As the summer Nations Championship tests against South Africa, Fiji, and Argentina loom, England head coach Steve Borthwick faces the formidable challenge of selecting his starting XV from a pool brimming with top-tier talent from the English Premiership. This selection process is made even more intriguing by the exceptional form displayed by several players across the league.
In the realm of outside backs, Noah Caluori from Saracens has been a revelation, scoring seven tries in just three appearances. His explosive performances on the wing make his upcoming test debut seem inevitable and imminent. "It feels like a matter of 'when, not if'," observers note about his potential to join the international ranks. Alongside him, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso has made a strong comeback from injury, showcasing his prowess with four tries in his last four appearances, surely catching Borthwick’s eye after missing the Six Nations.
"Jack Willis on ‘making peace’ with England career, that Ireland rumour and the Toulouse player who is ‘the scariest but nicest bloke at the same time’"
In the fullback position, the versatile Max Malins has excelled since his return to number 15, a role he has openly preferred. His impactful performances have been crucial in Saracens' recent successes, particularly noted during their commanding victories over Sale and Leicester.
The midfield partnership sees fresh faces as well. Will Wand, having been pivotal in Leicester Tigers’ journey to Premiership Cup glory and their league matches, secures his spot at outside centre. His dynamic play has been instrumental for the team. Inside centre goes to Ollie Lawrence from Bath, who has thrived in a flexible role that sees him switching between centre positions, adding a strategic depth to Bath’s midfield.
The half-back pairing is equally formidable with Archie McParland and Billy Searle steering the ship. Searle, in particular, has been outstanding throughout the season, solidifying his position as a top contender for England’s fly-half slot. His performance trajectory suggests a significant role in the upcoming tests.
The back-row selection was fiercely competitive. Alfie Barbeary, Henry Pollock, and Fitz Harding make up a formidable trio, each bringing their unique strengths to the fore. Barbeary's nomination for the Investec European Player of the Year is a testament to his form, while Pollock and Harding have been instrumental in their respective teams’ campaigns.
The tight five could very well be the unit facing the Springboks, with Ollie Chessum, Maro Itoje, Joe Heyes, Gabe Oghre, and Ellis Genge demonstrating exceptional form and set-piece prowess that will be crucial against South Africa’s renowned forwards.
England’s potential form XV thus stands as: Max Malins, Noah Caluori, Will Wand, Ollie Lawrence, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Billy Searle, Archie McParland, Alfie Barbeary, Henry Pollock, Fitz Harding, Ollie Chessum, Maro Itoje, Joe Heyes, Gabe Oghre, and Ellis Genge. This lineup not only reflects current form but also offers a blend of experience and dynamic new talent, promising an exciting build-up to the international fixtures.
349 posts
As the summer Nations Championship tests against South Africa, Fiji, and Argentina loom, England head coach Steve Borthwick faces the formidable challenge of selecting his starting XV from a pool brimming with top-tier talent from the English Premiership. This selection process is made even more intriguing by the exceptional form displayed by several players across the league.
In the realm of outside backs, Noah Caluori from Saracens has been a revelation, scoring seven tries in just three appearances. His explosive performances on the wing make his upcoming test debut seem inevitable and imminent. "It feels like a matter of 'when, not if'," observers note about his potential to join the international ranks. Alongside him, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso has made a strong comeback from injury, showcasing his prowess with four tries in his last four appearances, surely catching Borthwick’s eye after missing the Six Nations.
"Jack Willis on ‘making peace’ with England career, that Ireland rumour and the Toulouse player who is ‘the scariest but nicest bloke at the same time’"
In the fullback position, the versatile Max Malins has excelled since his return to number 15, a role he has openly preferred. His impactful performances have been crucial in Saracens' recent successes, particularly noted during their commanding victories over Sale and Leicester.
The midfield partnership sees fresh faces as well. Will Wand, having been pivotal in Leicester Tigers’ journey to Premiership Cup glory and their league matches, secures his spot at outside centre. His dynamic play has been instrumental for the team. Inside centre goes to Ollie Lawrence from Bath, who has thrived in a flexible role that sees him switching between centre positions, adding a strategic depth to Bath’s midfield.
The half-back pairing is equally formidable with Archie McParland and Billy Searle steering the ship. Searle, in particular, has been outstanding throughout the season, solidifying his position as a top contender for England’s fly-half slot. His performance trajectory suggests a significant role in the upcoming tests.
The back-row selection was fiercely competitive. Alfie Barbeary, Henry Pollock, and Fitz Harding make up a formidable trio, each bringing their unique strengths to the fore. Barbeary's nomination for the Investec European Player of the Year is a testament to his form, while Pollock and Harding have been instrumental in their respective teams’ campaigns.
The tight five could very well be the unit facing the Springboks, with Ollie Chessum, Maro Itoje, Joe Heyes, Gabe Oghre, and Ellis Genge demonstrating exceptional form and set-piece prowess that will be crucial against South Africa’s renowned forwards.
England’s potential form XV thus stands as: Max Malins, Noah Caluori, Will Wand, Ollie Lawrence, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Billy Searle, Archie McParland, Alfie Barbeary, Henry Pollock, Fitz Harding, Ollie Chessum, Maro Itoje, Joe Heyes, Gabe Oghre, and Ellis Genge. This lineup not only reflects current form but also offers a blend of experience and dynamic new talent, promising an exciting build-up to the international fixtures.