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.
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Denne historien er fra October 20, 2024-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
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Sleightholme shows he has pace to burn
OLLIE Sleightholme recently clocked his fastest sprint time and is racing to cement his spot as an England starter.
McGoverne says playing for Chiefs is her priority
EXETER fly-half Olivia McGoverne has opted for club over country which will rule her out of contention for New Zealand’s World Cup bid in 2025.
Trinity aim to get the culture right
HIGH-FLYING Trinity have made a remarkable turnaround this season after narrowly avoiding relegation last term, heading into this weekend unbeaten and are now eyeing up promotion from Level 7.
YOUNG GUNS
Louie Gulley experienced the environment of England U20s’ World Championship triumph up close this summerand now has a burning desire to become an age-grade star. The 19-year-old Exeter Chiefs hooker was part of Mark Mapletoft’s squad but didn’t manage to make an appearance during the tournament.
The Cherry & Whites lay down marker over Lucs
CAMBORNE maintained their lead at the top of the table with a bonus-point win against their nearest challengers in a pulsating game.
A brace from Botterill is key to victory for Esher
A highly entertaining and enthralling contest between two sides fighting at the foot of the table was eventually won by Esher after the lead had changed no less than seven times throughout an absorbing afternoon.
Chiefs in hunt for new investment
TONY Rowe has confirmed the search for new investors into Exeter Chiefs has begun as he looks to safeguard the longterm future of the Premiership club.
McParland keen to shine for England A
NORTHAMPTON scrum-half Archie McParland feels he has returned a better player following a nasty injury that denied him a World Cup winners medal and is now ready to fly into a new opportunity with England A.
Undercard get chance to show their A-game
ENGLAND’S A team today get their first major work-out after being resurrected earlier this year when Australia’s undercard provide the opposition at The Stoop.
England look like a clueless rabble
I WATCHED with a growing sense of bewilderment as England yet again took to the field against Australia looking to all intents and purpose as if they had just been introduced to each other on the coach into Twickenham.
