Neil Back

Backy: England show mature side

Fri Jul 10 07:51AM

Bar one or maybe two players, I don't think there can be too many arguments with Martin Johnson's elite player squad for the autumn internationals.

Some have described it as a 'mature' squad, and it certainly has plenty of experience. But I see nothing wrong with going for proven players of a certain age, just so long as they are fit and can still compete at the highest level.

The England team of 2003 was accused of being too old and look what we achieved!

After a strong finish to the Six Nations, England did not have the best of summers when they lost to the Barbarians and drew a series with Argentina.

There is pressure with every game at international level, but Jonno and his team are under even more pressure now to do well in the autumn.

They need to rediscover their form from the end of the Six Nations and show that they are continuing to make progress. They had started to develop a certain style and we need to see more of that.

I think Jonno's 'mature' squad is a reflection of this pressure to do well in November, when they have to win at least two of the three Tests with Australia, Argentina and New Zealand.

After the autumn I think we will see Jonno introduce some younger faces for the Six Nations. There is some exciting young talent in the Saxons and I expect more of them will get a chance in the senior squad early next year.

I think the most unlucky player not to make the EPS was Nick Kennedy, who has done well the few times he has started for England.

Kennedy has also been the most efficient lineout operator in the Premiership for the past couple of seasons, and his athleticism allows him to attack the opposition throw.

But if you look at the locks Jonno has gone for you can see how it must have been a tough call. Skipper Steve Borthwick obviously gets a spot in the squad, while Simon Shaw (pictured) had such a fantastic tour with the Lions that he definitely merits a place.

The other two locks are both from Leicester; Ben Kay finished the season strongly while Louis Deacon is likely to be fresh after recovering from a long-term injury towards the end of the last Premiership campaign.

And although I think they'll only be used in the back row, Tom Croft and Jordan Crane can also pack down in the second row.

So the competition Kennedy faced was very stiff, but I think he will get another chance. He's a very good player and will not be far from England's thoughts.

While on the subject of locks, I have to say how impressed I was with Shawsy's performances for the Lions. He was magnificent and right up there as one of their best players.

Shawsy will be 36 in a few months time, but I reckon he has at least one more season at the top level. Much will depend on how he is managed by his club and country, but his current form is too good for him not to carry on for at least another year.

I doubt he will make it through to the next World Cup, but after the way he played against the Boks you never can tell!

Comments1 - 12 of 12

good comments from backy, nice to read what the pro thinks, don't know if i'm star struck or what but nearly always agree with what he has to say.
From mesteele42 on Fri Jul 10 01:19PM
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Good artical Backy
From danswaste on Fri Jul 10 04:38PM
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Backy has once again proved that he knows what he's talking about, gets the point acrooss aswell
From rugbymad666 on Fri Jul 10 06:59PM
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One lock who still has it and who should feature is Danny Crewcock. Always gives an outstanding preformance wheather Bath, England or lions.
From pangbelize on Sat Jul 11 01:18AM
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I agree with the others, Neil Back speaks sense. When will he rightfully be invited to join the england coaching staff ? I know he's tied into another job at present, but surely an offer of this type would be hard to resist ? Especially when you consider who he would be working with ?
From greenstandard on Sat Jul 11 08:30AM
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Yep, Backy's good, straightforward and honest. With maybe a bit of a lean towards Leicester, but a minor and forgivable one.
From ddubdrahcir on Sat Jul 11 09:52AM
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Spot on Backy. I think that the way Cipriani sulked on the Saxons tour he is lucky to get in at even the one he has been included.
From dexterj1259 on Sat Jul 11 11:17AM
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When are they going to start work on their world cup team. the clock is ticking.
From poolioinglesias on Sat Jul 11 11:23AM
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Kennedy is unlucky that Johnson is a numpty and has included Borthwick in the squad
From basil_feilding on Mon Jul 13 11:21AM
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Englands real problem is this is the same list of locks, that backed up Englands 2003 squad. In six yers we have had nobody new. England need a new lock of the size and athletism of Shaw/Johnson and they don't seem to have one.
From harv_shmarv on Mon Jul 13 12:38PM
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I agree with backy the older guys are in form. Whats worrying is where are the younger players, no-one has broken through into the old guard for nearly a decade in key tight 5 positions except sheridan. Some have tried but found to be not upto it it physically.....hence the return of shaw etc at the end of last years 6 nations....
From garyhorrobin on Mon Jul 13 02:08PM
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sugrue...you really need to get out of that bedroom of yours..pop down to the local library..read a few books and then come back here with something intelligent to say...theres a good lad.
From pjmcinerney on Tue Jul 14 05:56PM
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