Martin Johnson presaged all explanations about with this rider: 鈥淵ou can鈥檛 cover all eventualities with 30. Any solution leaves you slightly thin somewhere.鈥
Too true. But while every coach announcing a squad for the global gathering in New Zealand was forced into a compromise or two, many has made the right ones.
In terms of a World Cup, what is more important? An extra prop in case of injuries? An extra lock to ease the workload? Specialist back-up at fly-half? Or variety and balance in midfield?
Johnson wrestled with these questions and more in finalising the composition of his squad and decided the first two outweigh the latter two.
听
Read the rest of this entry
At some point this week, England's players will be taking a call they don't really want to answer.
The name on the screen will be 'Johnno', or however they refer to manager Martin Johnson in the privacy of their own phones.
For 10 of the 40 players technically still under consideration for, World Cup heartbreak beckons.
Read the rest of this entry
While the door to the has cruelly closed already for Wales full-back , England's new star-in-the-making barged it down with trademark force.
Warm-up Tests are always a precarious business, as Stoddart discovered in the most painful manner when his left leg crumpled to the turf after an innocuous tackle from .
While the player saw his hopes of heading to disappear in that moment, one flash from Tuilagi was enough to show why he could make a name for himself in New Zealand.
Read the rest of this entry
The announcement of for their opening warm-up match against on Saturday was not short of interesting storylines.
The return of and to the back division after long absences.
Matt Stevens back in an England shirt for the first time since his .
after missing the Six Nations with injury. James Haskell starting at number eight.
Read the rest of this entry
The first cut has been made. The last cut will be the deepest.
Three weeks from now, - along with all the other national coaches - will have to decide on his final squad of 30 for the Rugby World Cup.
So the 40 who reassembled on Monday at know that now is not the time to be slacking off.
A painful phone call or one-to-one with Johnson still awaits 10 of them, with James Simpson-Daniel, David Strettle, George Chuter, Thomas Waldrom and Joe Worsley having already packed their bags.
Read the rest of this entry
I'm Bryn Palmer and I specialise in rugby union but stick my oar into most other sports, apart from rowing.
