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No reprieve for Mako as uncapped Rodd gets the England call up
By Liam Heagney
Uncapped Sale loosehead Bevan Rodd has been called up to the England squad following the positive Covid test that will keep Joe Marler, a replacement in last weekend's win over Tonga, in isolation for ten days. It was Tuesday morning when the RFU confirmed that Harlequins prop Marler had failed a test on Monday evening which resulted in a further round of testing for everyone in the camp.
This follow-up testing confirmed that Marler did indeed have a positive, unlike what happened last week when it was ultimately determined that the test result produced by skipper Owen Farrell was a false positive. That determination came too late, though, to make Farrell available to take his place versus the Tongans.
With Marler now definitely ruled out, it left Eddie Jones with just two looseheads available for selection in his squad, vice-captain Ellis Genge, who started against Tonga, and Trevor Davison, the 29-year-old who won his sole Test cap as a sub last July versus the USA.
There was speculation that Marler's misfortune could prise the door open for Mako Vunipola, the starting loosehead in the 2019 World Cup final, to earn a recall to the squad. However, Jones has instead opted to look elsewhere despite Vunipola's recent improved form with Saracens.
Rodd was part of the England training squad that assembled in London for a mini-camp at the end of September and having missed out on the Autumn Nations Series squad announced on October 18, he is now in the mix for the remainder of the November schedule versus Australia this Saturday and the following weekend's clash with the Springboks.
England newcomer Rodd, 21, is a Scottish-born front-rower is a 21-year-old who has developed a reputation for celebrating Sale victories by dancing naked in the dressing room. Sharks boss Alex Sanderson explained last June: “I’m not allowed to talk about him getting naked because his grandma had a go at him about that post-match. But he doesn’t mind, he doesn’t mind getting his kit off and he is quite a good mover with it. He is quite handsome for a big lad. He is a bit of a talent. He is a rare talent for someone being as young as he is and being able to hold that side of the scrum up but it is his work around the field that sets him apart for front-rowers, for looseheads.
Whereas last week, Jones cut his squad from 34 to 28 on the Tuesday evening, releasing the likes of Sam Simmonds back to Exeter for weekend club duty, England have decided to keep all 34 players with them for the whole week leading into the match with the Wallabies in an attempt to limit any further setbacks with their safety bubble. The RFU confirmed on Wednesday morning that the latest round of test results have all come back negative.
ENGLAND SQUAD (vs Australia)
FORWARDS:
Jamie Blamire (Newcastle Falcons, 3 caps)
Callum Chick (Newcastle Falcons, 2 caps)
Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 34 caps)
Trevor Davison (Newcastle Falcons, 1 cap)
Nic Dolly (Leicester Tigers, uncapped)
Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins, 2 caps)
Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby, 24 caps)
Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers, 31 caps)
Jamie George (Saracens, 60 caps)
Jonny Hill (Exeter Chiefs, 10 caps)
Maro Itoje (Saracens, 49 caps)
Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints, 88 caps)
Lewis Ludlam (Northampton Saints, 10 caps)
George Martin (Leicester Tigers, 1 cap)
Bevan Rodd (Sale Sharks, uncapped)
Sam Simmonds (Exeter Chiefs, 7 caps)
Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, 45 caps)
Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 13 caps)
Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 25 caps)
BACKS:
Mark Atkinson (Gloucester Rugby, 1 cap)
Owen Farrell (Saracens, 93 caps)
Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, uncapped)
George Furbank (Northampton Saints, 5 caps)
Max Malins (Saracens, 8 caps)
Joe Marchant (Harlequins, 6 caps)
Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby, 67 caps)
Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, 1 cap)
Raffi Quirke (Sale Sharks, uncapped)
Adam Radwan (Newcastle Falcons, 2 caps)
Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 41 caps)
Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 3 caps)
Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 3 caps)
Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks, 44 caps)
Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 110 caps)
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Latest Comments
Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.
Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.
As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.
Go to commentsGood grief
Beauden was his usual industrious self mixing deft touches with mindless kicks
6 or 7 max!!
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