England vs France preview: Sam Tomkins injury defers Steve McNamara’s big decision over full-back position

The incumbent Tomkins is a proven world-class player, but his form over the last two seasons with the New Zealand Warriors has been moderate, and Zak Hardaker is staking his claim

England's Sam Tomkins speaks to the media during the International Series Press Conference (Reuters)

England face France on Saturday in what is effectively a curtain-raiser for the eagerly awaited Test series against the world champions New Zealand.

In preparation for a trio of matches which, after England’s travails in the Rugby World Cup, give the League side the chance to impress, their coach Steve McNamara has made some fascinating selections – doubly so because they provide clear pointers as to his plans against the Kiwis.

The big decision, however, is deferred. It will take the Wisdom of Solomon to separate Sam Tomkins and Zak Hardaker at full-back.

Tomkins is the incumbent and a proven world-class player, but his form over the last two seasons with the New Zealand Warriors has been moderate. Hardaker has had off-field problems, yet his excellence for Leeds was underlined by him being named Man of Steel for his performances this season.

There have been all sorts of theories about how it might be possible to fit them both into the England side, but Tomkins’ sore knee – a legacy of his season in the NRL – means that the coach does not have to show his hand yet.

Tomkins himself remains adamant that he will be fit for the first Test against the Kiwis at Hull next Sunday. That could release Hardaker to play at centre, a position in which he has plenty of experience. McNamara’s shortage of talent there is illustrated by the recall of Leroy Cudjoe, who must have thought that his international chance had come and gone.

There are only two specialist centres in the 19 for Saturday’s game against France at Leigh Sports Village – and only two half-backs. Gareth Widdop and George Williams are McNamara’s preferred combination against New Zealand.

That means him ignoring Williams’ club coach at Wigan, Shaun Wane, who has called for the 20-year-old to be brought along gradually and given the rest he needs.

McNamara’s logic is simple. “His form in the second half of the season has been superb,” he says of the young stand-off. Williams could certainly complete a well-balanced partnership. Widdop is more of the playmaker, battle-hardened by his impressive career in the NRL in Australia.

It is possible to say that there is not too much wrong with England’s pack. James Graham and the captain, Sean O’Loughlin, provide the experience, while John Bateman has been the form forward in Super League. He has also shown that he can handle being centre in an uncompromising way, although McNamara might prefer to use him in an all-Wigan back-row with O’Loughlin and Liam Farrell.

Bateman and Williams will be new caps. So will Mike Cooper, who has impressed at St George Illawarra and has caught the eye of McNamara, who is an assistant coach with the Sydney Roosters.

One of the disappointments of the Catalan Dragons’ presence in Super League is that it has not translated into an improved France side. One exception could be the 21–year-old half-back Théo Fages, who has left Salford and will turn out for St Helens next year. England must also be wary of the ball skills of Tony Gigot, who was France’s outstanding player in the victory over Ireland last week.

England v France: Leigh details

England (probable): Hardaker (Leeds); J Burgess, Bateman (both Wigan), Watkins, Hall (both Leeds); Williams (Wigan), Widdop (St George Illawarra); Hill (Warrington), Hodgson (Canberra), Graham (Canterbury), Whitehead (Catalan Dragons), Farrell, O’Loughlin (both Wigan; capt). Substitutes Roby (St Helens), T Burgess (South Sydney), Cooper (St George), Ferres (Huddersfield).

France (probable): Escare; Sigismeau (both Catalans), Baile (Bradford), Arnaud (Avignon), Robin (Catalans); Barthau (London Broncos), Marginet (Featherstone); Bousquet (Catalans), Boudebza (Hull KR), Simon (Wakefield, capt), Larroyer (Hull KR), Perez (Catalans), Springer (Castleford). Substitutes (from): Kriouache (Toulouse), Boyer (Halifax), Rouanet (Caracassonne), Maria (Catalans), Jullien (Warrington).

Kick-off Saturday, 2pm.

Referee J Child.