LET'S SELECT THE CENTRES FOR ENGLAND'S SUMMER TOUR! | Vs New Zealand & Japan | 2024

LET'S SELECT THE CENTRES FOR ENGLAND'S SUMMER TOUR! | Vs New Zealand & Japan | 2024
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Rugby artwork in background courtesy of Blair Skivington www.etsy.com/uk/shop/BlrArtGB

[@Gilescowdemdem]

Slade is an absolute beast this season. I think I read that he's tasked with organising the England defence so could have a huge role to play this summer.

[@user-sd3hb6ru1w]

I would agree but he has to stop charging up in this blitz defence. So many tries we conceded in the six nations saw Slade isolated in no man’s land leaving huge holes in defence.

[@CliveWilmer]

@@user-sd3hb6ru1w charging up: that is what a blitz defence is all about. That is the system they are trying to play. It is not something he is doing randomly 🙂

[@jonnybaynham1689]

​@@user-sd3hb6ru1w no he shouldn't stop as that would undermine the Felix Jones style that requires the 13 to rush out. Jones assigned Lukhanyo Am to do it for the Boks and Am was very good at it by 2019, but first year of the blitz in 2018 was caught out So Slade needs to keep doing it but needs to ensure he is doing his homework and honing his positioning

[@JackN13_]

​@@jonnybaynham1689 Nienaber implemented the blitz defence not felix Jones

[@joshuabisset6014]

Would love to see Lawrence and freeman combo with sleightholme or murley and feyi waboso on the wings at least against Japan

[@whitebear5405]

Yeah Freeman at 13 looks brilliant. I'd like to see some new guys on the wings blooded

[@kermitoelhermito9340]

Wimbush has been amazing for Chiefs - absolute weapon of a man

[@Gilescowdemdem]

Didn't realise he was 6'6, holy smoke 🤣

[@armanrazaknazir5352]

Needs another season

[@joeboonmusic4004]

Wimbush 12, Slade 13?

[@newwavetvuk859]

Loving your channel bud, great observations, keep it up x

[@nickkitchen8944]

I do see Freeman's future being at 13. The only thing he lacks a bit of is top end pace, which might expose him a bit on the wing, less so at 13. Shame that Hartley go hurt, as I'd have taken him. I'd also choose Ojomoh and feel he has the ideal game for the 12 shirt. It's rare to get a secondary playmaker who has his power, so I want to see how far he can develop.

[@dalenewton9697]

Slade gets turned over very often when carrying in midfield. A bit lightweight and with the height he often gets held up long enough for the jackal to get in. He should have been a 10 for England. Perhaps he could make the switch back to 10 if he keeps up his kicking

[@nickjohns999]

With pace a must in the back three, (Borthwick are you listening? ; Feyi-Waboso, Sleighthome, and Furbank), then vision and distribution become the primary focus for the centres, so Slade and Freeman - with Lawrence as the third.

[@user-no4kz9zm4c]

Personally i would take at 12] M.OJOMOH - Z.WIMBUSH - T.LITCHFIELD and at 13] O.LAWRENCE - H.SLADE - T.FREEMAN With O.SLIGHTHOLM - C.MURLEY - and I.F.WABOSO- W.MUIR - A.RADWAN - J.CONKENGSEIA As the wing options

[@joefair1137]

Radwan I’d going into sevens there’s no point picking him. I would have had Tommy Wyatt as a good shout but he’s been injured same as hodge. John looks promising but he’s only played like 3 games.

[@waynemoore9951]

I'd love to see sleighthome become a centre. Fantastic build, physicality and pace.

[@euanwalters8246]

Has he got the hands to play centre?

[@itistrue101]

something very good is brewing in English rugby... 2027 WC finalists

[@shonunezekiel]

So long as it is not against SA in the final - am not sure I could handle the heartache 😆

[@nathanlewis3034]

I reckon Feyi Waboso could play at 12

[@peterweston189]

Can't say I know much about Wimbush. Just watched a video and like what I see. Have England ever had such a big center? Greenwood was tall. I think we need players that can make that step up from club to international level

[@Bpt8825]

Now Hartley is out id take: 12’s Lawrence, Lichfield and Wimbush 13’s Freeman, Slade and maybe Northmore

[@Nicknaturelover]

In addition to Lawrence and Slade I’d pick inside centres (in the absence of Farrell and Tuilagi) - Ojomoh and either Windbush or Litchfield. Notice a few of you have picked 6 centres, but I think they’ll pick 4 centres knowing Daly and/or Freeman can cover.

