One to watch: Jonathan Joseph

He has had to be patient and bide his time but Jonathan Joseph has finally earned himself a start against Wales in the opening game of the Six Nations. With his last start in an England jersey coming against Argentina nearly two years ago. The Bath centre will line out alongside Luther Burrell in what is another new centre partnership deployed by Stuart Lancaster.

After missing out on the tour to New Zealand in the Summer, Joseph began the season in flying form with a point to prove, earning himself a recall to the squad for the Autumn Internationals. However he did not feature in any of the four tests. With his continued impressive performances for Bath in the league and in Europe, Stuart Lancaster has opted to give him an opportunity at outside centre.

With Joseph, England are getting a complete centre who is dangerous in attack but also a player you can rely on in defence. Joseph has one of the highest tackle percentages in the Aviva Premiership as well as making 46 tackles in 6 games in Europe this season, which is higher than any other back. He has also earned some recognition for his fine performances after being nominated for the EPCR Player of the year for the 2014/2015 season.

Joseph will now look to cement his place as England’s first choice outside centre with the World Cup only eight months away. Many see the injured Manu Tuilagi as the first choice 13 for the World Cup but if Joseph is able to bring his club form to the International stage, Tuilagi might have to settle for a place on the bench.

Ciaran Fallon