The news this week that Delon Armitage and Riki Flutey are likely to miss the Autumn Internationals is a blow for Martin Johnson, but it offers the opportunity to bring other players into the setup.
There are four more rounds of the Guinness Premiership before Johnno names replacements for the two backs, and there are a number of players keen to impress.
Olly Morgan returned from injury last week to take his place at full back for Gloucester, and is already in the Elite Player Squad for England. He’ll be playing at Kingsholm this week against Northampton, and against one his rivals for the 15 jersey.
Ben Foden is currently in the Saxons squad, but his versatility may earn him a call up to the seniors for the Autumn Tests. He has plenty of support as a future England prospect, and a few good games could even see him starting against Australia.
Mathew Tait is another option at full-back, as is Ugo Monye who has been playing there for Harlequins, and that could open the door for a player like James Simpson-Daniel or Matt Banahan to come through.
Shane Geraghty appears to be a strong option to fill Flutey’s boots, although there is also a case for Jordan Turner-Hall of Quins. The injury to Stephen Myler at Northampton has meant that Geraghty’s experiment at 12 has been short-lived, but as a strong kicking option, Geraghty could suit England’s style of play.
Who do you think should step into the breach? Are there any candidates I haven’t mentioned?
Some interesting points J-Dawg, and you might be disappointed by the news that Borthwick’s shoulder injury will not rule him out of the Autumn games.
I like the sound of Wilko, Geraghty and Tindall, and Monye isn’t looking too bad at full-back even in a struggling team, leaving room on the wing for JSD!
Monye is a winger, not a full back. Geragthy isn’t consistent enough. JSD will be lucky to make squad (simply due to pass injuries). Turner-Hall looks like he’s gonna be ruled out with injury. Tindall and Hipkiss at the moment look dull (which leaves us with big problems in centre). Borthwick is looking good, but still no captain and his fitness is doubtful. Kennedy may get call up call (right so). All in all, looking like it could be mis-match autumn internationals again, which will simply put us back again