"No Underhill or Mercer" on Steve Borthwick's England standby list
Rugby NewsThursday, 31 August 2023 at 22:41
Who will England head coach Steve Borthwick summon if injuries happen in France during the 2023 Rugby World Cup?
The England head coach named his 33-man squad for the showpiece event on Monday with Alex Dombrandt and Henry Slade being the two most notable omissions.
Below, we pick a XV of players likely to be on standby.
#15. Cadan Murley (Harlequins)
We start off with a player out of position. With plenty of fullback cover already in the squad, you would presume that if Freddie Steward got injured, then Henry Arundell or Marcus Smithwould be shifted to fullback, with another winger called up. Speedster Murley, who was the fastest England back during the training camp, would surely be the next player off the bench to cover the back-three positions.
#14. Ollie Hassell-Collins (Leicester Tigers)
#13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs)
The biggest shock of the squad announcement, Slade would surely be the only choice for Borthwick should a centre be ruled out. Numerous pundits, including Sir Clive Woodward, are of the opinion that he should have been included from the outset.
Henry Slade during the England Rugby Training Sessions at The Lensbury Hotel, Teddington, London on 3 July 2023 (Photo: George Beck/PPAUK)
#12. Guy Porter (Leicester Tigers)
Both Borthwick and his predecessor Jones evidently hold a favourable opinion of the Tigers' center. While Porter has not yet delivered a standout performance for England, he proved to be a dependable lieutenant for Borthwick during the latter's time as the head of Leicester.
#11. Joe Cokanasiga (Bath Rugby)
Arguably the most unpredictable choice among the back-three alternatives, Cokanasiga did not manage to make a strong impression against Wales. However, at his peak performance, he has drawn comparisons to the legendary Jonah Lomu for his combination of speed, size, and ball-carrying power.
Joe Cokanasiga of England on the break during the Summer Nations Series Rugby match between Wales and England at Principality Stadium on August 5, 2023 in Cardiff, Wales. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
#10. Fin Smith (Northampton Saints)
Possessing remarkable talent, Smith has been diligently training with the Northampton Saints in preparation for the 2023/24 Premiership season. Having been initially summoned by Borthwick earlier this summer, he would be the immediate replacement in the event of injuries to Farrell, Ford, or Marcus Smith.
#9.Ben Spencer (Bath Rugby)
Ben Spencer of Bath Rugby during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Bath Rugby and London Irish at the Recreation Ground on 21 May 2022. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
#1. Val Rapava-Ruskin (Gloucester)
n light of Mako Vunipola's injury, the formidable prop of Georgian origin would emerge as the subsequent top choice for Borthwick in the loosehead prop position.
#2. Jamie Blamire (Newcastle Falcons)
Although unfortunate to narrowly miss out in the direct competition for a spot against Saracens' Theo Dan, the Falcons' adept set-piece specialist stands poised for an immediate recall if any of the hookers were to sustain an injury.
Jamie Blamire of England during the Summer Nations Series Rugby match between Wales and England at Principality Stadium on August 5, 2023 in Cardiff, Wales. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
#3. Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers)
Heyes is another old lieutenant of Borthwick, positioning him as a clear contender for the England head coach should Cole, Sinckler, or Stuart encounter any injuries.
#4. Nick Isiekwe (Saracens)
Making a triumphant return just four months after undergoing open heart surgery to represent England during the 2023 Six Nations and subsequently clinching the Premiership title with Saracens, Isiekwe has clearly demonstrated the tenacity and ability to continue contributing at both the club and international levels.
#5. Jonny Hill (Exeter Chiefs)
Hill has consistently appeared to lack Borthwick's favour. Nonetheless, the lock displayed enough prowess to retain his place within the group until the official squad announcement. Therefore, one might deduce that he would be the subsequent choice for a second-row position if someone were to sustain an injury.
#6. Tom Willis (Bordeaux)
Given the abundance of flankers in the squad, it's reasonable to expect that a number 8 could be the subsequent player to receive a call-up, with Willis standing out as one of the top contenders. Borthwick is recognised as a strong supporter, although his debut performance against Wales last weekend evidently did not leave a lasting impression.
Tom Willis of England on the break during the Summer Nations Series Rugby match between Wales and England at Principality Stadium on August 5, 2023 in Cardiff, Wales. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
#7. Tom Pearson (London Irish)
One of the most promising talents in England, it's sad that he wasn't included in the World Cup squad.. However, he will be on alert for a call-up from Borthwick at any time.
#8. Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins)
Having been consistently prominent under Borthwick's guidance since his appointment in December, Dombrandt would swiftly receive a call-up should any setback befall Billy Vunipola. Considering the injury history of the Saracens player, it's likely imperative for the powerhouse from Quins to maintain his state of readiness and availability.
Alex Dombrandt of England during the Summer Nations Series Rugby match between Wales and England at Principality Stadium on August 5, 2023 in Cardiff, Wales. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
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