Brian O’Driscoll Picks An England Backline He Reckons Jones Should Select
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Backline.
Eddie Jones’ decision to leave Danny Cipriani out of his England training camp yesterday sparked quite a conversation online. A lot of people were in shock given Cipriani’s early season form, and to be fair – he probably should be there.
Farrell of course is in the squad no matter what, whether he’s at his preferred position of ten, or at first centre where he’s played most of his rugby for England under Jones. But with the Australian calling up just him and George Ford – it appears the Saracens man is finally going to get a proper run at ten in and England shirt.
But what is England’s best backline right now? When you list out some of the players Eddie Jones has available to him – on paper it’s a difficult task to name one. Cipriani should be in the squad, but would he start?
Former Leinster, Ireland and Lions centre Brian O’Driscoll is regarded as one of the greatest players to have ever graced the game, and has played in some pretty devastating backlines. We got involved in a little chat on Twitter yesterday and it appears BOD is in agreement with us when it comes to the backline Jones should select for the upcoming Autumn internationals – fitness permitting.
If Cipriani is out – Farrell at 10 with Tuilagi and Slade in midfield. Daly at fullback and May + Ashton wing. There’s a backline that would so some serious damage.
— RugbyLAD (@RugbyLAD7) September 20, 2018
If they are all fit my @EnglandRugby 3/4 line would probably be Farrell, Manu & Slade and not having Cipriani even in the training mix or as a bench option is lunacy but then I’m a Padraig just smiling on at it…
— Brian O'Driscoll (@BrianODriscoll) September 20, 2018
Who would be your 15?
— SB (@bridportlion) September 20, 2018
Daly
— Brian O'Driscoll (@BrianODriscoll) September 20, 2018
Luke Fitzgerald meanwhile has a different view on it. He reckons Jonathan Joseph should be in there, with perhaps Te’o instead of Manu Tuilagi at 12. What backline would you go with?
We see it different, I think you’re incredibly solid with Farrell and 10. I like Teo/Tuilagi at 12 with Joseph at 13.
— luke fitzgerald (@lukefitz11) September 20, 2018
