England v Australia: Stuart Lancaster has a safe, dependable squad – but he is crying out for mavericks

Our World Cup-winning squad was full of players happy to express themselves – even if we did hate each other’s guts, says Austin Healey

Funny things, mavericks. And the effect they can have on a team. Too many mavericks, too many loose cannons, and you can spoil the broth. Too few and you can go stale.
When I look at this England team I find it very, very safe. Very samey. There are not too many individuals or combinations that excite me. Where is the spark? Jonny May perhaps. He has taken his tries well this autumn and can provide a bit of magic. But other than that? We look solid, industrious – mechanical even.
Don’t get me wrong. When Stuart Lancaster inherited this squad after the 2011 World Cup, it needed sorting out. There was a bad atmosphere; a lingering suspicion that the players had gone off the rails and, dare I say it, become like footballers……….. see more at :- http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/england/11258550/England-v-Australia-Stuart-Lancaster-has-a-safe-dependable-squad-but-he-is-crying-out-for-mavericks.html