I would play Marcus at fullback Then you get the Mitchell/Finn Smith club mates combo. Lawrence 12 and Freeman 13. Sleighthome and Faye-Waboso on wings. Tom Willis is a good shout but not Captain. George not done yet IMHO
Would be a bit crazy to drop Sleightholme given how good he looked in the autumn internationals. Tend to agree with a lot of the other selections though.
I think we all just want to see the team freshened up. Let's look at Ted Hill, Tom Willis, Langdon, younger props, start Roebuck and Fin Smith. Give Dingwall a run at inside centre, give Northmore some minutes at inside centre.
Agree with a lot of this. Would like to see butt and 12 with northmore at 13 personally. Northmore is a good 12 but at 13 I think he is brilliant. Feyi waboso and murley on the wings for me. Still baffled that Murley hasn’t made 1 match day squad yet
I think England fans can stomach the losses if we are trying players out. But what is so galling is sticking with the same old players and losing anyway.
I'm here for the reboot (but don't think it'll happen as coaches like their players). Imo the current collection don't look like even winning the 6N let alone the WC, so roll the dice
Yea he's interesting, moves like he's made elastic bands but is very effective. I can't quite get a handle on how fast he is since he runs so gangly. He's got to be close tho
The chances of Borthwick not picking JVP, Slade, George and Steward are zero. Did you watch Cunningham South’s performance last night? For me it showed his true colours - I think he has flattered to deceive throughout the last year - he thinks he can just bash it up; and he can’t even do that.
Think the pack would definitely firm up massively with the new props coming through. Fasogbun is a natural scrummager and his enthusiasm to dominate scrums is great to see. Him and Opoku Fordjour will be in soon I think. Id still take George right now - not a fan of Blamire - his darts aren't accurate and that's key at international level. Try Langdon
I’d love to see some of the suggested changes. But it’s never going to happen, unfortunately. Two reasons - 1. Boredwick is too conservative and 2. the number of dropped players on EPS contracts (demonstrating the RFU’s wise use of money). This would be the kind of squad I could see a replacement coach making, someone like Chieka (and that’s coming from a Saints fan!). 🤞
I just think the moment Freddie Steward is used at 12 England will suddenly click. That would solve our biggest issue. Physicality in the midfield. It would then open up the 13 and outside backs channel. Steward is a genuine power player, he lacks the pace for wing or fullback
Great video! The 17 EPS are straight in one would assume, injuries aside… it’s the other 19 spots that are of actual interest - hope we finally see some more alternative picks!
Some good calls in your squad which I would definitely like to see. Unfortunately I cant see SB moving away from his mates. If he was going to make a reboot why didnt he do it for the meaningless Autumn internationals ? He's not going to take any chances for the 6 nations
I would pic dingwal on form at 12, and i think sleightholm for the wingers ibitoye is to weak in defence and makes to many mistakes. And i would put hendy in for hodge on pure form always comes on and scores and he is a bigger guy but also fast and good under the highball.
Really like your squad, my only change would be for Slightholme over Murley. For the starting 15, I'd have Fasogbon coming off the bench instead of Hayes. I think Fasogbon's already a stronger scrummager and only gonna get better, why waste time? I'd have Earl over Underhill at 7 to get more pace in the side. I'd start Smith at 15 with Finn at 10 - I liked the look of that and want to see more. I still want to see Freeman and Lawrence be given a go in midfield. Ibitoye and Feyi-Waboso have been the best wingers this year by miles and should start.
Hi Rich, just feels like Borthwick has established a pecking order for each position in his own mind and it is set in stone. I don't think he ever wanted to move away from Jones's picks, and has only done so when players have moved to France or retired. I suspect he really wants Farrell back from France and his fly-half for the next World Cup.
I hope injured players aren’t rushed back again. If Underhill, Curry, Chessum, Furbank, etc, haven’t played before the six nations or played very little, don’t pick them.
I see the same stubbornness in selection with Borthwick as with Eddie Jones. Indeed, I think Borthwick has been reluctant to move away from Jones's selections. Borthwick's tenure is essentially a continuation of the Jones era. What we need is fresh thinking. Borthwick just keeps picking his favourites.
