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Rugby World Cup Barometer: Farrell to lead England in France

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In the lead up to the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Morning Wire has put together a barometer in partnership with City Index to assess whose form is hot – and whose is not – in the race to be part of the tournament in France later this year.
In the lead up to the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Morning Wire has put together a barometer in partnership with City Index to assess whose form is hot – and whose is not – in the race to be part of the tournament in France later this year. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

In the lead up to the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Morning Wire has put together a barometer in partnership with City Index to assess whose form is hot – and whose is not – in the race to be part of the tournament in France later this year.

Player of the week

Even though he was backed in the Six Nations there was no guarantee of Saracens fly-half Owen Farrell being on the plane to France – head coach Steve Borthwick could have preferred former Leicester player George Ford or maverick Marcus Smith.

But Farrell has been named England captain – with Ellis Genge and Courtney Lawes his deputies – for the Rugby World Cup in a move that goes a long was to telling us how Borthwick wants to shape up this autumn.

Who’s hot

Having played his entire career in New Zealand, 23-year-old forward Taine Plumtree has been called up by Warren Gatland and Wales.

Having ditched the Springboks to play for Ireland, lock Jean Kleyn has returned to the South Africa set up in an astonishing move.

Who’s not

One of the first names on many people’s England squad lists, Zach Mercer was ditched from Borthwick’s squad last week.

South African prop Ox Nche will miss much of the Rugby Championship with injury. This will be a concern for the Boks going forward.

Previous Rugby World Cup Barometers