As an avid rugby enthusiast, I'm thrilled to delve into the intriguing world of England's upcoming fixture against France. This match, an uncapped affair, presents an excellent opportunity for Steve Borthwick's England XV to build on their recent strong performance against Les Bleus while also addressing the disappointing results of their worst-ever Championship run.
What makes this game particularly fascinating is the unique dynamic it presents. England's display in Paris showcased a level of intensity, speed, and accuracy that has been lacking in recent times, even during their impressive 12-Test winning streak. This match provides a perfect platform for Borthwick to solidify this newfound momentum and make it their go-to game plan moving forward.
Borthwick has assembled an exciting 33-man squad for this trip to Vannes, which includes several uncapped players and in-form stars from the PREM. Notably, the absence of some key backline personnel opens up opportunities for others to shine and test the depth of the squad.
One player who is expected to make his mark is Benhard Janse van Rensburg. He's set to headline an exciting backline alongside Freddie Steward, Tom Roebuck, and Cadan Murley. The midfield combination of Janse van Rensburg and Max Ojomoh is an intriguing prospect, as both players thrive when given freedom to roam and exploit different positions. Ojomoh operates between the 10-12 line, utilizing his pace and power, while Janse van Rensburg tends to play more towards the 12-13 areas, utilizing broken space and his offloading skills. This organic balance could be a key element in Lee Blackett's attack strategy.
The fly-half position is another area of interest, with George Ford and the in-form Charlie Atkinson vying for the starting role. Ford's experience is likely to give him the edge, especially with the relatively inexperienced nature of the extended squad.
The forwards unit is expected to have a Test-ready feel, with Borthwick having access to some of his key players. Ben Earl is a strong contender for the number eight position, with Tom Curry also an option at openside. The number six position is an intriguing battle, with Borthwick potentially opting for a lock-flanker hybrid on the blindside, which could see either Ted Hill or Ollie Chessum start. Chessum's performance at the Stade de France and his likely starting role against the Springboks make him the probable starter.
In the front row, Joe Heyes and Jamie George are expected to start, with Beno Obano a potential option at loosehead. Vilikesa Sela could feature as the tighthead replacement, while Asher Opoku-Fordjour may get a run-out at loosehead. Jamie Blamire's impressive form warrants a bench spot.
So, as we look ahead to this exciting fixture, it's clear that Borthwick has some tough decisions to make. With a blend of experienced and up-and-coming talent, this England XV has the potential to put on a show and continue their positive momentum. Personally, I can't wait to see how this team shapes up and performs against France.
