Former England internationals Mike Brown and Jonny May have ignited a fiery debate over the optimal lineup for England's backline in the upcoming Autumn Nations Series, though they unanimously champion the inclusion of Adam Radwan, labeled as the 'X-factor' by both. During their appearance on The Good, The Bad and The Rugby podcast, initial consensus on Alex Mitchell and George Ford was quick to dissolve into a clash of opinions regarding other positions.
May advocated for Tommy Freeman at outside centre, flanked by Ollie Lawrence, attributing his choice to England's abundant wing resources. Brown, on the other hand, countered with a preference for playing athletes in their usual roles, proposing Lawrence at 13 and Fraser Dingwall at 12, describing the latter as a "glue player." Despite their disagreements, both ex-players were excited about Radwan's return, with Brown noting that England's coaching setup is ideal for enhancing his skills.
"You cannot tell me he is above Ollie Hassell-Collins in any wing play, positional play, kicking game, under the high ball, and Hassell-Collins is the top try scorer… I don’t understand it."
Brown's critique extended to Henry Arundell, the new sensation at Bath, whom he feels doesn't match up at the international level. Interestingly, neither Hassell-Collins nor Radwan made it into Brown's preferred lineup, which instead featured Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Freeman on the wings, with Elliot Daly at full-back, pending fitness.
The professional friction was palpable during the podcast, reflecting their past dynamic. "We had a rough relationship. Ups and downs," Brown admitted, with May adding, "I drove him mad in training and games sometimes, but then there were games where we brought the best out of each other."
May described Brown's intense approach during their playing days, "I was intense as a player. I would want certain things a certain way," Brown revealed, hinting at the challenges of aligning with May's more unpredictable style.
Despite their differences, both hold a deep mutual respect, underscored by their shared contributions to England's rugby successes. Their debate underscores the complex dynamics that often drive sports teams to victory, shaped by diverse personalities and tactics.
Mike Brown’s England backline: Alex Mitchell, George Ford, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Fraser Dingwall, Ollie Lawrence, Tommy Freeman, Elliot Daly
Jonny May’s England backline: Alex Mitchell, George Ford, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Ollie Lawrence, Tommy Freeman, Tom Roebuck, George Furbank
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Former England internationals Mike Brown and Jonny May have ignited a fiery debate over the optimal lineup for England's backline in the upcoming Autumn Nations Series, though they unanimously champion the inclusion of Adam Radwan, labeled as the 'X-factor' by both. During their appearance on The Good, The Bad and The Rugby podcast, initial consensus on Alex Mitchell and George Ford was quick to dissolve into a clash of opinions regarding other positions.
May advocated for Tommy Freeman at outside centre, flanked by Ollie Lawrence, attributing his choice to England's abundant wing resources. Brown, on the other hand, countered with a preference for playing athletes in their usual roles, proposing Lawrence at 13 and Fraser Dingwall at 12, describing the latter as a "glue player." Despite their disagreements, both ex-players were excited about Radwan's return, with Brown noting that England's coaching setup is ideal for enhancing his skills.
"You cannot tell me he is above Ollie Hassell-Collins in any wing play, positional play, kicking game, under the high ball, and Hassell-Collins is the top try scorer… I don’t understand it."
Brown's critique extended to Henry Arundell, the new sensation at Bath, whom he feels doesn't match up at the international level. Interestingly, neither Hassell-Collins nor Radwan made it into Brown's preferred lineup, which instead featured Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Freeman on the wings, with Elliot Daly at full-back, pending fitness.
The professional friction was palpable during the podcast, reflecting their past dynamic. "We had a rough relationship. Ups and downs," Brown admitted, with May adding, "I drove him mad in training and games sometimes, but then there were games where we brought the best out of each other."
May described Brown's intense approach during their playing days, "I was intense as a player. I would want certain things a certain way," Brown revealed, hinting at the challenges of aligning with May's more unpredictable style.
Despite their differences, both hold a deep mutual respect, underscored by their shared contributions to England's rugby successes. Their debate underscores the complex dynamics that often drive sports teams to victory, shaped by diverse personalities and tactics.
Mike Brown’s England backline: Alex Mitchell, George Ford, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Fraser Dingwall, Ollie Lawrence, Tommy Freeman, Elliot Daly
Jonny May’s England backline: Alex Mitchell, George Ford, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Ollie Lawrence, Tommy Freeman, Tom Roebuck, George Furbank