Guscott backs Saints duo for England
Ex-Lions star Jeremy Guscott is calling on England head coach Martin Johnson to select the Saints duo of Shane Geraghty and Jon Clarke for the forthcoming Autumn internationals.
Geraghty and Clarke were both in scintillating form as they teamed up to inspire Saints to a 30-10 Guinness Premiership win over Leeds on Saturday.
Now the outspoken Guscott says Geraghty and Clarke should be selected for the November Tests against Australia, Argentina and New Zealand.
Guscott, like Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder, feels Geraghty would act as the perfect foil for Jonny Wilkinson, presuming he gets the nod at fly-half.
Writing in his column for The Rugby Paper, Guscott said: "Jonny Wilkinson will not offer a genuine running threat, so you need an inside-centre who can trouble defences by playing on the gain-line.
"That is what Will Greenwood did so well for England in the past and Shane Geraghty could give you a similar option.
"I like the look of Geraghty. He's in good form and has good all-round skills. Geraghty has the vision and ability to spot opportunities as they unfold in front of him."
On Clarke, who scored two tries at Franklin's Gardens at the weekend, Guscott added: "Alongside Geraghty you need to play a big man to give your midfield physical presence and it is possible that England will look at his Northampton club-mate Jon Clarke.
"However, Johnson values experienced players very highly and although Gloucester are not going too well, Mike Tindall is a strong option."
Earlier this month, Guscott also backed Saints ace Ben Foden for the full-back spot in place of the injured Delon Armitage.
"Ben Foden would be my pick," he added. "Foden has nailed his colours to the full-back shirt and even though I still believe his best position is scrum-half, he does not lose much in comparison to Armitage in terms of being a running threat.
"He has no problems with courage, can catch the high ball and the autumn will provide a great opportunity to put himself into the limelight."
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Tuesday 07 February 2012
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