England's likely lads set for senior service
Half of England's World Cup squad are likely to be cast aside when interim head coach Stuart Lancaster names his elite player squad (EPS) on Wednesday ahead of the Six Nations.
While retirements, injuries and ageing players past their best allow for a natural changing of the guard, this announcement was always likely to have a "new era" feel to it.
The four-yearly World Cup cycle inevitably leads to a sense of renewal in its aftermath. England's failed campaign and the off-field shenanigans that blighted their time in New Zealand only made the need for a fresh start more urgent.
The selection challenge facing Lancaster is two-fold. His mission statement when handed the job was to put foundations in place for England's future prosperity.
I'm Bryn Palmer and I specialise in rugby union but stick my oar into most other sports, apart from rowing.
