Steve Borthwick could axe two huge stars from England squad this summer

Looking forward to the summer tour, England's head coach aims to bolster his squad's development following commendable performances against Ireland and France.

In a historic matchup, England will clash with Japan in Tokyo for the first time ever, scheduled for June 22, 2024, in the Lipovitan D Challenge Cup.

Despite having played three Test matches previously, this encounter marks Japan's inaugural home advantage against the English.

Following this, England will confront New Zealand in Dunedin on July 6 and at Eden Park a week later, promising two thrilling spectacles. Eager to outdo last year's Rugby World Cup runner-up, England prepares for these monumental showdowns.

A decade has passed since England's previous visit to New Zealand, a challenging 2014 series under Stuart Lancaster culminating in a 3-0 defeat. Recollections of the 2008 tour offer no solace either, as England endured losses in both Tests against the All Blacks.

Yet, a glimmer of victory emerged in 2003 when they clinched a thrilling 15-13 win over New Zealand just before the Rugby World Cup.

Sources from RUCK suggest that Joe Marler and Dan Cole are poised to miss the tour, with Borthwick eyeing the opportunity to introduce several young props for valuable experience this summer.

It's also thought that neither Marler or Cole were keen to be away from their families for over a month.

Lions contender Porter is poised to make a sizeable impact for Ireland moving forward.

The 28-year-old Leinster loosehead, who has won 64 caps, is a huge carrier, massive in the scrum and is renowned for his freakish ability in the gym.

According to Jonny Waterson in The Irish Times: “Noted for his strength, Porter, if the figure doing the rounds is accurate, can squat 350kg (772lb) or, if you like, three Cian Healys. Quite an effective mass of cleaning-out power.”

The 6ft 4ins, 16st 7lbs winger is a key weapon in his team and a player with three Lions Tests to his name from the 2021 tour of South Africa.

In the rugby world, Joe Marler is an undeniable force to be reckoned with. Renowned for his unwavering tenacity and expertise in the scrum, he stands as a stalwart figure in the English and Harlequins lineup.

With a career steeped in resilience and dedication, Marler's contributions to the sport are nothing short of invaluable. His recent feats in England training sessions speak volumes about his sheer strength and determination. Boasting a record benchpress of 210kg and an impressive squat of 230kg, Marler proves time and again why he's a force to be feared on the field.

18st 2lbs. 6ft 5in. Fast, strong, agile, intelligent and super fit. If The Pearl wasn't an elite rugby player, you'd half expect to see him crushing skulls in Game of Thrones.

Enforcers hold a position of immense value and influence within the Springbok rugby team. For several years, Bakkies Botha embraced this role with an intense passion, and now, he has gracefully passed the torch to another formidable lock.

It comes as no surprise that Etzebeth excels at intimidating opponents on the field — such fierceness runs in his family. His uncle, Clifford, gained notoriety while playing for Western Province between 1977 and 1981. However, the approach to enforcing the game has evolved, requiring a cleaner, though still physically formidable, style.

Searching for information about Etzebeth online primarily leads to discussions about his impressive strength and dedication in the gym. In 2012, he effortlessly lifted weights at Western Province, prompting the club to order custom-made 165lb dumbbells, with George Ford, the England fly-half, weighing just 20lbs more.