State Of The Nation – The Front Row

Very little has changed in the front row for Eddie Jones in his time as head coach of England.

Of the three positions, Hooker and Loose-Head have remained areas of strength whilst there has never been the same quantity of quality at Tight-Head. So where is Eddie at now and how best can he use the remaining internationals of 2020 to move his England team forward.

Hooker

In 2016 Eddie selected Hartley, Jamie George & Luke Cowan-Dickie and the position has been an area of consistency since. George & Cowan-Dickie are players of the highest quality and regularly star for both club & country; I expect both to make the next Lions Tour. The question remains of who is the next the cab off the rank and to make sure they are immersed into the squad ethic, should anything happen to George or Cowan-Dickie. Tom Dunn, followed by Jack Singleton appear to head the queue as have been repeatedly selected without being handed significant game-time. Personally, I’d like to see Harry Thacker & young Alfie Barbeary included given their x-factor. Harry Thacker is capable of beating any player in a one-on-one and has a gift for keeping the ball alive. Barbeary at 20, already feels like a future captain and could be a world beater.  An area of considerable strength for Eddie.

Loose-Head

Five years ago Eddie opted for Mako Vuniploa, Mullan and Joe Marler in the number one jersey and two thirds of that trio remain central to his plans. So far, so consistent. Joe Marler’s period of retirement, has not lessened his importance to the side and a fully fit Mako Vunipola remains a great attacking option to Eddie. Whilst Ellis Genge is one of our most dynamic ball carriers, his form after the restart was somewhat subdued, so Eddie will be looking forward to getting him in the camp and getting him back on track. On the other side of the form coin is Bath’s Ben Obano, who’s physicality appears to improve with each game in the premiership. In addition to these four, Eddie also has the Exeter pair of Ben Moon & Alec Hepburn, two players that are comfortable amongst the elite in Europe. An embarrassment of riches to call upon.

Tight-Head

In his first 6-Nations squad, Eddie selected Dan Cole, Paul Hill & Henry Thomas, none of which remain part of his plans. England’s lack of alternative to Kyle Sinckler played a significant part in there defeat in the world cup final last year. Eddie has repeatedly picked and dropped Harry Williams but appears to be unconvinced by his credentials. He has though identified Will Stuart and has now called up Simon Kerrod to see if he can provide an alternative in such a key position. Somewhat surprisingly Eddie has selected Leicester Tiger’s Joe Heyes in a recent training squad, a player struggling for game-time in a pack going backwards might not be the best preparation for International rugby. I expect Ehren Painter at Northampton to push for inclusion soon.

So the Plan for the next six tests for Eddie should be to cap Obano, Barbeary & Thacker to reward them for their domestic form. The priority though remains at Tight-Head where alternative options capable of deputising for Sinckler, who has had his injury and fitness concerns of late, are urgently needed. Eddie and the coaching staff need to work closely with Stuart and Williams to make sure the team have the strong foundations that a good Tight-Head brings.