[@willk1756]

Back three picks itself: Feyi Waboso, Sleightholme and Furbank

[@nicholascoles152]

All three are attacking machines …

[@jonnybaynham1689]

Oh man I really hope this is the back 3. Freeman off the bench or at centre

[@joeboonmusic4004]

Sleightholme really has taken things up a gear this season... somehow seems faster and stronger.

[@s.j.a486]

Here’s one that’s totally left field,I look at Feyi-Waboso and think maybe he could be a real handful at centre?? 🤔

[@rugbyanalyst]

He'd be an amazing centre, shame he can't play two positions. Fine on the wing as long as he is involved all the time in attack like Exeter do

[@jordannangwala4608]

Northmore!!!! 13

[@simonhague2674]

It obviously depends on the gameplan but if we assume it is the one from the end of the 6-nations and not the beginning... I would go with Wimbush, Northmore, Litchfield, Lawrence, Ojomoh, and Freeman...

[@rubenviljoen5953]

I know this is off topic, but can someone please explain how Rees-Zammit played for Wales even though he didn’t play in Wales? I can’t find the answer, from SA btw😂

[@rugbyanalyst]

I think the 'Gatland Law' doesn't applied to uncapped players and LRZ was uncapped when he sign for Gloucester.

[@matttrysstuff7184]

James Williams at the Bears would be a good shout, can play 10 and truck it up too!

[@rugbyanalyst]

Yes he looked v good in the last round of the prem

[@__Joestone__]

Zack Wimbush is one of my favourite players !!

[@rugbyanalyst]

...he could be special. He has the stature and he looks athletic in his movements, enough speed for inside centre. I haven't seen enough of his skills yet. Hopefully he'll get more starts at 12 next season and stays fit!

[@nigel4425]

How are we still talking about Daly as an England player? How often does he have to fail at the top level before it is realised that he can't cut it? This is a great pity as his club form is pretty good lately, but he has never replicated that for England.

[@mattutes]

Can cover 4 positions. Very good defensively. Big kicks. Good kick chase. Good finisher. Played in RWC finals and . Not lightning quick, but not slow. Played for the Lions in 5 tests, including that incredible unforgettable comeback in the 2nd test Vs the ABs. It's not his fault England haven't played attacking rugby over the past few years.

[@hefty105]

My only issue with Lawrence is that he’s very much a confidence player, as soon as he makes an error he slides off.

[@alanb9443]

Still think fremen is the future at 12. Lawrence actually isn’t that massive, 1.8m and 99kg he can’t make the same dents as Manu. Freeman is much bigger and does make those dents plus he’s got a good offloading game through the contact.

[@jordannangwala4608]

I take Slade as utility cover Take Hartley as center cover start Northmore and Lawrence

[@sisyphusonlunch5541]

Slade's played well all season and his left foot is handy however with Furbank we have an extra playmaker anyway so I'd love to see Lawrence and Freeman as 12 & 13 then you could slide Slightholme onto the wing - upping the pace and power of the side. As for up and coming 12s, I think Ojomoh would have made it by now if he was going to but he's probably still not 1st choice at Bath at 23 years old. Litchfield, Wimbush and maybe even Ma'asi-White are coming talent but we really need another season to see who's going to step up best... In other words i have no idea!!

[@danknight97]

Ojomoh over Dingwall is bonkers 😂

[@PaulHolder]

It would be good if they picked players form the same clubs and have them work together in training to show what they can do in a comfortable combination. With Lawrence and Slade the main pair, taking Ojomoh and Wimbush would be good (but Freeman to go as a back 3 starter who can cover centre as third or fourth choice). And of course the best English centre in Rugby is Herbie Farnworth over in the NRL. The RFU probably can't afford him though even if he wanted to come.

[@leecurtis2902]

Keep a very close eye on Lennox Anyanwu for Quins next season, looks like the real deal. Also, I'd like to see Joe Cokanasiga make the transition to 13.

[@euanwalters8246]

Cokanasiga's defensive positioning is bad enough on the wing let alone at centre. Outside centre is the most difficult place to defend because you have to decide whether to come in or stay out and Cokanasiga couldn't make those decisions.

[@mattutes]

I am finding it hard to overlook Dingwall, because he has been top class in every game I've seen him play. He has converted me this season, really did not rate him. Slade has to start 13, but I could see him being given the summer off because we need to keep him going until the next RWC. Lawrence to start. Not fussed which slot. Freeman to start wing, but should get a fair few mins at 13 hopefully. If we want pick bolters, Wimbush just looks enormous. He can't be far off. Ojomoh has been good. Beard has been good. But I have a feeling Rekeiti Maassey-White (I've butchered that name probably) is gonna come online fairly shortly. He might benefit from a tour. But I am sure Borthers will pick the right chaps.

