The Bath centre has made a storming start to the season, scoring three tries in Bath’s opening four matches and being named man of the match in all bar one, but when England open their autumn campaign against New Zealand at Twickenham in 13 days, he may be wearing 12 rather than 13.
Lawrence has started England’s last five internationals at 12, operating inside Henry Slade who has yet to play this season after undergoing shoulder surgery following the summer tour to Japan and New Zealand.
Moving Lawrence to 13 is an option for England head coach Steve Borthwick. Slade led to blitz defence system favoured by Felix Jones, but the coach handed in his resignation after the tour and has been given an analysis role at home as he serves his 12-month notice period with Joe ElAbd taking over.
Lawrence has taken on leadership duties in defence with Bath this season and has relished the extra responsibility which has in no way diminished the threat he poses in attack.
“Making sure there is a balance in my game is something I am constantly working on,” said the 25-year old Lawrence who joined Bath after the collapse of Worcester two years ago. “I do not want attack to be my only strength and am focused on making my defence as strong as possible.
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
Morris hat-trick lifts Steelmen
HOOKER Ieuan Morris came off the bench to settle matters for Ebbw Vale at Carmarthen Quins with his stunning second half hat-trick completing a 39-11 victory in Super Rygbi Cymru.
Joe keen to follow in family footsteps
JOE Ford is leading the charge to take Doncaster Knights to the promised land but says they have a long way to go before that becomes reality.
Robson keen to make it to the top with Coventry
COVENTRY ended the first five-match block of fixtures as the Championship’s only unbeaten side and full-back Charlie Robson has his sights set on promotion, and eventually playing for England.
Hancox joins the 200 club
AFTER 10 years of donning the red, black and yellow shirt for Bournemouth, skipper Grant Hancox made his 200th appearance this month after their Regional 2 South Central clash against Winchester.
Bear keen to be a big hit Down Under
FORMER Cornish Pirates back row Bear Williams has flourished in making the difficult transition from rugby union to league and has plans to play in Australia’s NRL. `
To play in two World Cups was a dream
RUGBY started quite late for me.
Call time on this pantomime ploy
THIS 60-second shot clock twaddle. If we must continue to plough down this blind alley it needs to apply from the moment the referee awards the penalty. If the authorities are going to put some stick about at least do it properly and with conviction.
Coetzee's pulling his weight again
WHETHER he starts or comes off the bench, Jaco Coetzee is just happy to be contributing fully to Bath’s revival after an injury-hit start to his career in blue, black and white.
Murray's on a wing - and a prayer ...
BLAIR Murray began the week ‘in a state of shock’ at having gone from nowhere on one side of the world to the starting grid for the autumn Tests on the other.
We need to kick on after winning at last
Paul Rees talks to Ethan Grayson who heard from two rugby legends after he helped Newcastle end their 25-match losing run
