Drew Mitchell: England naive if they overlook Steffon Armitage
Wednesday 29 April 2015 16:43, UK
Drew Mitchell has spoken out urging England to break their policy and allow Steffon Armitage the opportunity to play in the World Cup.
The Toulon winger has labelled current England players Tom Wood and Tom Youngs “naive” in their “cop-out” claim that if Armitage was to win the World Cup it could lead to separation within the squad.
Both Wood and Youngs have been trying to prevent England turning back on their initial decision of banning players playing club rugby outside of England.
Mitchell, who has been capped 63 times for the Wallabies, believes Stuart Lancaster’s tightly-knit squad may not be as strong as many think, if it was to crack because of the return of his Toulon team-mate.
"Regardless of whether it's Steffon, or it's a bolter who hasn't been in the England squad, there's going to be someone who hasn't been around that environment for a great amount of time," said Mitchell.
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"I think that's just people who are based in England and who are raising queries because they or someone they are close with friendship-wise may be the ones to miss out if Steffon comes in."
Australia overturned their policy last week and will now allow experienced internationals who are based overseas to represent their country. Mitchell, Matt Giteau and George Smith are a number of players who will be available to Wallabies boss Michael Cheika.
This weekend is a real opportunity for both Giteau and Mitchell to stake their claim for a World Cup spot when Toulon go in search of an unprecedented third straight European crown when they face Clermont at Twickenham in Saturday's Champions Cup final.
Regardless of whether it's Steffon, or it's a bolter who hasn't been in the England squad, there's going to be someone who hasn't been around that environment for a great amount of time
Mitchell feels Armitage should use Saturday's epic encounter as a mirror image ahead of the World Cup in early September.
"Steffon Armitage is probably the guy who has been in a similar position to Matt Giteau where England are concerned," said Mitchell.
"Steffon's not only been knocking on the door this year, he's been doing it over a number of years. And to have that type of player, if you look at the England squad they probably don't have anyone who plays his type of game, that high turnover rate and he's a strong ball-carrier too.
"I think he would really add some value to the English squad."
Watch Clermont Auvergne v Toulon live on Sky Sports 3 on Saturday from 4pm
