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Seven England over-30s whose Test careers might cycle out by 2023

Jonny May /PA

It’s approaching midway between Rugby World Cup cycles, a critical time for squad selection. National team coaches have to assemble squads not just according to the next tournament, but with one eye to developing talent ahead of the sport’s showpiece tournament.

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According to World Rugby, prior to the 2019 tournament, the average age of a winning World Cup squad has an age of 27 years and 258 days. While coaches can’t select on age, it’s a statistic that will not be lost on the game’s strategists. Balancing grizzled veterans, players in their prime and emerging talent is very much part of the selection puzzle for all elite coaches.

England head coach Eddie Jones has made no bones about the need to cull ahead of 2023. Speaking in March of this year the Australian said that they are expecting to cycle out roughly 30 per cent of their Six Nations squad.

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“We are definitely going through a transition period now and had a fairly settled team from 2019 to now and like most teams when you have had a settled period there needs to be a little bit of a revision of your members and to freshen it up and we are going through that at the moment,” said Jones. “I would say anywhere up to 70 per cent of this squad will go through to the World Cup but it will be dependent on their desire, form, fitness and so we take all those things into consideration and make the final decision.”

From an age point of view, Jones’ current squad doesn’t appear to have an age problem, with just seven members of his 2021 Six Nations squad (as named on January 22nd) over the age of 30.

JOE LAUNCHBURY – 30
Has been bedeviled by injury in recent seasons and us facing stiff opposition in the engine room department but you can’t rule out him.

JONNY MAY – 31
Although capped 70 times by England, it doesn’t feel like the lightning-quick May is a player in the Autumn of his career. Thirty-three, which May will be the next RWC, is semi-geriatric in winger years though. Form says yes but logic suggests it’s an uphill battle for the Gloucester man.

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JOE MARLER – 31
In his prime as a loosehead, Marler will be 33 by the time France comes around. He’s missed out on tours for families reasons in the past and is getting far more involved in the media of late. Still, his involvement is still very much possible.

BEN YOUNGS – 32
Youngs, who withdrew his name for selection for the 2021 Lions, will have just turned 35 in October 2023. Jones still relies heavily on the Leicester Tigers stalwart but the next World Cup may be a tournament too far.

COURTNEY LAWES – 32
An Eddie Jones’ favourite, his fine Lions’ form belies the utility forwards’ advancing years. He won’t be far off his 35th birthday in late 2023 and with 87 Test caps currently to his name, he’s certainly got the mileage.

JAMIE GEORGE – 30
32 is no age for a hooker and you fancy George will be continuing to fight for the England starting spot with young lion Luke Cowan-Dickie by the time the Rugby World Cup comes around.

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MARK WILSON – 31
A late bloomer on the international stage, Wilson may well have already played his last time for England. Will turn 33 during the tournament.

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H
Hellhound 12 minutes ago
What has happened to Aphelele Fassi?

Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.


Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.


As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.

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R
RedWarrior 53 minutes ago
'They smelt it': Scott Robertson says Italy sensed All Blacks' vulnerability

I think Italy were always targetting this match and intended to win. They needed to exorcise the 2023 RWC. I think they could have done with a bit more help from other 6Ns particularly from Ireland to knock more holes in NZ and their confidence.

Mentioned before the Italy Argentina match was a virus that ripped through the Italy camp early that week. In general play Italy were competitive albeit with a high error count and crucial missed tackles.

Ive said it before the era of NZ turning up unprepared for all comers and triumphing is definitively over. If a Tier1 team target NZ and NZ do not prepare accordingly they are in with a major chance of losing. It used to occur the odd time in RWCs against France, now it can occur v any Tier1. The competition has improved. NZ can still be at the top but their talents must be deployed sufficiently into dismantling teams as with their attack then allowed to exploit.

They dismantled Ireland pretty well in Dublin which went largely unnoticed. That allowed them scoreboard advantage and attacking opportunities of which one was enough.

That Italian team beat Wales and significantly Scotland last year. They used the loss to NZ in the most positive way possible. No doubt NZ prepared but I would assume it was similar to versus Argentina: 3/4 arsed at best. These test matches are rare and this was another chance to practice dismantling a determined and prepared opponent which was lost. If Italy had scored a 7 pointer at 17-6....an Italian win was on.

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