By Oscar Reilly
We are less than 5 short months away from the hugely anticipated Rugby World Cup in Japan, and as the tournament draws closer, speculation of who will be on the plane begins to become more and more prominent.
With less than five months before England get their campaign underway against Tonga, it's time to analyse which Englishmen will be representing the Rose come September; and what better place to start than with the Props.
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Mako Vunipola
Put very simply, Mako has to go. He’s been one of the outstanding looseheads in the world over the last few years and, barring injury, he will be on the plane to Japan.
Likelihood: 10/10
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Ellis Genge
The man once described as a “baby rhino” has been making a name for himself in an England shirt recently. Having played in 4 of England’s six nations games this year, it would seem reasonable to assume he will be involved in some respect in Jones’ World Cup plans.
Likelihood: 8/10
______
Alec Hepburn
One of the newest faces in the England match day squads, Hepburn has 6 caps to his name from the 2018 Six Nations and Autumn Internationals, but did not feature in the most recent Six Nations. Still has a lot to do before he can be safe as the third choice loosehead.
Likelihood: 5/10
______
Ben Moon
Moon was late to the international scene, making his test debut at the age of 29, but has been playing for the Exeter Chiefs since 2008 and is their longest serving player. With a wealth of experience in the league, it is likely to be a straight shootout between Hepburn and himself for that last spot. Too close to call.
Likelihood: 5/10
_______
Kyle Sinckler
Sinckler has been involved in all 14 of England’s last full internationals, starting 12 of them. While his discipline leaves a lot to be desired, it’s hard to look past him as England’s first choice tighthead. Barring injury and disciplinary action, Sinckler will be in Japan.
Likelihood: 10/10
_______
Harry Williams
Another of Exeter Chiefs embarrassment of riches in the front row, Williams has been vastly improving for both club and country, having made his international debut in 2017. However, Williams has only started in 3 of his 17 international caps, against Argentina twice and Japan. The only thing standing in his way is experience; nevertheless it is likely he will be involved.
Likelihood: 8/10
_______
Dan Cole
Cole is by far the most experienced man on this list with 88 international caps, and yet his place is not assured. Cole was dropped following England’s awful 6 Nations in 2018, and has only featured 3 times since. However, a huge improvement in club form has thrown his name back into the ring of selection, and it’ll come down to Jones’ decision of whether to take 5 or 6 props to secure his place.
Likelihood: 6/10
We are less than 5 short months away from the hugely anticipated Rugby World Cup in Japan, and as the tournament draws closer, speculation of who will be on the plane begins to become more and more prominent.
With less than five months before England get their campaign underway against Tonga, it's time to analyse which Englishmen will be representing the Rose come September; and what better place to start than with the Props.
_____
Mako Vunipola
Put very simply, Mako has to go. He’s been one of the outstanding looseheads in the world over the last few years and, barring injury, he will be on the plane to Japan.
Vunipola shone in England's first two games, but injury against France meant he would miss the rest of the campaign
Likelihood: 10/10
_____
Ellis Genge
The man once described as a “baby rhino” has been making a name for himself in an England shirt recently. Having played in 4 of England’s six nations games this year, it would seem reasonable to assume he will be involved in some respect in Jones’ World Cup plans.
Genge's carrying power and scrummaging ability should see him on the plane to Japan
Likelihood: 8/10
______
Alec Hepburn
One of the newest faces in the England match day squads, Hepburn has 6 caps to his name from the 2018 Six Nations and Autumn Internationals, but did not feature in the most recent Six Nations. Still has a lot to do before he can be safe as the third choice loosehead.
Likelihood: 5/10
______
Ben Moon
Moon was late to the international scene, making his test debut at the age of 29, but has been playing for the Exeter Chiefs since 2008 and is their longest serving player. With a wealth of experience in the league, it is likely to be a straight shootout between Hepburn and himself for that last spot. Too close to call.
Moon will battle it out with fellow Exeter props for a place on the plane
Likelihood: 5/10
_______
Kyle Sinckler
Sinckler has been involved in all 14 of England’s last full internationals, starting 12 of them. While his discipline leaves a lot to be desired, it’s hard to look past him as England’s first choice tighthead. Barring injury and disciplinary action, Sinckler will be in Japan.
Disciplinary issues seem Sinckler's most likely way of missing out in Japan
Likelihood: 10/10
_______
Harry Williams
Another of Exeter Chiefs embarrassment of riches in the front row, Williams has been vastly improving for both club and country, having made his international debut in 2017. However, Williams has only started in 3 of his 17 international caps, against Argentina twice and Japan. The only thing standing in his way is experience; nevertheless it is likely he will be involved.
Likelihood: 8/10
_______
Dan Cole
Cole is by far the most experienced man on this list with 88 international caps, and yet his place is not assured. Cole was dropped following England’s awful 6 Nations in 2018, and has only featured 3 times since. However, a huge improvement in club form has thrown his name back into the ring of selection, and it’ll come down to Jones’ decision of whether to take 5 or 6 props to secure his place.
Few gave Cole a chance of rediscovering his best form, but he has been superb this season and a key part of Leicester's survival
Likelihood: 6/10
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