Eddie Jones' message to Slade and the other cut England players
Henry Slade has been told he must rediscover his form at Exeter after emerging as a surprise omission from England’s squad for the autumn.
Slade has been left out of the 36-man group that will face Argentina, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa at Twickenham next month, with Will Joseph, Guy Porter, Manu Tuilagi and Owen Farrell the recognised centres present.
Anthony Watson’s absence is expected as the veteran wing continues his comeback from a knee injury that kept him out for 10 months, but Slade has been integral to England’s midfield under Jones.
The 29-year-old missed the July tour to Australia because of shoulder surgery but has made a solid start to the new season with Exeter.
“There are a number of disappointed players who have been left out,” Jones said. “Their job is to make sure they go back to their clubs and play so that they have to be selected. They all know what they have to do.
“This is a very strong, vibrant squad and a number of good players have been left out. We are pleased with the depth and strength of the squad.”
Only one Wasps player makes the squad in Jack Willis as the Gallagher Premiership club teeters on the brink of administration.
Wasps have completed just four matches this season and given their position, Willis will not play again in advance of the autumn. Jones insists the flanker can still be involved, however.
“The big thing for Jack is that he prepares like an international player. He’s got a great opportunity to come into camp in the best physical condition he’s ever been in,” Jones said.
Prop Kyle Sinckler returns having sat out the 2-1 series victory over the Wallabies because of a back issue and reinforced his claim to a place in England’s front row with a barnstorming display for Bristol against Gloucester on Saturday.
Saracens’ Ashton Gate-bound wing Max Malins is also back after being dropped during the Six Nations.
“Max is a very good attacking players and he’s worked a little bit on what he does off the ball,” Jones said.
“Sinckler had a bad back injury and it took him a little while to come back. His last game was close to what we know he can do but there’s still plenty to go.”
Harlequins’ uncapped wing Cadan Murley features in a senior England squad for the first time.
“I’ve been watching him quite closely. He’s got the ability to finish,” said Jones, who has immediately recalled scrum-half Raffi Quirke following his recovery from a hamstring issue.
“He’s a good, strong player who has improved his capacity to win the ball in the air remarkably.
“He certainly deserves an opportunity to see what he can do at the next level.”
England open their autumn against Argentina on November 6 and face Japan six days later.
“The autumn internationals will be like a mini World Cup for us, starting with two tough games against Argentina and Japan, which mirror our pool fixtures at next year’s tournament,” Jones said.
“Then we’ll have knock out type games against New Zealand and South Africa. All four games will be great tests for us.”
Former Great Britain Hockey coach Danny Kerry has joined Jones’ staff as training coordinator.
Comments on RugbyPass
The value he brought to the crusaders as an assistant was equal to what he got out of being there. He reflected not only on the team culture but also the credit he attributed to the rugby community. Such experience shouldn’t be overlooked.
3 Go to commentsGood luck Aussie
10 Go to commentssmith at 9 / mounga 10 / laumape 12 / fainganuku 14
39 Go to commentsBar the injuries, it’s pretty much their top team …
2 Go to commentsDon’t disagree with much of this but it appears you forgot Rodda and Beale, who started at the Force on the weekend.
10 Go to commentsExcept for the injured Zach Gallagher this would be Saders best forward pack for the season. Blackadder needs to stay at 7, for all of Christies tackling he is not dominant and offers very little else. McNicholfullback is maybe a good option, Fihaki not really upto it, there was a reason Burke played there last year. Maybe Havilli to 2nd five McLeod to wing. Need a strong winger on 1 side to compliment Reece
1 Go to commentsTo me TJ is clearly the best 9 in the competition right now but he's also a proven player off the bench, there's few playmaking players who can come off the bench as calm and settled as he is, Beauden can, TJ can and I doubt any of the scrumhalves in contention can, if they want to experiment with new 9s I want him on the bench ready to step in if they crumble under the pressure. The Boks put their best front row on the bench, I'd like to see us take a similar approach, the Hurricanes have been doing similar things with players like Kirifi.
39 Go to commentsROG has better chance to win a WC if he starts training and make himself eligible as a player. He won’t make the Ireland squad but I reckon he may get close with Namibia (needs to improve his Afrikaans) or Portugal. Both sides had 1000:1 odds to win the RWC in 2023 which is an improvement on ROG’s odds of winning a RWC as a coach. Unlike Top 14 teams, national teams can’t go shopping and buy the best players - you work with the available talent pool and turn them into world beaters.
3 Go to commentsthat backline nope that backline is terrible why would you have sevu Reece when he’s not even top 5 wingers in the comp why have Blackadder when there’s better players no Scott barret isn’t an automatic the guy is more of a liability than anything why have him there when you have samipeni who’s far far better
39 Go to commentsAh, good to find you Nick. Agree with everything about Cale. So much to like about his game
51 Go to commentsNot too bad. Questions at 6, lock and HB for me. The ABs will be a lot stronger once Jordan and Roigard return. Also, work needs to be made to secure Frizzell back for next season and maybe also Mo’unga; they’re just wasting time playing in japan
39 Go to commentsOn the title, i wonder for many of those people it is a case something like a belief in working smarter, not harder?
1 Go to commentsForget Sotutu. One of those whose top level is Super Rugby. Id take a punt on Wallace Sititi Finau ahead of Glass body Blackadder.
39 Go to commentsI’m a pensioner so I've been around a bit. My opinion of SBW is he is an elite athlete and a great New Zealander and roll model. He has been to the top and knows what he's talking about. To all the negative comments regarding SBW the typical New Zealand way, cut that tall poppy down.
17 Go to commentsI'm not listening to a guy moralise over others when this is the guy who walked out mid season on Canterbury RLFC when he had a contract with them, what a hypocrite. All the Kiwis sticking up for this unprincipled individual because they can't accept justified criticism, he has zero credibility or integrity. Those praising him are a joke.
17 Go to commentsI’d put Finau at 6 instead of Blackadder but that’s the only change I’d make. Can’t wait to see who Razor picks.
39 Go to commentsTamati Williams, Codie Taylor, and Same Cane? Not sure about Hoskins Sotutu at test level. Wasn’t that impressive last season. Need a balance between experience and talent/youth.
39 Go to commentsInteresting insight. Fantastic athlete, and a genuine human being.
17 Go to commentsThey played at night in Suva last weekend and it’s an afternoon game forecast for 19 degrees in Canberra this weekend. Heat change is a non issue.
2 Go to commentsWishing Rosie a speedy recovery
1 Go to comments