ENGLAND WILL enter the autumn without four of their biggest names including the Vunipola brothers after Eddie Jones was unconvinced by their recent resurgence on club duty.
With the 2023 World Cup in mind, Mako and Billy Vunipola, Jamie George and George Ford have been overlooked for the 34-man squad picked for next month’s Tests against Tonga, Australia and South Africa.
The Vunipola brothers and fellow forward George have been left out despite excelling for Saracens since their initial snub from the extended training squad named a month ago.
Ford’s generalship has been a key factor behind Leicester’s emergence as runaway Gallagher Premiership leaders after five rounds but the fly-half, another mainstay of the Jones era, is omitted once more.
Jack Nowell, the Exeter wing with a lengthy injury history, and Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson have also been jettisoned ahead of a campaign that opens against Tonga at Twickenham on November 6.
“This is a young but very good and talented squad who have all earned their places. It is one of the most competitive squads I have ever picked,” said Jones, who has confirmed that Owen Farrell will continue as captain.
“There are a number of disappointed players who haven’t been selected, but they know what they need to do and no door is closed to any player.”
Leicester hooker Nic Dolly and Northampton full-back Tommy Freeman make their first appearances in a senior England squad, while Gloucester centre Mark Atkinson and Sale scrum-half Raffi Quirke complete an uncapped quartet.
Marcus Smith is one of eight who made their debuts in the July victories over the USA and Canada to survive the cull from 45 to 34 players, with the Harlequins fly-half’s inclusion coming at Ford’s expense.
Jamie Blamire, Callum Chick, Trevor Davison, Alex Dombrandt, Adam Radwan, Harry Randall and Freddie Steward are also present having impressed during the summer.
While Jones is looking to the future in his selection, some developing prospects have been unable to force their way into contention.
Ollie Lawrence, Louis Lynagh, Joe Marchant, Lewis Ludlow and Beno Obano have been removed after winning places in the initial training group announced last month.
“We’re looking forward to three tough Test matches. Tonga always play a strong, physical game and Australia and South Africa have had extended periods together and will be a good challenge for us,” Jones said.
“Our aim each week will be to get better and better as we work towards the 2023 World Cup.”
For all that was said about Kildare doing well under McGeaney, I feel they underachieved considerably. Way too much hype with no end product and no silverware to show for it either.
If Kildare actually played good football instead of talking how good they are and the LEGENDS that are on the team they may have some hope
Dublin-Meath games always have the potential to be crackers. Its my favourite rivilary in the GAA, I think allot of teams(weaker counties)are beaten by Dublin before a ball is kicked, Meath will not fear them and id say they will give them a good game.That said I’d say the Dubs will still win by 4 or 5 points.
Going to order a ticket for this one and as a neutral im hoping for a good old fashioned Meath v Dublin battle.
Meath are up against it obviously but we’ve already got a chance, as I said above we’re going to need goals, and a lot of them. Dublins squad is so strong it’s hard to see us matching them for 70 mins, but if we can pressure their kicks like we did last year, and with Paddy O’Rourke booming balls onto their 50 yard line with his own we should win most of that ball, it’ll give us a chance at least
Dublin would want to wake up from their first half slumber. Two games in a row now and won’t get away so lightly against better opposition.
Yesterday the wrong option was selected a lot of the time in the first half. Take the easy points lads.
Cormac Costello is a class act,
Up the dubs.
Beat two teams by cricket scores and still not happy. Typical Dub supporter. You dont know how good you have it!
A ridiculous comment. These are the best days to be a Dublin supporter that I can remember for a long time.
First half in both games so far the finishing was poor. If they play like that against Meath they’ll be punished.
From someone who played GAA
Everyone is talking of how far they are ahead of every team in Leinster, Meath are not that far behind in talent considering Dublin have far more money and better sponsorship deals. It’s great to see Dublin do so well and as a Meath man we are going to catch them.
What has money got to do with it? They can’t buy players or pay them
The 7 point differential in last years Leinster final begs to differ! Meath wilted badly in the 2nd half yesterday and there was an abundance of poor wides from both them and Kildare
Dublin really should have too much for us tbh but you can see what Mick O’Dowd is trying to do. At every opportunity yesterday, Meath drove straight for goal…this has been in preparation for a crack at Dublin. O’Dowd knows that if Meath are going to have any chance we’ll have to create and take every goal opportunity that we can. Now we didn’t take the chances yesterday, but they were created none the less.
The last time Meath beat Dublin was in 2010, our forwards were on fire and we banged in 5 goals. Without doubt this will be the idea again.
Money has a lot to do with it = better training facilities and a lot more.
Hon the royals!
Haven’t missed a match so far this year . Meath getting stronger no doubt . Dublin didn’t get out of 2nd gear till mid way through the 2nd half . Attendance was ok but I’m sure i won’t get a ticket come final . Typical :( COYBIB
Darren you can buy tickets for the final at Super value stores or go online and get them through tickets.ie.
Who only charge €1 for postage and no booking fee unlike ticket master.
You should have got a season ticket. If my county were possible All Ireland candidates id get on.
It is great to see Dublin and Meath go head to head in the final. https://twitter.com/DeclanJCarr/status/483245084226621441/photo/1