ACE groundhog Julian Salvi believes England are missing a trick by constantly overlooking the talents of in-form Wasps back rower Guy Thompson.
England’s lack of a genuine openside has come under intense scrutiny in wake of last week’s defeat by Scotland at Murrayfield, during which their flankers were comprehensively out-hustled by counterparts Hamish Watson and John Barclay.
With a World Cup looming, Exeter star Salvi told The Rugby Paper: “Coaches don’t like being told what to do, but given the way I play, my focus would always be on having a genuine No.7 in the side – a grafter who gets over the ball and gets the job done.
“It’s a question of balance and Scotland showed what can be achieved, but for whatever reason, England have been slow to do it. I guess the question is do you want to do it now, before a World Cup, or wait a bit longer and go with what you have?
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Outside centre best for Freeman - Burrell
FORMER England centre Luther Burrell believes Tommy Freeman is best suited at outside centre and has the attributes to become one of the best players in the world.
McGann calling all shots for Raiders
GUERNSEY Raiders took the honours against hosts Havant in their first meeting in the league.
We're Jamin! Hodgkins puts boot in to rivals
LUCTONIANS' first home game of the season saw them put away a useful Clifton side comfortably.
Rams finally end their Sale hoodoo with rout
RAMS produced one of their best performances of recent times to overcome Sale in resounding fashion on a sensational afternoon at Old Bath Road.
Wallabies push All Blacks to the limit in thriller
NEW Zealand kept their grip on their Bledisloe Cup but an had to endure encouraging Australian comeback from 21-0 down to suggest the future may not be as bleak as it seemed two weeks ago for Joe Schmidt's Wallabies.
New boys Chinnor open up in fine style
CHINNOR came, saw and conquered at Grantchester Road on their Championship debut, with Cambridge well off the desired pace in a lacklustre first-half for the hosts.
Yendle in place to steal it for Dragons
THE Dragons claimed a third successive victory over the Ospreys at Rodney Parade in the most dramatic fashion thanks to a converted try in the 84th minute of this URC opener.
We must find another gear - Sanderson
NO side accumulated more points than Sale after the break for the Six Nations last season, but Alex Sanderson says they will need to be better again to make the play-offs for the fourth time in five years.
Falcons can't hold on to livewire Randall
BRISTOL picked up where they left off last season, having won seven of their last eight and, although it took time for them to hit top gear, they departed Kingston Park with a deserved four-try victory.
'Old-man' Itoje has Saracens buzzing
SARACENS' new recruits fitted seamlessly into their style of play to run out convincing winners at Kingsholm for the third year in succession.