England full back Mike Brown could return to the side after missing the 19-9 Six Nations defeat to Ireland last weekend. The Harlequins star missed the match after he was stretchered off during England’s victory over Italy, after suffering a concussion injury early in the contest.
On Tuesday, Stuart Lancaster revealed that expected Brown to return to full training by this Friday, which means that he should be available for the Calcutta Cup clash with Scotland next Saturday. The full back, who has been a regular ever since he made his debut in 2007, will be welcomed back as he offers a potent threat in attack while is a composed figure defensively too. We take a quick look at what his return could mean for the side.
Experience and quick thinking:
Alex Goode was installed at full back against Ireland and, although he coped relatively well with the majority of high kicks while under pressure, he lacked the pace and quick thinking that Brown brings to the side. Furthermore, Goode is a fly-half and full back is not his natural position – meaning that his positioning and general reading of the game may be a little below the standard of Mike Brown.
Natural ability:
Brown has featured 35 times for his country, scoring six tries and has established himself as one of the greatest full backs in world rugby. Goode is still quite young and is a relatively new addition to the England set-up, although his time will come in the near future and as a supporting player, he’s an excellent inclusion in the squad. Saying that, Brown acknowledged an excellent piece of skill at Goode during the Ireland game, and maybe the 26-year-old provides a sterner test than some people think.
Well done Goodey! Phew!
— Mike Brown (@mikebrown_15) March 1, 2015
The ground game
Unlike in their match against Ireland, the hosts will expect to dominate the possession at Twickenham. Mike Brown may be a better option in-and-around the ruck area, while Goode possesses better ball-in-hand qualities. It may be wise to start Brown, but keep Goode on the bench as his versatility makes him a key asset to the side.
England’s setback last weekend was tough to take, particularly as that was a clear backwards step in their preparations for the 2015 Rugby World Cup in September. However, they will take some positives out of their second half performance, as they responded with a late surge but were unable to get that all-important try which would have put them back into the game. With just two matches left in this year’s Six Nations tournament, Lancaster’s side will be looking to earn back-to-back victories to ensure they enter the World Cup in good form.
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