"Reinforcements" - Three players Steve Borthwick should call up to his England squad

Sunday, 02 February 2025 at 18:03

byRugby Rucker

Ireland sent out a statement with a dominant second-half display, running in three tries to secure a bonus-point victory over England in Dublin and kick-start their bid for an unprecedented third straight Six Nations title.

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Cadan Murley’s early score on debut gave England a deserved lead at the break, but the hosts hit back in style.

Jamison Gibson-Park’s first-half try was just the start, as Bundee Aki, Tadhg Beirne, and returning hooker Dan Sheehan crossed after the interval to seal victory in Simon Easterby’s first game as interim head coach.

For England, it’s now six defeats in seven under Steve Borthwick, and a tough first Test for new captain Maro Itoje. Changes are needed—fast.

Three players Borthwick should call up

Max Ojomoh – The creative spark England need

The 24-year-old Bath centre is a skilful, ball-playing midfielder who has been knocking on the England door for some time.

Son of former England international Steve Ojomoh, Max offers the kind of attacking vision and silky handling that could transform England’s blunt backline. Comfortable at 12 or 13, he brings a playmaker’s instinct but isn’t afraid to do the hard graft in defence either.

Ted Hill – The powerhouse waiting for his chance

A key figure in Bath’s back row, Hill was part of Worcester Warriors’ leadership group before their collapse, leading to his move to The Rec.

At 6ft 5in and over 110kg, he brings raw physicality, a strong carrying game, and leadership qualities England desperately need. Matt Dawson has already backed the 25-year-old for a call-up, and given England’s lack of balance in the back row, he could be the missing piece.

George Hendy – The Premiership breakout star

At just 22, Hendy has been one of the shining lights in the Premiership this season for Northampton Saints. A versatile back-three player, he’s comfortable at full-back or wing and possesses raw pace, dazzling footwork, and a fearless approach under the high ball.

Sir Clive Woodward even named him in his England XV for the tournament. Given England’s struggles in attack, Hendy’s flair could provide a much-needed injection of excitement.

Four players England should drop – and who Steve Borthwick should replace them with

For England, it’s a sixth defeat in seven matches under Borthwick and a baptism of fire for Maro Itoje in his first game since replacing Jamie George as captain.

With a crucial clash against France at the Allianz Stadium up next, here are four changes Borthwick must consider.

#1. Freddie Steward

Telegraph 4/10: "His worst nightmare of facing a scrum half in open space recurred as Gibson-Park did him dirty as badly as Grant Williams had. England need more than a safety blanket at full back."

Replacement: George Hendy

#2. Cadan Murley

Planet Rugby 4/10: "Had a great moment early on when he scored a debut try but a bit rabbit in the headlights after that. Made a couple of errors no Test player should ever really make, quite frankly. Murley should be backed next weekend as you can see the talent and potential, but it was a big learning curve in Dublin"

Guardian 5/10: "Quickly snaffled a try on debut, but later invited pressure on teammates twice with a serious lack of composure in defence."

Telegraph 4/10: "After what set to be a dream debut, scoring a try after eight minutes, Ireland turned his life into a nightmare, forcing into some horrible naive errors."

Evening Standard 5/10: "Got off to a flyer on his debut by scoring inside the opening 10 minutes. Had a tough second half, though, and was shaky on kick defence. Did assist Curry’s try."

Replacement: Tom Roebuck

#3. Alex Mitchell

Planet Rugby 5/10: " Kicking was good in the first half and he brought some good tempo to the game, but Mitchell struggled to control the game after the interval."

Telegraph 5/10: "Done all ends up after showing Lowe the outside for Gibson-Park’s try. A few other uncharacteristic errors but then England’s attack stopped functioning when he went off."

The Sun 5/10: "Returning scrum half brought calmness but the missed tackle on Lowe, just as Smith was getting ready to return, was critical."

Replacement: Harry Randall

#4. Ben Earl

Mail Online 5/10: "Dropped restart after England's early opener but one strong ruck clear-out showed his menace. Made way for Saracens team-mate Tom Willis."

Rugby Pass 5/10: "The third openside in the England back row, he was eclipsed by what the Curry twins achieved and gone by the 56th minute. While a show of wheels helped lead to the penalty that got England 10-5 up just before the break, some rearguard work wasn’t up to scratch. For instance, his soft knock-on at the 7-0 restart. There were also too many missed tackles."

Replacement: Tom Willis

PREDICTOR GAME:

You’ll have to be red-hot to get 15/15 in this 2010s Six Nations quiz

The Six Nations Championship, Europe’s premier rugby tournament, has delivered unforgettable moments and showcased some of the game’s greatest players.

From stunning tries to epic battles, the 2010s were packed with rugby brilliance.

Can you name the players who lit up the tournament during this golden decade? You’ll need to be on top form to get 15/15—are you up for the challenge? Let’s kick off!

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