As an avid rugby enthusiast, I'm thrilled to delve into the intriguing world of England's upcoming fixture against France. This match, though uncapped, carries immense significance for the English team, especially given their recent mixed performances.
The Contextual Challenge
England's journey into this game is a tale of two contrasting narratives. On one hand, they showcased an impressive display of intensity, speed, and accuracy in their last outing against Les Bleus, a performance reminiscent of their 12-Test winning streak in 2025-2026. Yet, this bright spot is overshadowed by their worst-ever Championship run, where they managed just a solitary win from five Tests.
Borthwick's Bold Move
Steve Borthwick, England's head coach, has assembled an intriguing 33-man squad for the Vannes trip. With several uncapped players and in-form domestic stars, Borthwick seems poised to build upon the foundations laid in the narrow defeat at the Stade de France.
One of the most exciting prospects is Benhard Janse van Rensburg, who headlines an intriguing backline. Borthwick, despite missing some key backline personnel, sees this as an opportunity to test his wider squad depth.
Backline Dynamics
The backline promises an interesting dynamic. Freddie Steward, in-form following a strong domestic campaign, is likely to partner Tom Roebuck and Cadan Murley in the back three. This means that Noah Caluori and Adam Radwan, despite their form, will have to settle for a spot on the sidelines.
The midfield is where things get particularly fascinating. Max Ojomoh and Benhard Janse van Rensburg could form a potent partnership. Their playing styles complement each other well; Ojomoh operates between the 10-12 line, using his pace and power, while Janse van Rensburg prefers the 12-13 areas, where he can exploit broken spaces and showcase his offloading skills.
Fly-Half Dilemma
At fly-half, Borthwick has a tough decision to make between George Ford and the in-form Charlie Atkinson. While Ford's experience gives him an edge, Atkinson's recent form cannot be ignored.
Forward Pack Strength
The forwards unit looks formidable, with Borthwick having most of his key players available. Ben Earl is a near certainty at number eight, and Tom Curry could provide a viable option at openside.
The number six position is an intriguing battle, with Borthwick having previously used it as an additional breakdown threat. However, he seems to be moving towards a lock-flanker hybrid option, which could see either Ted Hill or Ollie Chessum start. Given Chessum's performance at the Stade de France, he seems the likely starter, with Hill providing depth off the bench.
Lineout Strategy
Having a lineout option in the back row frees Borthwick to deploy George Martin at lock once more. Charlie Ewels' leadership skills make him a strong starter, with Nick Isiekwe likely to come off the bench.
Predicted Starting XV
Starting XV:
- Freddie Steward
- Tom Roebuck
- Benhard Janse van Rensburg
- Max Ojomoh
- Cadan Murley
- George Ford
- Jack van Poortvliet
- Ben Earl
- Tom Curry
- Ollie Chessum
- Charlie Ewels
- George Martin
- Joe Heyes
- Jamie George
- Beno Obano
Replacements:
- Jamie Blamire
- Asher Opoku-Fordjour
- Vilikesa Sela
- Nick Isiekwe
- Ted Hill
- Alex Dombrandt
- Harry Randall
- Marcus Smith
This match promises to be a fascinating tactical battle, and I, for one, can't wait to see how Borthwick's bold moves pay off.
