Video - Eddie Jones moots a possible third England position for Cipriani

Following the announcement of the England team to face the Barbarians, head coach Eddie Jones has spoken to RugbyPass about the reasons behind some of his more surprising selections.

Jones has suggested a possible third position Danny Cipriani could potentially play at for England. There has been much speculation following Jones comments on the matter that Cipriani’s future could like at fullback for England and not at flyhalf.

However, Jones has now suggested that he could fill a role at 12.

George Ford starts at flyhalf, a call that has disappointed many fans of Danny Cipriani who had hoped that his end of season form in particular might have forced Jones’ hand to start him.

“He was good enough to get in the squad to go to South Africa,” Jones told RugbyPass. “He’s good enough to get in the 23 to face the Barbars.You guys treat him as a special player, I treat him as one of the 34 players we’ve had in camp and he’s done well.”

When pressed on Cipriani’s role from the bench being at fly half or full back, Jones remarked, “I think he could play either role, 15 or 10 and on Sunday he might have to play 15, 10 or 12.”

The switch of Harlequins fullback Mike Brown to the left wing, allowing Wasps Elliot Daly to start at fullback is one of those decisions that has raised a few eyebrows.

Jones explained, “It’s a concept I’ve had in my mind for a while. I feel Browny is a really good on-the-ball player, he’s strong around the ruck, he’s a great carrier in close and it’ll actually suit his game very well and give him more freedom to do that. At 15, you’ve got to be more responsible for the back field.

“At 11, he can come into the game more and that’s what I’m looking for. Elliot is a fast guy, he’s got a big left foot and certainly full back could be a position that suits him well.”

Sunday’s match will start the countdown before England lose defence coach Paul Gustard to Harlequins, he takes up the position following the three test tour to South Africa. Jones paid tribute to his assistant.

“Very pleased for him. For one of our assistant coaches to get the head coach [job] at one of the most iconic rugby clubs in England is a fantastic achievement. I’m pleased for him personally. Obviously for the team, I’m a little bit disappointed but I’m sure that we’re going to find a coach who can built on the great work that Gussy has done for us.”

Earlier in the day Jones revealed what is a highly experimental side.

England side to play Barbarians

15 Elliot Daly (Wasps, 18 caps)
14 Jonny May (Leicester Tigers, 34 caps)
13 Henry Trinder (Gloucester Rugby, uncapped)
12 Piers Francis (Northampton Saints, 3 caps)
11 Mike Brown (Harlequins, 69 caps)
10 George Ford (Leicester Tigers, 45 caps)
9 Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 74 caps)

1 Joe Marler (Harlequins, 56 caps)
2 Jack Singleton (Worcester Warriors, uncapped)
3 Kyle Sinckler (Harlequins, 10 caps)
4 Elliott Stooke (Bath Rugby, uncapped)
5 Joe Launchbury (Wasps, 52 caps)
6 Chris Robshaw (Harlequins, 64 caps)
7 Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 1 cap)
8 Zach Mercer (Bath Rugby, uncapped)

Finishers
16 George McGuigan (Leicester Tigers, uncapped)
17 Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers, 5 caps)
18 Nick Schonert (Worcester Warriors, uncapped)
19 Josh Beaumont (Sale Sharks,uncapped)
20 Mark Wilson (Newcastle Falcons, 2 caps)
21 Dan Robson (Wasps, uncapped)
22 Danny Cipriani (Wasps, 14 caps)
23 Denny Solomona (Sale Sharks, 2 caps)