Steve Borthwick has slightly tweaked the England lineup following their upset against Italy, with Tom Curry's injury being the sole change to the squad facing France. Here’s a breakdown of the winners and losers from the team selection:
Winners:
Cadan Murley is seizing his opportunity on the international stage. At 26, Murley will start back-to-back Test matches for the first time, a deserved nod after his standout performances on the American tour last year. As he prepares to face a formidable French back three, this is his moment to shine. "Finally given a proper crack in an England shirt," Murley could be the key to revitalizing England's campaign.
Ben Spencer continues to defy expectations at 33. The seasoned scrum-half from Bath is proving indispensable, with Borthwick giving him the nod once again as the World Cup looms. Spencer's inclusion suggests a potential third World Cup appearance in 2027, showcasing his enduring value to the team.
Fin Smith is set to guide the team at fly-half once more, overtaking both Marcus Smith and George Ford. Last year, Smith shared with Planet Rugby, "Borthwick assured me I was in his long-term plans," and it seems the coach is sticking to his word. Despite a rocky performance against Italy, Smith gets another shot to prove his mettle against a tired French team.
"Borthwick assured me I was in his long-term plans,"
Maro Itoje, despite personal and professional challenges, including the recent loss of his mother and a string of tough games, retains his captaincy and starting position. The upcoming game in Paris is set to be pivotal, and Itoje's leadership will be crucial as England seeks to avoid a historic low in the Six Nations.
Losers:
Henry Slade finds himself sidelined, missing out on Six Nations action despite his capabilities and experience. After playing for Exeter Chiefs last weekend, Slade’s absence is felt, especially as less experienced players fill his usual role.
Greg Fisilau and Max Ojomoh, both promising talents, have been dropped from the squad. Fisilau's potential as a number 8 remains untested at the international level, and Ojomoh's impressive performance against Argentina last autumn wasn’t enough to secure his spot.
Marcus Smith faces a diminishing role under Borthwick’s strategy. Despite nearing 50 caps, Smith's relegation to a game-changing substitute rather than a starting fly-half reflects a significant underuse of his proven abilities.
Tom Curry, sidelined by a calf injury ahead of the Italy game, is out for the rest of the championship, leaving a gap in the back row that will be keenly felt against France.
Chandler Cunningham-South, despite his size and impact, remains a bench player. After only five minutes on the field against Italy, Cunningham-South is eager for more playtime against France.
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Steve Borthwick has slightly tweaked the England lineup following their upset against Italy, with Tom Curry's injury being the sole change to the squad facing France. Here’s a breakdown of the winners and losers from the team selection:
Winners:
Cadan Murley is seizing his opportunity on the international stage. At 26, Murley will start back-to-back Test matches for the first time, a deserved nod after his standout performances on the American tour last year. As he prepares to face a formidable French back three, this is his moment to shine. "Finally given a proper crack in an England shirt," Murley could be the key to revitalizing England's campaign.
Ben Spencer continues to defy expectations at 33. The seasoned scrum-half from Bath is proving indispensable, with Borthwick giving him the nod once again as the World Cup looms. Spencer's inclusion suggests a potential third World Cup appearance in 2027, showcasing his enduring value to the team.
Fin Smith is set to guide the team at fly-half once more, overtaking both Marcus Smith and George Ford. Last year, Smith shared with Planet Rugby, "Borthwick assured me I was in his long-term plans," and it seems the coach is sticking to his word. Despite a rocky performance against Italy, Smith gets another shot to prove his mettle against a tired French team.
"Borthwick assured me I was in his long-term plans,"
Maro Itoje, despite personal and professional challenges, including the recent loss of his mother and a string of tough games, retains his captaincy and starting position. The upcoming game in Paris is set to be pivotal, and Itoje's leadership will be crucial as England seeks to avoid a historic low in the Six Nations.
Losers:
Henry Slade finds himself sidelined, missing out on Six Nations action despite his capabilities and experience. After playing for Exeter Chiefs last weekend, Slade’s absence is felt, especially as less experienced players fill his usual role.
Greg Fisilau and Max Ojomoh, both promising talents, have been dropped from the squad. Fisilau's potential as a number 8 remains untested at the international level, and Ojomoh's impressive performance against Argentina last autumn wasn’t enough to secure his spot.
Marcus Smith faces a diminishing role under Borthwick’s strategy. Despite nearing 50 caps, Smith's relegation to a game-changing substitute rather than a starting fly-half reflects a significant underuse of his proven abilities.
Tom Curry, sidelined by a calf injury ahead of the Italy game, is out for the rest of the championship, leaving a gap in the back row that will be keenly felt against France.
Chandler Cunningham-South, despite his size and impact, remains a bench player. After only five minutes on the field against Italy, Cunningham-South is eager for more playtime against France.