A bold move by Steve Borthwick has shaken up the England rugby team ahead of their crucial Six Nations clash against Italy. With a staggering 12 changes to the starting lineup, Borthwick is sending a clear message: he's not afraid to make tough decisions to turn things around.
But here's where it gets controversial... Borthwick has completely overhauled the back line, making nine personnel changes and shifting players like Tommy Freeman and Ben Earl to new positions. It's a radical approach, and only three players remain in the same position as the previous match against Ireland - captain Maro Itoje and props Ellis Genge and Joe Heyes.
In the pack, Jamie George steps in for Luke Cowan-Dickie at hooker, and Alex Coles partners Itoje in the second row. Ollie Chessum, a standout performer so far in the championship, is among the replacements, having missed training earlier in the week.
The dismal defeats against Scotland and Ireland have forced Borthwick's hand. Key players like George Ford, Fraser Dingwall, Henry Arundell, and Freddie Steward are out of the matchday squad entirely. Ben Spencer starts at scrum-half due to Alex Mitchell's injury.
At fly-half, Fin Smith gets the nod for only his second start since last year's Six Nations, despite missing training due to illness. Gloucester's Seb Atkinson makes his Six Nations debut at inside-centre, having made his international debut on the Argentina tour last summer.
Quick Guide to the England Team:
Backs:
- Elliot Daly (Full-back)
- Tom Roebuck (Right Wing)
- Tommy Freeman (Outside Centre)
- Seb Atkinson (Inside Centre)
- Cadan Murley (Left Wing)
- Fin Smith (Fly-half)
- Ben Spencer (Scrum-half)
Forwards:
- Ellis Genge (Loosehead Prop)
- Jamie George (Hooker)
- Joe Heyes (Tighthead Prop)
- Maro Itoje (Lock, Captain)
- Alex Coles (Lock)
- Guy Pepper (Blindside Flanker)
- Tom Curry (Openside Flanker)
- Ben Earl (Number 8)
Replacements:
- Luke Cowan-Dickie
- Bevan Rodd
- Trevor Davison
- Ollie Chessum
- Sam Underhill
- Henry Pollock
- Jack van Poortvliet
- Marcus Smith
The back line sees some familiar faces return, with Freeman moving back to outside centre due to Ollie Lawrence's injury. Tom Roebuck regains his spot on the right wing, while Cadan Murley replaces Henry Arundell on the left. Elliot Daly takes over from Freddie Steward at full-back.
According to rugby statistician Russ Petty, Borthwick's selection is unprecedented, with the most changes ever made to an England back line for a Six Nations game. This is a far cry from Borthwick's previous maximum of four changes.
The props remain unchanged with Genge and Heyes, while Curry, Earl, and Pepper form a new-look back row. On the bench, Cowan-Dickie, Rodd, and Davison provide front-row cover, joined by Chessum, Pollock, and Underhill among the forward replacements. Van Poortvliet and Marcus Smith complete the bench options.
Borthwick is under no illusions about the challenge ahead in Rome. "We know Italy will bring their A-game at the Stadio Olimpico," he said. "We've selected a team we believe can deliver the performance we need to get back on track."
And this is the part most people miss... It's not just about the players; it's about the mindset. Borthwick is sending a clear signal to his squad that no one is safe, and everyone must earn their place. This bold strategy could be the spark England needs to reignite their Six Nations campaign.
What do you think? Is Borthwick's radical approach a stroke of genius or a desperate move? Let us know in the comments!
