Following a demoralizing 31-20 loss to Scotland at Murrayfield, England's rugby squad is poised for a shakeup as they face Ireland in a critical Six Nations showdown. Head coach Steve Borthwick, known for his measured approach to team changes, might be inclined to make significant adjustments after the team's recent performance, which many saw as a step backward.
England's backline, which was particularly underwhelming against Scotland, seems ripe for revision. With Henry Arundell's red card potentially sidelining him, and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso injured, a reshuffle is imminent. Tommy Freeman is expected to swing back to the wing, making room for Ollie Lawrence to reclaim the outside centre spot. Cadan Murley, known for his blistering pace, might fill the void left by Arundell, providing a fresh attacking option on the wing.
"We need players who can punch through defenses, and Murley has shown he can do exactly that," Borthwick noted, emphasizing the need for dynamic offensive play.
In the midfield, Seb Atkinson is tipped to start, bringing his robust style to bear in the centre. His ability to break the gain line and his compatibility with fly-half George Ford could prove crucial in penetrating Ireland's defenses. The forward pack is expected to remain largely stable, but Henry Pollock might just earn a starting berth, adding his explosive power to the back-row, which could see Sam Underhill moving to the bench.
The bench itself may not see much rotation despite a lackluster impact in previous games. However, players like Chandler Cunningham-South and Emmanuel Iyogun are eager for an opportunity to prove their mettle.
Overall, Borthwick's choices will be pivotal in setting the tone for a bounce-back performance against a formidable Irish side. England's lineup, reflecting these strategic shifts, is set as follows:
Starting XV: Freddie Steward, Tommy Freeman, Ollie Lawrence, Seb Atkinson, Cadan Murley, George Ford, Alex Mitchell; Ben Earl, Henry Pollock, Guy Pepper, Ollie Chessum, Maro Itoje (c), Joe Heyes, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Ellis Genge
Bench: Jamie George, Bevan Rodd, Trevor Davison, Alex Coles, Tom Curry, Sam Underhill, Ben Spencer, Marcus Smith or Max Ojomoh
This lineup suggests that while the core of the team remains, Borthwick is not shy about injecting fresh energy where it's most needed, especially in the backline. As England looks to regain their footing in the Six Nations, these changes could be just the recalibration needed to confront and overcome a tough Irish team.