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Will Lewsey feature in Ashton's future plans?

  • Phil Harlow, 91热爆 Sport journalist
  • 14 Mar 07, 02:39 PM

Phil HarlowEngland badge Bath - England coach Brian Ashton may have only made to face Wales on Saturday.

But he certainly retains his reputation as a ruthless selector.

After starting all Six Nations matches so far, Josh Lewsey has been cast out of the entire squad following a disappointing performance against France.

His replacement by Sale winger Mark Cueto, who has never played at fullback for his country before and who has made only a handful of appearances in the position for his club, suddenly means his international future is looking a little uncertain.

Ashton has made it abundantly clear that the Wasps back will only be considered on the wing from now on, while emphasising the need for a 鈥渇ootballing鈥 fullback.

Yet chances could be limited on the wing in the run up to this year鈥檚 World Cup.

This time last year Jason Robinson was firmly in international retirement while David Strettle was playing for Rotherham in National League One. Now the pair seem firmly established as Ashton鈥檚 first-choice wingers.

I spoke to , on Tuesday afternoon after news of his omission had broken.

I cannot say I was particularly looking forward to making the call but to his credit, Lewsey was remarkably open and positive. He accepted Ashton鈥檚 decision with good grace and acknowledged against France he had fallen short of the standards he set himself.

Lewsey views his exclusion as a temporary setback and drew parallels with when Matt Dawson found himself in and out of favour from time to time.

Yet Strettle and Robinson are in the box seat on the wing, and the opportunity of playing at 15 has been closed off.

So, how do you rate Lewsey鈥檚 chances of getting himself back in Ashton鈥檚 plans for the World Cup?


Comments  Post your comment

  • 1.
  • At 03:16 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Michael wrote:

Form is everything, so unless he can rediscover sum form no.
Tindell besides his injury should not play again, he is absolute rubbish, besides being well built he is not close to international standards, and has been struggling for the last four years does nodbody notice this.
Please let me know cus everytime I watch him Id giv him a 2 or 3 out of ten.

  • 2.
  • At 03:23 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • James wrote:

I like Lewsey and think he is a great player, and I'm not sure that I agree with B.Ashton in that Lewsey can only play on the wing, I believe he could adapt to fback. But, being Ashton's decision, I cannot see how Lewsey can challenge for a place on the wing, whether in good form or not. Robinson is as incredible as he has always been, and Strettle is fitting in nicely and playing brilliant attacking rugby as well as solid defensive play, therefore I do not see Lewsey playing, but think that it is a shame, as he is just low on form now, and will recover....
'non ergo ut pecudes libidinosae'

  • 3.
  • At 03:24 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • James Wood wrote:

Consistantly the best player we've had over the past 4 years. Perhaps a time out would do him good, and show Ashton what we'll miss... how many saved tries has he performed in the past 12 months, I lose count!?

  • 4.
  • At 03:25 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Nick Crosbie wrote:

I feel sorry for Lewsey. He is a class player but has not played well for England for a couple of seasons now. He's not been helped by positional switches and differences in systems at Wasps. Cueto is a good pick. Has a solid try scoring record and offers a strong left boot. He won't let England down. Lewsey should've made the bench above Jamie Noon. Offers much more than him. Lewsey should make the World Cup squad - he's a better bet than Balshaw or Morgan. I've always rated Van Gisbergen as he seems to offer back three pace, stability and a trust place kicking record.

  • 5.
  • At 03:27 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • ShaneMcC wrote:

Why not Cueto on the wing and Robinson at full back? Is that not their most familiar and successful positions?

  • 6.
  • At 03:28 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Mike Webb wrote:

ashton has spoken by his actions, Lewaey was far short of the required concentration and committment for English internmational rugby.

  • 7.
  • At 03:29 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Tom wrote:

Lewsey can't be in the team on reputation alone, but I still think I prefer him at full-back than the likes of Morgan or Balshaw, for the pace and power he brings as well as his high-catching. Even though his best position has to be full-back he is more than capable on the wing, and with Robinson's ageing body and Strettle's inexperience I can't imagine Lewsey will be out of the set-up for long. Whilst I'm sad to see him out of the team, it's great to have competition for places to hopefully help the likes of Cohen, Cueto, Balshaw to have to raise their game as well as Lewsey,

  • 8.
  • At 03:29 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Ben wrote:

I imagine once Lewsey has regained his previous form, a starting berth on the wing will be his. I would start with Lewsey and Strettle on the wings during the world cup.

I don't think Cueto, Lewsey's replacement at full back, is the answer to this predicament. I would be tempted to play Geraghty at full back based on his cameo in the France game.

  • 9.
  • At 03:33 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Rene de Sousa wrote:

Yes, if England want any chance of winning the Rugby World Cup. It's as simple as that!

  • 10.
  • At 03:47 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • KingofStroud wrote:

In short I rate his chances as low - particularly if he is now only considered as a winger. I do however think he is a better full back than a winger - but sadly he is not better than Olly morgan who would, if he can stop getting injured, would be my starter at 15.

There are so many faster more elusive wingers available such as sacky, cueto (why is he at full back !!)voyce, strettle, robinson, varndell etc etc topsy ojo, haughton and so even sinbad would be more elusive on the wing - BUT FOR GODS SAKE NOT BALSHAW

  • 11.
  • At 03:59 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Simon wrote:

Make no mistake, Josh Lewsey is a very good player. He has often been one of the better players in an england shirt over the past few (horrible) years. He has been moved around the wasps backline for the past couple of seasons, which may have hurt him.

I think he has deservedly been dropped for now. But he seems an extremely determined individual and I have very little doubt we'll see him in an England shirt before the World Cup.

  • 12.
  • At 04:01 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Rajin wrote:

I think he'll find his way back in. He's suffering from playing in so many different positions for Wasps. When Ashton came on bored and started picking players on form, regardless of previous experience (the way to do it, it seems), I never thought that Lewsey would be axed.

I don't think this will be his swansong. There are eight months still before RWC07 begins. That's a great part of the regular season and World Cup warm-up matches. I think Cueto is a strange choice at full-back, given Ashton's ethos of picking players in their best position but with Morgan and Balshaw out and with Cueto having played full-back a fair amount for Sale in Jason Robinson's absence, he's probably the best choice.

Lewsey's experience but moreover his positive attitude, I believe, will find him a position on the wing in the future. It seems strange that at club level, Robinson would no doubt move to 15 with Cueto on the wing. I would be surprised if that doesn't happen when the Six Nations finishes. It's all speculation but Lewsey, I believe, will feature heavily in England's campaign to defend their trophy.

  • 13.
  • At 04:03 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Steven wrote:

If Ashton sees him only as winger, and will not consider him elsewhere, then it will be very difficult indeed for Lewsey to be selected regularly again. There are plenty of options at wing (Strettle, JSD, Robbo, Cueto, Varndell, Sackey etc) , so his only hope is for Ashton to change his mind and consider him for FB where options are more limited.

  • 14.
  • At 04:05 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Rajin wrote:

I think he'll find his way back in. He's suffering from playing in so many different positions for Wasps. When Ashton came on board and started picking players on form, regardless of previous experience (the way to do it, it seems), I never thought that Lewsey would be axed.

I don't think this will be his swansong. There are seven months still before RWC07 begins. That's a great part of the regular season and World Cup warm-up matches. I think Cueto is a strange choice at full-back, given Ashton's ethos of picking players in their best position but with Morgan and Balshaw out and with Cueto having played full-back a fair amount for Sale in Jason Robinson's absence, he's probably the best choice.

Lewsey's experience but moreover his positive attitude, I believe, will find him a position on the wing in the future. It seems strange that at club level, Robinson would no doubt move to 15 with Cueto on the wing. I would be surprised if that doesn't happen when the Six Nations finishes. It's all speculation but Lewsey, I believe, will feature heavily in England's campaign to defend their trophy.

  • 15.
  • At 04:08 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • DK wrote:

Lewsey will be back, no question about that.

  • 16.
  • At 04:11 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Ollie Watkins wrote:

Lewsey is in the same bracket as Mike Tindall and Ben Cohen i.e. superb athletes who lack the more basic of skills required on a rugby pitch. The passing skills of all three of these players are below what should be expected of a decent club player, let alone international, and Ashton will place more and more importance on basic skills the longer he is in charge. If Lewsey doesn't improve his handling and kicking game by some distance he'll find himself further and further down the pecking order.

  • 17.
  • At 04:13 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • harry sayers wrote:

Josh may have been off form in offense for a couple of games, but he is still a fantastic support player and one of the best defensive players in world rugby (just look at the number of try-saving tackles he has made for england). While i am sure Ashton has his reasons for never considering Lewsey at full back again, it would seem very closed-minded, as he has served England brilliantly (better than on the wing?) from that position in the past.
Would have been understandable to move Jason Robinson into the full back postion and placed Cueto on the wing, but it is a mystery why Cueto would be played at full back...although i would have said that about Corry in the second row and he had the best game of his international career from there last week!

  • 18.
  • At 04:13 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Joe wrote:

Personnally thought Lewsey made much more of an impact than robinson did against France. As much as i like robinson i feel defences have figured him out and his impact has been seriously refuced. Lewsey, Strettle and Cueto are the best back three players for me. Bring Robinson on as an impact sub when everyone is tired. For England to be successful in the world cup a player of Lewseys calibre cannot be left out.

  • 19.
  • At 04:14 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Loafer Steve wrote:

No doubt I'm wrong but I'd always thought Lewsey was a better full back than winger. He's not got blistering pace or dancing feet that makes the elusive winger but he's brave, has good defence and runs good lines. However, he's not clicking for England this 6N - eg. last game that terrible quick line-out, running in Tindall, lapses in concentration. Maybe being dropped will be the motivation he needs.
I'm sure he'll be in the 22 for RWC, he can cover so many positions; he just needs to decide which one is his best. Lewsey looks the sort of player that might do well at centre (he's played there with wasps).
Interesting since Ashton took over we are down to only one from the RWC winning XV (JR).

  • 20.
  • At 04:15 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Simon Carter wrote:

Brian Ashton has made it abundantly clear from his comments and selections this year that he will pick on form. When on form Lewsey is a class player and if he gets back to form with Wasps then he will absolutely feature in Ashton's plans.

There are bound to be injuries between now and the World Cup, we need more than 2 wingers anyway to allow for squad rotation against the weaker teams, and wouldn't it be great to have Strettle, Lewsey or Robinson on the bench as an impact sub?

  • 21.
  • At 04:22 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Dave wrote:

Lewsy has consistently been one of Englands better backs over the last few years. He has shown good hands, good running power and solid defense.

Strettle seems to have fitted into the side well, Robinson as long as he stays out of retirement is one of the best individual runners in the game so I can't see the wing being a position for Lewsy to jump into.

But look across the backs, you've got a revolving door at number 10, the 12,13 pairing have never sparked (though have been solid) and the 15 position is as much Lewsy's as anyone else can claim it, but apparently it's not his to have.

Lewsy for outside centre anyone?

  • 22.
  • At 04:24 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Will wrote:

Hes so experienced and people underestimate the value of this. he brings a cool head to the precedings, and he should definately be brought along and played. He's had a loss of form recently, so what? who hasn't?!

  • 23.
  • At 04:25 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • NINE-FIFTEEN wrote:

Yes England need Lewsey he strong fast with good hands and will tackle a train to and is proud to play for his country. He has only missed two games since the world cup final this being the second thats no-stop international rugby for 4 years now critics don't even think of rounding on him he has put heart and sole into English rugby and deserves a rest but when he does come back and he will he will be better

  • 24.
  • At 04:27 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Ian wrote:

Ashton has been brave and has made the right moves, players know that they have to perform. You can see that Lewsey has dropped off attack wise, but his defence is first rate.

Do you really want to have a light weight / inexperienced set of backs without a proven last line of defence, even if they attack 'like a winger'?

I have placed a bet that England will win the WC .... but Ashton is starting to scare me.

  • 25.
  • At 04:28 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • paul o'loughlin wrote:

dont be daft
course he'll feature
form is temporary but class is permanent

  • 26.
  • At 04:34 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Gina wrote:

I hope Lewsey is selected again. The game against France might not have been his best, but in all the previous games he repeatedly stopped England's opponents from scoring almos sure tries. "Thank god there's Lewsey" was a much uttered sentence in front of the telly during this 6 Nations...

