Wing selection process leaves Strettle angry
Champions Cup Pool 1: David Strettle has questioned England’s approach to wing selection after his two tries helped propel Saracens to a 30-23 Champions Cup victory over Clermont and a warning for Pool 1 rivals Munster when they meet at Thomond Park on Friday night.
Strettle produced a pair of surgical finishes in the tightest of space just four days before Stuart Lancaster names his squad for the autumn’s QBE Series.
The 31-year-old has not figured for England since June 2013 and an recall is unlikely. “The sad thing is you get young lads who come in and score tries for their clubs, get put in at the highest level and get exposed, and then people get rid of them,” Strettle said.
Saracens scorers: Tries: Ashton 2, Strettle 2. Cons: Hodgson 2. Pens: Hodgson 2.
SARACENS: Goode, Ashton, Wyles, Barritt, Strettle, Hodgson, Wigglesworth, Barrington, George, Du Plessis, Kruis, Hargreaves, Brown, Fraser, B. Vunipola.
Replacements: Bosch for Wyles (49), Farrell for Hodgson (76), de Kock for Wigglesworth (51), Brits for George (50), Johnston for Du Plessis (72), Gill for Fraser (61).
Clermont Auvergne scorers: Tries: Guildford 2. Cons: Lopez 2. Pens: Lopez 2. Drop Goals: Lopez.
CLERMONT AUVERGNE: Abendanon, Nakaitaci, Rougerie, Fofana, Guildford, Lopez, Radosavljevic, Domingo, Kayser, Zirakashvili, Cudmore, Vahaamahina, Lee, Bonnaire, Chouly.
Replacements: Stanley for Rougerie (72), Chaume for Domingo (70), Ric for Zirakashvili (41), Jacquet for Cudmore (47), Bardy for Lee (70).
Ref: John Lacey (Ireland).
