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Lancaster must blend squad to challenge for glory 8 views 0 Images
16 January 2013 by Englandfan
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The announcement that uncapped pair Billy Twelvetrees and Calum Clark are in the 33-man England squad for the Six Nations proves coach Stuart Lancaster is continuing with his policy of promoting the best up-and-coming talent.
But it will be the experience of some of his older stars that will hold the key to potential success in this year's Championship, where England begin as slender favourites in the Six Nations betting.
Gloucester centre Twelvetrees has impressed recently in the Aviva Premiership and has been named as one of three fly-halves in the squad for the tournament, that begins with a big clash against Scotland at Twickenham on February 2. Few can begrudge him and Northampton flanker Clark their call-ups but it's likely the duo will only play bit-part roles when the main action gets underway.
Indeed, many punters Betting on Rugby will say their inclusion is only down to the fact there is a new requirement for an eight-man replacements bench this year – meaning the squads are now 33-strong - but that would be harsh because they do have the ability to become international regulars.
Alongside Twelvetrees and Clark being named, Freddie Burns, Joe Launchbury, Tom Youngs and Mako Vunipola have also been officially promoted to the senior squad to top up an already youthful squad with plenty more rising talent.
It has been a feature of Lancaster's impressive reign so far that he has turned to the best young talent around and, judging by the unforgettable victory over arguably one of the best All Blacks side's in the modern era in the autumn, the strategy is paying off.
However, for England to triumph in the Six Nations, there must be a sufficient blend of excting youth and big-game expertise among a squad that has proved, on its day, to be a real match for absolutely anyone in the world.
For every Clark, Vunipola and Youngs there is a Ben Foden, Chris Ashton, Toby Flood or Manu Tuilagi and it is these key men that England's bid for glory will surely hang.
Lancaster's men enter the Six Nations in great shape. The team has been gradually improving over the past six months under the head coach's expert tutelage and there is a real hope that a top-quality squad is already being laid down for a proper assault on the World Cup in 2015.
France probably represent the biggest challenge for the Red Rose to overcome in what looks like being a closely-fought tournament. Wales and Ireland, too, must not be underestimated but, if Lancaster can mix his undoubted young talent with some wise old heads, he may just come up with a winning formula.
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