Let's start with the captain. Tom Wood is a fine leader and probably would have been picked as Lancaster's captain before his injury back in 2012. Still, he's back in the driving seat, set up to be the stand in skipper in case Chris Robshaw takes a knock. And I think he has earned it, he is an obvious leader on the pitch, holding the respect of his teammates and spectators. His work rate is high, but he does have to watch his back, because on the other side, his Northampton teammate is making his debut. Calum Clark has been both a hero and a villain in the eyes of supporters, predominately split along the Northamptonshire border. But his turn over stats have outshone even the England captain, and his presence on the field means he is a hassle to the attacking sides. To complete the back three, Ben Morgan returns and we will wait to see if he is back to his best. He was very unlucky to break his ankle back in January, after such an excellent autumn series so it will be nice to have him in wearing the rose again. Nick Easter's exclusion from the squad suggests his injury is likely to have him behind Billy Vunipola and Morgan.
Moving forward in the scrum, George Kruis and Geoff Parling buddy up in the second row, with Mako Vunipola, Rob Webber and Kieran Brookes up front. This looks like the second string pack that would sit on the bench against Fiji, with the leading men rested this week. Ah, theory number 1! Yes, I think this set of forwards is the second string as it stands. Those on the bench this week are just behind them, and will need to make a strong impact off the bench to challenge. Corbisiero and Wilson will be particularly worth watching as they would presumably be contesting for the last front row spot. Corbisiero has the advantage of playing both sides of the scrum, whereas Wilson has been with England all year, even following Dan Cole's injury.
Half backs would similarly be the second string players, but some relief for the scrum halves in that their rivals have been removed, so the three are safe. Danny Care needs to find his form again, with Wigglesworth and Youngs leading the way. Owen Farrell is certainly behind George Ford, and where Cipriani fits in, I don't know. Theory number 2 might shed some light on this, but I'll save that for later.
Centres next, and I'm going to be blunt and brief. The press and social media have their opinions and a certain elephant in the room is central (tee hee) to the debates and news. If I'm honest, I'm bored of it and so are many Bath supporters as I found out on Saturday at Bath's open day. Instead, I'm going to veer off and go to the bench first. Billy Twelvetrees is at his last chance saloon. He has to perform if he is to stand any chance, and even then, Henry Slade offers so much more. He fits the mould that Lancaster wanted Twelvetrees to be in that he is an extra kicking option but offers a left foot option none of his competitors have. His ability to be a fly-half or a 12 in a pinch means he is far more valuable than a convert with a number that seems to double when it's in white. Shall I move on? No? Oh alright then. Sam Burgess has his first chance to play a full international union match, but it's in his worst position where he was outplayed by the Irish Wolfhounds back in February. Was that match too early? Is the World Cup? We shall see. I'd love to be proven wrong... Well that's not true. Anyone who knows me knows how pedantic I am and being right is a massive benefit. That aside, Burgess needs to learn the game more. I hear Japan is lovely.
Finally the back three, and this is where the theories come in. Alex Goode, Jonny May and Jack Nowell are the fullback and wings respectively, and May, who has been reported as the best in training, has been given a reprieve. Let's see if he can recreate his special skills used to score against the All Blacks. Defensively, the three aren't the biggest, but they work hard and will do their best to defend against the attacking French forces.
Now some conspiracy theories! Theory 1 is already out there: our front row rankings.
Theory 2: Cipriani and Slade will be tested in two positions. I think Slade will see himself playing at fly half for at least 10 minutes, and Cipriani will replace Goode at fullback. Slade needs to demonstrate himself across the midfield to maximise his chances, and Cipriani has a need to prove his extra string because of theory 3...
Theory 3: Mike Brown isn't quite fit enough. Something about Chris Pennell and Ben Foden joining in with training suggests the fullback isn't as settled as we might think. Both might feature next week in France, reprising their roles from against the Crusaders, with Anthony Watson on the other side.
These are just theories. Do you have any theories of your own? Keep an eye out on Facebook and Twitter for more about those who #WearTheRose!
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