MX23RW : Thursday, December 12 13:44:38| >> :120:29384:29384:

In Focus: England's World Cup squad selections

Eddie Jones has named his party.

England head coach Eddie Jones has announced his 31-man squad for the Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Here, PA looks at the hits and misses of his selection.

HITS

Ruaridh McConnochie has earned his place
Ruaridh McConnochie has earned his place (Paul Harding/PA)

Ruaridh McConnochie: The 27-year-old Bath wing is Jones' solitary uncapped player for their World Cup mission in Japan. A former England Sevens star who helped Great Britain win a silver medal at the Rio Olympics three years ago, he possesses lightning pace and is a prolific try-scorer.

Piers Francis: Northampton centre Francis joined the Saints from Super Rugby franchise Auckland Blues, having moved to New Zealand in 2009. A Saracens academy product who also played for Waikato and Doncaster, he made his England debut against Argentina in 2017. Also offers Jones another fly-half option behind World Cup captain Owen Farrell and George Ford.

Willie Heinz has impressed Eddie Jones
Willie Heinz has impressed Eddie Jones (John Walton/PA)

Willi Heinz: The 32-year-old Gloucester scrum-half was born in Christchurch, New Zealand, and after impressing for his club he was handed an England debut in Sunday's World Cup warm-up clash against Wales at Twickenham, when Jones also made him vice-captain. He relished the occasion and delivered an assured display.

MISSES

Ben T'eo has been an England regular
Ben T'eo has been an England regular (Mike Egerton/PA)

Ben Te'o: Former Worcester centre Te'o was involved in an altercation with squad colleague Mike Brown during England's recent training camp in Italy and not considered for the Wales warm-up encounter. Te'o, a British and Irish Lions Test player in New Zealand two years ago, has now been left out of the World Cup by Jones. At 32, his Test career appears to be over.

Ben Spencer: Highly-rated Saracens number nine Spencer has missed out on World Cup selection, with Jones surprisingly opting to take only two recognised scrum-halves in Heinz and Ben Youngs. Spencer enjoyed an outstanding season during Saracens' march to a European and Premiership double last season, but he will not be heading to Japan.

Harry Williams has missed out
Harry Williams has missed out (Adam Davy/PA)

Harry Williams: Exeter tighthead prop Williams has been an England match-day regular since making his Test debut in 2017. Often used off the bench, he has provided impressive impact. He also helped Exeter clinch the Premiership title two years ago, and he is an integral part of a powerful Chiefs pack, but Jones can find no place for him in his World Cup squad.

ID:367893: cacheID:367893:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:8332:
Written by
P A
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Eddie Jones watches on during England training on March 15, 2019
Read Next:
Eddie Jones hits out at "ridiculous" Scott Barrett red card
>
Read more about Eddie Jones Rugby Union
rhs 2.0
Today's games header


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!