England legend picks his team to play Ireland, he's selected Ben Earl at centre
Rugby NewsTuesday, 27 February 2024 at 11:36
Stuart Barnes, the esteemed rugby commentator and former England fly-half, is known for his willingness to offer unconventional perspectives without hesitation.
RUCK’s 2024 Guinness Six Nations content
Writing in the Times this morning, Barnes has elevated his approach even further, suggesting a daring selection strategy for Steve Borthwick to consider before his team faces Ireland at Twickenham in the fourth round of the Six Nations.
Ben Earl at inside-centre:
“So I am picking him at inside centre. He can slip back to No 8 for the odd attacking scrum and link up like a back-row forward.” Barnes writes before going on to offer justification for the move.
“If anyone thinks England don’t need to think radically after the constant failure to ignite under Borthwick, they are condemning England’s fans to dreary wins against weak teams and disappointment against superior sides.”
Ben Earl of England celebrates during the Six Nations Match between England and Wales at Twickenham, London on 10 February 2024 (Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)
Back-row transformation:
Barnes has chosen a formidable back-row lineup, comprising Ollie Chessum at six, Sam Underhill at seven, and Zach Mercer making a return to the squad as number eight.
He wrote: "My pack is picked to scrummage and use Chessum's threat at the line-outs tail, where Ireland struggled at times against Wales. Martin adds a bit of oomph, while a recall for Zach Mercer brings some much-needed footballing ability to merge with the breakdown work of Sam Underhill."
Zach Mercer of Gloucester Rugby on the break during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Gloucester Rugby and Harlequins at Kingsholm Stadium on October 14th, 2023 in Gloucester, England. (Photo by Phil Mingo/PPAUK/Gallagher)
Stuart Barnes England XV:
- Joe Marler
- Jamie George
- Dan Cole
- Maro Itoje
- George Martin
- Ollie Chessum
- Sam Underhill
- Zach Mercer
- Alex Mitchell
- Marcus Smith if fit/Fin Smith
- Immanuel Feyi-Waboso
- Ben Earl
- Ollie Lawrence
- Tommy Freeman
- George Furbank
Quiz: Can you all of the Guinness Six Nations winning captains?
Securing victory in the Guinness Six Nations is undoubtedly special, but achieving this triumph as a captain is a feat that remains a distant dream for many.
In the storied history of Rugby's Greatest Championship, exceptional leaders have emerged—warriors of various forms, be they agile half-backs, towering second rows, or fearless flankers.
Our latest quiz invites you to identify those who have captained their nations to Guinness Six Nations glory. It's worth noting that in certain instances, there may be multiple captains from the same year due to factors such as injuries and rotation.
Surnames only will be accepted.
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