England
Stuart Lancaster endured selection 'rollercoaster'
ESPN Staff
August 27, 2015
Sam Burgess selected on merit: Lancaster

England coach Stuart Lancaster admitted he suffered a "rollercoaster" three days as he narrowed his Rugby World Cup squad down to 31 names.

Lancaster has confirmed the final list of 31 players who will represent England on home soil next month, with Sam Burgess and Ben Morgan among those to force their way in.

And despite preparing for this day, the squad's competitiveness meant that the 45-year-old was faced with several selection dilemmas on the eve of the announcement.

"We've always had this date in our mind; I've personally had this date in my mind for two years," he said.

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"We've used the last three days to speak to the players. It's been a real rollercoaster. Whether it's Sam or Henry Slade or George Kruis.

"Sam's expression and the relief on his face that he's got this opportunity.

"Then you've got the complete opposite, when you're speaking to someone like a Nick Easter who has pushed Ben Morgan so hard.

"These guys who haven't made it are retained in the wider squad. I only spoke to them this morning.

"They're very much in our thoughts and history will tell us one or two will get an opportunity."

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Lancaster was adamant all the players had the chance to put their hands up for selection, including Danny Cipriani. 

Cipriani was bidding to play fly-half and fullback, but specialists Owen Farrell and George Ford were selected at No.10 and Alex Goode and Mike Brown at No.15.

"I can reassure everyone that 100 per cent in training everybody has had an opportunity to put themselves forward," Lancaster added.

"With only two warm-up games, it's difficult.

"It's tough on Danny. He is a good player. We think he's improved an awful lot."

Burgess was at inside centre between Farrell and Slade, up against Cipriani, Brad Barritt and Burrell in training on Wednesday.

And, Lancaster insisted Burgess had been included on merit.

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He said: "I wouldn't describe it as a gamble. I understand the size of this decision, but I understand the size of every decision when you're in a World Cup year. Every one is a big one.

"He's done great. He's earned the right. He's picked on merit from what we've seen in the camp."

Defence coach Andy Farrell, who himself converted from rugby league to play in the 2007 World Cup with England, added: "To force our hand to put him into the squad, he should be unbelievably proud of himself."

England's Rugby World Cup Squad

Forwards: K. Brookes, D. Cole, D. Wilson, J. Marler, M. Vunipola, T. Youngs, J. George, R. Webber, J. Launchbury, G. Parling, C. Lawes, G. Kruis, T. Wood, J. Haskell, C. Robshaw (captain), B. Vunipola, B. Morgan

Backs: R. Wigglesworth, B. Youngs, D. Care, G. Ford, O. Farrell, S. Burgess, J. Joseph, H. Slade, B. Barritt, A. Goode, M. Brown, J. May, J. Nowell, A. Watson.

© ESPN Staff

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