Midfield has been a problem for England since the retirement of Will Greenwood. After an ill-conceived positional switch for the second Test against New Zealand, Manu Tuilagi should now be assured of the No. 13 shirt. Inside him, there are at least five options.
In terms of complementing styles, Billy Twelvetrees is hypothetically the best fit, but Lancaster relegated him to the stands after a disappointing second Test in Dunedin. Luther Burrell plays at 12 for Northampton, but for all his qualities, he can be quite erratic in defence. Kyle Eastmond showed great promise in the first Test, but after being left out for the second, he looked out of sorts in the third Test. Lancaster did not manage his situation very effectively.
The final two options are most left-field. Cross-code convert Sam Burgess could be a fantastic inside-centre in union, but he faces a battle against the clock in order to prove himself before the 2015 World Cup. There is also the strong suggestion that Bath, who will pay his wages, will play him in the back-row.
In the likely event of Burgess not making it, England could consider playing Owen Farrell at No. 12. His defence, physicality and game-management skills are all suited to that position, and it would allow Lancaster to play a more creative fly-half, perhaps George Ford, who played alongside Farrell for the England age-group sides.
This is a key decision that will affect the shape of the back line, and one Lancaster must get right.Â
Article source: http://uk.reuters.com/article/2013/12/03/rugby-irb-awards-idUKL4N0JI3G320131203
5 Key Selection Decisions for England Ahead of the 2015 Rugby World Cup
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