5 England Rugby Players with the Most to Prove Before the 2015 World Cup
With the Rugby World Cup just around the corner, everyone will be desperate to impress their national coaches in the hopes of making the squad.
Here, I take a look at the English players who need to prove the most this season for their clubs before the World Cup kicks off next September.
In coming up with this list, I have no scientific criteria for my rankings. It is merely personal opinion based on competition for places and the media scrutiny of the squad.
The players who follow are the ones I believe most need to perform well for their clubs in order either to make the squad or nail down a pace in the starting XV for England's World Cup opener against Fiji.
Honourable Mentions
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Christian Wade
A sparkling runner, Wade can light up the Twickenham crowd in the way Jason Robinson once did. However, there are severe question marks over his defence, and at present the idea of him lining up opposite George North is a terrifying prospect for England fans. If he can improve defensively, there is no doubt that Wade will belong in a white shirt come the World Cup.
Tom Croft
When fit, Croft creates a mismatch unlike any in world rugby. He is a stunning lineout forward, has silky hands and the pace to startle back lines. Unfortunately, the versatile back rower has struggled with injury throughout his career and missed all of last season with a knee injury. If Croft can prove his fitness, he has to make the 23 for England's World Cup opener.
Steffon Armitage
While he is playing in France, Armitage is seemingly out of consideration for England. However, his stunning performances in the Heineken Cup and Top 14 have some placing him alongside Richie McCaw as the world’s best openside flankers. If he wishes to remain in France and make the World Cup squad, he must play so well that it is impossible for England to ignore him.
5. Billy Twelvetrees
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Twelvetrees drew comparisons with Will Greenwood while at Leicester but has struggled to establish himself in the international game since his debut in 2013.
An elegant runner, strong passer and intelligent playmaker, there is no reason why Twelevetrees can't create a formidable centre paring with the dynamic Manu Tuilagi. For one reason or another, it simply hasn't clicked for him in an England shirt, but at 25 years of age, there is still plenty of hope for the Gloucester man.
A strong season for the Cherry and Whites and Twelvetrees should be wearing the No. 12 shirt to open the World Cup. Another year of struggles and he could miss the squad all together.
4. James Haskell
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James Haskell has all the potential to be a world-class back row for England but has never quite lived up to the hype.
Inconsistency and ill-discipline at times caused him to be a liability as he gave away crucial penalties. As a result, Haskell has spent the last few years dropping in and out of the side.
A versatile back-row forward, Haskell will likely make the squad for the World Cup; however, if he wants to play against the likes of Australia and Wales, rather than the smaller nations, he needs to demonstrate the form that once made him such an exciting prospect.
At 29 years old, this could be his last chance at international redemption.
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3. Owen Farrell
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Owen Farrell has 25 caps, is an established member of the England setup and a British and Irish Lion. So why does he make this list at No. 3?
Fly half is arguably the most important position on the pitch, and Farrell's main job is to create space for those around him, something in which he has struggled.
His game, while solid, is full of flaws, and his attacking instincts have come under great criticism. The back line has failed to impress throughout his tenure at fly half, and with exciting talents such as Danny Cipriani, George Ford and Freddy Burns playing in the Premiership, Farrell is a man with a target on his back.
If he improves his playmaking skills, Farrell's outstanding defence and kicking will make him the unquestioned owner of England's No. 10 shirt for years to come.
2. Chris Robshaw
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England's captain has been under pressure ever since he took the job in 2012, and while he has proved himself well as a leader, there is debate as to whether he deserves a place in the side.
Robshaw just misses out on the top spot because, despite the continued questions over his place, he has shown himself a fantastic captain and Stuart Lancaster is unlikely to ditch his leader so close to the World Cup.
England have a large number of quality back rowers, including James Haskell, Tom Wood and Tom Croft, all of whom are desperate for Robshaw's spot in the side. With the outstanding Steffon Armitage plying his trade in France, Robshaw has yet to establish himself as a world-class openside flanker.
A poor season for Harlequins, combined with good form from potential rivals, could see him lose his place in the starting line-up, despite all the positives Robshaw brings to the squad.
1. Sam Burgess
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Burgess may seem an odd choice for this list, as he is yet to make his rugby union debut for Bath. However, the rugby league convert is undoubtedly the English player with the most to prove before the World Cup next year.
Burgess tops this ranking based on his potential and England's need for a settled option in the centre.
With a huge reputation from his league days, and joining Bath for a world-record fee from the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Burgess is under pressure to star straight away when he links up with Bath in October. He has all the attributes to be a superstar for Bath and England for years to come.
He will need time to adjust to the 15-man game, but with no one able to hold down a place in the centre for England, Burgess could find himself making his international debut at the World Cup.
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