[@newwavetvuk859]

Hen slade is a skilled player, good last min passes drawing in defenders, oli Lawrence is a powerhouse and goes well with slade Would like to see what slade and freeman can do together with feyi waboso on wing Furbank definitely better in attack then Freddy stew, so F-Bank fullback, Other wing, radwan or Ollie Thorley from Gloucester Also zach mercer at centre could be an-option, but will need to transition quickly if going down that route. I’m from glos and rate him but he will need to change his mouth and keep opinions to himself. Just got the wrong attitude tbf IMO....

[@peterweston189]

Realise that I'm off topic here, how is Cassius Cleave doing?

[@rugbyanalyst]

Doing good I think, in and around the England age groups. Still very young. Young Offiah may be even better tho

[@peterweston189]

@@rugbyanalyst thanks Rich. They should add to the pace and power department. Wimbush looks like he offloads well

[@Nick-ed1ru]

Fisilau wasn’t on your list??

[@rugbyanalyst]

For this video or the backrow one? I think he looks really promising as a backrow, maybe one more preseason to get a bit more bulk for the international game I would say.

[@robertwhalley882]

Spot on, I dont believe Slade is an international center as he cant impose himself against big physical teams but would be a useful guy to bring on Ojomoh and Freeman given none of the others really stand out as being potentially world class (at least not yet)

[@WillDugdale-me2ko]

Question for England fans: if BJVR becomes eligible for England before he gets capped by SA, would you call him up?

[@rugbyanalyst]

Inside centre is wide open in the England team, so yes definately. When does he qualify?

[@WillDugdale-me2ko]

@@rugbyanalyst 2026

[@JackN13_]

Embarrassing the mighty English continue poaching

[@rorymkirk]

The entire EQ Saints back line should go. Too much talent and interconnectivity AND interchangeability not to. Defensively rock solid, just watch any of them smashing Leinster heavies, especially Fin. Happy you’ve included Freeman here, he’s far more versatile than “just” a wing.

[@mattcheesman1055]

Tyler Offiah please, his dad loved contact when he played for Wigan, absolute legend! Tyler ASAP please!!!

[@rugbyanalyst]

Yep, only u18s ATM but could be the real deal

[@mattcheesman1055]

Offiah could be a 12 or 13. For future consideration obviously!!

[@mikehyde8657]

I would like to see Freddie Steward transition to 12 but maybe NZ not the best place to do this.

[@jsp__]

Marchant already came out and said the Saracens rumors were nonsense

[@rugbyanalyst]

Thanks for the info

[@fraserposford144]

Do a Jordie Barrett and play Freddie Steward at 12? He's too slow to play fullback but is an excellent ball carrier.

[@rugbyanalyst]

Yes, many people have suggested this also. The problem is he'd have to request to play their for Leicester and they probably need him in the back 3 more.

[@WillDugdale-me2ko]

Leicester have looked decent with Shillcock at FB to be fair. But Steward's major strength is under the high ball which would be wasted at 12. Also can't see him having the skill set needed to be a worldclass inside centre

[@euanwalters8246]

If you play Steward at centre then you take away his biggest strength which is catching the high ball.

[@charlespirate1]

Tuilangi had a sensational match in 2011. Since…

[@jonnybaynham1689]

Don't watch rugby do you? Great debut in 2011 against Wales and follow up against Ireland with tries apiece. Young but immediately improvement on Tindall, Hape, or Banahan. 2012 he had a great six nations, strong against the Boks in summer, and steam rollered the prime All Blacks in the autumn. Not consistent over 2013-18 due to lots of injuries but when he did play he was the prime go forward/crash ball player. 2019 he was top of his game. Superb go forward, terrorised Ireland in 6 nations and summer tests. Superb leading the blitz defence to topple Oz and NZ in the world cup, preventing Mo'unga from getting the ball beyond 12 at all. Added to his go forward ability he was an asset at centre. Injured 2020-2022 and replaced with lightweight centres. Still made an impact in the winning test against the Boks in 2021. Since he came back he lost weight but 2023 he had great battles with Aki and ran through him in the 6 nations on a few occasions. Not sure if you expect him to be the saviour of English rugby. It's an injury ridden career but he has been an asset whenever he was available.