The biggest shock was the inclusion of Tongan rugby league convert Lesley Vainikolo at the expense of World Cup winner Josh Lewsey.
Other notable omissions included Dan Hipkiss, Olly Barkley, Magnus Lund and the Gloucester pair of Anthony Allen and Ryan Lamb.
Although to be fair England are besieged by talented 10s and 12s at the moment so it must have been a tricky decision for Ashton to pick two from at least three in both those positions.
Tricky Conversion
Vainikolo's inclusion comes as two of his former rugby league counterparts leave the international scene, Jason Robinson by choice, Farrell by force.
This week Farrell's son Owen joined him at Saracens although it will be a while until they could line up alongside each other (Owen is only 16). Farrell senior's International career however, appears to have limped to its conclusion.
Lesley 'The Volcano' Vainikolo should have more than enough talent to fill both their boots however.
With the power and strength of Farrell and the pace and finishing instinct of Robinson he is likely to prove a massive hit with the fans.
Just ask those up in Bradford about his try scoring ability. While playing for the Bulls he scored 149 tries in 152 games, and having already scored 9 in 9 for Gloucester he could be England's answer to the Cheetah.
Notice how all the best players get cool nicknames... Billy Whizz, The Volcano, Caveman, The Cheetah, Schalk "Would you like a penalty with that" Burger...
1 comment:
Interesting to see. Might struggle on defence but provides the game-breaking ability the English backline haven't really had in years.
Lamb was never going to be chosen over Cipriani.
Lastly, Tom Croft, having watched him in only 1 game due to my physical whereabouts, looks extremely talented. 6 foot 5 and quick as anything is a start!!
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