In a bold tactical shift, England's head coach Steve Borthwick has relegated team captain Maro Itoje to the bench for their Six Nations opener against Wales at Twickenham. Jamie George will take on the captaincy role this Saturday, leading the team in a game that continues the long-standing and fierce rivalry between these two nations, dating back to 1881. England, considered strong contenders for the title this year, looks to start strong in what will be the 144th encounter between the two teams.
Borthwick's lineup sees Jamie George, supported by vice-captains George Ford and Ellis Genge, leading a team that features a blend of seasoned players and dynamic new talent. The front row is rounded out by Genge and Joe Heyes, with Alex Coles and Ollie Chessum forming the lock partnership. The decision to include Itoje on the bench is part of a strategic 6/2 split, emphasizing forward cover with Itoje, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Bevan Rodd, Trevor Davison, Tom Curry, and Henry Pollock ready to step in.
The back-row remains stable with Guy Pepper and Sam Underhill on the flanks and Ben Earl locking down the number eight position. The half-backs pairing of Alex Mitchell and Ford is set to ignite the field, while the midfield sees Fraser Dingwall and Tommy Freeman combining forces. The back three will feature the quick Henry Arundell and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso on the wings, with Freddie Steward at fullback.
"England versus Wales is always a special occasion in the rugby calendar. It’s a fierce rivalry with a long history, and one that brings a huge challenge every time we meet,"
Borthwick stated. He emphasized the need for precision against the Welsh kicking game and highlighted the importance of discipline and execution of their game plan.
The stage is set for an electrifying championship kick-off at the fully charged Allianz Stadium, where home support is expected to provide a significant lift to the English squad.
England team to face Wales:
15 Freddie Steward, 14 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, 13 Tommy Freeman, 12 Fraser Dingwall, 11 Henry Arundell, 10 George Ford, 9 Alex Mitchell, 8 Ben Earl, 7 Sam Underhill, 6 Guy Pepper, 5 Ollie Chessum, 4 Alex Coles, 3 Joe Heyes, 2 Jamie George (c), 1 Ellis Genge
Replacements: 16 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17 Bevan Rodd, 18 Trevor Davison, 19 Maro Itoje, 20 Tom Curry, 21 Henry Pollock, 22 Ben Spencer, 23 Marcus Smith
2,193 posts
In a bold tactical shift, England's head coach Steve Borthwick has relegated team captain Maro Itoje to the bench for their Six Nations opener against Wales at Twickenham. Jamie George will take on the captaincy role this Saturday, leading the team in a game that continues the long-standing and fierce rivalry between these two nations, dating back to 1881. England, considered strong contenders for the title this year, looks to start strong in what will be the 144th encounter between the two teams.
Borthwick's lineup sees Jamie George, supported by vice-captains George Ford and Ellis Genge, leading a team that features a blend of seasoned players and dynamic new talent. The front row is rounded out by Genge and Joe Heyes, with Alex Coles and Ollie Chessum forming the lock partnership. The decision to include Itoje on the bench is part of a strategic 6/2 split, emphasizing forward cover with Itoje, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Bevan Rodd, Trevor Davison, Tom Curry, and Henry Pollock ready to step in.
The back-row remains stable with Guy Pepper and Sam Underhill on the flanks and Ben Earl locking down the number eight position. The half-backs pairing of Alex Mitchell and Ford is set to ignite the field, while the midfield sees Fraser Dingwall and Tommy Freeman combining forces. The back three will feature the quick Henry Arundell and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso on the wings, with Freddie Steward at fullback.
"England versus Wales is always a special occasion in the rugby calendar. It’s a fierce rivalry with a long history, and one that brings a huge challenge every time we meet,"
Borthwick stated. He emphasized the need for precision against the Welsh kicking game and highlighted the importance of discipline and execution of their game plan.The stage is set for an electrifying championship kick-off at the fully charged Allianz Stadium, where home support is expected to provide a significant lift to the English squad.
England team to face Wales:
15 Freddie Steward, 14 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, 13 Tommy Freeman, 12 Fraser Dingwall, 11 Henry Arundell, 10 George Ford, 9 Alex Mitchell, 8 Ben Earl, 7 Sam Underhill, 6 Guy Pepper, 5 Ollie Chessum, 4 Alex Coles, 3 Joe Heyes, 2 Jamie George (c), 1 Ellis Genge
Replacements: 16 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17 Bevan Rodd, 18 Trevor Davison, 19 Maro Itoje, 20 Tom Curry, 21 Henry Pollock, 22 Ben Spencer, 23 Marcus Smith