Injuries may prove boon for World Cup hosts, says former England flanker Neil Back

England coach Stuart Lancaster may well end up feeling grateful for the raft of injury setbacks which have characterised his Rugby World Cup preparations, says former flanker Neil Back.

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Jonathan Joseph (right) is one of a number of players to have risen through the England ranks as Stuart Lancaster deals with a raft of injuries. Photo: AFP

Published: 8:37am, 21 Aug 2015

England coach Stuart Lancaster may well end up feeling grateful for the raft of injury setbacks which have characterised his Rugby World Cup preparations, says former flanker Neil Back.

A member of England's triumphant 2003 World Cup-winning side, Back said injuries to key players including Geoff Parling, Dan Cole and Manu Tuilagi had allowed key new talent to come to the fore and shine.

"We discovered [Joe] Marler, [Joe] Launchbury and [Jonathan] Joseph because of the injuries," Back said.

"We have got a few players who are key, but we have lots of depth and cover in every position now. There is massive competition for places."

Back, now 46, was a member of a settled England side 12 years ago, which started the World Cup in Australia as the top-ranked team, having beaten all major rivals.

Former flanker Neil Back says England coach Stuart Lancaster's list of injured players could be a boon for the host nation. Photo: AP

They duly delivered England's first, and only, victory in the global showpiece event.

"In 2003, [coach] Clive Woodward knew 12 or 13 of his team going into the tournament," Back said. "It was just a case of tweaking certain players for particular games or opponents.