As England XV prepares to face France XV at Stade de la Rabine in Vannes, head coach Steve Borthwick seems poised to experiment with fresh talent amid a backdrop of recent struggles and a single victory in their last Championship. Despite these challenges, the team's previous encounter with Les Bleus showcased a potential turning point, marked by intensified play that Borthwick will hope to solidify into a consistent strategy.
The 33-man squad named for this journey includes several uncapped players and top performers from the PREM, signaling Borthwick's intent to rejuvenate the team's dynamics. Noteworthy is the absence of Exeter Chiefs and Northampton Saints players, which provides a unique opportunity for others to step up.
Among the exciting prospects in the backline, Benhard Janse van Rensburg is expected to start, bringing his robust offloading skills and dynamic play to the fore. He is likely to pair with Max Ojomoh in the midfield, a combination that promises both power and agility, crucial for breaking through France's defenses.
"Both men play at their best when given freedom to roam between different positions, which is exactly what our attack needs," said Lee Blackett, highlighting the potential synergy between Ojomoh and Janse van Rensburg.
In the fly-half position, the competition appears fierce between George Ford and Charlie Atkinson, with Ford's extensive experience possibly giving him the edge. The scrum-half spot will see Jack van Poortvliet starting, supported by the dynamic duo of Harry Randall and Marcus Smith from the bench.
The forward pack is expected to be robust, featuring Ben Earl at number eight and Tom Curry at openside. The blindside flanker role might see Ollie Chessum starting, given his recent performance at Stade de France, with Ted Hill potentially adding impact off the bench. The inclusion of George Martin and Charlie Ewels in the lock positions further solidifies the lineout options, crucial for both defensive and offensive set-pieces.
The front row remains relatively unchanged from the Six Nations, with Joe Heyes and Jamie George maintaining their roles, and Beno Obano possibly starting at loosehead prop given his recent scrummaging prowess.
Predicted England XV Starting Lineup:
15 Freddie Steward, 14 Tom Roebuck, 13 Benhard Janse van Rensburg, 12 Max Ojomoh, 11 Cadan Murley, 10 George Ford, 9 Jack van Poortvliet, 8 Ben Earl, 7 Tom Curry, 6 Ollie Chessum, 5 Charlie Ewels, 4 George Martin, 3 Joe Heyes, 2 Jamie George, 1 Beno Obano
Replacements: 16 Jamie Blamire, 17 Asher Opoku-Fordjour, 18 Vilikesa Sela, 19 Nick Isiekwe, 20 Ted Hill, 21 Alex Dombrandt, 22 Harry Randall, 23 Marcus Smith
This lineup, characterized by a blend of seasoned leaders and promising newcomers, reflects Borthwick's strategy to build resilience and adaptability within the team, crucial for their upcoming challenges on the international stage.