"Not good enough" - Three changes England must make for All Blacks clash

Saturday, 12 November 2022 at 18:37

byRugby Rucker

We take a look at three changes we think Eddie Jones should make ahead of their huge All Blacks clash at Twickenham next weekend.

#1. Jonny May

Telegraph 6/10: "Yellow carded for killing the ball scrambling back to stop Riley. Little threat in attack and looked rusty."

The I 6/10: "Flew up and down the field in true Jonny May fashion. His kick chase was fast as per and helped force a knock on and pressure Japan catchers. His cover tackle on Dylan Riley, whilst impressive, resulted in a yellow card, however. But whether it’s rust or age, he’s starting to slow down it seems."

Replacement: Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints), Adam Radwan (Newcastle Falcons), Cadan Murley (Harlequins)

Jonny May of England during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Tonga at Twickenham Stoop on 6 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

Jonny May facts:

May married his long-term partner and personal trainer Sophie in 2017
He was childhood friends with pop star Ed Sheeran
May has played for three clubs in his professional career: Moseley, Gloucester and Leicester Tigers
He’s second on England’s all-time top try-scorers list behind Rory Underwood (49)
May once ran the 100m in 10.71 seconds, just 1.01 seconds slower than Usain Bolt’s world record

#2. Luke Cowan-Dickie

Telegraph 6/10: "England tried to get him rumbling on a loop off one lineout and he looked more at ease this week, with the lineout going OK too. Will England revert to having George as the starter?"

Planet Rugby 6/10: "Unfortunately was not on song with his lineout throwing but was good otherwise without being outstanding."

Replacement: Jamie George (Saracens)

Exeter Chiefs player Luke Cowan-Dickie during the warm up before Gallagher Premiership Match between Wasps and Exeter Chiefs at the Coventry Building Society Arena, Coventry on October 16th - PHOTO: Steve Bond/PPAUK

#3. Maro Itoje

Rugby Pass 7/10: "Playing this world-class lock at blindside is a debate that will run and run, no matter what excuse Jones will suggest in defence of his selection."

The I 7/10: "Whilst he wasn’t necessarily impressive at six again, perhaps because of the impact Courtney Lawes usually makes, he was involved in some crucial moments for England."

Planet Rugby 6/10: "A great lineout option used fairly frequently, and whilst the Saracen did have a good game, he is still more effective as a second-row."

Replacement: Jack Willis with Itoje moving into the second-row alongside Jonny Hill

Final whistle celebrations for Maro Itoje of England Rugby after the Six Nations Championship match between England and Wales at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on February 26th 2021. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

Maro Itoje facts

He doesn’t enjoy drinking beer
He likes to collect art in his spare time
As a schoolboy, Itoje played several sports including basketball, football, rugby and athletics, representing England at U17 level in shot put
Maro got a rugby scholarship to London Harrow school when he was 11. He then studied for a Politics degree at the School of Oriental and African Studies in Bloomsbury, London at the same time as starting his rugby career
He is also the cousin of Bath’s loosehead-prop Beno Obano
The lock was born Oghenemaro Miles Itoje in Camden, London on 28 October 1994 to Nigerian parents

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