Meet the backs England should pick to face the All Blacks
Published:England start the build up to next year’s World Cup with the toughest test in world rugby when the All Blacks visit Twickenham on Saturday afternoon.
Stuart Lancaster’s men are 3/1 to win next year’s Rugby Union showpiece and are only behind New Zealand in the betting but in west London at the weekend, and over the next four weeks, we will see where England actually are in the pecking order of world rugby.
England are 9/4 to repeat their 2012 heroics against the All Blacks, who are 1/3 favourites, and every single player in white will have to give their all to the cause if they are to start the autumn international series in perfect style.
Here Oliver Yew runs through the backs who Ladbrokes News thinks should wear the Red Rose on their chests on Saturday afternoon…
9. Danny Care – Harlequins
England’s livewire. The new father is finally growing up and that can only help him show his full potential in the white of England.With the World Cup on the horizon and the likes of Ben Youngs, Lee Dickson and Richard Wigglesworth all competing for the number nine jersey, Care will get the first opportunity to impress at the base of England’s scrum so expect plenty of fast thinking, breaks around the fringes and quick tap-and-goes from the scrum-half as he attempts to get England on the front foot.
10. Owen Farrell – Saracens
The Saracens man’s lack of game time for his club is a potential concern for many but it won’t be a problem at all for England’s Mr. Dependable. With George Ford breathing down his neck expect the 23-year-old to make plenty of kicks and raise his game to an even higher level than we have already experienced from him.
11. Jonny May – Gloucester
The Gloucester winger will be back in England’s starting XV after seeming to fall from favour on England’s summer tour of New Zealand last summer. He gets his chance with Marlon Yarde heading back to Harlequins to continue his recovery from an injury which has prevented him training with the England camp. May has failed to score in his seven appearances to date but has pace in abundance and will be hoping to use it to good effect against the All Blacks.
12. Kyle Eastmond – Bath
Another in-form star who gets his chance to impress on the international stage. The rugby league convert was hauled off at half-time after a nightmare first-half against the All Blacks in Hamilton but after an electric start to the season for Bath, Lancaster has placed his faith in the 25-year-old once more.
13. Brad Barritt – Saracens
A rock in defence and he will need to bring all that and more if he is to help England shut out the All Blacks on Saturday. The Saracens man, who was a key component of England’s 38-21 record-breaking win over New Zealand back in 2012, is back in form after a spell on the sidelines and will move to the outside centre position in the absence of injured pair Luther Burrell and Manu Tuilagi.
14. Semesa Rokoduguni – Bath
The story of the autumn internationals! The Bath winger’s rise to prominence has been astonishing and he gets his chance with England’s as the form winger in the Aviva Premiership. The 27-year-old only joined Bath two years ago and is still serving in the British army having seen action in Afghanistan’s Helmand Province as a tank driver with the famous ‘Desert Rats’. He will be hoping to bring his domestic form to the biggest stage of them all.
15. Mike Brown – Harlequins
England’s star performer throughout last year’s autumn internationals and this year’s Six Nations. His form has been patchy so far this season for club but with five tries to his name in England colours he’s a man for the big occasion and will not let his country down when the first kick goes up at Twickenham on Saturday.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
Fancy a flutter? Sign up today to claim up to £100 in free bets.