Fasogbon picked up an injury last night but before that he had Fin Baxter is all sorts of difficulties. He is the future at TH for England. Longer term which could be by the end of the 6N I see the props being O-Fordjour & Fasogbon and given how big they are that allows for a more mobile hooker - Langdon or Oghre. In the back row some many choices, might not include Ben Curry but otherwise difficult to argue against the choices - Pollock is a real beast. As for the backs, I just do not see JVP as an international quality 9, he hasn't got a fast enough pass otherwise difficult to argue with the selection although I would want Lennox Anyanwu around the larger squad as I think he will be part of the future
I really like your picks, but wouldn't they have been more likely for the autumn series? I can't see Borthwick being this bold going into the 6 nations. We do have some talent and with the right selections, I do think we could be very useful. I just think Daly will still be there. Steward, Underhill, Curry, and even Cole might still be there. And didn't Dingwall get a shot at inside center a year ago? Why would this time round be different. He is a bit small and not the quickest for international 12
Very good squad Richard I do like it Although i would have B.ROOD in as loosehead and switch A.Opaku-Fordjour to tighthead Especially as A.Fashogan is now injured i would also have nine backrow players in the squad with adding T.Pearson and also J.Hodge and J.Carpenter as my fullbacks With G.Furbank again being injured For a 38 player squadin total
SB isn’t pro active, he’s reactive at best! We are seriously wasting time with him! We have great /young players who more than deserve a chance, but it will be same old players, even if there’re injured, we see it time again!
England categorically need to cap Fergus Burke. Scotland will snap him up and he’ll readily take the 10 jersey off Russell at the right time. He’s played what 7 matches for Saracens and looks right up there, I’d suggest better than Fin Smith. After two/three years in their coaching set up he will be world class
There is more chance of Borthwick recalling Clive Woodwood and Rory Underwood than some of those back picks you have. We all know Borewick is desperately conservative.
Wouldn’t it be good to have a healthy 25 year old Tom Croft to play at 6?? I like Cunningham-South but his is pretty slow and England are constantly forced to play a big 6, due to the line out options and having short 7’s and 8’s…. Just saying 🤷♂️
No way Borthwick will ditch old front row players like Cole,George,Genge even tho they all slow around the park so your choices are just a fantasy wish list😮
I agree with your props though I’d still use O Fordjour as a TH from the bench. Hooker I completely disagree I’d have George C Dickie and then maybe Dan or Langdon. 2nd row is good back row I love except I’d have CCS out I think he is overrated and doesn’t do enough AT ALL and I’d have Tom curry or Tom Pearson in instead of him. I like your options at 9 and 10. I think people are too harsh on slade he is amazing and people just blame him as a scapegoat so I’d have him in for Butt. Wing drop Ibitoye for Sleightholme as he was amazing. Then Furbank still good I’d just want him used a bit more in the game plan as he was quite quiet in the autumn which I don’t think was up to him
Great ideas and explanation as usual. I just wish Borthwick would show even half of your willingness todepart from his mates. He seems to have picked up the "management for beginners" and not realised he is faithfully following the "mistakes to avoid" chapter instaed of the "do this" one. Wildly frustrating but, given bill sweeney, the rfu love to avoid incompetence/ mediocrity. 😢😢
Yes, very bold- somewhat like a Southern Hemisphere selection ? Players being picked on performance and potential- you'll never make an England coach lad (sadly)- this squad gets a grand slam on the cards- don't play safe Borthers- reset and win.
I just can't see him (SB) changing a thing. Sadly I think we need to move on from Curry. Just too brittle now. Possibly Underhill also although I would really hate that.
I would go with Fin Smith as England's starting fly-half, a class act. With Mitchell and Dingwall either side of him and possibly Freeman at outside centre. Let's give Roebuck a start too.
