In a recent brutal showcase at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, England’s rugby pride took a nosedive with a 42-21 defeat against a rampant Irish team. Former England fly-half Stuart Barnes suggests a silver lining, urging head coach Steve Borthwick not to ditch George Ford just yet but rather to shuffle the midfield pack.
Barnes passionately argued for the inclusion of Seb Atkinson and Max Ojomoh, who have both shown spark in previous outings. Atkinson's impact was notably substantial during last year's mid-year series, and Ojomoh was a standout in November, claiming a man-of-the-match title. Drawing parallels to Ireland’s Stuart McCloskey's imposing presence, Barnes believes Atkinson could be England's answer to a midfield powerhouse.
"In the short term, McCloskey did a great deal of damage to Steve Borthwick’s team, but if England learn the agonising lessons from last Saturday, they could yet be sending a metaphorical thank-you note to the long-striding Irish centre,"
Barnes criticized the current choice for the midfield, pointing out that Fraser Dingwall’s lack of power at international level has been a weak link. He suggested that Borthwick might succumb to public pressure to start Fin Smith, but Barnes sees Ford's synergy with Atkinson as a more potent combination.
The omission of Ojomoh from the squad altogether baffles Barnes, who remarked on the decision as "crass." He advocates for a dynamic duo of Atkinson and Ojomoh, which could offer both power and skill, potentially rejuvenating England's midfield strategy. He emphasized the wasted potential of not harnessing this pair.
Barnes concluded with a defense of Borthwick's support for Ford amidst the flak he received, but he remained critical of the decision-making regarding the midfield. The call to exclude a proven talent like Ojomoh and not to utilize Atkinson alongside him was, in Barnes' view, a glaring oversight.
With the Six Nations in full swing, and England looking to recalibrate, the decisions made now could define Borthwick’s tenure and perhaps reshape England’s midfield dynamics for the better.
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In a recent brutal showcase at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, England’s rugby pride took a nosedive with a 42-21 defeat against a rampant Irish team. Former England fly-half Stuart Barnes suggests a silver lining, urging head coach Steve Borthwick not to ditch George Ford just yet but rather to shuffle the midfield pack.
Barnes passionately argued for the inclusion of Seb Atkinson and Max Ojomoh, who have both shown spark in previous outings. Atkinson's impact was notably substantial during last year's mid-year series, and Ojomoh was a standout in November, claiming a man-of-the-match title. Drawing parallels to Ireland’s Stuart McCloskey's imposing presence, Barnes believes Atkinson could be England's answer to a midfield powerhouse.
"In the short term, McCloskey did a great deal of damage to Steve Borthwick’s team, but if England learn the agonising lessons from last Saturday, they could yet be sending a metaphorical thank-you note to the long-striding Irish centre,"
Barnes criticized the current choice for the midfield, pointing out that Fraser Dingwall’s lack of power at international level has been a weak link. He suggested that Borthwick might succumb to public pressure to start Fin Smith, but Barnes sees Ford's synergy with Atkinson as a more potent combination.
The omission of Ojomoh from the squad altogether baffles Barnes, who remarked on the decision as "crass." He advocates for a dynamic duo of Atkinson and Ojomoh, which could offer both power and skill, potentially rejuvenating England's midfield strategy. He emphasized the wasted potential of not harnessing this pair.
Barnes concluded with a defense of Borthwick's support for Ford amidst the flak he received, but he remained critical of the decision-making regarding the midfield. The call to exclude a proven talent like Ojomoh and not to utilize Atkinson alongside him was, in Barnes' view, a glaring oversight.
With the Six Nations in full swing, and England looking to recalibrate, the decisions made now could define Borthwick’s tenure and perhaps reshape England’s midfield dynamics for the better.