England's Head Coach, Steve Borthwick, has made a bold move, shaking up his team for the upcoming Six Nations match against Italy. With a focus on reshaping his back line, Borthwick has made 12 strategic changes, marking the most radical selection of his tenure. This move comes after a series of disappointing defeats, including a 20-17 loss to Scotland and a 32-19 defeat to Ireland.
The changes include a complete overhaul of the back line, with Tommy Freeman moving to outside-centre, Ben Earl returning to No 8, and Tom Curry taking on the openside role. Fin Smith has been installed at fly-half, while Henry Pollock, who made his debut in the opening match against France, has been dropped. This decision has sparked debate, as Pollock's potential was evident in his performance against France.
Seb Atkinson, Cadan Murley, and Elliot Daly have been brought into the starting lineup, adding new energy and talent. Guy Pepper returns to the back row, providing stability. However, the most striking aspect of Borthwick's selection is the minimal overlap with the team that faced Ireland, with only Maro Itoje, Ellis Genge, and Joe Heyes retaining their positions.
In the pack, Jamie George takes Luke Cowan-Dickie's place at hooker, Alex Coles starts in the second row alongside Itoje, and Alex Coles starts in the second row alongside Itoje. Ollie Chessum, a key player in the championship, is among the replacements after missing training on Monday. This decision highlights Borthwick's willingness to make bold choices.
On the bench, Cowan-Dickie, Bevan Rodd, and Trevor Davison provide front-row cover, while Chessum, Pollock, and Sam Underhill are among the six replacement forwards. Jack van Poortvliet and Marcus Smith complete the bench options. Borthwick's selection has raised eyebrows, as it includes the most changes to an England back line ever made for a Six Nations game, according to rugby statistician Russ Petty.
Despite the controversy, Borthwick remains confident, stating, 'We're expecting a big test in Rome, and it's one the players are really looking forward to. We know the challenge Italy will bring at the Stadio Olimpico, and we've selected a team we believe will deliver the level of performance we're striving for.' The team's performance against Italy will be a true test of Borthwick's leadership and strategic vision.