For the Six Nations I’d like to see(I know it won’t happen due to eligibility):Pollock and Carpenter tried due to eligibility if so: Also Hill or either Willis as captain heading to the next World Cup Baxter, Dan, Stuart, Itoje, Martin, Hill, T Willis, J Willis Mitchell, F Smith, Hartley, Freeman, Roebuck, Feyi-Waboso Arundell Bench: Rapava-Ruskin, Langdon, Fagosban, O Chessum,Earl, Porter, M Smith, Slightholme
You could go with a Harlequins based backline of Smith, Northmore and Beard and possibly Porter. Or a Northampton inspired backline of Mitchell, Fin, Dingwall and Freeman at 13. I would go with the latter. There are solutions staring Borthwick in the face. But I bet he goes with Ford, Slade and Lawrence.
I think Borthwick's team vs Ireland will be: Genge, George, Stuart, Itoje, Martin, Chessum, Underhill, Earl, Mitchell, Ford, Feyi-Waboso, Slade, Lawrence, Freeman, Steward/Furbank............same as usual, no surprises.
I would play Marcus at fullback Then you get the Mitchell/Finn Smith club mates combo. Lawrence 12 and Freeman 13. Sleighthome and Faye-Waboso on wings. Tom Willis is a good shout but not Captain. George not done yet IMHO
The aquad will be exactly the same as autumn barring injuries and we will win 2 matches at most
I would play Marcus at fullback
Then you get the Mitchell/Finn Smith club mates combo.
Lawrence 12 and Freeman 13. Sleighthome and Faye-Waboso on wings.
Tom Willis is a good shout but not Captain. George not done yet IMHO
Would be a bit crazy to drop Sleightholme given how good he looked in the autumn internationals. Tend to agree with a lot of the other selections though.
I think we all just want to see the team freshened up. Let's look at Ted Hill, Tom Willis, Langdon, younger props, start Roebuck and Fin Smith. Give Dingwall a run at inside centre, give Northmore some minutes at inside centre.
Agree with a lot of this. Would like to see butt and 12 with northmore at 13 personally. Northmore is a good 12 but at 13 I think he is brilliant. Feyi waboso and murley on the wings for me. Still baffled that Murley hasn’t made 1 match day squad yet
I think England fans can stomach the losses if we are trying players out. But what is so galling is sticking with the same old players and losing anyway.
I'm here for the reboot (but don't think it'll happen as coaches like their players). Imo the current collection don't look like even winning the 6N let alone the WC, so roll the dice
Any thoughts on Hendy as a wing/full back?
Yea he's interesting, moves like he's made elastic bands but is very effective. I can't quite get a handle on how fast he is since he runs so gangly. He's got to be close tho
The chances of Borthwick not picking JVP, Slade, George and Steward are zero. Did you watch Cunningham South’s performance last night? For me it showed his true colours - I think he has flattered to deceive throughout the last year - he thinks he can just bash it up; and he can’t even do that.
Think the pack would definitely firm up massively with the new props coming through. Fasogbun is a natural scrummager and his enthusiasm to dominate scrums is great to see. Him and Opoku Fordjour will be in soon I think.
Id still take George right now - not a fan of Blamire - his darts aren't accurate and that's key at international level. Try Langdon
I’d love to see some of the suggested changes. But it’s never going to happen, unfortunately. Two reasons - 1. Boredwick is too conservative and 2. the number of dropped players on EPS contracts (demonstrating the RFU’s wise use of money).
This would be the kind of squad I could see a replacement coach making, someone like Chieka (and that’s coming from a Saints fan!). 🤞
At what point is Borthwick held accountable? If we lose to Ireland, France and Scotland, does Borthwick keep his job?
I just think the moment Freddie Steward is used at 12 England will suddenly click. That would solve our biggest issue. Physicality in the midfield. It would then open up the 13 and outside backs channel. Steward is a genuine power player, he lacks the pace for wing or fullback
Great video! The 17 EPS are straight in one would assume, injuries aside… it’s the other 19 spots that are of actual interest - hope we finally see some more alternative picks!
Great squad and team Rich. I wish you were picking!
