLessis.

beshocked wrote:To be honest is it really that bad a list? It's certainly better than the rubbish the likes of Barnes,Dallaglio,Stephen Jones and Guscott come out with.

The most questionable selections in my opinion are Wade,Spencer,George,Borthwick and Stevens.

These you can argue for and against. It's a real difficult one.

Surprised there is no Trinder though.

I have been anti Twelvetrees in the past but now he is stringing some games together. A MOM performance has made him an contender for the inside centre spot.
There's a lot of 50-50 decisions in my opinion.

B191212 no worries.

It's funny how virtually no Sarries players were considered for England or the Saxons. Now England could take half the 1st XV in the EPS and Saxons!

Yeah the lad has put in a little run of performances showing his ability hasnt he.....the fact that he could cover 10 / 12 and 13 would make him my choice for the bench...and then give him a run out....for half an hour...

As Sam said on another thread though it might have been nice to play the important HC games this weekend...THEN pick the squad to see how 36 and Farrell go against top opposition...

bluestonevedder wrote:Rob Hawkins propdavid. He's a very good player, physical too. As Barnes said he's similar to Bismarck Du PLessis.

Is he another youngster.....whats happened to Youngs (the hooker)...is he still injured...he looked decent.

Thanks bluestone. I would ask the same as Geordie - is he another youngster. He seemed to provide what I had been looking for in Hartley for a few seasons. That good carrying and really physical edge.
How old is he? Has he been in the Saxons?

Just checked and he's only listed as 6'1 and 15 and a half stone....

So not a monster by any means....

No problem. Hawkins is 28 I believe, so not a spring chicken but at the peak of his career I guess. Joined in 2010 (?) from Bath, but struggles for starting time with Tigers really. He's a good player and I have no problem seeing his name on the starting team sheet at all, because you know what you're going to get.

Tom Youngs is injured at the moment, out for a few weeks I believe, but haven't heard too much. It's a shame because he was really finding some form, and has become a fan favourite. Could be a very decent player too.

Yeh, Hawkins is no monster, but uses his size quite well and plays as if he's a lot bigger! He's mobile too, I guess due to his lighter-than-average weight for a hooker

I'd pay to see Greenwoods team

For me I couldn't care less if England finish 4th/5th this year as long as we start to blood some younger players in positions that they play in for their clubs.

As an England fan I'm excited about this years 6 nations.

HERSH wrote:For me I couldn't care less if England finish 4th/5th this year as long as we start to blood some younger players in positions that they play in for their clubs.

As an England fan I'm excited about this years 6 nations.

Completely and Utterly agree. 100%.

Can we not get a happy mix...build a youngish team with eyes on the future.....but then also have the odd experienced guy in there...to actually try and win this 6n....

Regardless of development etc, a team should always strive to win....

Normally I'd agree Geordie but with the fiasco at the RFU we have a chance to build a new squad this year so that players can stake a claim for their positions, Lancaster is unlikely to be given the job at the end of the 6 nations unless we win the Slam, which lets face it isn't on this year for any team let alone England.

So I'd love to see England give caps to new players this year, I'm sure we couldn't be any worse than the RWC.

Is rugby becoming more and more of a young mans game.

It became a young mans game the day it turned professional stag.