Steve Borthwick can only make FIVE changes to his England squad due to 'silly' rule
Rugby NewsTuesday, 20 December 2022 at 09:06
Steve Borthwick said all England players were starting from a “clean slate”, but the new boss already has little room for manoeuvre.`
The former England captain signed a five-year deal last Friday to take England to the 2027 World Cup in Australia, also bringing Kevin Sinfield from Leicester to be his defence coach.
Borthwick will not be able to make a huge overhaul initially, as he is only permitted to make five changes to the England Performance Squad from the autumn.
He selects his first squad and captain in January for two one-day training camps. After that, he should be able to move more freely with his selection.
"I want the whole country to be proud of us and to enjoy watching us play," said Borthwick.
He later added: "I know pride will count for nothing if we don't deliver. I was a little boy who fell in love with rugby watching the England team play. I want to shape a team that inspires."
However, for now, the first question should be where are the weaknesses and who do you take out. Mako Vunipola was a huge weakness in the scrum during the Autumn so should be the first out the door.
Below, we look at the five changes fans have called for most on social media:
1) Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers)
Replaces: Will Stuart
Leicester Tigers player Dan Cole during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Leicester Tigers and London Irish on the first midweek round of matches as part of the Return to Rugby campaign as rugby continues after COVID 19 lockdown at Welford Road on 26 Aug. Photo: Steve Bond/PPAUK/Gallagher
2) Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins)
Replaces: Billy Vunipola
Alex Dombrandt of England warms up before the Autumn Nations Match between England and Australia at Twickenham on 13 November 2021. Photo: Micah Crook/PPAUK
3) Ben Earl (Saracens)
Replaces: Sean Robinson
One person said: "The fact that Eddie Jones thinks Ben Earl wouldn’t be an upgrade to this squad is frankly hilarious."
A second commented: "Stop picking locks at flanker. Poor Ben Earl. England’s selection policy during Jones tenure has been an utter disgrace."
Another said: "watch rugby in the UK from New Zealand, what I can't understand is why Joe Launchbury and Ben Earl are not picked for every game if I'm honest."
A fourth said: "He's tearing it up every game and not getting a look in. It's sad."
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
4) Fin Baxter (Harlequins)
Replaces: Mako Vunipola
Described over the weekend as a generational talent, Baxter continually posed set-piece problems for opposing tighthead prop Biyi Alo as Quins overcame Racing 92.
Capable of playing on both sides of the scrum, the 20-year-old prop was the man of the match on a maiden first-team start that came in front of England scrum coach Matt Proudfoot.
Baxter began playing rugby at Cobham RFC at the age of five and made his England U18 debut against Scotland in 2018.
Recently signed a long-term contract extension to stay at The Stoop.
DID YOU KNOW? Off the pitch Vancouver is his favourite holiday destination, Inception his number one film and Game of Throne his go-to TV show. As for his favourite food, it’s a Sunday roast
5) Ollie Hassell Collins (London Irish)
Replaces:Jack Nowell
One editor said: "Should have been capped by England months ago. Further highlights Eddie’s poor selection policy."
Another commented: "He'll be called into a training camp and used as a tackle bag for the ones EJ knows he's going to play, then discarded!"
A third commented: "Unfortunately for him, Eddie Jones only liked old, slow wingers."
Ollie Hassell-Collins of London Irish steps inside Max Malins of Bristol Bears to score during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between London Irish and Bristol Bears at The Stoop on 04 Oct. Photo: Danny Loo/PPAUK/Gallagher.
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