John Mitchell has revealed the name of the 32 players to represent England at the home RWC.
We shouldn’t call any of them surprises; all the many called to training sessions were worthy of consideration.
But those most likely to have been overjoyed at the good news are Abi Burton, Jade Shekells and Lilli Ives-Campion. Each has taken her own distinctive path to the elite and deserves huge congratulation.
The suspicion is that Mitchell knew most, if not all of his squad long ago. There will have been earnest discussion with his staff (Sarah Hunter, Lou Meadows and Louis Deacon) about the last few places, but they knew they were picking from a fruitful orchard.
The team combines quality, experience and versatility.
One major concern is the inclusion of (my eyes don’t deceive me?) only five props: Bern, Botterman, Carson, Clifford and Muir. Some can play either side, but if injury intervenes?
Qualified presences in the front row are a MUST, unlike the back row, where eight of the squad have played.
Mitchell has stuck to his favoured 18:14 split. I hope the absence of an extra prop doesn’t lead to unwanted consequences. At least English players are used to the weekly slog in the league but in a RWC the contests grow ever tougher.
The choice of only two scrum-halves ( Hunt and Lucy Packer) throws a weight on Claudia Macdonald-Moloney’s shoulders. Certainly, I saw her play brilliantly there for Wasps, but that was a few years ago. Remaining ready to play 9 or 11 at this level is a big ask.
Mitchell has stayed loyal to his senior players, Hunt, Marlie Packer and Scaz, who can now contemplate her fifth RWC. Her first was also in England, fifteen years ago. Some player!
How can anything possibly go wrong? Ah me.
