Eddie Jones will press on with his experiment of playing Tom Curry at No 8 despite the evidence of England’s defeat at the Stade de France. Curry, so outstanding as a flanker he was nominated for world player of the year in 2019 at the age of just 21, was ineffective in the new role and outplayed by opposite number Gregory Alldritt against France.
There are specialist alternatives ready and waiting in Bristol’s Nathan Hughes and Exeter’s Sam Simmonds plus the in-form Harlequin Alex Dombrandt.
Jones though opted not to bring any of them into his squad yesterday and insisted Curry remains his preferred option to fill the void left by Billy Vunipola’s broken arm.
“I see him as a long-term No 8 so I am prepared to accept some mistakes for him to learn and become a better No 8. We don’t have a one-game selection policy,” said Jones.
“Just look at players like Ellis Genge and how long it has taken him to be a Test player – four years. They have to go through this apprenticeship and sometimes they go through some pain at the start of it.
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“It was massive that he could take the time to show his support. At the end of the day we’re still mates and we look out for each other. For someone in his position to do that meant the world,” said Hastings.
The Glasgow stand-off is set to retain his place against England although Worcester’s Duncan Weir has been included in the squad as back-up.
“England present a huge challenge. They got to a World Cup final not so long ago. Would I love the opportunity to run against them? Yes of course.” said Hastings.
Wing Darcy Graham again misses out with a knee injury sustained in training.
Full England squad
Forwards: Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs), Tom Curry (Sale Sharks), Tom Dunn (Bath), Ben Earl (Saracens), Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby), Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers), Jamie George (Saracens), Ted Hill (Worcester Warriors), Maro Itoje (Saracens), George Kruis (Saracens), Joe Launchbury (Wasps), Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints), Lewis Ludlam (Northampton Saints), Joe Marler (Harlequins), Alex Moon (Northampton Saints), Kyle Sinckler (Harlequins), Will Stuart (Bath Rugby), Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby), Mako Vunipola (Saracens), Harry Williams (Exeter Chiefs)
Backs: Elliot Daly (Saracens), Ollie Devoto (Exeter Chiefs), Fraser Dingwall (Northampton Saints), Owen Farrell (Saracens), George Ford (Leicester Tigers), George Furbank (Northampton Saints), Willi Heinz (Gloucester Rugby), Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby), Jonny May (Leicester Tigers), Ollie Thorley (Gloucester Rugby), Manu Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers), Jacob Umaga (Wasps), Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby), Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers)