Starting today, the players selected for Englands Rugby World Cup training squad have five weeks to show head coach Eddie Jones why they deserve a place on the plane to Japan.
Last Thursday Jones announced a list of 35, plus three injured players receiving treatment, that he says will be whittled down to the final 31 by 12 August.
Jones intends to decide his final World Cup squad three weeks before the 2 September deadline, allowing him to work with them exclusively in the preceding summer internationals ahead of the tournament.
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“Each match will have a purpose – of which we wont be divulging – but each match will be about how we can progress to win the World Cup,” Jones said.
Only three places up for grabs
England play Wales home and away on 11 and 17 August respectively before hosting Ireland at Twickenham on 24 August and facing Italy at St James Park in Newcastle on 6 September. They fly out to Japan two days later.
The injured trio remaining in camp are Jack Nowell, Mako Vunipola and George Kruis, all of whom Jones says he is “100 per cent” certain of being fit for the World Cup.
While Joe Marler was the surprise inclusion in the training squad after ending his self-imposed international exile, former captain Dylan Hartley joined the experienced heads of Mike Brown, Chris Robshaw and Danny Care in missing out completely, albeit due to a long-term injury.
Jones offered hope to those who have not made this squad, including another injured player in Dan Robson, by insisting he would have an “open-door policy” over the coming weeks, although it is unlikely that this is any more than a guard against the unforeseen.
He did also claim there were only “about three” positions in the final 31 that were still up for grabs.
Ciprianis chance to impress
One of those fighting for a spot will be Gloucesters Danny Cipriani, who retained his place in the training squad and who Jones has afforded the chance to prove his worth within the camp for an extended period.
“This is the most exciting opportunity for the team because its the only time in England rugby where you get four or five weeks with the players to actually build the team, and hes got an opportunity to show it just as the other 37 players have, so Im eager to see how we go,” Jones said of the 31-year-old.
Jones forced to compromise on cap count
The Australian coach also emphasised the importance of having experience in the side, despite omitting the aforementioned senior players in favour of a handful of uncapped talents.
“You need about 650-700 caps [in the team]. Well be a little bit shy of that, but theres some things you cant control in the cycle of a team,” Jones said.
“I had a four-year plan. First two years, build the base, which is about experienced players.
“You hope those experienced players can continue on to the World Cup. Some dont, and the game changes a little bit, which we dont control. So weve had to make some alterations.”
Late bolters are extra Christmas presents
But Jones sees the likes of Baths Ruaridh McConnochie and Northamptons Lewis Ludlam bursting onto the scene last season as a positive.
“Theyve picked themselves,” he added, highlighting the outstanding seasons both had. “The great thing for us is weve had a couple of young guys coming through and those X-factor players that come in late are the added bonus.
“They are the extra presents under the Christmas tree that you didnt know about.”
Starting today, the players selected for Englands Rugby World Cup training squad have five weeks to show head coach Eddie Jones why they deserve a place on the plane to Japan.
Last Thursday Jones announced a list of 35, plus three injured players receiving treatment, that he says will be whittled down to the final 31 by 12 August.
Jones intends to decide his final World Cup squad three weeks before the 2 September deadline, allowing him to work with them exclusively in the preceding summer internationals ahead of the tournament.
Read more: Heres why Leicester Tigers have been put up for sale
“Each match will have a purpose – of which we wont be divulging – but each match will be about how we can progress to win the World Cup,” Jones said.
Only three places up for grabs
England play Wales home and away on 11 and 17 August respectively before hosting Ireland at Twickenham on 24 August and facing Italy at St James Park in Newcastle on 6 September. They fly out to Japan two days later.
The injured trio remaining in camp are Jack Nowell, Mako Vunipola and George Kruis, all of whom Jones says he is “100 per cent” certain of being fit for the World Cup.
While Joe Marler was the surprise inclusion in the training squad after ending his self-imposed international exile, former captain Dylan Hartley joined the experienced heads of Mike Brown, Chris Robshaw and Danny Care in missing out completely, albeit due to a long-term injury.
Jones offered hope to those who have not made this squad, including another injured player in Dan Robson, by insisting he would have an “open-door policy” over the coming weeks, although it is unlikely that this is any more than a guard against the unforeseen.
He did also claim there were only “about three” positions in the final 31 that were still up for grabs.
Ciprianis chance to impress
One of those fighting for a spot will be Gloucesters Danny Cipriani, who retained his place in the training squad and who Jones has afforded the chance to prove his worth within the camp for an extended period.
“This is the most exciting opportunity for the team because its the only time in England rugby where you get four or five weeks with the players to actually build the team, and hes got an opportunity to show it just as the other 37 players have, so Im eager to see how we go,” Jones said of the 31-year-old.
Jones forced to compromise on cap count
The Australian coach also emphasised the importance of having experience in the side, despite omitting the aforementioned senior players in favour of a handful of uncapped talents.
“You need about 650-700 caps [in the team]. Well be a little bit shy of that, but theres some things you cant control in the cycle of a team,” Jones said.
“I had a four-year plan. First two years, build the base, which is about experienced players.
“You hope those experienced players can continue on to the World Cup. Some dont, and the game changes a little bit, which we dont control. So weve had to make some alterations.”
Late bolters are extra Christmas presents
But Jones sees the likes of Baths Ruaridh McConnochie and Northamptons Lewis Ludlam bursting onto the scene last season as a positive.
“Theyve picked themselves,” he added, highlighting the outstanding seasons both had. “The great thing for us is weve had a couple of young guys coming through and those X-factor players that come in late are the added bonus.
“They are the extra presents under the Christmas tree that you didnt know about.”