Danny Cipriani has revealed his favoured England backline for future selections, suggesting that Steve Borthwick should consider his suggestions.
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With both Anthony Watson and Owen Farrell not making the cut, we've combined his thoughts from his Mail Online column and his recent tweets to present his preferred lineup.
It's box-office.
BACK-THREE:
15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers)
Cipriani said: '"Everybody at Leicester has been raving about Steward for a while and I would like to think England are as excited at his exceptional attacking potential as well as his towering presence under the high ball, for which he is best known."
14. Max Malins (Saracens)
Cipriani said: "I've gone for Malins on the left wing because most teams have right-footed kickers, so he can work on the pendulum with Steward, who should start at full back."
11. Christian Wade (Racing 92)
Cipriani said: "This fella has left the country, had 4 years in a serious professional sport, come back and is still the best winger in England.
“I reckon it’s exactly the type of player our national team could do with at the World Cup…”
CENTRE:
13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs)
Cipriani said: "Watching the Premiership, I’ve seen Slade play over the top of a blitz defence many a time. He can throw big 30-yard passes, off both hands, looping over the top of defenders."
12. Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks)
Cipriani wrote: "You want Manu Tuilagi running hard lines but you want your wingers holding their width to get on the end of those pass."
HALFBACKS:
10. Marcus Smith (Harlequins)
Cipriani said: "It's tough on Owen Farrell because he has started the season so well but Smith has picked up from where he left off last season."
Marcus Smith of Harlequins looks dejected after losing during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Exeter Chiefs and Harlequins at Sandy Park on 25th September 2022. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
9. Harry Randall (Bristol Bears)
CIpriani said: "I'm going for Harry Randall at nine because of the speed he plays at. He reads the game quickly and he's the most similar option to Danny Care."
Harry Randall of England is tackled during the Match between England and Barbarians at Twickenham Stadium on 19 June 2022. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
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