After writing this up it's gone over the 10,000 character limit so I'm having to split it into multiple posts. I apologise for this, but hopefully it'll make it easier to respond to aswell.
Half way through the World Cup cycle I think we can start making some pretty accurate estimates as to what our RWC team will be. This is my effort.
Loosehead Prop: I see this as being one of the most up for grabs positions. Of Marler, Vunipola and Genge, Vunipola is probably the best player; however I think it's clear that he works best providing impact off the bench. I think his scrummaging has majorly improved so I no longer worry about that however his temperament is concerning. That leaves it between Marler and Genge. Marler is the safe bet. Lots of experience and a very reliable player in the scrum and in the loose. Not much impact but his play is unlikely to let you down. What is concerning, like Mako, is his temperament. I don't think he's the loose cannon that people make him out to be but he knows how to **** off the opposition which can get him into scraps. Genge is a hell of a player. Carries like a monster and is strong in the scrum. He definitely has the potential to force his way into the team. However with Marler and Vunipola around I don't see it happening in the next 2 years. I believe that EJ is probably a fan of the way Marler messes with other players which is why I think he'll be starting come 2019.
1. Joe Marler
Hooker: Dylan Hartley has a chance. He's been a good captain and not an awful player. However for 2019 I can't see past George. He was outstanding for the Lions and outshines Hartley in every way. LCD and Taylor are quality but I can't see them overtaking George.
2. Jamie George
Tighthead Prop: Similarly to Vunipola I think that Sinckler is the best player in his position in the country but I believe him to be most effective off of the bench. His scrummaging is still suspect and his anger is more than suspect. Williams has been very good for Exeter and is better than Cole in the loose but his scrummaging was really shown up in Argentina. For that reason, I can't see Cole being displaced before 2019.
3. Dan Cole
Locks: In my eyes this battle is between Kruis, Launchbury and Lawes. I believe that Itoje will be best utilized in the back row and although Isiekwe looks very promising, he's not getting in ahead of this lot. Currently it has to be said that Lawes is the in form player. He was outstanding on the Lions tour and has been very impressive for the Saints so far this season. His athleticism is second to none. He admittedly lacks a bit in ball carrying but the rest of his game more than makes up for it. For me he is locked in. Kruis is a lineout master. On top of that, he's a very physical player and probably our best ball carrying lock. Launchbury has been in the form of his life but his snubbing by Gatland bugs me. We can say want we want about Gatland but he's going to know more about these players than we ever will. If he left out Launchbury then there must have been reason for it. He's a hell of a player but he lacks in the lineout and in a team that relies on set piece as much as this England team, Kruis is the more obvious choice.
4. Courtney Lawes
5. George Kruis
Blindside Flanker: Chris Robshaw is an outstanding player. His work rate is simply impeccable. But I wouldn't select him. Beyond his defensive work rate (which can't be underrated) he offers nothing. He's a weak ball carrier, he's nothing special at the breakdown and offers nothing special in the lineout (Not to mention he'll be 33 by the RWC). This is why I'd select Itoje. He really isn't far behind Robshaw in defensive work rate however in every other aspect he is superior. He's a monster at the breakdown and an outstanding lineout option. His ball carrying is also significantly better IMO.
6. Maro Itoje
Openside Flanker: I don't understand the hate that Haskell gets. Sure his hands are pretty appalling but beyond that he's been nothing short of a hero for England. Getting awarded man of the series in a 3 test series in which he only played 2 tests is a pretty remarkable achievement. He wasn't hugely impressive in the 6 Nations but he hadn't played rugby in about 6 months; how could you expect him to be? Defensively he's a beast and his carrying is damned impressive too. The problem is that by the RWC he'll be 34. I can't see him making the starting team. So after that it's between the Currys and Underhill. I love the Currys. I love that physically they are really nothing special but their skillset at the breakdown and their hands have made them viable international options at such a young age. Unfortunately I love Underhill more. The Currys are special but I can't help feeling that Underhill is just something else. His defence cannot be understated. It's the best I've seen from any player in a while. Just taking the Bath game as one example, not only did he make 23 tackles in 67 minutes but every one of those tackles was bone crunching. Come 2019 he will be in consideration for the best 7 on the planet. He's remarkable.
7. Sam Underhill
Number 8: Does this really take much explaining? Hughes is good. Simmonds is in great form. But Vunipola is Vunipola. His ball carrying is invaluable to this England side. No one will take his place.
8. Billy Vunipola
