6 countries. “They’re still lucky to be holders”: one former England international lets go

“Some English players are lucky to still be starters.” In his column with Rugby pass, Andy GoodeFormer fly halfEngland (17 caps), who went through Prive between 2008 and 2010, did not take too kindly to many of the players in the XV de la Rose that was beaten by France at Twickenham last week (10-53).

“There’s more than pride for England in Dublin this Saturday and a lot of players need to put in a great performance from an individual point of view. I wouldn’t go so far as to say there is.” Career at riskBut few people are interested in looking over their shoulder,” says Good, who is very much into the media scene and social networks.

Sinclair and Itoje in scenes

New coach Steve Borthwick has outwitted Andy Coote with no fewer than 26 touch-ups in the first 4 matches of the 2023 6 Nations.

This is an unbreakable case Maro Idoje (66 choices), very strong in the past and today in real difficulty. “He was very disappointed with his grades. But not many people lined up behind him to steal his jersey,” writes Good, who shares the same observation for the right pillar. Kyle Sinclair (60 caps), his current understudy is veteran Don Cole (35; 99 caps).

“The Mercer Specter” for Dombrandt

Counsel also points out 3^e center line Alex Dombrandt, under fire from critics in the English media this week. “His competition is completely normal and Zach Mercer’s threat looms”. The 3^e Montpellier’s line-up will leave the Herald this summer, with a reported desire to found an XV of Roses. As for his acting, he has the means.

“About Ben Earl, a great man who has been in the Premiership for years but, like Sam Simmonds or Billy Vuniola, is enjoying a second youth,” notes Goode, as if to emphasize that n°8 has many forgotten solutions. By Steve Borthwick, he keeps up with his favorite Alex Dombrandt. Finally, Goode claimed Alex Mitchell’s No. 9 try instead Jacques van PoortvlietNamed the first to make the most notable appearances in the tournament.

Goode believes in Manu Tuilagi’s contribution

Good admits it readily: England winning in Ireland on March 18 would be a feat, the humiliation against the Blues a few days later and the 2023 tournament nothing to cheer about. “It’s St Patrick’s Day weekend in Dublin and there’s a Grand Slam party to be had. No one, especially me, expected England to mess this up,” he wrote.

But he has a little hope. And it is symbolized by the arrival of Manu Tuilagi. “The center has won the last six Tests he’s played against Ireland,” recalls Goode, who says the much-reinforced Farrell-Tuilagi-Slade trio is “still a fantastic combination” after the 2019 World Cup finals.

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