Eddie Jones Confirms Who Will Cover As England’s ‘Third’ Scrumhalf
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Number nine.
England head coach Eddie Jones named his 31-man Rugby World Cup side for Japan earlier today – springing a few surprises in the process.
The likes of Brad Shields, Mike Brown, Ben Te’o and Danny Cipriani have all been left out of the squad, with Lewis Ludlam, Jack Singleton and Willi Heinz all surprise inclusions.
Gloucester scrumhalf Heinz appears to have done enough with a excellent performance against Wales on Sunday, but interestingly is one of just two scrumhalves in the squad alongside Ben Youngs.
So who will act as cover if either of them end up injured in Japan? Jones says outhalf George Ford will cover at nine if needs be, with the Leicester man set to fill in until a replacement can arrive. Interesting move from Jones.
George Ford has been training at 9 should England need him to play there “for a period of time”. ie. While another 9 flies out.
— Nick Heath (@nickheathsport) August 12, 2019
Eddie Jones confirms that George Ford is the cover for scrum-half having picked just two No 9s in his #RWC2019 squad. #England
— Will Kelleher (@willgkelleher) August 12, 2019