Six Nations 2018: Joe Launchbury ready to pass on to the next generation as he approaches his half-century

As far as strength in depth goes, it doesn’t come much stronger than England’s second-row department. With Eddie Jones having a plethora of world class locks to choose from, the head coach regularly deploys one of them as a makeshift blindside flanker, simply to squeeze them all into the same side.

Two years ago, that did not seem to be the case. Jones decided that the time was right to promote Maro Itoje to his starting XV, move Chris Robshaw to the No 6 shirt and leave George Kruis, Courtney Lawes and Joe Launchbury to fight over the remaining spot in the English engine room. For much of 2016, Kruis held onto his place in the side and Lawes’ return to form meant that there was rarely space to accommodate Launchbury.

But come the start of the 2017 Six Nations, Launchbury simply couldn’t be left out any longer. The Wasps lock has gone on to play every England Test since last year’s championship began and has emerged as one of the most consistent performers in the side – something that deserves recognition when it comes in the most competitive position in the squad.

So when Launchbury runs out at Murrayfield alone this Saturday – providing he is selected – to win his 50th cap, the lock will be applauded more so for his contribution to this current team rather than his longevity, and the 26-year-old admits it will be a moment to remember for not just him to enjoy.

“It's crept up a bit,” said Launchbury. “I never thought at one moment I would get 50 caps. So if the opportunity arises, it will be a fantastic achievement and one that will make my family really proud.

“I always felt like I was one of the younger players until Argentina in the summer. Sitting next to Nick [Isiekwe] and I think he’s seven years younger than me. I never felt old but it’s great to see these guys.

“I do remember it myself being a young 21-year-old, and hopefully now I can impart some of the knowledge those older guys gave to me.”

Launchbury is by no means an old head in the squad, but having made his international debut six years ago during the 2012 autumn internationals, he has certainly been around the block a few times.

The Wasps lock is one of many players who have been entrusted by Jones to take on more responsibility and help build a leadership core within the squad, and his time as club captain back at the Ricoh Arena has certainly helped develop that area of his game. But it is another aspect that he believes has improved under the guidance of Jones and – in particular – forwards coach Steve Borthwick, having targeted both the lineout and scrums in order to regain his place as a Test starter.

“My attention to detail at set-piece, I certainly wasn’t blasé with it before, I always worked really hard at it, but perhaps didn’t really understand what it took to be an international front-five,” Launchbury explained.

“I always enjoyed doing stuff from the weekend, getting my hands on the ball, trying to offload. I did enjoy the set-piece but didn’t give it the full attention it deserved.

“Credit to Eddie - and Steve Borthwick who’s been fantastic with me in the line-out, trying to improve me, to upskill me. That’s been my biggest development and my willingness to get stuck in. Those points are still there to work on, for me now. I’ve certainly not cracked it.

“Steve is the first forwards coach I’ve had who has been a second row. The others have been props and they’re fantastic at what they do, but that attention to me as a jumper, Steve’s brought that in which for me has been fantastic.”

Launchbury still has some way to go before he can target Jason Leonard’s record of 114 England caps, but by bringing up his half-century at such a young age – two years young than when the loosehead prop reached his – it would be no surprise to see him hang around long enough to have a real crack at it.