Ben Earl set to play centre for England during the Six Nations

While acknowledging Jones’ history of bold—and sometimes baffling—selection decisions (remember his use of Jack Nowell as a flanker?), Moore thinks there might be something to the idea.

"There’s no doubt Earl is a supremely skillful player," Moore wrote in his column for The Telegraph. "And while he does occasionally give away needless penalties, his overall contribution to the team cannot be overstated. He's a dynamic force in the back row, but moving him to No 12 could unlock a new dimension for England’s midfield."

Moore explained that deploying Earl at centre could allow England to make better use of their stacked back-row options, both in the starting lineup and from the bench. “The back five of the scrum often leads in work rate during Test matches,” he continued. “If Earl moves to No 12 in the second half, it gives England more flexibility to rotate their back-row talent and keep the pressure on.”

The former England lock pointed to Earl’s brief stint at centre during the 52-17 win against Japan last year, when he featured in the final 20 minutes. “It’s difficult to fully judge the success of that change," Moore admitted.

"England were already in control, and of course, the team was down to 14 men following Charlie Ewels’ red card. But one thing that stood out was Earl's ability to make yards after contact. He offers something extra when carrying the ball forward.”

But Moore is quick to point out the risks of starting Earl at centre. "Starting Earl at No 12 would fundamentally change how England’s outside centre and back three are brought into play," he explained. "Earl’s defensive skills would also be tested far more rigorously by better sides than Japan. However, just like Owen Farrell before him, I’m confident Earl could ‘do a job’ at 12."

That said, Moore urged caution about making the move too soon. "It’s far too risky to trial Earl at centre against Scotland," he stated. "But against Wales later in the tournament? That could be the perfect opportunity to see if it’s a viable option going forward."

"If Earl is to play at centre for England," Moore concluded, "he needs to be playing in that position for his club as well. That’s the only way we’ll get a true sense of whether he can make the position his own."

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The 2003 World Cup hero, who earned 97 caps for England and the British & Irish Lions between 1998 and 2011, has revealed the five players he most "hated" facing during his career.

Lomu's one of a kind and the impression he left on so many lives while playing for the All Blacks was vividly illustrated by the reaction to his death in November 2015.

WILKINSON SAID: "One of the most recognisable characters in World Rugby and a man who sparked fear in the eyes of opposition defences. The guy is quite a remarkable rugby legend and deserves to be so. No list would be complete without him.”

DID YOU KNOW? Lomu scored seven tries during the 1995 World Cup and added a further eight in 1999

Holds the Six Nations record for most tries with 26 and was chosen Player of the Tournament in the 2006, 2007 and 2009, leading Ireland to one Grand Slam and three Triple Crowns. Europe’s finest.

WILKINSON SAID: “The ability to change the game in a second, a heartbeat, with his movement, with his skill, his game reading but also his leadership.”

DID YOU KNOW? O’Driscoll is the all-time Irish try scorer and has led his country more times than any other player

WILKINSON SAID: “Someone incredibly fierce but very very down to earth” and “at times he’s exactly what a team needs,” according to Wilkinson.

DID YOU KNOW? Botha is regularly listed in 'greatest ever' sides and coach Bernard Laporte said he was the greatest player he ever coached

Lifting the 2011 World Cup in his backyard was a fitting tribute to one of the greatest ever All Blacks, but he went on to secure true legendary status as he continued for four more years, breaking record after record and uniquely hoisting the Webb Ellis trophy for a second time.

WILKINSON SAID: "“A guy that stood the test of time and has remained at the best, the highest level of the game for that time. Finishing second best was never an option."

DID YOU KNOW? McCaw led his country to World Cup glory in 2011 and 2015

Dominici played 67 times for his country and won the French championship five times with Stade Français before retiring in 2008. In recent years he had worked as a pundit for French radio and TV before his death in 2020.

WILKINSON SAID: "His opportunism, his flair, his game reading, his sheer explosivity to really change a game is something that sticks in my memory.”

DID YOU KNOW? Dominci appeared in three World Cups for his country in 1999, 2003 and 2007, scoring eight tries over that time.

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Despite facing a formidable All Blacks side, the squad was packed with legendary talent representing England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

From unforgettable tries to moments of controversy, this tour had it all—and it’s time to see just how much you remember!

Can you recall every player who pulled on the famous red jersey during that iconic tour? Dive into this quiz to test your Lions knowledge and relive a piece of rugby history!