by Far-reaching implications, crucial decisions, an expectant nation. But let’s not dwell on Rachel Reeves’ mega-budget and instead examine the intricacies of Steve Borthwick’s first autumn selection for the England national team. A smart mix of opportunities for future growth? Or just a nod to tightening your belt in preparation for what could be a painful few weeks ahead?
The truth, as so often in politics, seems to lie somewhere in between. In one or two areas, Borthwick had to channel his inner Chancellor of the Exchequer and make some tough decisions. Sam Underhill has had some special days against New Zealand in the past and is still unable to make matchday 23. Fin Smith is supposed to be the coming man at fly-half but is suddenly nowhere to be seen.
On the other hand, shares in the sale triumvirate of the Curry twins and George Ford have just skyrocketed. Bath scrum-half Ben Spencer is likely to be the big winner in the absence of the injured Alex Mitchell, having spent the last six years waiting for the oval-ball equivalent of Godot. A 6-2 substitution also offers a clear indication of England’s priorities: Borthwick wants his team to play hard for the entire 80 minutes, regardless of what New Zealand has in store.
The team’s 48-hour announcement seemed designed in part to send the same proactive message. We don’t care what you have, that’s who we are. However, the All Blacks wouldn’t be particularly surprised if the team sheet contained just four starting changes compared to the team they faced in Auckland in July. The fit-again Ellis Genge and George Furbank are back for Fin Baxter and Freddie Steward respectively, the in-form Spencer replaces the absent Mitchell and Tom Curry replaces Underhill. Given the number of players Borthwick has on their radar, that’s a decent level of continuity.
The more forward-facing bank, however, is a different story. England have lost in tight games and Borthwick freely admits he wants to ensure his team offers something more in the latter stages of intense games. In this case, he has Ford’s experience, Harry Randall’s added dynamism, Alex Dombrandt’s telepathic understanding with Marcus Smith (assuming both are on the field at the same time), and Ben Curry’s energy, all of which should theoretically help. Ben Earl could even be moved to center if circumstances warrant.
The only slight caveat is that Henry Slade, who is straight back into the outfield, and Ford have played little rugby this season due to injury. England want to be fast and furious, but are also clearly keen to think clearly. Still, the balance remains between picking the best team on paper and the most effective team winning on grass at the weekend. With so many other contenders looking over their shoulders, England’s select few cannot afford to start slowly.
There is another unknown element in the form of the new extended elite player roster contracts that some players now have and others don’t. Borthwick has made it clear to his squad that selection will not be based on contract status, but for some this will require a significant leap of imagination. Take Underhill, now of the 23 complete and without a hybrid contract. Is he now redoubling his efforts or is he worried that the signs are already visible? If there is even the slightest hint of a two-tier locker room with differential treatment of haves and have-nots, the theoretical benefits of the new system are immediately diluted.
There is also a feeling that Borthwick is operating a holding pattern in some positions until one or two precocious young talents are finally ready for the oven. It is well known that England are excited about a number of young players who are still in the works at the moment. However, human nature requires many fringe players to hold on to their tackle bags for a month, knowing they might soon be thrown away anyway. If Borthwick is really smart, he has already quietly guaranteed Fin Smith or Trevor Davison at least one start in the fall, for example, and has decided to rotate his starting lineup to give as many players as possible a fair start.
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Because the next few weeks will ultimately be about how England progresses as a whole, and not just about the isolated fate of a few individuals. Of course, there’s a lot to gain for the Currys and the 32-year-old Spencer, who has worked hard to speed up his passing game from the base of the ruck. However, the reality is that England’s fundamentals need improvement overall, particularly in the final quarter.
“If you want to attack the way we want to attack, you have to make sure you get good ball on the break,” Borthwick said. “The challenge for us is to make sure we achieve that.” As with rebuilding the economy, the devil is always in the details.
