One of the surprise absentees from Eddie Jones’ first ever England EPS was Leicester Tigers’ first choice hooker, Tom Youngs.
He was the first choice hooker during England’s recent World Cup failure, but that does not mean that he is now awful. He is one of the best players around the park (partly from previously being a centre) and although he does not have the best lineout throwing ability, he is still a class player.
Tom Youngs was left out in favor of youngster Luke Cowan-Dickie and the ill-disciplined Dylan Hartley, as well as the in-form Saracens hooker Jamie George.
Leicester Tigers’ Director of Rugby told The Telegraph that he was shocked by the decision made my England’s first foreign coach. He then went on to say:
It was a major surprise, that’s for sure. It’s disappointing because we all know here at Leicester just how well Tom has been playing.
If it is form you are considering, then Tom is right up there alongside the other hooker named, Jamie George of Saracens.
However earlier in the week Eddie Jones said in an interview with England Rugby that the pressure was on the players to perform and that if they did not get selected, it was because they were not good enough and had areas which Jones and the rest of the coaching team feel need improving on before they can break into the international side.
