Rugby Union: England Tour Verdict
Mark Regan is 35 and had not represented England for three years. He ended up as everyone's man of the tour: spiky, enthusiastic, unyielding and a constant pain in Springbok backsides.
The plus points
Mark Regan is 35 and had not represented England for three years. He ended up as everyone's man of the tour: spiky, enthusiastic, unyielding and a constant pain in Springbok backsides. Magnus Lund tackled himself back into World Cup contention and Andy Gomarsall also made a spirited return. Nick Easter impressed Ashton with his commitment and positive attitude.
The minuses
Poor Iain Balshaw had a horrible time. Having been omitted from the original party, his tour-ending leg injury in the first Test was almost a relief to those who have seen his confidence ebbing away. The sick bug was bad news for Andy Farrell and James Simpson-Daniel. Both had needed to restate their World Cup claims against the Springboks.
England fixtures
World Cup warm-ups August 4 Wales (h); 11 France (h); 18 France (a). World Cup Pool A September 8 USA; 14 South Africa; 22 Samoa; 28 Tonga.
Deadline for naming World Cup squad is August 14
Mark Regan is 35 and had not represented England for three years. He ended up as everyone's man of the tour: spiky, enthusiastic, unyielding and a constant pain in Springbok backsides. Magnus Lund tackled himself back into World Cup contention and Andy Gomarsall also made a spirited return. Nick Easter impressed Ashton with his commitment and positive attitude.
The minuses
Poor Iain Balshaw had a horrible time. Having been omitted from the original party, his tour-ending leg injury in the first Test was almost a relief to those who have seen his confidence ebbing away. The sick bug was bad news for Andy Farrell and James Simpson-Daniel. Both had needed to restate their World Cup claims against the Springboks.
England fixtures
World Cup warm-ups August 4 Wales (h); 11 France (h); 18 France (a). World Cup Pool A September 8 USA; 14 South Africa; 22 Samoa; 28 Tonga.
Deadline for naming World Cup squad is August 14
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