The England Fly-Half Debate

The first major peak of the season is nearly here with the Autumn Nations Series, and the new England squad announcement has delivered two massive headlines: the departure of Tom Willis to France, and the inclusion of teenage try-scoring sensation Noah Caluorie. But the real debate is at fly-half. From Andrew & Barnes, Wilkinson and his challengers, Farrell to Ford, the England number ten jersey has always been a national talking point. Now, with George Ford, Fin Smith, and Marcus Smith all vying for the starting spot, who will Steve Borthwick hand the keys to ahead of the next World Cup cycle? Joining Payno this week are two men who know the pressure cooker of fly-half selection better than anyone: former England 10s and World Cup stars Charlie Hodgson (38 caps, Premiership's all-time top scorer) and Toby Flood (60 caps, 2011 Six Nations winner). Season 6 is Sponsored by Continental Tyres 00:00 🎙️ Introduction 03:18 🏉 Charlie and Toby’s Rugby Careers 13:42 💪 Continental Tyres Grip Strength Challenge 15:40 🌹 Discussion on the new England Squad 16:50 🌟 Noah Caluori: Rising Star 22:07 🤔 Debate on England's Fly Half Selection 31:48 🎯 Owen Farrell's Future 49:25 🔄 Debating England's Centre Combinations 55:53 🌍 The Fly-Half Debate in Global Context 01:04:16 🇫🇷 Tom Willis' Move to Bordeaux 🎟️ Tour Tickets: ⁠https://myticket.co.uk/artists/the-good-the-bad-the-rugby 🥃 Rémy Martin x Barbarians Live Show: ⁠https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-night-with-barbarian-legends-x-remy-martin-vsop-tickets-1777685728869 🍀O’Neill’s Live Show : https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gbr-x-oneills-autumn-nations-show-england-v-all-blacks-preview-tickets-1691405211519?aff=erelexpmlt 📘 GBR Book: ⁠https://www.waterstones.com/book/reloaded-the-good-the-bad-and-the-rugby/james-haskell/mike-tindall/9780008786373 🏉 Rugby Buddy: https://www.rugby-buddy.com ⁠#rugby⁠ ⁠#podcast⁠ ⁠#tindall⁠ ⁠#haskell⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices