Wednesday 22 October 2014 15:02, UK
Bath wing Semesa Rokoduguni has been given his first call up to England’s elite player squad for next month's autumn internationals.
Chris Ashton, Danny Cipriani and Freddie Burns are the high-profile omissions from the squad to face New Zealand, South Africa, Samoa and Australia whilst the other surprise name in the 33 men selected is Saracens forward George Kruis.
Uncapped Rokoduguni – a Fiji-born serving soldier in the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards - has lit up the Aviva Premiership with his electric running so far this season.
Jack Nowell, Jonny May and Marland Yarde are the other wings selected which means no place for Ashton.
Cipriani and Burns both won caps in the summer, but England coach Stuart Lancaster has – as expected - named Bath No 10 George Ford and Northampton’s Stephen Myler as the back-up fly-halves to Owen Farrell.
With Manu Tuilagi likely to miss the entire QBE series, Bath’s Jonathan Joseph is called up as one of five midfield options.
Lancaster’s options in the pack have been savaged by injury. Alex Corbisiero (shoulder), Dan Cole (neck), Tom Croft (knee), Tom Johnson (neck), Geoff Parling (concussion), Ed Slater (knee) and Mako Vunipola (knee) are all out injured.
Saracens lock Kruis is therefore given his first call-up to the senior squad, and Northampton flanker Calum Clark is recalled.
Lancaster told Sky Sports News HQ that he was "disappointed" to lose Tuilagi to injury and would not rule out handing Rokoduguni a baptism of fire against the All Blacks.
"We have certainly discussed that," he said. "When you are looking for balance in your backline he comes into the equation…for his collision and his ability to beat players. He's a finisher as well."
Lancaster defended the omission of Sale star Cipriani from his squad.
"If you look at the objective stats, the player with the best skills execution is Stephen Myler and think he deserves his chance. Owen (Farrell) hasn't played as much but his inclusion is merited on what he has done for us in the past," he said.
Asked about Bath's recent failed attempt to sign Steffon Armitage from Toulon – which would have made the European Player of the Year eligible for England, Lancaster said: "If it had happened it would have been great, although Steffon would have had to work hard to get into our squad.
“It hasn't happened which is a shame. Now we will have to see how it plays out."
We have four quality sides coming to Twickenham for this QBE Internationals series and we are really looking forward to playing at home in front of our passionate supporters as we continue the build up to the World Cup in 12 months’ time.
Lancaster admits selection was not easy, with plenty of competition in all positions.
“The first six rounds of the Premiership and opening round of European action have given us plenty to think about as coaches with a lot of players putting their hand up for selection and we are excited by the options available to us," he said.
“We are still monitoring a number of players injury-wise and with another intensive round of European games to come, including the Wasps-Harlequins and Sale-Clermont games on Sunday, there are likely to be additions to the squad after the weekend as we move into the training camp and towards the games - so there is plenty to be decided before the New Zealand match comes around.
"We have four quality sides coming to Twickenham for this QBE Internationals series and we are really looking forward to playing at home in front of our passionate supporters as we continue the build up to the World Cup in 12 months’ time.”
Harlequins’ Chris Robshaw, who has captained England in 27 of the last 30 Tests, keeps the armband, and Lancaster said: “Chris continues to lead from the front and with other players now stepping up into captaincy and senior roles at their clubs, we are building a team of leaders who can take England forward.
“There are a number of players unavailable for this series because of long term injury (listed below) but they are all on the road to recovery and as always, it gives the opportunity for others to come in and stake their claim.
“We have included Jonathan Joseph as an injury replacement for Manu. It is obviously disappointing to lose Manu but JJ has been in great form and deserves this chance. Our medics will continue to work closely Leicester’s and ensure that Manu is supported in his rehabilitation from his injury.”
You can watch all four QBE Internationals live on Sky Sports, starting with England v New Zealand on November 8
England squad:
Forwards: Joe Marler (Harlequins), Matt Mullan (Wasps), Brookes (Newcastle), David Wilson (Bath), Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints), Rob Webber (Bath Rugby), Dave Attwood (Bath), George Kruis (Saracens), Joe Launchbury (Wasps), Courtney Lawes (Northampton) Calum Clark (Northampton), James Haskell (Wasps), Ben Morgan (Gloucester), Chris Robshaw (Harlequins), Billy Vunipola (Saracens), Tom Wood (Northampton)
Backs: Danny Care (Harlequins), Lee Dickson (Northampton), Ben Youngs (Leicester), Owen Farrell (Saracens), George Ford (Bath), Stephen Myler (Northampton), Brad Barritt (Saracens), Luther Burrell (Northampton), Kyle Eastmond (Bath), Jonathan Joseph (Bath), Billy Twelvetrees (Gloucester), Mike Brown (Harlequins), Alex Goode (Saracens), Jonny May (Gloucester), Jack Nowell (Exeter), Semesa Rokoduguni (Bath), Marland Yarde (Harlequins)
