WHY can’t England find a natural openside? It’s the position that continues to haunt the national team but it’s not a new phenomenon – England have struggled to find a natural openside since Neil Back was in is pomp. You only have to look at the 20 players no less who have worn the shirt since 2004.
The three most capped players at openside during that time are Chris Robshaw (46), Lewis Moody (39) and James Haskell (18) who I would argue could all be termed six and halves. Tom Rees, above, is next with 11 and his premature retirement through injury has arguably been ...