England Bolters for Six Nations 2016

With three and a half years until the next World Cup, this is the perfect time to blood some new young talent and this piece looks at some possible stars of the future.

The criteria in order to be classified as a ’bolter’ is that you haven’t been capped for England, so this rules out the likes of Joe Simpson, Matt Kvesic, Jamie George, Semesa Rokoduguni, Christian Wade and Henry Slade, all of whom have had under five caps for their country.

The Five Bolters

Josh Beaumont

The Sale number eight comes from serious rugby pedigree, with his father Bill, captaining England on numerous occasions. Josh is making a name for himself in his own right. The powerful Sale number 8 has been a standout in the league so far, not only proving to be a good lineout option but he has been turning over balls and scoring tries for fun.

If required Beaumont can play in the second row but with both Ben Morgan and Billy Vunipola struggling to make the number eight shirt their own, Beaumont could sneak in and steal it if he continues in this form.

Jack Clifford

One of the big talking points from the World Cup failure was Chris Robshaw and his role after the tournament. I am not ruling out the possibility the Quins man still starts, but one player who is applying a lot of pressure is his team mate Jack Clifford.

The 22 year old can play anywhere in the back row which makes him a huge asset for Eddie Jones and his form has been unbelievably consistent for quite some time. Clifford was a star in the England under 20s setup and looks to have the game cope at the highest level.

Elliot Daly

Without a doubt the most obvious bolter, arguably in the northern hemisphere. Daly has everything you want to see in your number 13; a strong running game, brilliant boot and creative flair. The injury to Henry Slade has helped his cause somewhat, but the future could be Slade at 12 and Daly outside him.

I won’t go on but Daly really does have almost everything, the odd defensive mistake can slip into his game, but that will be ironed out by Paul Gustard and company, so Daly is a must for the squad.

Mike Haley

There are plenty of options for England in the number 15 shirt, with Mike Brown leading the charge, but one youngster who is applying serious pressure is the Sale superstar Mike Haley.

Considering his side haven’t set the world alight, it’s an amazing feat to see the 21 year old leading the way, having made more metres than anyone else in the Premiership this season. Definitely one to watch and if Cipriani is selected (like he should be) then his partner in crime could join him.

Brendon O’Connor

My final player is another Kiwi by birth but English qualified back rower like Thomas Waldrom. It may seem odd to have another potential seven in this selection, but England need a couple in the squad and Clifford can play anywhere in the back row.

I watched O’Connor excel at a struggling blues side last year in Super Rugby and he has all the attributes to be a star for his new ‘home’ country. The Tigers appear to have found a gem and unlike Robshaw he is the archetypal seven who steals possession on a regular basis as well as having brilliant hands and rarely missing a tackle. Soon we could be saying ‘Steffon who?’

A special mention does go to these players who were late exclusions in my piece but didn’t quite make the top five.

Will Addison – Great year to date, but England are frankly spoilt for choice in regard to wingers with the likes of Wade, May, Rokoduguni, Watson, Nowell, Yarde and others vying for a starting spot.

Sam James – Another Sale player who has been mightily impressive, but this form has coincided with a probable return from injury for Manu Tuilagi and some amazing form in the last few months for Elliot Daly and Jonathan Joseph.

Will Fraser – It was tough to ignore Sarries players given their start to the season and as mentioned England need a number 7, but I think 2016 may be a tad too early for Fraser.

Alex Waller – Playing 100 consecutive games can’t go unnoticed and what a remarkable record to hold. However, I still think Waller is behind Mako Vunipola who ruined Dan Cole recently with three penalty tries awarded for the Sarries man. Mention to Waller’s partner, Kieran Brookes, who has been outstanding and should be starting in the white of England.

Alex Lewington – Very similar case to Addison. Has been more consistent for even longer I would argue and is a natural finisher. 2016 has come a little early, could feature next year I fancy.

Will Chudley – One of those squad members who dismantled the Barbarians in 2015 and is integral to the success of Exeter. The experience of Care, Simpson and Youngs will pip him in selection I am sure.