  • 27.
  • At 04:37 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Becky wrote:

Yes Josh has to feature, i know he's the man i'd want to be the last line of defence against a rampaging All Black! I think this is a minor set back for him but he'll come back with a point to prove.

  • 28.
  • At 04:38 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Gina wrote:

I hope Lewsey is selected again. The game against France might not have been his best, but in all the previous games he repeatedly stopped England's opponents from scoring almos sure tries. "Thank god there's Lewsey" was a much uttered sentence in front of the telly during this 6 Nations...

  • 29.
  • At 04:40 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Monty wrote:

I agree, Enlgalnd need him back playing well, not only is he a formidable attacking threat, I get the impression he brings calming influence to the squad- similar to Mike Catt in that sense, an invaluable assest given the dirth of confidence that is still apparent within the team.

  • 30.
  • At 04:40 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • AlexT wrote:

Since when has Lewsey been preferred as a winger. Over the last four years he's been a world class full back. He's never been a world class winger, and in that position should be below Strettle, Robinson, Cueto, JSD in the rankings.

  • 31.
  • At 04:42 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Monty wrote:

I agree, Enlgalnd need him back playing well, not only is he a formidable attacking threat, I get the impression he brings calming influence to the squad- similar to Mike Catt in that sense, an invaluable assest given the dirth of confidence that is still apparent within the team.

  • 32.
  • At 04:43 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • rich molesworth wrote:

why have people not mentioned sackey!? only not starting the 6nations because of injury, one of the few players to shine in the autumn, if lewsey is just considered for the wing he will struggle to get back in. With Sackey having imprved his defence and both robinson and strettle looking solid, lewsey doesnt have anything over these players who are all much better attacking runners than he is.

  • 33.
  • At 04:45 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Jac wrote:

Lewsey's got to be an option for fullback for England for the WC. Balshaw's rubbish, Morgan's inexperienced and one-dimensional and Lewsey's best games for club and country are at 15. Also, Mike Brown deserves a chance on the SA tour, as he is a great 15.

  • 34.
  • At 04:45 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Tom J wrote:

I think this is a good move. Lewsey has been a great player for England and Wasps over the years but has always struck me as not the most naturally gifted or skilled of players. He runs great lines and must be, pound for pound, one of the strongest backs in the northern hemisphere, however he is frequently let down by poor passing or lack of instinct on the pitch.

Lewsey seems one of those players who is more a product of hard work in the gym and on the training pitch than a natural flair and feel for the game.

I think a rest will do him good. He doesn't look like he's enjoying his rugby at the moment..

  • 35.
  • At 04:47 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Smarty wrote:

Lewsey isn't done yet, he's too valuable a squad player though I see it hard for him to get regular selection now.

I don't remember England ever really having a cohesive back three who support and interact well with each other. I like that Ashton is looking for a footballing f/b and am interested in seeing how Cueto does. Robinson is not the answer there since he does not link well with other runners. He is too much of a one man show.

  • 36.
  • At 04:47 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Terry wrote:

I'm sure he'll be back. As somebody cleverer than me pointed out, form is temporary but class is permanent.

He'll recover his form and confidence and be back. Still think full back is his best position, he has an awesome tackle and misses very few.

Bit confused by the decision to play Cueto at FB with Robinson on the wing. If not for Ashton's suprisingly successful decision to play Corry at lock I'd have worried that he was coming down with Andy Robinson's disease of picking players out of position for inexplicable reasons. Hopefully he sees something in Cueto that the rest of us haven't yet.

  • 37.
  • At 05:02 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Jennie Apsey wrote:

Thank goodness England finally have a coach who is not frightened to pick form players in place of tried and tested players should they fall short of the standards required at this level. Lewsey has not been at his best for a while now, so Cueto deserves a chance. I'm sure Lewsey will back in contention for the World Cup as he is a magnificent defensive player and cuts some good lines when given the opportunity. No doubt there will be a few injuries before France 2007 so I'm sure he'll get back into the 22. He's definitely a better bet than the fragile Balshaw.

  • 38.
  • At 05:06 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • nic wrote:

lewsey will definitely be back for the world cup.
world cup starting XV
9 Ellis
10 Wilkinson
11 Robinson
12 Catt
13 Tait
14 Strettle
15 Lewsey

bring on Geragthy as an impact player

  • 39.
  • At 05:14 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • TheBardMan wrote:

I think im the only person in the world that is truely astounded by this decision!!

Lewsey is a quality full back IMO, admittedly he hasnt been playing at his best but still class. To drop him and then play Cueto at 15 is odd to say the very least! both Cueto and Robinson are fantastic, and i really rate this Strettle fella from what ive seen. So maybe bench lewsey and use him as an impact player... But NOON?!?! this is a crime!

Still, i think its make or break for Lewsey now. Either he becomes a centre and tries again (yes despite wat Ashton has said) or he goes for it on the wing. But as mentioned above, Cueto and Strettle are ahead in the pecking order, and this could (wrongly IMO) signal the end of consistantly our BEST BACK from 2003 to 2006.

TBM

  • 40.
  • At 05:24 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Liam Mason wrote:

It's a difficult call for Ashton to make but i think he should have had Lewsey in the Squad, he is too much of an influencial game player to leave out. There was no sign of dropping Corry when his game suffered!
I can't quite understand why Robinson isn't playing fullback with Cueto on the wing, surely this would bring more certainity and fluidity to the backs?
Lewsey will not be over looked for the World Cup, as i am sure Jonny Wilkinson wouldn't be!!!!

  • 41.
  • At 05:34 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Jonathan Sawtell-Gist wrote:

Form is temporary, class is premanent. Josh will be back.

  • 42.
  • At 05:36 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Spikey wrote:

I completely agree with Ollie Watkins comments about Tindall, Cohen and Lewsey. As a Wasps fan I've seen a lot of Lewsey and when on form he's a great winger, but he can't pass and his kicking isn't good enough, so he can't be a good 15. It always surprises me how many people underestimate what's required to be a good international 15. Pace, tackling and bravery are crucial but not enough on their own. You might save trys, but you aren't going to create many. I like the Cueto selection. He has pace, tackles well but also has better passing and kicking skills than Lewsey. Ok he hasn't played there much for Sale but he's always been a winger that looks for the ball and works well with the rest of the back three. In recent years he's created lots of tries for Hanley by hitting the line from the blind side and running great lines, ie. classic full back play. I think Ashton's showing that he really understands the skills required. I also think Robinson is more dangerous on the wing. People say he didn't do uch against France but he didn't get much ball!

  • 43.
  • At 05:36 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • jim wrote:

Personally I'm not sure about Lewsey. Is he carthorse or thoroughbred?

He certainly won't have been helped by the chopping and changing of positions but I have felt since WC that he seems to have got a little muscle-bound which is fantastic from a defensive point of view and for straight line speed and power but, at his best, he had a sidestep and change of pace which he seems to have lost.

Also, the Ashton mentality towards a live ball means that he is going to be receiving passes at close range, near his head, near his feet and in all sorts of areas where its not meant to be delivered. In addition, he will be expected to make passes quickly and in broken field. His physique must result in reduced flexibility which will make execution of both of these functions dificult.

I have also felt that he misfields a lot of high balls when he's not under pressure which may be part of the same problem.

Do I think this is the end of him, absolutely not, but I think he will be a squad player brought in to do a job rather than a first choicer.

That said, he's hardly over the hill and I could be proved completely wrong over the next few weeks.

On another topic, I am a huge fan of Brian Ashton and whilst I applaud some of the selection risks he's taken didn't he begin the tournament stressing the importance of selecting players in their club position.

Then we get Corry and now Cueto. Its worked so far. Never say never eh!

  • 44.
  • At 05:37 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • LI Fan wrote:

URM - doesn;t this go against BA's policy of picking hte "on form specialists in their own positions". I read that as being Robinson at FB (arguable), Cueto on the wing and not at fullback and Lewsey at Full Back. He has always offered more at FB than on the wing and I don't see Cueto as a FB either. Interetsing post about Geragthy at FB as well - Lewsey started his career as a Fly Half converted to FB - much like we see Cipriani doing now at Wasps. Still think it is harsh to drop him and he will be back.

  • 45.
  • At 05:38 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Harry wrote:

I think that Lewsey will only find his way back into the team if he rediscovers his form at full-back. I don't believe he is a winger and I think he's wasted on the wing. He's one of the best, if not the best defensive player we have. Just look at the cover tackle he made against South Africa in the autumn. He also picks decent lines. He should be considered at full-back not wing, once his form returns.

  • 46.
  • At 05:40 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • William Johnson wrote:

In response to blog 8 by Ben. I presume you don't think that Cueto isn't the answer is because his regular position is wing. Then how can you possibly think that Geraghty can be the answer at full-back? I think that Ashton knows what he is doing. I think the World Cup is probably too soon for him and the team but they will give it a good go. Whatever happens I hope they will stick with him until at least the end of 2008.

  • 47.
  • At 05:41 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Dom wrote:

i feel that lewsey being dropped out of the 22 all together was somewhat stupid of brian ashton and then to cut him out of the fullback role all together for england even more so.

he hasnt played that well of late but his defensive work is always brilliant and there has been plenty of backs who have had worse games in the six nations than him and they are still main pics (tindall...)

for the world cup he is needed!

  • 48.
  • At 05:42 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Alex Blake wrote:

If JL regains the form he was playing in 2003 I think Strettle and Robinson would have a problem keeping him out of the team. On that form he is world class, both as an atacking and defenfing back, and would push for selection in any team in the world.

  • 49.
  • At 05:49 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • William Johnson wrote:

I don't think Lewsey should be overlooked for the World Cup, but at the moment he is not playing well (by his own admission) and Ashton is being true to his word and picking players on form. Wouldn't be surprised to see the below lining up for England in the backs:

Ellis
Geraghty
Simpson-Daniel
Wilkinson
Tait
Strettle
Robinson

  • 50.
  • At 05:49 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Dick wrote:

Agree with Dave (04:22). Have always been impressed with Lewsey's speed and running lines when playing outside centre for Wasps. Coupled with his strong defence and international experience he would be my choice too.

  • 51.
  • At 05:51 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Chris Cooper wrote:

give ashton some credit, could this not be an attempt to give lewsey a kick up the backside and motivate him to give better performances? don't judge his decisions til they've run their full distance, we always seem to judge people to soon in this country.

  • 52.
  • At 06:00 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Mark Hannay wrote:

I think it is a little premature to rule JL out of the RWC07 - fine drop him for a few games, experiment with MC at 15 it may work, it may not (look at corry at 2nd row at the weekend - he had a great game) if it doesn't, as i suspect it won't, BA should def reconsider him at 15

Defensively Josh the bosh is up there with the best of them, solid under the high ball and cuts good lines - what more can you ask from a 15? i think the flair should be coming from other players who have been almost non existent over the last two years been namely a firing 12 and 13 partnership

  • 53.
  • At 06:01 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Ned wrote:

no one seems to have seen Lewsey play in the centre at Wasps - I watched a couple of games on TV a while ago and thought he was great.
(I think it was at the end of last season)
Inside centre - strong in contact, great defence and most important a bit of pace which the england backs miss
tindall is past it definitely and England need options.
Anyone notice how easily D'Arcy was converted from a full-back/winger into a centre?
Two years ago Lewsey and Drico were the best backs in Europe - he is a class act and will be back.

  • 54.
  • At 06:04 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Jerry Wood wrote:

Josh Lewsey is to me one of the best fullbacks in world rugby. He may have lost a bit of form but as they say class is permanent etc . Some people seem to have forgotten his performance against the Boks very quickly! The evidence that he was poor on Sunday didn't come over to me and he would have scored instead of Flood if Catt had seen him on his shoulder. Moreover the try would have been missed if the tackle on Catt hadn't been so pathetic. A proper international quality fullback, such as Lewsey, would have nailed Catt and we would not have scored. Does the idea that a fullbacks first responsibilities as defensive belong to another era? Who would you rather have defending the back line with the All Blacks bearing down? Lewsey or a girl's blowse like Balshaw?

