Steve Borthwick's Shocking Overhaul: 12 Changes to England's Rugby Team
In a dramatic move, Steve Borthwick has made a record-breaking 12 changes to the England rugby squad for their upcoming clash with Italy. This unprecedented decision comes after a disappointing dip in performance that left Borthwick unsatisfied.
No other England coach in the Six Nations history has made such a bold move, with Borthwick altering nine players and switching three positions. This is a clear response to the team's recent losses against Scotland and Ireland, sending a strong message to those who underperformed.
The last time an England coach made a similar shake-up was in 2007, when Brian Ashton changed eight players between matches against France and Italy.
But here's where it gets controversial: Borthwick has kept only three forwards from the 42-21 loss to Ireland - Ellis Genge, Joe Heyes, and captain Maro Itoje. The rest of the forward pack has been revamped, with Jamie George taking over at hooker, Alex Coles joining the second row, Ben Earl shifting to No.8, and Tom Curry adjusting his flanker position to accommodate Guy Pepper.
And this is the part most people miss: The back line has been entirely transformed, with The Times revealing on Monday that only Tommy Freeman remains from the Ireland defeat, now playing outside centre. Freeman had previously played centre in the wins over Wales and Scotland. Ben Spencer and Fin Smith form the half-back duo, with Seb Atkinson making his Six Nations debut at inside centre. The back three consists of wings Cadan Murley, Tom Roebuck, and full-back Elliot Daly.
The list of dropped players is extensive, including Cowan-Dickie, Chessum, Pollock, Ford, Dingwall, Arundell, and Steward. Mitchell and Lawrence are out due to injuries.
Borthwick's decision to make such drastic changes for the Rome trip sends a clear signal to the team. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining high standards and holding players accountable for their performance.
A fascinating insight: The England football head coach, Thomas Tuchel, visited the rugby squad on Tuesday, offering a unique perspective on team dynamics.
Borthwick's post-match reviews are known to be consistent, win or lose, but he privately challenged the team after the Ireland game. He believes the recent performances have fallen short of the standards set in previous matches and is determined to see improvement.
The England team to face Italy features a mix of experienced and new players. Borthwick praises Seb Atkinson for his distribution skills, punching power, and exceptional defensive coverage. He also highlights Elliot Daly's left-footed kicking skills and experience as reasons for his promotion to full-back.
Borthwick's back line has been training against the starting England team for a month, with Freeman being the only exception. Henry Slade, who has been playing outside centre in training, is notably absent from the lineup.
Borthwick expresses his excitement about the team's talent and believes the players have earned their selection. He values training highly and encourages players to showcase their skills and unique abilities both in training and matches.
What do you think about Borthwick's drastic changes? Are they a necessary shake-up or a risky move? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's discuss the potential impact on England's performance against Italy.
