All the headlines this week are around Marcus Smith taking Owen Farrell’s jersey. Rightly so, as it is a brave call made by England coach, Steve Borthwick. International coaches, particularly England’s, are paid the big bucks to make these selection decisions. For a traditionally risk-averse coach, this is a significant change in direction for Borthwick. […] READ MORE
Tag: Ollie Lawrence
England takes huge step forward but Owen Farrell question remains
England took a huge step forward by beating Wales in Cardiff on Saturday. Steve Borthwick will know a whole lot more about his team, particularly his forwards, who are growing in confidence with every game. England’s back row was superb with Alex Dombrandt, Jack Willis, and Lewis Ludlam all having outstanding games. Wales was disappointing […] READ MORE
Owen Farrell must guide England victory through Wales ‘backlash’
England’s record in Cardiff is not a pretty one as of late. A last-gasp Elliot Daly try in 2016 has been the only England victory in Wales since 2011. This coming Saturday England will face a fired-up Wales team desperate to get their Six Nations campaign up and running. Any notion that England will face […] READ MORE
England’s forwards get the job done over Italy in men’s 2023 Six Nations
England’s 31-14 win over Italy on Sunday had Steve Borthwick written all over it. England’s pack was dominant up front, granite-like in defense, and with high energy in the kick-chase. Borthwick’s forwards got the job done and there was a lot to be happier about a week on from the Calcutta Cup loss to Scotland. […] READ MORE
Candidate choices as the England new centre (among roles under scrutiny)
England may have ‘scraped their way to victory’ over Wales on Saturday, but little was done to instill confidence in this team. Positional analysis might be searching for improvement and/or change, including areas like the candidates for an England new centre Though some individuals stood out, the overall performance was rather underwhelming for a number […] READ MORE
Ireland’s ‘Kiwi Trio’ major threat for visitors – England v Ireland
Ireland’s two recently qualified New Zealanders, James Lowe and Jamison Gibson-Park, have made an immediate impact for Andy Farrell’s team leading into the England v Ireland fixture this weekend. Add to that established midfielder Bundee Aki, and the ‘kiwi trio’ are a major threat to England’s perceived place in the Autumn Nations Cup tournament. Not […] READ MORE