  • 55.
  • At 06:10 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Sam wrote:

ashton said he will pick on form, which is the right way to go. after the performance he put in on sunday, he was always going to go. he can get back in with performances at club level, and he is one of the best, so as long as he steps it up, he will be back. its a good thing for english rugby

  • 56.
  • At 06:16 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • mr hunk wrote:

World CupStarting Team:

1)Sheriden
2)Hartley
3)Stevens
4)Jones
5)Palmer
6)Worsley
7)Rees
8)Easter
9) Ellis
10)Flood
11)Strettle
12)Wilkinson (c)
13)Tait
14)Robinson
15)Simpson-Daniel

  • 57.
  • At 06:20 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Josh wrote:

Like most of the posts on here I would say Lewsey is a class player off form, also that some of the England backs are simply not up to scratch, fundamental skills lacking despite being well built. Having played rugby for a while, I find it impossible to believe these are the best 15 players in the country. You never know with the world cup though, we should at least progress to the latter stages.

  • 58.
  • At 06:28 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Mark wrote:

It's a shame for Josh that he has been dropped, he's one of my favourite England players, but he has clearly been struggling. I've always considered him England's best fullback since, as mentioned by others, his defence is ace and he runs better support lines than Robinson. Morgan has potential, but little experience and Balshaw is, frankly, awful. He was amazing in the 2001 6N, but has not progressed, makes lots of mistakes and lacks judgement. Hope Cueto does well, he's always looked a cool customer and took to international rugby very easily, despite playing in an average England side. He also has a great ratio of 13 tries/18 starts. Josh will definitely be in the Cup squad because of his commitment and versatility, but England aren't short of wingers. Sackey and Sinbad should also be in the mix with Strettle and Robinson, so it may be tough for Josh to get back in. Good luck to him!!

  • 59.
  • At 06:33 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Samir Suliman wrote:

The balance of the team has to be right.. u can not start with Wilkinson, Farrell, Tindall and Lewsey in the same team, there would be no pace in midfield and simply not enough playmakers there.. Strettle and Robinson will scare even the All Blacks and along with Ellis form an exciting option. Backs sholud be.. Ellis, Wilkinson, Strettle, CATT, Tindall, Robinson and full back is still to be played for(barr Cueto, he shouldn't even play for Sale).. Catt should remain as captain, it interferes with Vickery. PS.. Lets get Richard Hill back ASAP

  • 60.
  • At 06:35 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • ted morrison wrote:

World Cup Starting team:
1-Sheridan
2-Chuter
3-Stevens
4-Corry
5-Palmer
6-Moody
7-Rees
8-Ward-Smith
9-Ellis
10-Wilkinson(c)
11-Strettle
12-Farrell
13-Tait
14-Cueto
15-Robinson

  • 61.
  • At 06:38 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • johnjonesjohn wrote:

how can ashton rule out lewsey ever playing at full back again 4 days after rating him the best full back in the country?

  • 62.
  • At 06:40 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • AndyB wrote:

I have read all this with interest and note that the vast majority support Josh's skill and tenacity. take the Quarterback pass out, put the pass to him instead of Flood and noone would be dropping him. I do think his future is at outside centre though.

  • 63.
  • At 06:48 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • CommentatorCurry wrote:

Lewsey has been the stand-out player for England over the last couple of years, but has paid for a loss of form. There's no doubt in my mid he'll be back in the starting line-up because he is the kind of guy who will respond in the right way to this kind of wake-up call. I prefer him at full-back rather than wing, because he cuts a great line and makes numerous try-saving tackles, and I prefer Cueto on the Wing as a lethal finisher. Ashton clearly isn't afraid to ruffle the feathers of a few established team members but I am a little wary of his tendancy to play people out of position......

  • 64.
  • At 06:51 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Tom Lax wrote:

Josh ewsey has bags of experience at 15 and on the wing, but he still deserved to be dropped, it will do him a bag of good. However putting cueto at full back seems a bit desperate in my opinion, he may have a blinder. However if he is unsettled in the first few minutes it could be a very long day for the sale man. Robinson has been figured out in attack, it is no secret, however he brings experience to the squad and still knows his way to the try line. However it is still a learning curve and may work very well.

That aside there are two other points that have to be made. Firstly the idiotic idea of bring jamie noon back into the squad and secondly the idea of starting Geragthy at 10 on Saturday!!!

Jamie noon is a quality club player but unfortunately he is know way near skillful enough!! he is just a big unit, but lack the skill to take England forward in anyway!!

As for Geragthy!!! Don't get me wrong I have seen him play in the premiship and he is a quality 10 and had a blistering 10 minutes or so on sunday. However the 91热爆 pundits after the came where suggesting that they would play him over Johnny Wilkinson even if they were both fit!!! this is ridiculous. Not only is Johnny one of the best 10's, even on a bad day but they seemed to have forgoten that Geraghty had played for only 10 minutes!! You cannot base a descion to play Geraghty over Wilkinson after he has played 10 miuntes against a terrible looking France!!!

  • 65.
  • At 07:00 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Ashley wrote:

I always feel happier when Lewsey is playing because he's so brave but I would like to try him properly at centre. Balshaw is our most intelligent and gifted runner - it's puerile to dismiss him as a pansy. Some people just shine at higher levels and Balshaw is one. Ashton knows it; he'll pick him at 15 when he's match fit. Robinson looks to have the taste for it again and Strettle is a revelation, so not much wrong really; competition for places in the backs is pretty good when everyone is fit. A backline to make me smile would be, from 9 to 15:
Richards
Geraghty
Robinson
Catt
Lewsey
Strettle
Balshaw

  • 66.
  • At 07:08 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • mark poulding wrote:

I think Josh should be very proud, many years of solid commitment to england with some outstanding performance and by reading the many posts, we can all see that is he very liked by the public. what ever happens he has been a great servant and i think we would all would love to see josh in an england shirt performing at his best again!!

  • 67.
  • At 07:08 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • andy a wrote:

Josh the Bosh will only be out for a short time in my opinion. He has so much to offer an England team.
If BA is not going to consider him for fullback why not use him as wasps have (successfully)as a centre. He has good pace, good natural running lines, plenty of power and is probably the best tackler we have.
How about this Lewsey at 12 and Tait at 13 now that sounds loike a good positive attacking prospect!!!!

Come on England ans spank the Welsh!!!

  • 68.
  • At 07:14 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Marc wrote:

As an Irish fan i'm obviously not worried whether he will play for england again. but he is versatile and solid in the back three so will be in the wc squad for that. but what about James Simpson Daniel what does he have to do to get noticed by Brian Aston. England have too big a squad there must be 50 players to chose from at any one time, i know BA is just trying to get things together but under clive woodward you knew the match day 22 weeks in advance and players settled in their positions and worked well together.

Anyway...
My worries is for another 91热爆 columnist, Geordan Murphy, again a versatile back 3 player who cant get a place in the Irish team.

these players are becoming victims of their own versatility which is limiting their options and not giving them the chances they have worked hard for.

  • 69.
  • At 07:21 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • shorty wrote:

i believe lewsey has proven his worth to the team over a number of campaigns now, and despite having an off-form 6 nations i feel he'll be our first choice full back at the world cup this autumn.

  • 70.
  • At 07:27 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Anthony wrote:

WRC Starting Team

1. Sheridan
2. Thompson
3. Stevens
4. Borthwick
5. Palmer
6. Worsley
7. Rees
8. Ward-Smith
9. Ellis
10. Geraghty
11. Robinson
12. Catt
13. Tait
14. Strettle
15. Abendanon

  • 71.
  • At 07:28 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Jon wrote:

Isn't this the perfect time to experiment? True, we are still playing for the six nations, but isn't it best to test out players months before the WC, not just before? True Lewsey is a good player, and, barring injury, he will be at the World Cup, but you never know, Aston might have made the right choice.

  • 72.
  • At 07:47 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Neil wrote:

Have noticed an interesting point.....

Ian Gough for Wales, Josh Lewsey for England, Geordan Murphy for Ireland and Clive Cusiter for Scotland. All have had nightmare tounaments and all write blogs for the 91热爆 online website. A sort of curse perhaps?

  • 73.
  • At 07:54 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Sarah C wrote:

I reckon being dropped for this game will just make Josh tougher and yet more determined to prove his worth. I agree that he has been instrumental in stopping England opponents scoring tries. I also think that people need to remove their rose-tinted specs with some of these new "golden boys". Plenty of first caps score tries (even Danny Grewcock many moons ago), mainly because the focus is on the guys that the opposing team know to be lethal if they are given any space at all, i.e. Robinson & Lewsey.
However, to win games in RWC you need grit. There's no pansying around, packed vast stadiums, pumped up crowds, ALL teams playing their best men. Remember the performance at Croke Park? Even Ashton must recognise that players with the calibre, experience and grit of Josh Lewsey will be in high demand.

For Ashley's comment no. 65 - You are right - some people do just shine at higher levels but sadly Balshaw is not one of them!

  • 74.
  • At 07:55 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • matt wrote:

Im sorry but this decision is beyond me, lewsey has consistently been our best player over the past terrible 4 years. He should be dropped for the moment, but to not consider him at full back is ludacris. He is our best full back. especially in defence. My back line for the world cup (fitness provided)

9.Ellis
10.Geraghty
11.Robinson
12.Wilkinson
13.Tait
14.Strettle
15.Lewsey

  • 75.
  • At 08:01 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • sam wrote:

It was in the 03 WC match v Uruguay in which JW really caught my eye! He was absoluteley fantasic! Ever since i have hoped for Englands sake that he was in the team and he has been and he has always been a solid, sometimes outstanding player. However recently he hasnt been playing well and deserved to be dropped. But playing Cueto at FB is unlikely to be any better as i believe MCs best position is on the wing. (also he hasnt played to much recently)

My 9-15 picks would be:

9 Ellis
10 Flood
11 robinson
12 Wilko
13 lewsey
14 Strettle
15 Morgan(who has been fantastic b4 his injury

with Geraghhty, Catt and Cueto on the bench

  • 76.
  • At 08:19 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Leo@Merchiston wrote:

I'm sorry, but Josh IS a full back, not, as Ashton seems to think, simply a winger. His defense is second to none, and he joins the line aggressively, puncturing the opposition, and punishing them for the slightest of dog legs. By all means, keep Strettle and Robinson on the wings, as they have the pace and versatility to run round the opposition if given space. But Lewsey doesn't have their pace, and is key in giving a strong defensive back bone to the team.

  • 77.
  • At 08:35 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • alex wrote:


i feel lewseys defensive capabilities outweigh any deficientcies in his kicking game. Let the wings and OC have a little dance and keep josh in there for cover. wilkinson could be a good option at inside, hes gt the hands and is solid. Get an attacking 10 in there and stick with our current wingers. Then tait at outside

p.s.
whats happened to poor old charlie hodgson?

  • 78.
  • At 08:36 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Josh wrote:

How worried is everyone going to be at the first welsh line break this weekend without the defensive rock Lewsey at the back. Im sorry i think the safety he brings to the defence is invaluable. He may not be the most attacking full-back but he is one of the most solid players at the moment. We can rely on him to get us out of trouble every time as he did against south africa.

  • 79.
  • At 08:39 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • AlexT wrote:

Is there anybody, apart from Brian Ashton, who believes that JL is better at wing than at Full Back?

Dropping him is OK, but only considering him on the wing is a mistake.

That said, so far it's been:
Brian Ashton: 3
Pundits: 1

  • 80.
  • At 08:43 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Timmy wrote:

definately!

im Irish, and over here he is the only back (bar wilko and strettle) that could cause a team problems.

ashton should recall him.

  • 81.
  • At 09:12 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Ali wrote:

People have commented that Simpson Daniel should be in the England team.As a gloucester fan, i can safely say that he is an exciting prospect that can also tackle solidly. But whilst we're on the sub ject of engalnd players being overlooked by selectors, what about andy hazell? He absolutley nailed tuialagi on sunday constantly, which is no mean faet. he's quick, agressive and very good at trackling, yet hes never even lookd at. thoughts?

