Following the disastrous 2015 Rugby World Cup and the appointment of Eddie Jones, the Telegraph’s writers selected the untried or under-used young players available.
To be frank, their selection wasn’t great with only Maro Itoje and Elliot Daly really establishing themselves as regular internationals.
1. Maro Itoje
They wrote: “The 21-year-old degree-studying lock has already shown that he has the maturity, the skill and the presence to make an impact at international level. All he needs is the opportunity.”
Where he is now: Their one contention to play this weekend. In the time since, he’s won four Premiership titles, three European Rugby Champions Cup titles, and two Six Nations Championship titles, playing in a Rugby World Cup final and winning 38 caps in the process.
Itoje was also selected for the British and Irish Lions for their tour of New Zealand, being the youngest player named in the 41-man squad, aged 22. He was one of the standout players on the tour, scoring one try against the Maori All Blacks and appearing in all three tests against the All Blacks.
2. Jack Clifford
They wrote: “The 22-year-old back-row forward has already seen four of his 2013 England Under 20s World Championship side graduate to full honours and as captain of that victorious side he has every right to be itching to emulate them. Comfortable in all three back-row positions.”
Where he is now: He was included in Eddie Jones first ever squad, making his debut during the 2016 Six Nations, but just hasn’t been able to stay fit the last three years. He’s won 10 caps, but was forced to retire earlier in 2020.
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