Jonathan Davies says England should give Ollie Lawrence and Henry Slade time to build a lasting centre partnership.

The former Wales and British & Irish Lions centre knows from experience how important continuity can be, having formed successful partnerships with the likes of Jamie Roberts and Hadleigh Parkes during his international career.

Davies feels Lawrence’s ability to square up defenders and generate front-foot ball would complement 78-cap Exeter Chiefs stalwart Slade’s creativity, kicking game and renewed confidence.

Bath centre Lawrence, a pivotal figure in England’s 11-match win streak, has been omitted from Steve Borthwick’s squads as of late, with the last of his 38 caps coming against Ireland in February.

Call: Jonathan Davies

Momentum

Davies said: “I really do like Ollie Lawrence as a 12. He goes at the line really square and he is able to play and keep his momentum going forward.

“When he runs with the ball in his hand, he is leaning forward so you don’t know whether he is going to carry or pass.

“I’d probably then opt for Henry Slade, who’s enjoyed a resurgence in his rugby.

“He seems to be playing with freedom and confidence. Plus, his kicking game is so important at international level.”

Davies fears Borthwick’s controlling approach is preventing Lee Blackett from transforming England’s attack ahead of next year’s World Cup.


Dynamic duo: Ollie Lawrence, above, and Henry Slade

Lack of progress

Davies rates Blackett as one of the best coaches he has worked with after spending six months under him at Scarlets and expected his appointment to unlock England’s attacking potential.

But Davies has been surprised by the lack of progress and believes Borthwick may need to loosen his grip and give his coaches greater autonomy.

He added: “I worked with Lee Blackett, and he was one of the best coaches I’ve ever had.

“When England signed him, I thought that with the talent they have, England would really go to the next level.

“Before the Six Nations, I thought England would be favourites to win and be strong contenders for the World Cup next year.

“But I just haven’t seen an evolution in their attack. I wonder if there is a leash being put on Lee.

“I hear that Steve is very controlling and risk-averse. Sometimes giving coaches more autonomy gets more out of them.

“I am wondering if Steve is trying to control too much.”

Upgrade

Davies, who won 96 Wales caps between 2009-22, thanks renowned seven-time Six Nations winning defence coach Shaun Edwards for having a huge impact on his decorated career.

After Edwards parted ways with France this year, Davies believes he would upgrade any Test side.

“He is a world-class coach,” said Davies. “Just look at what he has achieved throughout his career. It is remarkable.

“The question, if England were ever interested in him, would be whether Steve Borthwick would be comfortable giving Shaun full control of that side of the game.

“I know Shaun would want autonomy and Borthwick appears to like having control.

“But Shaun makes every rugby environment he works in much, much better.

“I remember in 2019 when Wayne Pivac was about to take over Wales. He called me into his office at around the time Shaun had agreed to coach Wigan.

“Wayne told me there was an opportunity to buy Shaun out of that contract and keep him with Wales.

“I said to Wayne: ‘If the union won’t pay it, if I were you I’d pay it myself because he will repay you and then some’.

“That is how highly I rate him. I loved playing for Shaun because he cared so much about his players.

“You could feel how invested he was in the team and that always brought the best out of people.”

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