  • 82.
  • At 09:22 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • tomg wrote:

I believe that the removal of Josh Lewsy from the starting line-up is justified. He has not produced the type of form he is capable of for some time now. The decision to drop him from the 22 man squad seems initially unfair. I believe this represents a tactical move however, rather than a portrayel of Lewsy's form, or Ashton's belief in him. Looking at the substitutes bench against France, the backs included an out and out scrum-half and fly-half, alongside Matty Tait as a centre/wing possibility. With Tait now starting at centre Jamie Noon, not Josh Lewsy, provides the right blend of back line options. In my opinion this is why Josh Lewsy is not in the squad to face Wales, but with his undoubted defensive prowess and vast experience will be back in the squad, if not the startling line-up, very soon.

  • 83.
  • At 09:33 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • harry aspden wrote:

Rugby Union
Is there anyway to remove Eddie Butler from the BBc Television commentary Team? I always thought that the 91热爆 was supposed to produce an unbiased report/commentary in the mode of Bill Mclaren. Since his retirement we have had to put up with the unsavoury bigoted comments of the has-been Eddie Butler at many of the televised matches. We all know that Butler hates the England Team and anything English, but I think it is misguided of the 91热爆 Sports Editor to give him the mouthpiece of a commentary position to propound his prejudiced inflamamtory views. Surely you have someone better than this. Might I suggest Mike Slemen, or David Duckham to mention just two who would infinitely superior to the dogmatic, narrow-minded Butler

  • 84.
  • At 09:33 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • wrote:

I personally think that the full back position is completely up for grabs. Whilst it is certainly not a possibility for this World Cup, I've been incredibly impressed by Balshaw's understudy @ Gloucs (currently playing for Pertemps Bees). Jon Goodridge. He's played a top level, he's still young, but he needs to be given some top level experience in order to bloom at full-back. Real possibility though..

  • 85.
  • At 09:33 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • kevinlocke wrote:

If Ashton is picking on form then Mike Brown should be starting at full back- another of Quins underated 'stars'. Lewsey's time will come again and then its up to him to prove how much he wants it.

  • 86.
  • At 09:33 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • joe wrote:

im going to comment on comment 53 53- josh as inside centre is not good, inside centres need to have creative mind and very good kicking game(almost like an extra flyhalf), not saying he hasnt got one he just seems more of an outside centre because if we were to get a decent inside centre and the played him into space he would make ground,also i do not think he gets enough ball probably down to mike tindall(good but past it). josh at fallback is at least relaible and u know u will get a good defensive game and if he was to get more ball a good attacking game. so for me josh at fb or ootside centre. While were talking about enlish rugby i think wilkinson is my first choice flyhalf but needs to get back on top of jisa game with newcastle. josh and johnny will there for RWC07. i think laurence dallgio should playif works up jis game. p.s JL plays with passion which only a select few players do.

  • 87.
  • At 09:56 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • sam wrote:

i believe lewsey can be a world class outside centre replacing tindall. i still think that tait isn't ready for international rugby.Also, i don't think farrell can fit into the england set up as he showed so many weakness' against Ireland. Therefore, i would pick flood at 12.
1.Vickery
2.Chuter
3.Vickery
4.Corry
5.Palmer
6.Worsley
7.Rees
8.Dan-Ward-Smith (Easter, if Smith isnt fit)
9.Ellis
10.Wilkinson
11.Robinson
12.Flood
13.Lewsey
14.Strettle
15.Cueto
16.Mears
17.Payne
18.S.Borthwick
19.Moody
20.Perry
21.Geraghty
22.Varndell

  • 88.
  • At 09:57 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Anthony Williams wrote:

JL is a wonderful player with out the football, allways on the shoulder of the ball carrier, strong in the tackle (ask Matt Rogers), nose deep in the ruck and injects good gas to the mid field. If you look at some of the worlds 13's then JL has got just what england need and with Johnny W and Josh L at 12&13 would put some skills and muscle in a miss firing and non decisive midfield

where does that put the rest of the team for France.

Sheridan,chuter,Vickery
Palmer,Corry
Rees,Easter,Worsley
Ellis
Flood
Strettle
Wilko
Lewsey
Robinson

Morgan

  • 89.
  • At 09:58 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • jonny m wrote:

if brian ashton is placing such an emphasis on basic skills then playing players in there natural positions is the logic next step so why play Ceuto at 15??

  • 90.
  • At 10:02 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Anthony Williams wrote:

JL is a wonderful player with out the football, allways on the shoulder of the ball carrier, strong in the tackle (ask Matt Rogers), nose deep in the ruck and injects good gas to the mid field. If you look at some of the worlds 13's then JL has got just what england need and with Johnny W and Josh L at 12&13 would put some skills and muscle in a miss firing and non decisive midfield

where does that put the rest of the team for France.

Sheridan,chuter,Vickery
Palmer,Corry
Rees,Easter,Worsley
Ellis
Flood
Strettle
Wilko
Lewsey
Robinson

Morgan

  • 91.
  • At 10:07 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • simon wrote:

Josh Lewsey having been left out of the squad seems a little extreme, being put on the bench would have given him a wake up call. He has had a few off games but is still our best fullback at full fitness at the moment. Not being a Cueto fan i don't believe he has the power, composure under the high ball, tackling or physical presence of Lewsey, surely he is more of a winger than Lewsey? Once he regains some form he has to be one of the first names on the teamsheet. Good to see Tait at Outside centre having Tindall and farrell in the centres sends out the wrong message, with Tait (so long as he keeps his head up), Robinson & Strettle outside Catt Wales will have to think twice about throwing the ball about.

  • 92.
  • At 10:24 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Andy Symes wrote:

Lewsey is one of my favourite players but his form recently has been lacklustre and he definitely needs a spell back with Wasps to regain his form.
However, I see Robinson as our best fullback and Cueto as a winger, it works perfectly for Sale, so why have it differently for England?

  • 93.
  • At 10:56 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • M Tindall wrote:

Brian Ashton did an amazing job at Bath before pinched by England again, bringing the club back up out of the mud. If he believes that Lewsey is out of form, then Lewsey is out of form. His no messing selection process has seen England begin to raise slowly out of the mud - and i believe that without him and his choice we will not stand a chane for the world cup. As such - if Lewsey's form returns, we will see him playing / on the bench again in the next few months.

  • 94.
  • At 11:09 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Fredfullback wrote:

Lewsey is made to be a centre, at wasps he's played 13 very succesfully numerous times and is a beast tackler.

Put Robinson at 15, keep Strettle and bring back Sackey, he is a beast.

  • 95.
  • At 11:37 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Rodger wrote:

We'll miss Lewsey's tackling, Cueto's defense is way off international standard even though he brings a lot going forward.

Hope Lewsey makes it back, I'm a big fan, although he could do with some time to re-discover form for both club and country.

  • 96.
  • At 11:40 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Andrew wrote:

What has Noon done that is so criminal? When he has played for England he has ran good lines, tackled his heart out and scored at least one try. A lot more than Tins has to offer because he can actually pass, and if you watch him in the premiership he is consistantly one of the best centres in the game. So why all of the hatred?

  • 97.
  • At 11:49 PM on 14 Mar 2007,
  • Rich S wrote:

I'm sure Lewsey will be in the World cup squad.

He is the Josh of all trades - from centre, with wasps, to starting on right wing (and getting no quality ball in the first few 6N matches) and then switching to full back mid game for England.

In spite of this he has still demonstrated his versatility and adaptability. This adaptability has caused many to doubt his ability to perform in one specific role, although to look at NZ they have such a cross over of skills and abilities that this trend must be the way to go forward.

Josh brings huge experience, defensive physicality, and massive versatility to the squad and he should be there in the WRC squad - the rest from the Wales game will give him a well earned time out.

  • 98.
  • At 12:30 AM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • JonnyK wrote:

Frankly, I am thrilled at the decisions that Ashton is making at present. I am a Wasps season ticket holder and have been alarmed and dismayed for some time now at Lewsey's performances. They have been lacklustre, even arrogant. He is not, as many people seem to believe, that secure under the high ball and his height is not in his favour when he has to compete against opposing wingers on his own tryline. He really does not instinctively have a clue what to do when he catches a ball and his kicking out of hand is 8 out of ten times pretty poor. IMHO he is NOT a full back. Trust me, Josh will always break the gain line and outside CENTRE is therefore his natural position if he is to get back into the England side. Defensively this is important and he will cut more of a Will Carling figure - just a shame we don't have anyone approaching Jerry Guscott's sublime skill!

  • 99.
  • At 01:34 AM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • Si wrote:

I think Lewsey will be back in, he's been consistant over the last few rough years and is a solid player, maybe not as full back though. I know this is going to be an unpopular thing to say, but I dont rate Robinson and never really have. Defences have got him sussed and he doesnt have the impact that he once did. He's not got the class other top international wingers such as Dominici, Rocokoco, Tuquiri have and I wouldnt play him after this 6 Nations.

  • 100.
  • At 01:51 AM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • wazza wrote:

waaaaaaaaazzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i think............................ waaaaaaaaazzzzzzzzzzzzzzaaaaaaaaaaa

  • 101.
  • At 03:02 AM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • Simon wrote:

If Catt had seen/heard Josh on his left shoulder, it would possibly have been him running in for a try, not Flood seconds later.

I find it odd that Cueto feels he is a winger, and BA wants him at FB?

For me Strettle has secured the right wing for now, and Cueto, Robinson, Tait and Josh have to look at the other 2 places.

Good dilemma though.

  • 102.
  • At 03:21 AM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • Ewen wrote:

Cueto is a brilliant winger, purely because he's so average and yet somehow manages to score the whole time. But a fullback?
Lewsey deserves to play for England until he's 50, just for that one monstrous hit on Matt Rogers. Best tackle ever made.

  • 103.
  • At 06:08 AM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • CPG wrote:

Dropping Josh lewsey after saturdays Team performance is mad,the best they have played in about two years, JL didnt help him self with that wayward pass infield, but the amount of work he put in on the pitch supporting both the backs and forwards was outstanding which allowed the more creative players their platform to shine. Surely the fullback is primarily last line of defence, of which he is probably the best type of fullback in world rugby. Saying that he does sometimes end up cleaning up his own mess as his kicking needs improving. Outside centre seems ideal since Tindall is playing terribly at present anyway. If Balshaw can get chance after chance JL will definitely be back!

  • 104.
  • At 06:20 AM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • Duella Pause wrote:

Dropping a poor performer is a good managerial tactic. Dropping him because he plays like a winger and then picking another winger with 6 or 7 club games at full back is managerially risky. Not having Lewsey on the bench is insulting and short sighted.
ExpectRobinson and Cueto to exchange places during the game.
Expect Lewsey back at Fullback, having risen to the challenge.

  • 105.
  • At 07:33 AM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • Mike wrote:

Was Lewsey that bad? Solid in defence and that's the main thing. Granted, some miss-passes. Cueto's more of a danger man, who's there to get out wide and score tries. Isn't the danger that so little full-back experience might mean he struggles under the high ball? Remember the disaster when Robinson decided to move Voyce, a pacey winger, to full-back!

  • 106.
  • At 07:52 AM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • Darran Mather wrote:

Lewsey is simply not good enough and that's why Ashton has dropped him. It's that simple.

  • 107.
  • At 08:03 AM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • Ed Williams wrote:

I think it is a bit of a blessing in disguise for BA that JL has not played to his own standards of late - it gives him (BA) every opportunity to further blood some of the less experienced players such as Strettle, JSD (is he still injured??), Morgan, Sackey et al.

BA knows that Josh is a player of proven international class, and while he hasn't every really shown his very best form from 15 - save for defensive capability where he has consistently outshone any other england back.

Remember: some of the new boys are still blooding and haven't yet faced real WC winning opposition of the likes of an in-form French side, the AB's or, dare I say, even the Ozzies. BA will do well to use this opportunity to develop other players and keep the comepetitive edge.

Ultimately, I think that JL's inclusion in the WC squad however is CURRENTLY not under question, but continuing good shows by some of the new boys between now and the WC might spell the start of the end.

  • 108.
  • At 08:11 AM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • paul wrote:

Lewsey did have a poor game against France. But his defence was sound and his tackling is ferocious (pound for pound still one of the best hitters in the game). Leaving him out of the squad should act as a wakeup call to all the team and improve the overall performance of everybody.
grewcock is a top lineout guy but his antics on the field leave him open to criticism. something ashton recognises when Robinson & co didn't.
tough on Josh but he'll be back.

