1
Uncapped Barbeary chosen in 33-strong England squad but Joseph will miss Nations Cup final versus France
By Liam Heagney
England boss Eddie Jones has assembled a 33-strong squad for the early-week preparation ahead of Sunday's Autumn Nations Cup decider against France, a gathering that includes a first call-up for uncapped Wasps flanker Alfie Barbeary but Jonathan Joseph, a starter in all four recent games, misses out.
Joseph, who was chosen at outside centre for the Six Nations title-clinching win last month over Italy, had been picked at right wing for the November Nations Cup victories against Georgia, Ireland and Wales.
While Jones claimed post-game on Saturday in Llanelli that there were no major injury worries coming out of the win over the Welsh, Joseph has now withdrawn from the squad to face the French at Twickenham with a calf injury.
Jones initially assembled a squad of 35 at the start of last week to prepare for Wales but that has now been cut to 33 for France. With Joseph steeping out of the backs, fit-again Joe Marchant and Jacob Umaga are included in the 15 chosen.
Eighteen forwards - down from 21 last week - have been selected. Tom Dunn, Lewis Ludlam, Beno Obano and David Ribbans are all excluded while Barbeary, the 20-year-old Wasps hooker, makes the step-up.
The youngster excitingly turned heads in early September when he scored a Premiership try hat-trick in his first start for Wasps versus Leicester, a selection in his alternative position at flanker.
ENGLAND SQUAD (v France, Sunday)
Backs (15)
Joe Cokanasiga (Bath Rugby, 9 caps)
Elliot Daly (Saracens, 46 caps)
Owen Farrell (Saracens, 87 caps)
George Ford (Leicester Tigers, 71 caps)
Ollie Lawrence (Worcester Warriors, 3 caps)
Max Malins (Bristol Bears, 2 caps)
Joe Marchant (Harlequins, 4 caps)
Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby, 60 caps)
Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, uncapped)
Dan Robson (Wasps, 6 caps)
Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 33 caps)
Ollie Thorley (Gloucester Rugby, 1 cap)
Jacob Umaga (Wasps, uncapped)
Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby, 45 caps)
Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 103 caps)
Forwards (18)
Alfie Barbeary (Wasps, uncapped)
Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs, 25 caps)
Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 27 caps)
Ben Earl (Bristol Bears, 7 caps)
Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby, 17 caps)
Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers, 22 caps)
Jamie George (Saracens, 53 caps)
Jonny Hill (Exeter Chiefs, 3 caps)
Maro Itoje (Saracens, 42 caps)
Joe Launchbury (Wasps, 68 caps)
Joe Marler (Harlequins, 71 caps)
Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, 39 caps)
Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 7 caps)
Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 21 caps)
Billy Vunipola (Saracens, 55 caps)
Mako Vunipola (Saracens, 63 caps)
Harry Williams (Exeter Chiefs, 18 caps)
Jack Willis (Wasps, 2 caps)
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Jake White: Ireland, Australia and Wales have the same problem
3
David Campese names his Springbok world player of the year winner
4
Let's be real about these All Blacks
5
Latest Comments
He doesn't generally do it at all, for anybody, so don't say too much the next one could be just as positive about the Springboks if you don't get carried away!
He also pointed out the "no killer instinct" narrative that they simply weren't good enough. Do yo disagree that SA were that great against NZ?
Readying the article I didn't even see that as a dig towards SA SF, simply an exciting take on how close the ABs really are again to those at the top. I feel it is more you that is taking away from this enjoyment with you replay that is largely based on a lot of old resentment.
Just enjoy how good the rugby is and that NZ is back baby!
Go to commentsAttack coach? What "attack"? All I saw was headless chooks pinballing around the paddock. This whole coaching group needs a shake-down. The BFs have regressed at pace since the Prof & Cronnie days.
We have immense talent, some of the best in world rugby, but it's wasted on this coaching group. I put Bunting in the same loser category as Penney & Foster. At this point in time, success at RWC2025 seems a longshot!?!
Go to comments