The announcement of Martin Johnson’s first Six Nations squad – or 32-man EPS to give it its proper term – was always going to throw up several points for debate.
There are champions for every player, and I was disappointed to see Bath full-back Nick Abendanon omitted, but his demotion to the Saxons squad was tempered by the call-up of Ben Foden.
The Northampton scrum-half can also comfortably and ably fill in at full-back, but it was his desire to establish himself at 9 that saw him leave Sale for Saints for the start of this season, and his decision – not an easy one to make at such a young age – has paid off.
The fact that Foden is the only uncapped member of Johnson’s set will only help him, as being in such experienced surroundings will add to the character building exercise of this year’s tournament.
The most promising aspect of Foden’s inclusion, for me, however is the reasons Johnson has given for his selection.
Johnson’s predecessor Brian Ashton was a coach who enjoyed letting his players perform according to their instincts, and favoured intuitive rugby over the constructed, formulaic style of forward phase-play that has characterised much Northern Hemisphere sides for a while now.
Former England captain Johnson has hinted that he may be veering towards the same ideals as Ashton, although the Autumn internationals and his own playing style back in the day have laid down markers which suggest England won’t be freestyling it to any great extent under his guidance.
"Ben Foden we have known about for a while. He went to a new club in the summer. I think it is the right time now. He is instinctive, a very good player and a fantastic athlete as well," said Johnson of the Northampton man’s inclusion.
Let’s hope that he’s given the chance to express himself at some stage in the tournament.