Phil Vickery disagrees with Eddie Jones England XV, would make two major changes

Friday, 04 November 2022 at 20:29

byRugby Rucker

England prop Phil Vickery has picked the team he would have started against Argentina in their Autumn Nations Series opener at Twickenham.

Alex Coles will make his international debut in the second row against Argentina on Sunday as Maro Itoje moves to flanker to cover the injured Courtney Lawes.

World Cup-winner Vickery, who played for England 73 times between 1998 and 2010, has revealed on Raging Bull's Facebook page that he'd make two major changes to the XV.

The 46-year-old isn't convinced by the Marcus Smith-Owen Farrell axis and would instead have Manu Tuilagi at inside-centre with Henry Slade on the outside.

A controversial pick is Saracens speedster Max Malins at fullback instead of Leicester Tigers and current England stalwart Freddie Steward.

His final change compared to Jones' selection is injured Courtney Lawes in place of debutant Coles.

Phil Vickery facts:

He was a member of England’s World Cup winning squad in 2003, playing in all seven matches in the tournament
Vickery ended his club rugby career at London Wasps, joining the London side in 2006 after eleven years with Gloucester Rugby
Given the nickname “Raging Bull”, he played in three Rugby World Cups, including as England captain in the 2007 tournament
The prop toured Australia and South Africa with the British & Irish Lions
Vickery has an Oriental tattoo on his left shoulder which roughly translates to “I’ll fight you to the death“

These retired rugby players put us 20- and 30-somethings to shame when it comes to fitness.

1. Jonathan Davies - 59

Less Guinness and more hard work has seen the former Wales star transform himself during lockdown. He looks incredible!

2. Will Greenwood - 48

The former England centre has shared a photo of his current physique and it’s impressive to say the least!

3. Matt Dunning - 41

Since retiring from rugby union the prophas lost a staggering 40kg, dropping from 25 per cent body fat to just 11 per cent. What an incredible weight loss with the Aussie undoubtedly in the shape of his life.

4. Lee Mears - 41

The former Bath and England international rugby player retired from the game due to a life-threatening heart condition. Trying to stay healthy has since became a priority and it's fair to say he's looking amazing!

5. Phil Vickery - 46

The World Cup-winning prop has transformed his body since hanging up his boots. Vickery, who won the 2011 series of Celebrity Masterchef, has recently opened his new Cheltenham restaurant, No.3, after the Coronavirus pandemic delayed first orders. He's literally half the man he used to be.