  • 109.
  • At 08:22 AM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • Ian Anderson wrote:

Lewsey is too good not to have in a world cup squad.Let him have some time with his club in his chosen position for England.
Cueto is excellent under the high ball, does it all the time for Sale. Not yet convinced about his kicking, England often seem to lose yards in a kicking competition.

  • 110.
  • At 08:53 AM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • Neal wrote:

lewsey's been the only consistent back for england for a couple of years. he's suffered from being played at so many positions, but ironically he might be best of all at centre! he'll definitely make the WC squad because he offers the options. As for wing, why isn't JSD getting a look-in, at least on the bench?

  • 111.
  • At 09:00 AM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • jonathan stanniland wrote:

What England needed against the French, but did not get from JL, was a full back who stayed on his feet and off-loaded in contact. MC does that and is the right full back for the type of broken field attack which BA has obviously decided will be a better source of points than elaborate pre-planned 3/4 moves. He'll suit Strettle and Robinson too. JL, for whatever reason, doesn't seem to.

  • 112.
  • At 09:18 AM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • Eganosrap wrote:

I think its stinks of double standards.Balshaw hasnt had a good game for as long as I can remember yet if he was fit you could bey your bottom dollar he would be in same goes for Corry and Worsley.They have all had well below par games for England and are picked week in week out.Lewsey was our saviour in the AI's with some of his cover tackling although he hasnt been on the same par as 2003 he is a class act.he needs a good lay off. Cohen had the same problem too much rugby not enough time off.With a good break I am sure he will recover his form and become a real threat to any opposition.

  • 113.
  • At 09:20 AM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • tommo wrote:

Lewsey is with out doubt our most consisitent player since RWC2003!
His work rate is of the higgest order and if we are talking about players being an all rounder than they dont come any better. Sure he could have been more positive in attack against the frogs, and hes the first to admit that himself, but lets not forget what having him in the squad does for the likes of Geraghty, Flood, Strettle etc. Oh and does anyone remember that try saving tackle against SA in the aututmn tests......you know the one, thats the game we won!!! I think a bench position would have been more effective. As for not taking him to the world cup.....that would be a mistake!

  • 114.
  • At 09:24 AM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • realist wrote:

Jason robinson has not been figured out by the defense, he has just lost half a yard. The same is true of Josh. Personally, its all kind of irrelevent, England will be murdered in the WC if they face the All Blacks with or without Josh.

  • 115.
  • At 09:33 AM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • David wrote:

Josh was good enough to win a World Cup at full-back!

He is certainly out of form, but don't forget those two massive try-saving tackles in the Autumn Internationals that kept in the game.

To limit him to the wing is to do him a dis-service as he is a far better full-back, there are none more secure than Lewsey - and that is the most important thing about a full-back.

I think Ashton has done a fine job re-vamping the team, but he might regret this particular decision.

  • 116.
  • At 09:43 AM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • wrote:

Josh is too good to be out for long. I said when he was selected at 15 it was not his best position, he still did a job even with errors. He must be in the World Cup squad.

  • 117.
  • At 09:46 AM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • Richard Barber wrote:

Lewsey is undoubtedly out of peak form but he is still a world class player whose experience defense and versatility could be invaluable in France come the autumn.

  • 118.
  • At 09:50 AM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • paddy wrote:

England just don't have a centre partnership that will unliock defences, and the only way they can create real holes in the opposition is to have a running fullback. Cueto or Balshaw are the only real contenders for the slot, although Simpson Daniel is an outside bet. Lewsey is a powerful rather than skillful runner, and his power looks to be waning. He will more than likely make the England squad for the world cup because of his versatility but Ashton is right to drop him now and try and find a backline that can actually use some of that possession the forwards are giving them.

  • 119.
  • At 09:51 AM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • Jim wrote:

Lewsey has not played a decent game for England for a while. His commitment cannot be questioned but his execution with ball in hand has generally been poor.

The lad clearly has the ability to play on the wing, but he cannot be first choice based on form, and he doesn't have enough to play fullback. His kicking is a liability and he does have a tendency to run into trouble on the counter.

To be honest, I'm a little surprised he has lasted as long as he has; There are some really exciting youngsters around who deserve a chance.

  • 120.
  • At 09:54 AM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • Julian wrote:

It would perhaps be a gamble, but I would put Lewsey at Centre instead of Tindall. Defensively he is superb. He has good running lines (normally) and is more than capable. He is not as creative as some centres, but then I wouldn't say Tindall was particularly creative.
My guess is he will make the squad for the RWC if he performs at club level, but not necessarily the first team.

  • 121.
  • At 09:58 AM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • Chris wrote:

Lewsey has become complacent and is lacking form, so it's appropriate that he is replaced by Cueto who is one of the most consistent players in the English game.

My disbelief centers around Tindall, who consistently underperfomrs and yet is revered by Ashton. Tindall is a lovely chap, but lacks basic skills (the worst distributor of a ball I've ever seen at international level), misses too many tackles and is possibly even slower than Catty but with none of the Catt's redeeming qualities!

If Ashton can bite the bullet, then the future is really bright with the likes of Tait, Geraghty, Flood, Ward-Smith, Rees, Easter, Palmer all coming through strongly.

  • 122.
  • At 09:59 AM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • Jim Simpson wrote:


Lewsey has been in our top 3 most consistant and dangerous players since and before the world cup. He also has made so many important, try saving tackles, i can't even count. there is no doubt he will be back and probably hungrier than ever to prove his doubters wrong. Talk of dropping Lewsey never to return is RIDICULOUS! yes he had a few under par performances but he's not a robot, everyone has off days and i think you could count them on one hand for England. fair play Cueto deserves to be in as Ashton, to his credit, plays players on form and has the balls to change it up. I hope Cueto has a stormer against the Welsh as he's also one of our best attacking players and should be in the squad. Lewsey will be back! No doubt!!

  • 123.
  • At 09:59 AM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • Dan wrote:

He will travel to France if fit and healthy so this debate is a bit irrelevant. Whether he plays in later stages (pool stages will involve alot of rotation) will depend on how he does earlier in the tournament. Remember Mike Catt only came to prominence in 2003 as a replacement for Tindall in the semi-final.

  • 124.
  • At 10:15 AM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • Sam wrote:

Why not play Lewsey at 13? He may not have had a good game against France but both of the Tries could have ben scored by him if Catt and Geraighty had of passed. I think hes too good to leave out of the team and the times hes played for wasps at 13 he has been impressive. The 13 position is one England have struggled with and i dont think Tindell is up to the standard required.

  • 125.
  • At 10:16 AM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • Pete wrote:

Personally I'm very surprised he's not being considered for fb anymore. He's not been on top form recently but he has great defense and is a very good player in that position.

I'm not sure about him as a wing - maybe as a centre? But am sure he's one of the top half dozen backs in the country so has to fit in somewhere!

  • 126.
  • At 10:29 AM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • Tim wrote:

Lewsey is unlucky at the moment because of the form of Strettle and the constant potential of Robinson to change a game in a flash. Cueto deserves a chance to impress, but I still feel even he lacks the "footballing skills" that Ashton craves at full-back.
Tindall must go. Tait needs to play 13 consistently.
Lewsey can be used as an impact player of the bench. After all, he can do a job on the wing, at full-back or even outside centre.

  • 127.
  • At 10:31 AM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • Lee wrote:

Josh Lewsey on form is aqs good a player as any. At the moment he is not in form, give someone else a chance that might be rather than holding in for a big peformance a la Robinson.

  • 128.
  • At 10:46 AM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • Morris Dancer wrote:

A good Kiwi friend of mine said before the last world caup that as an All Black fan, the last person he ever wanted to see playing 15 against NZ was Josh Lewsey purely for the fact that he will catch every high ball and make every last-ditch tackle. He reads the game in front of him extremely well and reduces the attacking options of the opposition. I think he also always hits the line with pace and power and takes 2-3 defenders to stop him. He may not have Robbo's step or Strettle's dancing feet but how many world cups have been won with out-and-out attacking rugby? (admittedly this year's may be the first since '87!)

One poor game shouldn't blight a determined, gritty and very successful career but he does need to get back to his form from the start of the season. He' wasted on the wing.

  • 129.
  • At 10:47 AM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • marc wrote:

JL is class and as so many others have mentioned before me, form is temporary, class permanent and this guy will be back in the England set up for the WC firing on all cylinders - mark my words. I do however think BA has made a tactical decision here to drop the lad as a wake up call so he can go back to wasps and start rediscovering some form. JL has that edge / mentality a lot of other sportsman lack and in my mind this will spur him on. BTW, i think he is a better FB than wing but would like to see him at OC instead of that biffa past his sell by date tindall. Think he could carve up some defences with wilko pinging the right balls to him!

  • 130.
  • At 10:58 AM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • emerald star wrote:

poor old lewsey. although not at his best, as an irish fan, it's a bit harsh to axe him completly from the squad for wales. i actually felt he was one of the few english players that played well against ireland. he's been played out of position so no wonder he's struggling. any manager would be lucky to have a player of his calibre and ashton will definitelty have him in the world cup squad or pigs will fly.

  • 131.
  • At 11:06 AM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • Richard wrote:

I haven't seen Josh Lewsey do anything for England since the world cup. He has made 1 break against France that was memorable. He may be consistent but he's not consitently good, he's consistently average. I think he is a good player but doesnt have a position as such, personally I think he is an obvious outside centre.

  • 132.
  • At 11:09 AM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • 2nd5 wrote:

As mere observers, we will never be as well placed as BA to know why he dropped Lewsey. Having said that I think he has been one of the few players who might have made it into the All Blacks squad when on top form: his defence is superb, he is great under the high ball, often breaks the gain line and has a good rugby brain. However, his last game certainly wasn't his best.

He will figure for England at the WC, I am sure, given the high number of injuries that is prevalent in the modern game. Lewsey has so much experience and is the sort of utility player that a WC squad requires.

  • 133.
  • At 11:16 AM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • Nick Thornton wrote:

Based on sunday's performance it's understandable that he's dropped from the starting XV but from the entire squad! Harsh. I agree that he's the most consistent player we've had since 2003 and his pace, handling, defensive reliability and immense strength create such a threat that any sustained absence from the squad would be a big gamble. I'd certainly rather see Lewsey at full back that Cueto.

  • 134.
  • At 11:16 AM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • Sam wrote:

I think this is why Ashton is head coach and none of us are!

  • 135.
  • At 11:41 AM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • matt wrote:

Lewsey has been coasting for a long time, hopefully being dropped will make him realise his place at the world cup is not set in stone. If he performs for wasps im sure we will see him back fairly soon as he has the quality and experience england need.

  • 136.
  • At 11:42 AM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • Luke Swan wrote:

Of course he'll play for England again, form comes and goes but class stays forever. And Lewsey is a class act

  • 137.
  • At 11:49 AM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • Tom Sleater wrote:

Lewsey is average at best. Its serious shades of Cohen - in that he does not threaten defences regularly enough unless the space has been created already - at which point we would be better off with people like vardell (i.e just a finisher).
Lewsey has put in some good work but just don't think he is agile enough tactically or literally. Lets progress with Strettle, varndell, JSD, Cueto and let robinson be the jack in the box.

Also just thoughty cozza deserved a big mention for his outstanding performnace last weekend. really glad to see him bounceback after the AR era...

  • 138.
  • At 11:51 AM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • Jim from Croydon wrote:

I'm an irish supporter too - you always feel sorry for a player who has looked a class act in a bad side and who then gets dropped as soon the the side improves. I would get him re-hab'ed for the future - one of the few impact backs that england have actually played so at least got to get on the bench - - altho Strettle looks something of a find and i guess is picked for the Lewsey slot

  • 139.
  • At 12:11 PM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • Adrian Stemp wrote:

Strettle has been a breath of fresh air but what if he gets injurred or loses form. I'd like to see sackey and lewsey in the squad over cueto. I thought lewsey has been one of the more consistent performers for england in recent years - if he gets dropped how does tindall keep getting a place? maybe its lack of depth but i reckon if you want pure battering rams in amongst the backs encourage the back row to stay out there from time to time - otherwise lets have players with great handling and running skills and vision

  • 140.
  • At 12:17 PM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • smdexpat wrote:

I like Josh as a player and as an example of how modern players should treat the game. He was a professional before professionalism existed and has always trained and played with complete commitment.

