Following the unveiling of Steve Borthwick’s revised training squad for the upcoming Nations Championship, the selections have stirred the pot of intrigue and debate. Here's an analytical dive into the significant shifts and implications of these choices, revealing the winners who have risen and the losers who face challenges ahead.
Max Ojomoh, for instance, has finally seized a long-awaited opportunity. With only three centers available for the upcoming match against France A, the Bath center’s inclusion could not have come at a better time. Ojomoh’s supporters are certainly buoyed by his return, especially after being sidelined despite a commendable performance against Argentina last November. “This is a significant boost for Max and his cohort of supporters,” notes Borthwick, emphasizing the potential turning point in Ojomoh’s career.
"This is a significant boost for Max and his cohort of supporters."
Jamie Blamire and Theo Dan are also among the winners, stepping up in the absence of Luke Cowan-Dickie. Blamire, in particular, has been pivotal in Leicester’s push to the domestic semi-finals, meriting his recall. Similarly, Alex Dombrandt retains his spot amidst fierce competition, offering a unique blend of size and skill at number eight that contrasts with the more athletic profiles of his peers.
Archie van der Flier, a name familiar to Irish rugby fans, has also made strides, securing a place after impressing in domestic play for the Tigers. His progression to the full squad sets him up for potential inclusion in the tour against formidable teams like the Springboks, Fiji, and Argentina this July.
However, not all news from the squad announcement brings cheer. Alfie Barbeary finds himself on the outside looking in, despite a strong season with Bath. His omission highlights the competitive nature of selection at number eight. Ben Spencer’s absence is another talking point; while reportedly rested for the upcoming season, this move is seen as a “massive risk” by some, given the fierce competition for places.
Kepu Tuipulotu and Ollie Lawrence, too, face setbacks. Tuipulotu’s raw talent at this stage seems insufficient for immediate Test level inclusion, and Lawrence’s form has seen a concerning decline, leading to his exclusion from the training squad. Meanwhile, the right wing position remains a bottleneck, impacting promising talents like Henry Arundell and Ollie Hassell-Collins, whose specific skill deficits have cost them their spots.
This reshuffling of the squad by Borthwick not only sets the stage for the Nations Championship but also shapes the strategic contours of England’s rugby landscape as they gear up for more rigorous challenges ahead.