The upcoming England XV vs. France XV match promises an intriguing tactical battle, with Steve Borthwick's team seeking to build on a strong performance against Les Bleus in the Six Nations while addressing their poor Championship record. Borthwick's squad selection hints at a strategic shift, with an emphasis on testing his wider depth chart and potentially adopting a more dynamic game plan.
One of the key areas of interest is the backline, where Borthwick is without several key players. Despite this, he has an opportunity to experiment with new combinations. Freddie Steward, in exceptional form with Leicester Tigers, is likely to form a formidable back-three partnership with Tom Roebuck and Cadan Murley. However, this decision means that Noah Caluori and Adam Radwan, who have been in fine form, miss out.
The midfield pairing of Max Ojomoh and Benhard Janse van Rensburg is particularly intriguing. Both players thrive when given the freedom to move across positions, and their contrasting styles could provide a unique balance. Ojomoh, with his pace and power, can operate between the 10-12 line, while Janse van Rensburg excels in the 12-13 areas, creating space and utilizing his offloading skills. This dynamic duo could be the answer to Lee Blackett's attacking woes, as demonstrated by their successful partnership last season.
Seb Atkinson, who ended the Six Nations in the 12 shirt, could also be considered for the inside centre role. However, this match presents an opportunity for Ojomoh and Janse van Rensburg to showcase their abilities. The fly-half position is a close call, with George Ford and Charlie Atkinson in contention. Ford's experience likely secures him the starting role, but Atkinson's form cannot be overlooked.
Moving to the forwards, Borthwick has a strong pack at his disposal. Ben Earl and Tom Curry are likely to start at number eight and openside, respectively. The number six position is a strategic choice, with Borthwick considering a lock-flanker hybrid on the blindside, potentially involving Ted Hill or Ollie Chessum. Chessum's performance at the Stade de France and his likely start against the Springboks suggest he will be a key player.
The lineout option in the back-row allows Borthwick to deploy George Martin at lock, with Charlie Ewels providing leadership. The front-row remains stable, with Joe Heyes and Jamie George in their familiar positions, while Beno Obano's scrummaging prowess could earn him a start at loosehead. Vilikesa Sela, Asher Opoku-Fordjour, and Jamie Blamire are also in contention for the tighthead and loosehead positions.
In conclusion, Borthwick's predicted starting XV showcases a blend of experience and youthful talent. The team's strategy seems to be a mix of continuity and innovation, with a focus on testing new combinations and potentially adopting a more dynamic game plan. The upcoming match against France XV will be a crucial test for England, providing an opportunity to build momentum and address their recent Championship struggles.
