Star Parts or Bit Players? Bath’s England World Cup choices

  The auditions are complete, the cast chosen. There are less than three weeks to go to curtain up on the main show, with one preview this weekend to give further clues to the final line up. Disappointing performances in the warm ups have clouded the view, the manner of the Paris defeat in particular suggesting that something has gone wrong in preparation or Stuart Lancaster does not know his best match 23 yet. So, in the big matches against Wales & Australia, what should Bath’s six representatives expect? Will they be stars or play bit part roles only? Next weekend’s Ireland match may throw up solutions or more alarms, but I will stick my neck out and suggest how I think our boys stand  – in positional order.  

Rob Webber. Hard to tell. Ever resent in the AIs but a mixed season at club level. Hooker is the most contentious position. Game time evidence in the warm ups has been inconclusive, the critics are divided. Rob seemed sound at Twickenham, but Youngs has long been pushing Hartley for first choice and James may yet do a Sean Fitzpatrick and take over as first choice. Bit part: occasional bench.

Davey Wilson. The better scrummager, but when Cole is fit, usually deemed the backup man at Tighthead. Has reportedly been under threat for his place, from Brookes. His experience will be needed though. Supporting role: bench.

George Ford. A standout 2015 season should see him forgiven for the shakiness of his first half in Paris. One of few England players with real X factor. Starring role: starter.

Sam Burgess. Still learning and singled out by the Press as a controversial choice. May not get game time until the Uruguay match. After that, there may be room for his big match temperament, but unlikely unless she can produce some magic. Bit part: could develop to supporting role, likely to be used in minor games only.

Jonathon Joseph. Will be counted on to penetrate and slash open defences. The question is how will partner him as the tournament develops. Will vie with Ford for star status. Key supporting role: starter.

Anthony Watson. Two first half tries the bright spot of the warm ups. Another pushing Ford for stardom. Supporting role: starter.

Others. Dave Attwood and Semesa Rokodguni must have been unlucky to miss out. Roko has been described as “standby” by Lancaster and Attwood’s experience must have made the Kruis choice a tight call.  They could be needed if injuries strike. Do not though, look for a Roy of the Rovers outcome –if either get into the squad they are unlikely to get more than walk-on parts. Understudies, in the wings.

Bath’s part in England’s season has gone from seven in the twenty three for the first AI to three in the final 6 Nations match. There have been four Bath starters in all but one of those nine matches. How many will lead the bid for “Bill”? How will they do?