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Just three spots up for grabs as Jones hints he knows the identity of 28 of England's RWC 31
Eddie Jones has revealed there are just three places left to fill to complete his 31-strong England squad for the Rugby World Cup in Japan to be named on August 12.
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The head coach, who announced an official training squad on Thursday made up of 35 fit players and three rehabilitating from injury, will use the training camps and the first warm-up game with Wales on August 11 to finalise his selection decisions and will then have his chosen squad for the remaining games with Wales (August 17), Ireland (August 24) and Italy (September 6) to work out his starting XV for the tournament.
Central to those discussions will be Gloucester No10 Danny Cipriani, who will only make the plane for Japan if Jones opts to go with three outside-halves – something he would prefer to avoid as it would give him more flexibility when choosing his backs.
Sevens convert Ruaridh McConnochie, the Bath wing, is making Jones think again about his back three options, while Joe Marler’s decision to come out of retirement has made the choice of the back-up loosehead to Mako Vunipola a tricky choice.
Jones insists that even without Dylan Hartley, Chris Robshaw, Mike Brown and Danny Care the squad will have enough experience to handle the pressure of a World Cup.
There was no greater show of faith in England's RWC 2019 potential than Joe Marler's decision to come out of Test retirement ? https://t.co/Gcvxer4gJ2
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He said: “If you don’t know after four years, there’s something wrong. The great thing for us is that we’ve had a couple of young guys come through who we didn’t know a lot about, such as Ruaridh McConnochie and Lewis Ludlam (Northampton).
“Those X-factor players who come through late are an added bonus. They are like the extra present under the Christmas tree that you didn’t know about. That’s what makes it so exciting.
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“I have had a four-year plan. The first two years is building the base, which is about experienced players. And you hope those experienced players can continue on to the World Cup. Some do and some don’t – and the game changes a bit, which is something we don’t control.
BREAKING | Your 35-man England @rugbyworldcup training squad ?
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— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) July 4, 2019
“So we have had to make alterations to some of the experienced guys who we maybe thought would go to the World Cup, but now potentially aren’t going.
“We are maybe a little bit shy (in terms of experience), but there are some factors which you just can’t control 100 per cent. I’m happy with the squad we’ve got. I want to keep improving the squad.
“If other people become available we will look at them. And Dylan is one of those guys. He did a great job for us as captain, that’s not forgotten, but you have got to be fit to play in the World Cup.
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“The balance of character is so important. You have to have a balance between young guys who just want to rip in and train hard, and then experienced players you give you calmness and focus. We want to keep the squad fresh and there is competition for certain places.
“The big thing for us is having that cooperative competition. We are building a team to win the World Cup, but at the same time, we want guys. It is one of the hardest things in life to balance, cooperation and competition.”
Jones, who is keeping an open mind about Cipriani, added: “He’s one of 38 players and has an opportunity to show us that.
“This is the most exciting time for the team because we have got the only time in English rugby where you have got four or five weeks with players to build a team. He has an opportunity to show it just as the other 37 players have, so I’m eager to see how he goes.”
Jones confirmed that the England squad’s wives and girlfriends will not be allowed in team hotels in Japan. It’s an issue he does not want to have to deal with.
“I don’t know. I’m not a travel agent. How am I expected to know? We haven’t selected a squad. They can be there, but they won’t be in the team hotel. It’s the same rule we have in England that we will have in Japan.”
WATCH: Part one of the two-part RugbyPass documentary on the many adventures that fans can expect to experience in Japan at this year’s World Cup
Comments on RugbyPass
I think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
10 Go to commentsJoe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
3 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
1 Go to commentsBlackadder but no Finau! 😀 It’s Razor so you are probably right, plus Taylor at 2…
10 Go to commentsThe strongest possible AB side would actually include Aaron Smith, Bodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Shannon Frizzel.. don’t get me started on the rest of the injury hit brigade that got flung on the heap so left. Many a whole not getting filled as of yet.
10 Go to commentsI don’t think anyone knows what Schmidt will do, one thing is certain it ain’t gonna be all the picks we on the keyboard will think. My impression of him is that he will be looking at who can step up and what is the best combination. He will ignore individuals as he looks for guys who can build a powerful team and not just guys who can make a flashy run or ignore the winger as they want to score themselves.
