England head coach Steve Borthwick has named Springbok-esque lineup for his team’s Test showdown against the All Blacks at Twickenham on Saturday.
In a double move straight out of the Springboks’ playbook, Borthwick not only picked a team consisting of a 6-2 bench split, he also revealed his lineup on a Tuesday, a play which was heavily criticised in New Zealand media when Rassie Erasmus did so in the Rugby Championship.
Jamie George will lead England as captain, supported by four vice-captains: Maro Itoje, Ben Earl, Ellis Genge and George Ford.
Genge returns to the front row alongside Will Stuart and Jamie George to anchor the England scrum.
Lock George Martin will partner Itoje in the second row, covering for Ollie Chessum’s recent knee injury.
Tom Curry strengthens the back row, joining No 8 Earl and Chandler Cunningham-South on the opposite flank.
Scrumhalf Ben Spencer will make his run-on debut alongside flyhalf Marcus Smith in the halfback pairing for England’s end-of-year opener at Twickenham.
Outside centre Henry Slade, recovered from shoulder surgery, resumes his midfield role alongside Ollie Lawrence. Fullback George Furbank, too, is back and links up with Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Tommy Freeman in a dynamic back three.
ENGLAND BOSS KEEN TO TAKE DOWN ALL BLACKS
“We’re excited for the challenge of playing against one of the best teams in world rugby,” he said. “We’ll need to be accurate, keep our discipline, and maintain a level of intensity throughout the match, from the first whistle to the final moment.
“With just two games at Allianz Stadium in our last 15, it’s fantastic to be returning to play in front of our home crowd again. The energy and passion of our supporters always give the team an extra lift.”
ENGLISH TEAM VERSUS ALL BLACKS
What’s your take on England following the Springboks’ strategies?
Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this TSA Springbok article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news and views.
