After England’s first ever loss to Fiji at Twickenham, confidence has plummeted ahead of the World Cup. Now with fears of a Group Stage exit ever-present, the England v Argentina fixture sparks great anxiety for English fans. Below is a playing XV which offers a different approach. There is definitely some controversial calls enclosed, yet […] READ MORE
Tag: Steve Borthwick
England Rugby in disarray after historic loss to Fiji
England Rugby is in disarray after a disastrous loss to Fiji on Saturday afternoon. All the credit should go to Fiji first and foremost, they thoroughly deserved to win. A historic win, on par with Western Samoa defeating Wales in 1991. From an England perspective, it does not get much worse. Charlie Inglefield wrote last […] READ MORE
England somehow beat Wales but massive concerns remain
England somehow beat Wales but massive concerns remain around their game plan and attack. In an extraordinary match at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday, England somehow found a way to win against Wales. They did it whilst playing with 12 men thanks to two yellow cards and a red card to captain Owen Farrell. Given how […] READ MORE
England’s World Cup preparations are in tatters after more failures in Dublin
England’s World Cup preparations are in tatters after a forgettable match in Dublin on Saturday. Paul Williams the referee did not help matters by being ever present with the whistle but England were awful again. Ireland who weren’t great either, had to do very little for their convincing win. Most England fans will be asking […] READ MORE
England’s World Cup squad shows few surprises
England’s World Cup squad shows few surprises following the announcement on Monday. Henry Slade is perhaps the most significant omission of them all. The likes of Alex Dombrandt, Jamie Blamire, and Joe Cokanasiga have all paid the price for England’s disappointing performance in Cardiff on Saturday. Borthwick will feel the doubters circling after a desperately […] READ MORE
Owen Farrell back in as England attempt to stop Ireland Rugby Grand Slam
Steve Borthwick has made four changes to his line-up as he takes his battered and bruised team to face the Ireland Grand Slam assault. Injuries to Ollie Chessum and Ollie Lawrence mean recalls for Dave Ribbans and Manu Tuilagi. As well, Henry Arundell is finally given his chance on the wing in place of Max […] READ MORE
Shambolic England given a France masterclass
France was brilliant. It was an awesome France masterclass exhibition from Fabien Galthie’s men and as for England…. they are truly at rock bottom. Or maybe not, as the old adage goes, ‘we did not realize that rock bottom had a basement’ – as they head to Dublin next week. England were awful in all […] READ MORE
England’s forwards, not Marcus Smith, can influence ‘Le Crunch’
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
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