Some good calls in your squad which I would definitely like to see. Unfortunately I cant see SB moving away from his mates. If he was going to make a reboot why didnt he do it for the meaningless Autumn internationals ? He's not going to take any chances for the 6 nations
I would pic dingwal on form at 12, and i think sleightholm for the wingers ibitoye is to weak in defence and makes to many mistakes. And i would put hendy in for hodge on pure form always comes on and scores and he is a bigger guy but also fast and good under the highball.
I would love to see that team. England have an opportunity now to refresh the team, make mistakes and grow into a tight unit
Really like your squad, my only change would be for Slightholme over Murley.
For the starting 15, I'd have Fasogbon coming off the bench instead of Hayes. I think Fasogbon's already a stronger scrummager and only gonna get better, why waste time?
I'd have Earl over Underhill at 7 to get more pace in the side.
I'd start Smith at 15 with Finn at 10 - I liked the look of that and want to see more.
I still want to see Freeman and Lawrence be given a go in midfield.
Ibitoye and Feyi-Waboso have been the best wingers this year by miles and should start.
Evans not off to France. signed a new Quins deal
The team will be the team that started against japan , no change unless for injuries , and it will be the same old same old.
Hi Rich, just feels like Borthwick has established a pecking order for each position in his own mind and it is set in stone. I don't think he ever wanted to move away from Jones's picks, and has only done so when players have moved to France or retired. I suspect he really wants Farrell back from France and his fly-half for the next World Cup.
I hope injured players aren’t rushed back again. If Underhill, Curry, Chessum, Furbank, etc, haven’t played before the six nations or played very little, don’t pick them.
I see the same stubbornness in selection with Borthwick as with Eddie Jones. Indeed, I think Borthwick has been reluctant to move away from Jones's selections. Borthwick's tenure is essentially a continuation of the Jones era. What we need is fresh thinking. Borthwick just keeps picking his favourites.
Fasogbon picked up an injury last night but before that he had Fin Baxter is all sorts of difficulties. He is the future at TH for England. Longer term which could be by the end of the 6N I see the props being O-Fordjour & Fasogbon and given how big they are that allows for a more mobile hooker - Langdon or Oghre.
In the back row some many choices, might not include Ben Curry but otherwise difficult to argue against the choices - Pollock is a real beast.
As for the backs, I just do not see JVP as an international quality 9, he hasn't got a fast enough pass otherwise difficult to argue with the selection although I would want Lennox Anyanwu around the larger squad as I think he will be part of the future
I really like your picks, but wouldn't they have been more likely for the autumn series? I can't see Borthwick being this bold going into the 6 nations. We do have some talent and with the right selections, I do think we could be very useful. I just think Daly will still be there. Steward, Underhill, Curry, and even Cole might still be there. And didn't Dingwall get a shot at inside center a year ago? Why would this time round be different. He is a bit small and not the quickest for international 12
Very good squad Richard I do like it Although i would have B.ROOD in as loosehead and switch A.Opaku-Fordjour to tighthead Especially as A.Fashogan is now injured i would also have nine backrow players in the squad with adding T.Pearson and also J.Hodge and J.Carpenter as my fullbacks With G.Furbank again being injured For a 38 player squadin total
“He’s been a favourite of Borthwick”
There’s your problem.
Unfortunately, I think Steve will add a few new faces to the training squad, but the match day 23 will be the same old team.
Borthwick needs to be winning games or developing the team and trying players out. He is not doing either.
Tom Curry is finished. No power left. Wimbush from Exeter at 12 is the future.
Can't leave out sleightholme, best winger in the prem
No Sleightholme?
SB isn’t pro active, he’s reactive at best! We are seriously wasting time with him! We have great /young players who more than deserve a chance, but it will be same old players, even if there’re injured, we see it time again!
England categorically need to cap Fergus Burke. Scotland will snap him up and he’ll readily take the 10 jersey off Russell at the right time.
He’s played what 7 matches for Saracens and looks right up there, I’d suggest better than Fin Smith. After two/three years in their coaching set up he will be world class
There is more chance of Borthwick recalling Clive Woodwood and Rory Underwood than some of those back picks you have. We all know Borewick is desperately conservative.
