ALL CONTENDERS, ALL COMBINATIONS! The Big England Backrow Selection Debate

I have a cunning plan ! Ted Hill at 6. Cummingham-South at 8. Ben Earl at 7 and put George Martin in the second row.

Which ever back row you go with, Ben Earl has to be first choice. He deserves nothing less. For this next tour to Japan/Kiwi - 6 Tom P 7 Ben Earl 8 CCS 20 Ethan Roots

A few points. If Earl is uninjured and on form he MUST play somewhere we build a back row around him. If he plays 8 we do need a decent lineout jumper for balance. Assuming we do pick a tall 6 like Chessum then we do need a very physical in the 2nd row (or 2), so a balanced back 5 is essential. Incredible attacking abilities of Dombrandt and Mercer are not balanced by their defence and tight play - game breaking bench players at best. Almost everyone you've mentioned could do a job now or in the near future. On current form and allowed to be picked Chessum, Underhill/Curry, Earl - Itoje and Martin must play 2nd row.

I think it’s impossible to talk about backrow combinations without talking about the second row and replacements. As such my back 5 would be: Itoje, Martin, Hill, Underhill, Earl. With Chessum and Cunningham South on the bench.

Hill. Earl. Cunningham south. Pearson a cover all on the bench. Wow!

6. CCS 7. Earl 8. Dombrandt Everything you need from your back row in those 3.

How to say you originally forgot to mention Ethan Roots without saying it 😂

Cunningham-South 6 Earl 7 Barbeary 8 This will give explosive carrying but good enough defensively too. Mercer, Hill, Pepper, Pearson as the next cabs off the rank. We have players that can offer more than say an Underhill who can only really tackle.

Said of a number of players, "inexperienced". There is only one place to gain experience and that is on the pitch. That is better acquired sooner rather than later.

We are so blessed in the back row position at the minute and that doesn’t include ineligible players like Jack Willis…

I think your first choice back row is very solid... it's so hard to pick considering the options. So many class players will be missing out. The summer tour is one thing - a chance to try out a boat-load of back row options I hope. My first choice would be: CCS/Chessum, Underhill, Earl. In my opinion Earl has to play somewhere. The man is a contender for player of the year and pretty much held us together during the WC.

CCS 6, Alfie Barbeary 8, Earl 7, Tom Pearson on the bench. No brainer imo

Englands two new centres, Earl & Hill, ! 👹☠️

My choices would be Itoji and Martin at 4 & 5 with Cunningham-south at 6, Earl at 7 and Barbeary at 8. A good mix of brute strength and agility.

Earl, Willis & Mercer would be the best to watch. It will all depend on how Steve Borthwick wants to play, and there is definitely a benefit to having players who can cover second row as well.

Tom Curry, when he comes back, has proven his worth over time. He will occupy 6 or 7 so that leaves two slots from 15 eligible. Great problem to have. One last thing, England should keep second row players from the back row. Its not as if they don't have quality options.

Arguments can be made for all these players. Great to have depth, because the attritional nature of rugby and the injuries that brings

Given the known strengths of the Ben Earl, Underhill, Curry etc we need to try some of the 2nd choices either starting/plenty of time off the bench.

4) Itoje. 5) Martin 6) C-South 7) Earl 8) Barbearry 19) Chessum (can cover 6) 20) Pepper (Earl to 8 and Pepper to 7)

Love your preferred back row rich. Great for us to have these options. My humble opinion on your combinations is super size one . Martin, Cunningham-south and Barbeary . England need those scary beasts to hit teams hard . Sick of England lacking that for the last 3 years or so. Martin has proved already he’s a beast who can mix it with anyone. Just hope his injury record improves .