Anthony Watson must switch to full-back – Sinbad
Brown has reigned supreme as England’s first choice No.15 over the last four years but is coming under increasing pressure from Saracen Alex Goode.
However, Simpson-Daniel, above, believes the impressively athletic Watson is the best thing since Jason Robinson and should nail down the position this summer.
He told The Rugby Paper: “I know all about the full-back debate but Anthony Watson is a different article altogether. I can talk about him until I’m blue in the face because he’s the most electrifying thing we’ve seen in English rugby since Jason Robinson.
“Other guys you can deal with: Jonny May is a straight line guy while Jack Nowell’s very busy. But as far as electricity is concerned, I think Watson’s simply incredible.
“He would be my starting England full-back now. Nothing against Mike Brown, you know what you get with him and he’s so solid, which is great in international rugby, but I feel with Watson you could really mix up your game and he carries a huge attacking threat.”
Watson is far taller than Robinson and rangy, like Australia‘s Israel Folau, but Simpson-Daniel, nicknamed Sinbad, said: “He’s a different stepper to someone like Folau and as an absolute take-your-breath-away player, there’s none better in England, in my opinion.
“Anthony’s brilliant at taking someone on over 15 metres, getting through a half gap and then powering away. He’s Jason Robinson-like in the way he moves.
“When normal people accelerate they hit a point and stay at that speed, but Anthony then goes again, going sideways. It’s a joy watching him run.
“I don’t know how quick he is in a straight line but his speed of thought is impressive and it’s all natural. He’s good under a high ball, tackles and playing him at full-back would allow England to play a big winger and adjust the balance around the centres.
“On fast grounds in Australia, that’s exactly what England need.”
NEALE HARVEY