Sorry but Sleigholme gotta be there mate, rapid and a try scorer
Borthwick won't pick any new players must give young guys a chance
Wouldn’t it be good to have a healthy 25 year old Tom Croft to play at 6?? I like Cunningham-South but his is pretty slow and England are constantly forced to play a big 6, due to the line out options and having short 7’s and 8’s….
Just saying 🤷♂️
No way Borthwick will ditch old front row players like Cole,George,Genge even tho they all slow around the park so your choices are just a fantasy wish list😮
I agree with your props though I’d still use O Fordjour as a TH from the bench. Hooker I completely disagree I’d have George C Dickie and then maybe Dan or Langdon. 2nd row is good back row I love except I’d have CCS out I think he is overrated and doesn’t do enough AT ALL and I’d have Tom curry or Tom Pearson in instead of him. I like your options at 9 and 10. I think people are too harsh on slade he is amazing and people just blame him as a scapegoat so I’d have him in for Butt. Wing drop Ibitoye for Sleightholme as he was amazing. Then Furbank still good I’d just want him used a bit more in the game plan as he was quite quiet in the autumn which I don’t think was up to him
Borthwick will only pick players that are 2 years past their prime!
Great ideas and explanation as usual. I just wish Borthwick would show even half of your willingness todepart from his mates. He seems to have picked up the "management for beginners" and not realised he is faithfully following the "mistakes to avoid" chapter instaed of the "do this" one. Wildly frustrating but, given bill sweeney, the rfu love to avoid incompetence/ mediocrity. 😢😢
Yes, very bold- somewhat like a Southern Hemisphere selection ? Players being picked on performance and potential- you'll never make an England coach lad (sadly)- this squad gets a grand slam on the cards- don't play safe Borthers- reset and win.
I just can't see him (SB) changing a thing.
Sadly I think we need to move on from Curry. Just too brittle now. Possibly Underhill also although I would really hate that.
How drop george he's the captain of england
Not in my squad 😉
Please no Daly, you dropped all the other old heads
I didn't pick Daly
And you would throw all these inexperienced internationals into the team at once and play Ireland in Dublin.
Some good ideas, I’d definitely consider Freeman at 13 then Feyi- Waboso and Ibitoye on the wings.
I’d be tempted to play Earl instead of CCS
I would go with Fin Smith as England's starting fly-half, a class act. With Mitchell and Dingwall either side of him and possibly Freeman at outside centre. Let's give Roebuck a start too.
For the Six Nations I’d like to see(I know it won’t happen due to eligibility):Pollock and Carpenter tried due to eligibility if so: Also Hill or either Willis as captain heading to the next World Cup
Baxter, Dan, Stuart,
Itoje, Martin,
Hill, T Willis, J Willis
Mitchell, F Smith,
Hartley, Freeman,
Roebuck, Feyi-Waboso
Arundell
Bench: Rapava-Ruskin, Langdon, Fagosban, O Chessum,Earl, Porter, M Smith, Slightholme
You could go with a Harlequins based backline of Smith, Northmore and Beard and possibly Porter. Or a Northampton inspired backline of Mitchell, Fin, Dingwall and Freeman at 13. I would go with the latter. There are solutions staring Borthwick in the face. But I bet he goes with Ford, Slade and Lawrence.
Max Malins???
I think Borthwick's team vs Ireland will be: Genge, George, Stuart, Itoje, Martin, Chessum, Underhill, Earl, Mitchell, Ford, Feyi-Waboso, Slade, Lawrence, Freeman, Steward/Furbank............same as usual, no surprises.
I suspect the midfield will be Ford, Slade and Lawrence for the Ireland game. Dombrandt still ahead of Tom Willis in the pecking order.
Mercer not being given a go for England was a terrible waste of talent. Not even tried properly.
Very interesting squad. I believe Borthwick will definitely pick George and Cole as part of the squad in the front row.
I would play Marcus at fullback
Then you get the Mitchell/Finn Smith club mates combo.
Lawrence 12 and Freeman 13. Sleighthome and Faye-Waboso on wings.
Tom Willis is a good shout but not Captain. George not done yet IMHO