DO YOU take three hookers and three locks? How many nines make the cut? Will you get by with a few versatile back-three stars? As expanded national squads battle through camps ahead of Rugby World Cup 2023 in France, head coaches have some big calls to make. For those players who aren’t nailed-on starters, there is a big opportunity to ensure they are in the final World Cup squad. So we name a few athletes with points to prove in the coming weeks…
George Ford
Sale Sharks & England
Some players are just blessed with vision and Ford – much like that man his career has been so intertwined with, Owen Farrell – simply has it. At his imperious best this season, Ford has put those peepers to good use as he guided Sale Sharks through games.
Sure, his team-mate Rob du Preez metaphorically loosened the jar lid,closing encounters. The question is, though, will his quality be rewarded in a Test sense by making it to France 2023?
