England's rugby coach Steve Borthwick is sticking to his guns, making just a solitary change to his squad facing the rampant French team this Saturday in Paris. Amidst a backdrop of criticism, Borthwick's team is under pressure to avoid what could be their most dismal Six Nations finish ever.
In an effort to salvage England's floundering campaign, Borthwick has enlisted Ollie Chessum at blindside flanker, shifting Guy Pepper to openside and relegating Sam Underhill to the bench. This adjustment aims to bolster England’s lineout against France’s formidable forwards. Despite a series of setbacks, including a historic loss to Italy, Borthwick’s faith in his backline remains unshaken, with Fin Smith retaining his position as flyhalf.
"It’s a huge challenge under the lights in Paris against a very strong France side,"
This statement from Borthwick underscores the gravity of the upcoming match, where England could potentially finish the tournament with only a single win. The match against France isn't just another game; it's a crucial battle for redemption. The RFU has expressed their support for Borthwick, signaling a unified front amidst the ongoing crisis.
France, tied with Scotland at the top of the standings, enters the final round neck-and-neck in the title race. As Scotland faces Ireland earlier in the day, the French will step onto their home turf knowing exactly what is required to clinch the championship.
The stage is set for a dramatic showdown in the City of Lights, where England must rise to the occasion against a French team that is equally determined to emerge victorious. England’s lineup for the clash includes Elliot Daly, Tom Roebuck, Tommy Freeman, Seb Atkinson, Cadan Murley, Fin Smith, Ben Spencer, Ben Earl, Guy Pepper, Ollie Chessum, Alex Coles, Maro Itoje (captain), Joe Heyes, Jamie George, and Ellis Genge. The bench features Luke Cowan-Dickie, Bevan Rodd, Trevor Davison, Chandler Cunningham-South, Sam Underhill, Henry Pollock, Jack van Poortvliet, and Marcus Smith.
This Six Nations round promises not just a test of skill, but of resilience and strategy, as England seeks to reclaim its lost pride in the heart of French rugby territory.
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England's rugby coach Steve Borthwick is sticking to his guns, making just a solitary change to his squad facing the rampant French team this Saturday in Paris. Amidst a backdrop of criticism, Borthwick's team is under pressure to avoid what could be their most dismal Six Nations finish ever.
In an effort to salvage England's floundering campaign, Borthwick has enlisted Ollie Chessum at blindside flanker, shifting Guy Pepper to openside and relegating Sam Underhill to the bench. This adjustment aims to bolster England’s lineout against France’s formidable forwards. Despite a series of setbacks, including a historic loss to Italy, Borthwick’s faith in his backline remains unshaken, with Fin Smith retaining his position as flyhalf.
"It’s a huge challenge under the lights in Paris against a very strong France side,"
This statement from Borthwick underscores the gravity of the upcoming match, where England could potentially finish the tournament with only a single win. The match against France isn't just another game; it's a crucial battle for redemption. The RFU has expressed their support for Borthwick, signaling a unified front amidst the ongoing crisis.
France, tied with Scotland at the top of the standings, enters the final round neck-and-neck in the title race. As Scotland faces Ireland earlier in the day, the French will step onto their home turf knowing exactly what is required to clinch the championship.
The stage is set for a dramatic showdown in the City of Lights, where England must rise to the occasion against a French team that is equally determined to emerge victorious. England’s lineup for the clash includes Elliot Daly, Tom Roebuck, Tommy Freeman, Seb Atkinson, Cadan Murley, Fin Smith, Ben Spencer, Ben Earl, Guy Pepper, Ollie Chessum, Alex Coles, Maro Itoje (captain), Joe Heyes, Jamie George, and Ellis Genge. The bench features Luke Cowan-Dickie, Bevan Rodd, Trevor Davison, Chandler Cunningham-South, Sam Underhill, Henry Pollock, Jack van Poortvliet, and Marcus Smith.
This Six Nations round promises not just a test of skill, but of resilience and strategy, as England seeks to reclaim its lost pride in the heart of French rugby territory.