Elliot Daly in the spotlight for England, Ireland face a test of their consistency from the Wallabies and can Italy capitalise on Springboks upset?
On one hand, Eddie Jones’s decision to stick with Elliot Daly on the wing again makes sense – he was excellent against Fiji, singled out for praise by the head coach, has the necessary pace and is willing to go looking for the ball. On the other, Semesa Rokoduguni’s omission seems harsh: before last Saturday Daly had not started on the wing since March 2013 and you cannot help but wonder how his overlooked Wasps club-mate Christian Wade might feel. But Daly’s versatility is clearly valued by Jones and giving him more game time there feels like planning for all eventualities in, with the greatest respect to Fiji and Argentina, matches that really matter. It also feels like the transitional phase in moving Daly to full-back, where he has a great deal more experience for Wasps and where he could well end up cementing his place in the England XV. Mike Brown will not give up the shirt without a fight – indeed Jones will relish the very fact the he won’t – but the Harlequins full-back will be 34 when the 2019 World Cup begins whereas Daly will be in his prime. Anthony Watson appeared to be the favourite to take over from Brown not so long ago but having spent a couple of seasons developing into England’s most lethal finisher, it would be a waste to restart his international education in the No15 jersey, especially considering Daly’s ability to run from deep.
• Robert Kitson: Daly’s pace and work-rate earn nod from Jones
• England warned to remain disciplined against Argentina
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