REPORT: Dan Cole recalled as Steve Borthwick makes major England changes

Sunday, 01 January 2023 at 16:18

byRugby Rucker

Dan Cole is on course to be recalled by England for the first time since the 2019 World Cup final as new boss Steve Borthwick looks to make a number of major changes.

Borthwick started his playing career at Preston Grasshoppers, he represented England Schools, Colts U21 and Saxons.

He played lock in 57 Tests for England from 2001-2010 and captained the side 21 times. He played Premiership rugby for ten years at Bath and six years at Saracens; captained both teams and became a Premiership winner in 2011 making 265 Premiership appearances, a record at the time.

35-year-old Tigers prop Cole, who is the in-form Premiership tight-head, will be recalled by Borthwick for the Six Nations according to The Telegraph.

The former England captain's first match in charge will be the Six Nations opener against Scotland on 4 February and the Rugby Football Union said the rest of his coaching team would be announced "in the coming weeks".

Below, using how he has set up at Leicester, we take a look at how England's XV might look under Borthwick.

Fans have widely speculated that Ellis Genge, who was his captain during their Premiership triumph, could be given the armband.

Steve Borthwick's England XV

Back-three:

15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers)
14. Ollie Hassell-Collins (London Irish)
11. Anthony Watson (Leicester Tigers)

Freddie Steward of England is tackled by Ardie Savea of New Zealand during the Autumn International Series match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham, London on 19 November 2022 (Photo: Micah Crook/PPAUK)

Centres:

13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs)
12. Ollie Lawrence (Bath)

Try Celebrations for Henry Slade of England as he goes over for a try during the Autumn Nations International Series match between England and South Africa at Twickenham, London on 26 November 2022 (Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)

Halfbacks:

10. Owen Farrell (Saracens)
9. Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers)

When the Saracens fly-half, then 21, had come under fire for his poor form back in 2012, he outperformed the usually imperious Nick Evans, notching six penalties from six attempts to help Sarries overcome Quins.

Owen Farrell of England takes a penalty kick during the Autumn International Series match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham, London on 19 November 2022 (Photo: Micah Crook/PPAUK)

Borthwick, who was Sarries captain during the game, told The Rugby Paper: “Owen Farrell is one of the toughest men I know. He’s a fierce competitor and as strong as they come in terms of mental resolve.

“People will say what they want to say but I feel privileged to take the field with this guy.

“He’s a phenomenal leader and the way he handled the game against Harlequins was tactically brilliant. It was just another measure of the bloke.”

Front-row:

1. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears) - Captain
2. George McGuigan (Gloucester)
3. Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears)

Ellis Genge of England Rugby is tackled by Will Rowlands of Wales during the Six Nations Championship match between England and Wales at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on February 26th 2021. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

Second-row:

4. Maro Itoje (Saracens)
5. Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints)

Woodward wants Maro Itoje back in the second-row

Back-row:

6. Ben Earl (Saracens)
7. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks)
8. Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins)

Ben Earl of Saracens applauds supporters the Gallagher Premiership match between Saracens and London Irish at The StoneX Stadium, Hendon, London on November 6 2021. - PHOTO: Micah Crook/PPAUK

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