England's Number 10?
So the big talking point in the English media is who to pick at number 10 for the forthcoming autumn internationals. I have read that Jeremy Guscott favours Toby Flood, the impressive Leicester out half, who has mainly featured at inside centre for England.
Eddie Jones, former Wallabies coach, has publicly stated that Johnny Wilkinson should play 10 because as Eddie states, “he is worth 15 points a game”, and so is crucial to any team he plays in.
Added to this there is Danny Cipriani who will be making some sort of a comeback for Wasps’ this weekend, and should feature in the selectors minds in the next month, as his form last year earned him the right to start a head of Wilkinson for his England debut.
Also in the mix is a player I highly rate, Shane Geraghty. Gergathy is naturally an out half but has been regularly used at inside centre, which is probably his best position. Although he is such a major talent that when he is fully fit and in form he must be considered for both roles.
There are others looking for a chance to impress, including the likes of Ryan Lamb and Charlie Hodgson. Lamb is currently is currently out of favour at Gloucester for not conforming to Dean Ryan’s structured method of playing. There are rumours that the player may move to another club but this is uncertain.
Charlie Hodgson has had terrible luck in the England shirt and on last season’s tour to New Zealand was found out against the best rugby team in the world. This is hard on Hodgson as he is great player who has the ability to put others outside him into space and he is a very solid kicker too, but he failed on probably his last chance.
My personal opinion is to have Johnny Wilkinson in at 10, as he is solid and dependable. I think his change of attitude towards the game, since his latest injury, has improved his form and influence. He is the main man again at Newcastle since the departures of Tait and Flood and I think his game will reach a new level this season. I reckon he’ll be crucial for the Lions too next summer.
With Wilko at 10, I’d have Geraghty at 12 to ease the pressure off Johnny. Geraghty is creative, and with someone like Tindall outside him this could be a perfect partnership for England.
Finally I’d have Cipriani in at full back for the season, concluding with his selection for the Lions. Eddie Jones mentioned this last weekend in the Sunday Mirror and I said I’d have Cipriani in at full back in my last article. These three would have the ability to interchange at any time but each has their defining strength; Wilkinson’s precision, Geragthy’s flair, Cipriani’s strength and speed.
Either way it is an exciting time to be an English rugby fan as a new breed of players are coming through and there is optimism with Martin Johnson at the helm. With the players they have, the youngsters coming through, and a new settled management I’d say they would be a decent bet for the world cup in 2011.
JT
Read Jamie's other articles:
British Lions Dream Team
London Irish Blogs