Stuart Lancaster has assured the five England players he has trimmed from the squad flying to Denver for altitude training they still have a chance of making the 31 for the World Cup.
The only high-profile absentee is the No8 Nick Easter who was left out by the head coach so he can continue to have treatment on a back injury. He will rejoin the squad when the players return from the United States.
The other four, the No10 Stephen Myler, the centre Elliot Daly, and Ed Slater and Maro Itoje – who can both play at lock and flanker– were expected to be released, seen as the outsiders in positions where Lancaster enjoys strength in depth.
Northampton’s Myler, who arrived at England’s training camp with a knee injury, is the fourth fly-half behind George Ford, Owen Farrell and Danny Cipriani. Wasps’ Daly and Itoje, from Saracens, were brought in after a strong end to the season for their clubs and Slater was out of action for most of Leicester’s campaign. The Bath wing, Semesa Rokoduguni, who was a late addition when David Strettle withdrew to prepare for his move from Saracens to Clermont Auvergne, keeps his place. Since winning his one and only cap against New Zealand last autumn, he has been on the periphery but, unlike fly-half, the back row, the second row and the midfield, wing is a position causing Lancaster and his fellow coaches uncertainty.
“I have spoken to all the players to explain that things can change very quickly and they can come back in at any point,” Lancaster said. “Elliot and Maro have fitted in and trained well and it’s been good for them to be in this environment. They are both young players who have bright futures. They have made a great impression and I am sure other opportunities will come for both of them further down the line.
“Steve and Ed have also contributed greatly but they are in really competitive positions. Nick will stay for treatment on his back, rather than risk aggravating it further with travel and we look forward to him rejoining us in August when we will review the squad and also consider those who have been unable to begin the camp after suffering injuries at the end of last season. Denver is the next stage in our training, a chance to develop further in a different environment.”
The players do not know exactly what to expect during the two weeks in Colorado. “We have not been told anything yet,” Farrell said. “Training has been very tough so far but enjoyable at the same time. I was itching to get into camp after spending much of last season injured.
“I have not played as much as the other lads and did not need as much of a rest. It is good to have so much time together before a big competition. Everyone is pushing each other and we are in a very good place.”
England are in a demanding pool that includes Australia and Wales. “All the pressure will be on them because they will have to do it in front of their own fans,” said the former Wales and Lions scrum-half, Sir Gareth Edwards. “I think the pool is anyone’s to win and Wales have become a very difficult team to beat. We will be there or thereabouts.”