I agree with comments regarding his natural footballing skills. I can't help but think that Ashton has effectively dropped Josh for good, but is using the "specialist winger" line as a way to try and put a positive spin on things.

I don't think that Josh would ever feature ahead of an in-form Strettle, Sackey, Tait, Morgan or even Cueto on the wing anymore.

If Ashton is willing to experiment with Cueto at fullback - who has never played at International level at 15 AND is saying that Josh will never play fullback again - then I think that it's all over.

  • 141.
  • At 12:43 PM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • Matt wrote:

i say bring back Luger! played with him at uni and had bags of gas and an iron bar hand off to boot - trust me I felt the force...

  • 142.
  • At 12:43 PM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • Ben Walker wrote:

I think to say Mike Tindal is rubbish is incredibly short sighted and plain wrong. Mike Ford would not have appointed Tindal his 'defence' captain if he wasn't a world-class operator in the tackling department. Oh, and who scored the match winning try against the French?

  • 143.
  • At 12:57 PM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • jim wrote:

Despite my earlier comments there is no doubt that JLs reading of the game defensively has been outstanding (particularly in the Autumn) but defence is about systems and the fact that he had to make those try saving tackles is because something was going wrong somewhere else on the park.

When he was played in the centre last year, he was responsible for a number of midfield gaps notably exploited by the French.

In terms of the victim of his versatility argument I feel that if you are good enough to be an international winger then you are good enough to be an international full back and vice versa,having interchangeable players in those positions can only be an advantage. (Bath at the moment have Abendanon, Maddock and Stephenson who regularly swap). The centre though is a specialist position and I think it is too late to expect him to change.

Lets not forget this weekend that the match is effectively a dead rubber (if you can have such a thing in Rugby), Scotland have already indicated that this weekend is about WC preparation with their selection who's to say that BA hasn't got the same in mind.

Re the Jason Robinson argument I saw earlier, JR is at his best in broken field because he is given the oportunity to challenge players one-on-one. After his first season at full back defences suddenly realised that you didn't blindly chase long kicks because he made you look a muppet. Instead you joined 2 colleagues and presented him with a little more free yardage but a solid defensive line, frequently leaving him isolated.

The BA style of attack means that he will face disorganised lines and players, he will have much more attacking opportunity on the wing than he will at full back.

  • 144.
  • At 01:07 PM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • Jamie C wrote:

Before I talk about Josy Lewsey, can I just agree with the guy above (142) about Mike Tindall. Tindall is playing pretty well, he has been one of our consitent players of this campaign. He creates attacks with his bulldozing and his defence is solid! As for Josh Lewsey I feel it's a bit harsh he has been dropped completely. He's been probably the stand out player for England since the World Cup, he is world call in attack and Defence. Every player has a hairy moment, and as unfortunate as it is for josh, when your playing Full Back everyone can see this. He will be back with a Vengance!!!

  • 145.
  • At 01:18 PM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • Spikey wrote:

Yeah Tindall's leathal from a yard out, my Gran could have scored that "winning try". Despite his decent defence, the earlier poster was right about Tindalls terrible distribution. You don't get many scoring chances/overlaps at intl level and I want to see a 13 who nails them more times than not, Tait will. Co-incidentally not being clinical with his passing is one of Lewseys problems as well. I don't understand the faith shown in Tindall, if you need a power option in the centre I'd rather see Leicester's Hipkiss given a go.

  • 146.
  • At 01:20 PM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • Kiwi Man wrote:

Why are so many people bemused by the decision to play Cueto at FB?

The guy possesses all of the attributes to be an international class FB compared with Lewsey who in all honesty has limited ability (what he can do he does well though).

What is Lewsey now?....30?..31?

You would have to be an exceptional talent to be playing FB or Wing for the AB's at that age and Lewsey isn't that.

I think his time should be up...won't be putting the frighteners on our boys should we meet.

  • 147.
  • At 01:21 PM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • mark wrote:

This more about Ashton setting the standards expected from any England player. Lewsey had a pig of a game, and is rightly dropped. It also sends a warning to the rest of squad; don't play well, your out.
Unlike AR who seemed to reward mediocrity, Ashton has made it clear what is expected when the England shirt is pulled on.
It is a hard call on Lewsey, but for the England squad at the moment the right one.
Lewsey will be back, and alot more focused on the job.

  • 148.
  • At 01:24 PM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • Lora wrote:

I can't believe some of these comments. Josh Lewsey has been one of our most consistent and key players for England and London Wasps and I too have lost count at the number of tries he has prevented the opposition from scoring.

I agree that dropping him completely was too harsh, he should have been kept on the bench, more for a safety net for England than anything else!

And I don't agree with all this talk of him not being on form, what absolute rubbish!

In my opinion he is one of England's best!

  • 149.
  • At 01:28 PM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • Del wrote:

**Newsflash** a journo friend of mine who works for a red top tabloid has heard rumours that Dusty Hare is considering coming out of retirement this week to make himself available for selection at full back against the Welsh! You go Dusty...Cueto back to Sale, Strettle and Robbo on the wings - jobs a good'un. ps. gutted for JL as quality player and one of engs best since wc03 - he'll be back for sure..straight after dusty has a shocker on Saturday!

  • 150.
  • At 01:31 PM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • mark wrote:

I agree that Josh did not have his best game on Saturday, but as the others here have already reported, he takes men with him when going forward, always requiring two to stop him, he tackles for the rest of the back line,and is no slouch and at least looks committed (!) even if his own high standards are not always met. I believe Robinson has been worked out (he always seems to try to go through the middle of the two players facing him, rather than side-stepping around) and as soon as he faces a bigger, (i.e. taller winger) strong winger, he will be swept aside....my back three of choice (assuming all uninjured)...Josh Lewsey - full back, Strettle or Cueto on one wing, and Cohen (who?!) on the other...I recall when he caught Doug Howlett from behind having had to catch up several yards, and he can fill the role (i.e heavyweight ball-carrier) which Tindall unfortunately seems to have the hold over (albeit that he had by far his best game for years last week!).... on another tack entirely at least Farrell is not in the back line anymore, (I hope)...slow, does not draw anyone, five yards off the pace and does not tackle / get up on feet / rip ball away or strike fear into opposition which a man of his size should do!

  • 151.
  • At 01:32 PM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • Al wrote:

Clearly underperformed against France and was shown up by other playing above their usual skill grade. Strettle and Robinson can only lose their position rather than Lewsey get back in. However Cueto is not long term FB choice, Balshaw is constantly ill / out of form and hence Lewsey could well return. However if you want a powerful, fast runner with vision and ability to slice open a midfield then Josh has got to be a better answer than Tindall

  • 152.
  • At 01:38 PM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • Adam Houston wrote:

I think Lewsey being dropped is a good move.
Although I dont think he has been terrible, I do agree with Ashton's desire to have a "footballing" #15.
As necessary as it is to have someone dependable as the last line of defence(which lewsey can not be faulted for, as I do remember a certain try saving tackle against the Springboks in the Autumn- absolutely phenomenal!!), it is also necessary to have someone back there who can kick tactically & consistently. If the F/B picks the ball up in his own 22 for example, do we want him just clear his lines and put it into touch on or around the 10m line? And think, well at least the danger is cleared from our 22. This in fact, only allows the team possession again, but in a position where they are able to attack!
Competition for places is a healthy dilemma for any coach to face, and to think of the quality that has been omitted from the squad, the future of English Rugby looks positive.
BA has a style of play that he wants to endorse, and once we embrace that, we can once again be a major player in world rugby

  • 153.
  • At 01:40 PM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • rich wrote:

Josh Lewsey is symbolic of the problem with english rugby at the momment and it can be linked back to the clive woodward era. During the late 90s early 000,s rugby was dominated by power and pace to the detriment of natural rugby ability. Sure it won us a world cup but it also set us back a decade. Players such as mike tindal and ben cohen have less ability in the basic skills of back play than many 12 year olds.The all blacks are lucky they have backs who are naturally huge and have huge ability. While Lewsey is less of a donkey than cohen or tindall he still falls into a similar bracket and i cringe when i hear respected rugby writers describe him as this great footballing feedback as he simply is not! Morgan is the man to play at FB when fit.

  • 154.
  • At 01:50 PM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • tootsie323 wrote:

I agree with several here that Josh lewsey is / has been one of our better players and that, yes, he hasn't enjoyed the best of 6N this time around.

I wouldn't agree with closing the door on the FB option for him but don't have too many qualms about dropping him for this match on the basis that it gives another opportunity to try out someone else.

I'd argue that (barring his poor showing lately) Josh is our best option at FB, so why not try someone different as an alternative? I'm actually quite looking forward to seeing how Cueto gats on come Saturday.

  • 155.
  • At 01:54 PM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • SHN wrote:

I feel that most of the players that are left from the original world cup winning team are all struggling to return to their world cup best. This includes the likes of Josh Lewsey and Mike Tindall. Maybe it shows that the likes of Will Greenwood, Jonny Wilkinson and others were the backbone of the England winning team and other players were just in there cos they were the best in the position, but not necessarily world class! However, i dont feel that Lewsey falls into that category even tho he has been struggling for form!

I would maybe like to see Mathew Tait at full back?? Maybe a bit random, and also depending upon whether he does well or not against wales, if he does then i feel he should keep tindalls place, tindall, the same as jamie noon i feel only offer strenght and not a lot else! If Ashton does bring Tindall back in then after seeing tait covering full back a couple of times he has looked quite solid and i reckon he offers more of an attacking threat than lewsey, who seems to be making more and more bizarre decisions when playing for england and wasps.

I think Lewsey should be starting outside centre, fullback is one of his weakest ones, Ashton should realise this, Tindall should never of been in the squad in the first place.

  • 157.
  • At 02:25 PM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • alan curson wrote:

I think Josh is a belated victim of the AR era. During that time (especially towards the end), the players looked so confused and disorganised, the only way anything good happened on the pitch was if an individual decided to take responsibility and get on and do something all on his own while the rest of the team watched, not sure what to do (an overstatement I know, but I'm exagerating to make the point). Josh was one of the few who took the opposition on and singlehandedly made dents in them. He got lots of praise in the press for this, often being singled out as one of the few players to turn up. The problem with this is that it seems to have stuck in his mind that he has to do it all on his own. He made a really good break on Sunday and then didn't even bother looking to see if anyone was in support (so used to no one backing him up, or if anyone did support him, they'd knock on the pass or lose it in contact or something). One of the reasons Ashton's vision is so good is he gets teams working together and not just supporting each other, but knowing that someone will be there backing up. So I don't think JL's crime was throwing that daft long pass (everyone including Jonny himself has misjudged a pas or a kick). Nor was it the jack of all trades utility player thing. I think his crime was in wasting opportunities, by trying to do everything himself. Josh is a really good player and once he gets his head round playing as a member of the team again and stops trying to do it all on his own, he'll be ready to make a big contribution to England again.
As an aside, I've seen quite a few digs at Princess Anne's future son in law, in this blog. They seem a little unfair. He's always been a very honest and powerful player and he even managed to be in the right place at the right time to score on Sunday. He has definitely given England excellent service. I do think though that there are a lot of centres out there with more creative vision and footballing skill and the fact that the likes of Mathew Tait are starting to feature on the pitch can only be a good thing.

  • 158.
  • At 02:28 PM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • Rob Bugden wrote:

Feel for Lewsey as he is a class act and been our best back since the world cup as well, just out of form which happens to every one. Think it was the right move not to pick him, will give him an added incentive to perform at Wasps and gives others (Cueto et al) a chance. I doubt MC will be at full back for the whole game, will rotate with Billy Whizz, keeping England's options wide open. Glad Tait is in the team as he gives us a cutting edge in the centre and i reckon will shine with Catty and Flood inside and when Geraghty........look out!Noon on the bench is a good move as we might need to straighten up and has good hands and is quality in defence. As for Tindall, glad he's out as he is a pile of s**t. Allright, he can tackle but in the centre you've gota be able to create. He can't pass, can't run, can't kick and his awareness of whats going around is the worst i've ever seen. MT should not play for England again

  • 159.
  • At 02:39 PM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • mink wrote:

The backs for RWC should be:

9. Ellis
10. Wilkinson
11. Simpson-Daniel
12. Flood
13. Tait
14. Cueto
15. Robinson

With Strettle, Richards and Allen on the bench.