3 Go to commentsSome dumb selections there. Not Porecki Not Donaldson Not Gordon Not Lonegran - both Not Nic White - Fines instead Not Liam Wright Not Paisami Definitely not Vunivalu Other than that not bad.
3 Go to commentsI've never been convinced that Patty T is a test match all black. Otherwise I probably agree it's the best side available to beat the poms. Caveat that Codie Taylor is yet to be seen and could very likely warrant selection by June. I hope that Razor brings the young loosies, half backs and locks into the training squad and develops/ selects the best
10 Go to commentsYou doing the same thing I disliked about the example of Samisoni Taukei'aho, Nick. He’s great the way he is, you’re trying to do what modern-day coaches frustrate me doing, turning everyone into the perfect athlete. Next thing you’ll be telling me you’ll bench him until he’s hit that arbitrary marker, and can’t overtake the current guy who’s doing all his workons. He’s a young Kieran Read, through and through, plays wide and has threat, mainly (and evident in your clips) through his two hand carry and speed. Just let him work on that, or whatever he wants, and determine his own future. Play God and you risk the players going sideways, like Read did, instead of being a Toutai Kefu. I mean I was in the same camp for a while, wanting our tight five to have the size, and carry ability, as the teams they were getting beat by. Now I’m starting to believe those teams just have better skilled and practiced individuals, bigger by upwards of 5kg sometimes, sure, but more influentially they have those intrinsic skills of trust and awareness. Basically our guys just didn’t know wtf they were doing. Don’t think I’m trying to prove a point here but hasn’t Caleb Clarke been in much better form this year, or does he just ‘look’ better now that he’s not always trying to use his size?
44 Go to commentsThe pack lacks a little in height for the line out and I wouldn’t be completely convinced by some of the combinations till we see it in action.
10 Go to commentsThe side is good but lacks experience. International playing bona fides udually trumps super rugby form for good reason. And incumbents are usually stuck with. Codie Taylor should start or come off the bench. B Barrett will start at fullback. Blackadder has not earned the position, Finau has. TJs experience and competitiveness earns him a starting role, Christie or Ratima off the bench
10 Go to commentsPretty good side. Scott Barrett should be the captain. Ethan Blackadder a great choice at blindside. He is going to go from strength to strength having made a couple of starts for the Crusaders. Scott Robertson rates him highly. Perenara could start a no 9.
10 Go to commentsI question and with respect. Was enough done over the last few years to bring through new blood knowing the Whitelocks and co couldn’t last forever. There should have been more done to future proof the team. New squad new coach, he and they weren’t set up well. IMO
6 Go to commentsJacobsen will definitely be in the 23
10 Go to commentsLots of discussion points, Ben, but two glaring follies IMO: 1. Blackadder at 6. Has done nothing so far this season to justify his selection. Did you see him going backwards in contact at the weekend? Simply has not got the physical presence at 6: we need a Scott Barrett or a Finau (or wildcard Ah Kuoi), beasts who are big enough to play lock, like Frizzell. If Barret played at 6, Paddy could be joined at lock by Vai’i or one of the young giants we need to promote, like Darry or Lord (if he ever gets on the field). Blackadder best left to join the queue for 7. 2. Not even a mention for Christie? Ratima gets caught at crucial times at the back of the ruck when he hesitates on the pass. The only way he starts would be if Christie and TJ are injured.
10 Go to commentsWhat a dagg in more ways than one
6 Go to commentsRegroup come back next year but sack some of the coaching team and don't be like the ABs last minute sacking. If Crusaders don't do well ABs don't do well.
5 Go to commentsProctor Definitely inform again this year had a hell of a season last year and this year is looking even better. Still mixed feelings about Ioane tho.
4 Go to commentsDagg is still trying to get enough headlines to make himself relevant enough to get a job. The Crusaders went back to square one at all levels. Shelve this season and nail the next one.
6 Go to commentsHe was in such great form. Sad for him but only a short term injury and it will be great to see him back for the finals.
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