By Oscar Reilly
As this series of articles focusing on the English Squad for the Rugby World Cup continues on, we now come to the embarrassment of riches that is the Second Rows. England are blessed to have some of the best locks in the world, and working on the assumption that Jones will bring 4 to the World Cup, let’s dive in and see who has the best chance of making it.
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Maro Itoje
The golden boy of English rugby and likely a future England captain, Itoje is one of the first names on the teamsheet. Maro has been involved in the squad since before the last World Cup, but missed out on selection. The time has come for him to show his ability at the biggest tournament in the world. The only thing that could prevent him being in the squad is injury.
Likelihood: 10/10
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Courtney Lawes
One of the biggest hitters in the world, Lawes’ carrying and handling game have improved vastly in the last World Cup cycle. With the ability to play 6, his versatility will be to his credit. He’s a potential starter, and will be in Japan barring injuries.
Likelihood: 9/10
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Joe Launchbury
In my opnion, Launchbury is one of the most underrated players in the squad. His omission from the Lions 2 years ago was a farce, and has been one of England’s most consistent players over his 58 caps. With Lawes considered ahead of the Wasps man at the moment, Launchbury may have to settle for a bench spot, but should certainly be on the plane.
Likelihood: 9/10
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George Kruis
Kruis started each of England’s Six Nations games in 2019 ahead of Launchbury, with his partnership with Itoje and hooker Jamie George forming for both club and country. Another British and Irish Lion in England’s lock ranks, Kruis is another who should have a ticket to Japan, providing injuries do not hit.
Likelihood: 8/10
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Charlie Ewels
Ewels is an exceptional talent, and at 23 years old already has 10 caps to his name with a 90% win rate. Ewels has taken his chances well for England and yet is unlucky to be competing with such phenomenal second rows, and Ewels is a testament to the strength in depth England are blessed with. If Jones decides to bring four second rows, and there are no injuries to the previously mentioned players, then Ewels will likely miss out, but he is biting at the heels and is really not far behind.
Likelihood: 4/10
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Nick Isiekwe
Another Saracen, Isiekwe has 3 caps to his name at just 21 years old, and has already played 43 premiership games for Saracens. Isiekwe will have a role post-2019 with England without question, but like Itoje 4 years ago, this tournament has come a little soon for him to mount a challenge for a position.
Likelihood: 2/10
As this series of articles focusing on the English Squad for the Rugby World Cup continues on, we now come to the embarrassment of riches that is the Second Rows. England are blessed to have some of the best locks in the world, and working on the assumption that Jones will bring 4 to the World Cup, let’s dive in and see who has the best chance of making it.
_____
Maro Itoje
The golden boy of English rugby and likely a future England captain, Itoje is one of the first names on the teamsheet. Maro has been involved in the squad since before the last World Cup, but missed out on selection. The time has come for him to show his ability at the biggest tournament in the world. The only thing that could prevent him being in the squad is injury.
Then-uncapped Itoje narrowly missed out on the World Cup Squad in 2015, but is now a dead cert, barring injury, to make it this time.
Likelihood: 10/10
_____
Courtney Lawes
One of the biggest hitters in the world, Lawes’ carrying and handling game have improved vastly in the last World Cup cycle. With the ability to play 6, his versatility will be to his credit. He’s a potential starter, and will be in Japan barring injuries.
Likelihood: 9/10
_____
Joe Launchbury
In my opnion, Launchbury is one of the most underrated players in the squad. His omission from the Lions 2 years ago was a farce, and has been one of England’s most consistent players over his 58 caps. With Lawes considered ahead of the Wasps man at the moment, Launchbury may have to settle for a bench spot, but should certainly be on the plane.
Launchbury will be confident of playing a large part in this year's tournament
Likelihood: 9/10
______
George Kruis
Kruis started each of England’s Six Nations games in 2019 ahead of Launchbury, with his partnership with Itoje and hooker Jamie George forming for both club and country. Another British and Irish Lion in England’s lock ranks, Kruis is another who should have a ticket to Japan, providing injuries do not hit.
Likelihood: 8/10
______
Charlie Ewels
Ewels is an exceptional talent, and at 23 years old already has 10 caps to his name with a 90% win rate. Ewels has taken his chances well for England and yet is unlucky to be competing with such phenomenal second rows, and Ewels is a testament to the strength in depth England are blessed with. If Jones decides to bring four second rows, and there are no injuries to the previously mentioned players, then Ewels will likely miss out, but he is biting at the heels and is really not far behind.
Likelihood: 4/10
_______
Nick Isiekwe
Another Saracen, Isiekwe has 3 caps to his name at just 21 years old, and has already played 43 premiership games for Saracens. Isiekwe will have a role post-2019 with England without question, but like Itoje 4 years ago, this tournament has come a little soon for him to mount a challenge for a position.
If he continues developing at his current rate, Isiekwe will be sure to play a big role in France in 2023
Likelihood: 2/10
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