JOSH LEWSEY IS A FANTASTIC PLAYER AN D DESERVES TO BE STARTING OUTSIDE CENTRE!!!
1.Perry Freshwater
2.George Chuter
3.Julian White
4.Ben Kay
5.Martin Corry
6.Joe worsley
7.Lewis Moody
8.Lawrence Dalaglio
9.Harry Ellis
10.Jonny Wilkinson
11.Jason Robinson
12.Mike Catt
13.JOSH LEWSEY
14.James Simpson-daniel
15.Sean Gherraty

  • 161.
  • At 02:53 PM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • nathan sealy wrote:

I do agree with the comments re class and form. He'll be back.

Lewsey is the best defender I think I've ever seen for England but unfortunately we've seen very little of his attacking skills in the last couple of years.

All this talk of him being the most consistant back since the WC is rubbish - he had a terrible six nations last year.

Yes a full-back needs to be a good defender but a proper FB needs to provide that killer option in attack.

Those who criticse Balshaw have obviously never seen him at his best when he glides along the back of the line and then just rips a massive hole in the defence by changing the angle and spotting the hole.

All this competition in the backs is fantastic - think back two years and there was no options at all.

Now we have the current form players in Robinson, Strettle & Cueto with Lewsey, Sackey, JSD, Varndell, Abendanon, et al pushing for places.

Probably not for this world cup, but Abendanon could be the future 1st choice FB for England.

Lewsey will be back - I still remember that first impact he made with the huge tackle on Matt Rogers breaking the guy's ribs!!

And stop having a go at Tinds, his defensive work has been superb throughout the 6N. Everyone criticised Farrell after the Irish game but when you consider that Tinds & Farrell were playing arguably the best centre partnership in the world and they didn't let a single break through them, they did well.

  • 162.
  • At 03:25 PM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • Alan wrote:

I think its a shame Lewsey got dropped, but that enormous forward pass in his own half was a huge mistake. It's curcial to retain possesion and go forward not yield possesion to the opposition in your own half!

Apart from that, where (in the media or from supporters) is the chat about former starting 15 selections that aren't being considered for the squad? e.g.
Antony Allen, Andy Sheridan, Matt Stevens, Richard Hill? Can someone ask Brian Ashton his thoughts on this? I'd like to hear them.

  • 163.
  • At 03:35 PM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • Andy Beattie wrote:

Andy Beattie for England!

  • 164.
  • At 03:35 PM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • david wrote:

1Vickey (his Scrumaging)
2Titteral (his pace)
3 Stevens (Again Scrummaging)
4 Corry (if he can improve the on the standards set on saturday
5 Palmer (his preformance against munsteralone would show how solid he CAN be)
6 Rees (Saturady...need i say more)
7 Moody (with rees the link up play witht the backs would be great
8 Easter/(Dallaglio if he comes to form)
9 Ellis (the only option although not a bad one or a great one)
10 Hodgson (dont forget him on his day to get the backs moving which he can do beter than wilkinson
11 Cueto (always there or there abouts for england)
12 Wilkinson (place kicking because we know what hodgsen can be like)
13 Lewsey (strength power and pace and his tackling is up withthe best and he will come back stronger with the being dropped as all world class players like him do)
14 Strettle (to be one of the greats if he remains injury free and in good form)
15 Robinson (clive put him there and it worked so why cant it for ashton let him run at those defenses again it terrifies them)

this isnt biased im from irland live in ulster and support munster!!!i cant see england winning the world cup but they will be there or there abouts come september/october quarter finals!ireland for the webb ellis

  • 165.
  • At 03:45 PM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • Tim wrote:

I'm afraid i dont think you can entertain the thought of dropping Josh entirely, he is far too good a player. As a wasps season ticket holder i watch him week in week out and he is superb, someones suggestion of Van Gisbergen is rubbish, he is average at best at wasps and needs to find some form before he gets into the wasps team let alone england. The only problem i see with Josh at full back is without doubt his kicking, but lets not forget those fantastic tackles he is so famous for. On another plus point, look at his reaction to being dropped - pure professional, the team needs people like him around Tait, Strettle, Flood etc etc etc they learn from him.
On a final note, 2 things. It is great to see so much competition at last in the backs and also watch out everyone for Dominic Waldouck at Wasps - this boy is special!!

  • 166.
  • At 03:51 PM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • Mark wrote:

Josh Lewsey should be England full back - period. He had a poor game against France, but all he needs is a little time and consistency of selection to play in his natural position. He is by far the best defensively in the back three - strong in the tackle, secure under the high ball and can kick - and should be able to rediscover his genuine pace with time. Despite the good result against France, I am still concerned about England's defence and specifically the application of the drift defence system for some time - they were often horribly bunched in the middle of the park when the opposition get the ball. The alignment was particularly horrible against Ireland and seemed to be inviting the opposition to just spread it wide and score. The new England backline looked dangerous in broken play, but still looked a little clueless going through the phases. That needs to be resolved.

Great to see Tait reinstalled in his right position at outside centre in place of Tindall. Tait is a genuine talent with pace who can create something out of nothing as demonstrated with his prowess at sevens. Tindall was the perfect foil for Greenwood in WC 2003 and was a good player, but now looks slow and overly 'muscle-bound'. I hope the same thing does not happen to Lewsey - it is a very physical game, but backs have to retain that natural athleticism as well to retain that change of pace which is so crucial to breaking the gain line.

We are getting close to the right balance in the team. Catt is a stop gap for the World Cup - but after that (please do not put JW at Inside Centre !)

  • 167.
  • At 04:04 PM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • baz wrote:

Josh Lewsey is a fantastic player, and is still struggling to find his form since Ashton took over. He is a fantastic tackler, due to his shear bravery and courage. He wears his heart on his sleave.
He may not be at the top of his form at the moment, but he is still Englands best option at full back, show by Ashton picking Cueto, not a fullback by trade.
Let him get his form back, which he will.

  • 168.
  • At 04:06 PM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • emerald star wrote:

nathan agree with most of your sentiments but saying tindall and farrell were playing argubly best centre pairing partnership! i think your fogeetting 2 players by the name of o driscoll and darcy!

  • 169.
  • At 04:09 PM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • Houstie wrote:

Tindall is living on borrowed time. He's one of the least inventive rugby players England have. He's a big guy but he doesn't break through tackles like Rob Dewey for Scotland. His hands are also suspect. Look at Jauzion when he makes half breaks and then pops out of the tackle. How often do you see Tinds doing that?

Lewsey is a different matter. The guy has class written all over him but he is just not getting the space to show what he can do in attack. One of the best defenders in world rugby though.

  • 170.
  • At 04:34 PM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • emerald star wrote:

nathan no offence but the 2 best centres ( in the nh anyway) are definitely o driscoll and darcy. altho i must say tindall played well v france and us irish fans were wondering what farrell had done to merit such a back lash seeing as we thought he was also one of the few englsih players to play well v ireland.

  • 171.
  • At 04:42 PM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • rs wrote:

does no one remember that josh lewsey was first choice full back for the world cup winning squad? josh lewseys specialist position is full back. he has proved time and time again that he is a class act in the 15 jersey, notably scoring five tries in a world cup group match. the try of the 2003 six nations was scored by lewsey, cutting italy in half from full back. lewsey also was an outstanding performer on the lions tour to new zeland where he was the first choice full back. his defensive tackling from full back is superb, need i mention the try saving tackles made in the autumn? he is thought of as englands only true world class back by many pundits and players in the southern hemisphere. i have no doubt that sides like new zeland and australia would find a place for him in their squads. why is everyone so keen to shoot down lewsey after a few below par performances. he has proved himself at the highest level time and time again, and thus far, i see no one in the premiership good enough to replace him as the first choice full back for england.

  • 172.
  • At 04:58 PM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • Weeny wrote:

I sometimes think that some of the people that post do not actually watch the games!

As many people have said, Lewsey is a world class full back. Post 159 - Lewsey's ability to read the game, and pop up in the line at the right time is amazing. If Catt had his eyes open Lewsey would have scored the first try last week (in fact it looked like he could scarcely beleive he didn't get the ball:)

Lewsey's ability to read the game also explains why he makes so many try saving tackles.

I would pick him even in current form over Cueto - but BA is doing a good job, so I am inclined to trust him. It wasn't his fault the pack did not turn up at Croke park after all.

But all this talk of Lewsey & wingers is moot - we have a wealth of talent for the back three - our real problem is number 12!!!!!!!!

  • 173.
  • At 06:13 PM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • Andrew Allman wrote:

I think Lewsey has a bigger problem than discussed. Going in to the game we seem to have forgotten out injury crisis. This is a shadow team of players who are injured. I have put stars against those that would be in starting XV or replacements if fit:

1. Vickery *
2. Thomson *
3. Sheridan
4. Borthwick *
5. Easter * (I know not a lock)
6. Hill *
7. Moody
8. Ward Smith
9. ??
10. Wilkinson*
11. Balshaw
12. Tindall*
13. Farell
14. Sackey
15. Morgan

Apart from scrum half, we have a whole team to come back when fit. I think this underlines problems Lewsey and other out of form players may face. I hope there is no moaning from the Welsh about their injury list.

  • 174.
  • At 06:18 PM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • Mark C wrote:

While I agree that Josh deserves being dropped based on his performance last week, I still believe that he deserves his position in the starting 22. He is more versatile than Noon, defends better offers more pace and generally (although maybe not on his current form) is a better decision maker in attack.

I feel that any notion that he should not be back in the starting 15, let alone the squad by the world cup are pretty ridiculous. While I do actually see his best position being at 13 where he would trouble opposition defences far more than any other English centre since the world cup has done, when on form he is still the best option we have at 15. He outdoes Cueto in terms of pace and his rock solid defence, as well as very good lines of running (If Catt had made the right decision on Saturday Lewsey would have scored the first try not Flood.) The only thing that Cueto may have over him is his kicking game. As for Balshaw, while his pace is obvious, I'm against having a full back who is incapable of making a tackle or catching a high ball under pressure. Robinson was effective at fullback when his elusive running cut through defences on the counter-attack which hasn't happened at international level for years, defences have found him out.

  • 175.
  • At 06:33 PM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • Darran Mather wrote:

Obviously Ashton is of the opinion that Lewsey is simply not up to the job. You're only as good as your last game and he was awful against France. He WAS world class but times move on and its youth that must pick up the baton now and run.

Such is life.

  • 176.
  • At 07:58 PM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • Tom wrote:

I don't see much opportunity left for Lewsey in time for the World Cup. He is a strong character though, so it's impossible to write him off entirely. Full-back is a problem area for Engand at present with Morgan (the only guy familiar with the jersey) injured. Cueto will be an interesting experiment, he is a better footballer than Lewsey, who's form in the last 18 months has been below that which we have come to expect of him. I would like to see Tait given a few run outs at 15 for Newcastle. He has raw pace and is becoming increasingly strong and composed. He is one of the finest tacklers in the current England squad, almost like a mini-O'Driscoll.

So, my backline for RWC 2007, if all experimentation goes to plan...

9. Ellis
10. Flood
11. Robinson
12. Catt/Farrell
13. Simpson-Daniel
14. Strettle
15. Tait

Defend that!

  • 177.
  • At 08:12 PM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • griff wrote:

I AGREE WITH ALL THE COMMENTS ABOUT MIKE TINDALL. HE IS USELESS, I HOPE HE NEVER PLAYS FOR ENGLAND AGAIN.
BRING SIMPSON-DANIEL INTO OUTSIDE CENTRE.

  • 178.
  • At 08:41 PM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • Andrew wrote:

Agree with all the comments about Lewsey, both about his defence and playing outside centre, but the back row, whilst an improvement against France is still not right, Richard Hill is playing well and what about Ben Skirving and David Seymour? Skirving was part of a very good U-21 team and has yet to play a bad game, whilst Seymour has a tremendous work rate and would make a fine understudy to Tom Rees. Worsley and Moody have been fine servant s for England but it time to look forward not back. Pace in the back row has been a consistent problem. Lewsey at 13 or 15 and a back row of Rees, Easter/Skirving and Hill would be my suggestions for the world cup.

  • 179.
  • At 09:02 PM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • James Blundell wrote:

It's all about Olly Morgan when he comes back! Lightening!

