Tuesday 8 December 2015 10:09, UK
England's back-row balance has caused debate and arguments across the country with No 7 Chris Robshaw baring most of the brunt.
The England skipper has reportedly met with new England coach Eddie Jones, who in the past described him as a 'six-and-a-half at best' but it remains to be seen if Robshaw has a place in the England squad.
The call for an England No 7 in the mould of a Richie McCaw or Michael Hooper has been long and loud with the name Steffon Armitage being touted as the saviour of England. However the RFU are standing firm on their overseas player policy and the Toulon flanker will have to play in the Premiership if he wants to be considered.
Will Greenwood says that there are plenty of players who can fulfil the No 7 role for England and also believes that Robshaw can remain in the England squad.
"Luke Wallace. My goodness me, his breakdown work is good," said Greenwood on the Rugby Club Wrap-Up.
"I see a little bit of Michael Hooper in him. He is also a pretty explosive ball carrier but most importantly, in and around the breakdown he is outstanding. At the moment I would go for Luke Wallace as the outstanding No 7 in the country.
"Will Fraser had a good game for Saracens in front of Eddie Jones against the Falcons but Wallace ticks a hell of a lot of boxes: quick, pacey, dynamic, gets in over the ball and has soft hands."
Strength in depth
Greenwood also believes that England have plenty of strength in depth for the No 6 jersey and believes that Robshaw is one of the contenders.
"I think Robshaw is going pretty well but it is interesting that Conor O'Shea at Quins has stuck him in a No 6 jersey and it looks like Wallace and Jack Clifford will be the No 7s for Harlequins this season.
"So for England at 6 you have the options of James Haskell, Tom Wood, Jamie Gibson, Robshaw - that is a really strong area.
"If we go on form and ignore all previous form excluded then England's back-row would have Jamie Gibson in at No 6 - what a lineout option he is - Billy Vunipola would be in at No 8 and Wallace at No 7."
Like father like son?
The only area that Greenwood has a slight concern over is No 8 - until he remembers the potential of a certain Mr Beaumont.
"I think No 8 is a bit of a worry behind Billy - Ben Morgan did not make the Gloucester starting line-up and Nathan Hughes only qualifies next June. So we hope Billy stays fit and healthy because we don't want to lose him in the No 8 jersey.
"A back-up for Billy is Josh Beaumont though - get him in there - he's got pace, has scored some great tries and is a great lineout man.
"I had a joke with his dad (former England captain Bill Beaumont who is currently RFU chairman) about how well he is playing and said he is everything that his dad wasn't: lean, fit, athletic, can catch. He can also cover No 6 and the second row as well.
"I think Josh Beaumont has gone beyond Morgan now and it is unfortunate that post that leg injury, Morgan just hasn't quite found his dynamic best."
