Steve Borthwick opts for continuity but wants fast and furious England | Robert Kitson
The head coach has made just four starting changes against New Zealand and has picked a forward-centric bench
Far-reaching implications, pivotal decisions, an expectant nation. But let’s not dwell on Rachel Reeves’s mega budget and instead examine the intricacies of Steve Borthwick’s first autumnal England team selection. A smart mix of choices for future growth? Or just a hint of belt-tightening in preparation for a potentially bruising few weeks?
The truth, as so often in politics, would appear to lie somewhere in between. In one or two areas Borthwick has had to channel his inner chancellor of the exchequer and make some tough calls. Sam Underhill has had some special days against New Zealand in the past and yet now finds himself unable to make the matchday 23. Fin Smith is supposed to be the coming man at fly-half but is suddenly nowhere to be seen.
Continue reading...Topics
-
World - The Guardian
Borthwick struggles to cast off shadow of uncertainty after coaching exits | Robert Kitson
October 17 -
World - The Guardian
Borthwick waits on key players’ fitness for England’s Autumn Nations Series
October 15 -
Top stories - BBC News
Borthwick names 17 England players given RFU deals
4 days ago -
World - The Guardian
Borthwick backs ‘energised’ Henry Slade to sparkle on England return
8 hours ago -
Sports - ABC News
Manslaughter probe continues 1 year after hockey player's death in England
Yesterday -
Sports - CBS Sports
Steve Kerr says Warriors will continue to have 12-man rotation, taking 'strength in numbers' to a new level
5 days ago -
Politics - The Hill
Wildfires are becoming faster and more furious in the US West
5 days ago -
World - The Guardian
Lauren James: ‘I know what winning feels like and I want to do that with England’
October 19
More from The Guardian
-
World - The Guardian
Kamala Harris calls for a ‘new generation of leadership’ in Washington speech
33 minutes ago -
World - The Guardian
US calls on Israel to tackle ‘catastrophic humanitarian crisis’ in Gaza
5 hours ago -
World - The Guardian
Dead bodies found after torrential rain brings flash flooding to Spain
2 hours ago -
World - The Guardian
Teri Garr, actor from Tootsie and Friends, dies aged 79
9 hours ago -
World - The Guardian
David DePape sentenced to life in prison for hammer attack on Paul Pelosi
7 hours ago
Latest in World
-
World - The Wall Street Journal
How the Houthis Went From Ragtag Rebels to Global Threat
17 minutes ago -
World - The Guardian
Los Angeles Dodgers v New York Yankees: World Series Game 4 – live
19 minutes ago -
World - ABC News
An electric hydrofoil ferry offers cleaner journeys among Stockholm's 14 islands
23 minutes ago -
World - The Guardian
Kamala Harris calls for a ‘new generation of leadership’ in Washington speech
33 minutes ago -
World - ABC News
AP PHOTOS: River and air pollution in India's capital pose a severe health threat to residents
39 minutes ago