  • 180.
  • At 09:23 PM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • james wrote:

Can't believe Lewsey's been dropped. Bad game or no bad game against France he'd be the first name on my teamsheet. And especially now that we're resorting to putting a positionally inexperienced (no offence to Cueto. Quality winger) player in at full back. Anyone else getting dodgy flashbacks of Cohen playing FB against France.....?? If there's any one player in the world you want between NZ and the England try-line it's Lewsey! Ashton, whatever happens, please prove me wrong this weekend.

  • 181.
  • At 10:41 PM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • Pete wrote:

What's the obsession we have with converting wingers to full backs? We need someone who can run with ball in hand as well as kick accuratly. Geraghty suggested he can do this so give him a go while he's young and not just capable of playing one way, after all it would be a waste only picking one of wilkinson, flood, geraghty, lamb and not forgetting hodgson as they are the decision makers. The more of these we can cram into the team at full back or centre, the better.

  • 182.
  • At 11:28 PM on 15 Mar 2007,
  • George wrote:

THE ANSWER!!!!

Guys im very excited ive just worked out the solution to England's problems...wait for it.....

BLONDES

I say we go with a backrow of

Lund, Haskell, Moody

A backline of

Richards
Gerahty
Abbot
Smith
Strettle
Tait
Lewsey


And a blond tight five and we will win!!

Incidentally this seems to be exactly what Ashton is up to (barring the Lewsey move which really is just trying to throw us off the scent - he will be back!)

  • 183.
  • At 04:42 AM on 16 Mar 2007,
  • Braden Dunsmore wrote:

If Josh Lewsey was good enough to play full back in a world cup winning side, in the final. I would suggest Ashton has lost his mind!!!

Of course Lewsey can play full back. He has some bad games recently and maybe he should be dropped but I suspect he gets frustrated from the very limitted opportunities he is given running forward. When you give him ball (passed in front of him) to run on to from full back, he can score 5 tries in an international - an England record he holds with Rory Underwood no less.

What concerns me more is that Cueto sees no difference between playing wing and full back (read his interview this week). This just shows how little he has played full back. Has has great skills and deserves his place in the team but I suspect he will be found missing from time to time at the weekend, when Lewsey would have miraculously appeared to put in the last ditch tackle or clear the ball.

Lewsey will be back, and at full back....

  • 184.
  • At 06:24 AM on 16 Mar 2007,
  • Paul wrote:

I've just read some of the above and suddenly noticed, having read a large amount of these features before, that there is a huge amount of postings on this subject.

The reason for that, I think, is that the England rugby watching public hold Lewsey in such high regard given his services for the national team.

Will he be back? Given he has been one of England's top performers for many years. The answer, I think, is yes. My favourite moment? That tackle on Matt Rogers v Australia in Sydney in 2002.

  • 185.
  • At 08:52 AM on 16 Mar 2007,
  • Richard Magnus wrote:

I believe it was desperately unfair to have dropped Josh Lewsey. How is an attacking full back supposed to run and lines or cut angles when you have a lumbering outside centre, Tindall, who always runs sideways and takes any space you could have had to work in! Demonstrated by the pass he just put into Lewsey's chest! It would have been ideal to see him play a game with Tait at outside centre...finally a bit of pace and skill. Tindall has been dreadful for ages now and has dragged the back three's performance down with him, is noone in the England coaching setup able to see this. Not that I would wish injury on anyone but am thankful Tindal is out and can't slow down Englands backs again! I look forward to an awesome performance and Tait gaining a permanent spot and Tindall securing his in the stand!

  • 186.
  • At 09:26 AM on 16 Mar 2007,
  • Patrick wrote:

I don't want to stray away from the topic of debate too much, but what is obvious from everyone's posts is that we now have options.

If you look back to Robinson's tenure, whether from bad luck or bad judgement, we didn't have those options open to us and it can only be good for English rugby.

As for Lewsey, you only have to look to the lines he used to cut and THAT tackle to realise what a player he WAS. If he can get back to that kind of form he can't be ignored. Inside Centre a shout?

  • 187.
  • At 10:57 AM on 16 Mar 2007,
  • steve wrote:


I think he still has a chance once the centers are properley sorted.

Im interested to see how Tait fares but of course we wont get to see if that can release Lewsey a little more than he has been able to.

One thing Josh must do is out some studs in his boots......he might stop slipping over that way.

Once back to form I do think he has more to offer with the right players around him, speedy and instinctive back line that works as a unit (once they get to play as a unit). I am actually not too impressed with Robbo, despite the trys, lots of Riverdancing in my opinion. So the options are still not fully excercised.

  • 188.
  • At 11:26 AM on 16 Mar 2007,
  • Chris wrote:

Lewsey is crucial to England's plans. He must remain in and around the squad.

Yes, he had a poor game against France, emphasised by his bizarre decision to attempt a massive cross-field pass off the wrong hand after a quick line out.

But let us not forget that he has been England's most consistent performer since the World Cup. Think back to when England ended their terrible run of defeats in the autumn. There was one moment which won them the game against South Africa, and it wasn't the moment when Vickery rumbled over the line. It was when Jean de Villiers was clean through for a try, and Lewsey cut the angle down and expertly used the touchline, forced de Villiers to go on the outside, and then smashed him into touch. In the last seven years, I can only think of one other England back making such a crucial try-saving tackle, and that was Ben Cohen on Ben Blair against New Zealand prior to RWC 03. Could any other back in the current England side have (a) caught up with de Villiers? and (b) made the tackle as effectively. Probably not.

One bad game and an overall dip in form is just cause to leave Lewsey out of the side, and even out of the squad, but England would be foolhardy to discard this quality player completely.

As a Wasps fan, at the business end of the season, I am thrilled to think that Lewsey will be back in the Wasps set-up. But as a Wasps supporter who always wants the best for our players, I feel for Lewsey.

But make no mistake. Lewsey is as mentally and physically strong as any player in the England set-up. He will return.

  • 189.
  • At 01:36 PM on 16 Mar 2007,
  • Bill C wrote:

JL has played some fantastic rugby for England - but never really consistantly! He is a good fullback but not an oustanding one. putting him on the wing (if he can get selected) denies a place for faster, younger and more talented wingers most of who have already been mentioned. Ashtons decision may be one of "make him come good" but I think it's an old head deciding a player cannot live on reputation alone.

  • 190.
  • At 04:30 PM on 16 Mar 2007,
  • emerald star wrote:

paul 184 interesting that your favourite moment wasnt martin johnson lifting the webb ellis cup lol!

  • 191.
  • At 05:06 PM on 16 Mar 2007,
  • andymacd wrote:

Many of those who have written posts here calling for Lewsey to keep his place seem to base their calls on some sense of reward for services past. Lewsey has been a great servant of English rugby through what has been a dark time. But I can't help but feeling that this move by Ashton is a testament to his intelligence in a great number of areas tht are flipping hard to blend together: ie. strategy, philosophy of the game, team motivation and man management.

Leave Lewsey aside for a second and think about what this move means to the rest of the team, many of whom are young guys (who will be the future, be it bright or dark). Ashton has shown them all that a name means nothing. If you've got it today, you get it today.

Every 'immature' player in the squad has just been given something to go out and die for- a real chance to make a place for himself. We all complained under Andy Robinson that there was no young blood coming through, and no sense of direction, and it may have been that there were too many automatic picks in the starting fifteen. Now, talent is arriving in gushes and it is being given a feeling that it will have a fair hearing.Contrast this with the way in which young players were flirted with and binned in the past three years.

Of course, some of the more established players will not like all this, you say. GOOD! Let them fight to keep what they have. They are either world class or they are not, and with the embarrassment of riches that England has in this sport (I say that as a a scotsman) the fans have a right to demand exclusively world class performances.

At last the focus may move away from the false debate about (long suffering) club versus country and start to move more in the direction of fitness of attitude.

And Lewsey? The beauty of it is that taking a sabbatical may be the latest and not the least of his series of great services to English rugby that will also be a chance for him to recharge his own batteries and mount his next challenge. If he is as good as his supporters on this string say, then he need not worry: Ashton will give him as good a chance as anybody else. Long live competition and meritocracy.

  • 192.
  • At 09:21 PM on 16 Mar 2007,
  • steve wrote:

After following the debate two really mature and intelligent comments stand out, numbers 157 and 191 - deliver what i have asked and form, not name is everything.

  • 193.
  • At 09:55 AM on 17 Mar 2007,
  • Greg wrote:

It's amazing how short peoples memories are, Josh was amazing in the Scotland game making 2 high quality try saving tackles. The score line may have looked a whole lot different if it hadn't have been for Josh. England have improved without Wilkinson and although he had a good opening game, I feel that was due to the opposition and this has been proved more likely as other teams have found him out. I hope Ashton is punishing Josh for a poor game and let Josh remain in Ashton/Englands future plans.

  • 194.
  • At 10:38 AM on 17 Mar 2007,
  • Jordan Asterz wrote:

My World Cup Team:

1. P Vickery
2. S Thompson
3. T Payne
4. M Corry
5. T Palmer
6. J Worsley
7. P Sanderson
8. T Rees
9. H Ellis
10. T Flood
11. D Strettle
12. M Catt (C)
13. J Wilkinson
14. J Robinson
15. J Lewsey

16. L Mears
17. P Freshwater
18. S Borthwick
19. M Lund
20. S Perry
21. S Geraghty
22. M Tindall

  • 195.
  • At 02:35 PM on 17 Mar 2007,
  • Ed wrote:

Lewsey has been a consistent go to guy over the past couple of years and will be sorely missed against wales. I think by the time world cup selection comes around, Lewsey and Robinson should be rotated with each other between the wing and full back positions. Cueto and Strettle should then share the other wing. I think you've gotta look at Jonny as starting fly-half and place kicker because although he hasn't been distributing the ball and seeing the gaps and overlaps like he three years ago, he has only just come back and anticipation and vision is something that will return to him within a couple of months. His place kicking is the best in the world.

England have a pretty good pack but i would like to see Ashton bring in some bigger back row players so we can see that unstopable scrummaging from England where they can drive the opposition back twenty to thirty yards before releasing the ball.

  • 196.
  • At 01:27 AM on 18 Mar 2007,
  • matt wrote:

I don't see why Ashton will not switch Robinson to full back, that's where he was playing in 2003 when we won the WC. That way he would leave the wing position open to Lewsey or Cueto, whoever was performing at the time. Or, as many other posts have suggested, he could fill the role at 13 because we are not exactly full of world class options at centre at the moment. I also think that is one of the reasons why he was unable to shine against France, Mike Tindal, although he scored a try, did not hav the best of games, this limits JL's attacking opurtunities as MT closes all the space when he picks poor lines to run.

  • 197.
  • At 10:55 AM on 18 Mar 2007,
  • Nick Wait wrote:

Although the backs din't get to see the ball due to our forwards being detroyed, Cueto had a ok game. Neither Lewey or Cueot would have hd a chance to shine this game, however I do think we missed some of the experiemce Josh brings to the side. At times we seemed to lose our setady head, and once Catty went of we were a desperately inexperienced team. Maybe, just maybe he would have helped level a sinking ship.

  • 198.
  • At 02:29 PM on 22 Mar 2007,
  • tom wrote:

josh lewsey is a fantastic player and was rughtly dropped after the france game but will not be out of the team for long. he was put on the wing to start with and was not allowed to settle there because he was swiched back to fullback again. if he is given a position that he is comfortable with and is allowed to settle into that position he will be a very good player.

  • 199.
  • At 09:34 AM on 23 Mar 2007,
  • Gregore wrote:

Please, let me know what is the situation of Lawrence Dalaglio and Richard Hill?

They are very good players...but I don't see them playing at all...

Mr. Ashton should know that it is very easy to revigorate the team with young players but...look at the results

  • 200.
  • At 11:52 PM on 23 Mar 2007,
  • Jason wrote:

I personally think that Lewsy is a great player, and i think that he can get back into it. He just needs to find his form again which I know isn't easy (personal experiences), but I'm sure that he'll get right on it for the world cup. On that last comment I personally think that Tindell is a great player, I know hes injured and all but he needs to come back because with Tindell not in at centere, theres going to be a big hole to fill in the English back line, and he's such a great asset in that line too.

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