With England having announced a much-changed team for their Rugby World Cup warm-up rematch against Wales, we pick out five talking points from Steve Borthwick’s matchday squad.
Owen Farrell back as skipper and crucially at 10
Marcus Smith got a chance to shine last week against the same opposition and, like the majority of his team-mates, it was not the strongest World Cup audition. Alongside Harlequins colleagues Alex Dombrandt and Danny Care, the trio could not ignite that England side as they were try-less in a disappointing performance.
Farrell’s return and impact is two-fold. His confidence and experience at Test level is backed up by his leadership as skipper, and he will look to prove to head coach Steve Borthwick he’s the man for the 10 jersey at the Rugby World Cup.
Many hope his days at inside centre are now over, and a strong shift at Twickenham on Saturday could lead to that happening, with Farrell’s form at fly-half for Saracens over last season showing yet again that 10 is the position he most excels.
Joe Marchant gets second audition in 13 jersey
The axe of England’s 11 changes to their starting line-up did not befall Marchant, who gets a second opportunity to impress in the number 13 jersey on Saturday.
Marchant will no doubt be more at ease this weekend after being included in England’s Rugby World Cup squad which was announced on Monday and with Henry Slade missing from the 33, his chance of decent minutes at the global tournament have increased somewhat. Is he the front-runner for the outside centre shirt?
That remains to be seen as Manu Tuilagi and his partner this week, Ollie Lawrence are options, as is Elliot Daly, but Marchant can press his claims once again.
Impressive back-row to be unleashed at Twickenham
England’s back-row was outplayed by their Welsh counterparts in Cardiff as Jac Morgan and Aaron Wainwright especially stole the show in the World Cup warm-up. Dombrandt has paid the price it seems, whilst Tom Pearson and Lewis Ludlam struggled to make inroads and this week have a breather watching from the stands.
In their place are Courtney Lawes, Ben Earl and Billy Vunipola, the latter hoping to repay the faith Borthwick has shown in him after naming him in his 33-man squad. There’s real power in this weekend’s trio, and it will be interesting to see if they can get on top of what could be seen as a weaker Welsh back-row than in Cardiff.
All eyes on Henry Arundell to show off his potential
There was a noticeable lack of excitement for England fans at the Principality Stadium last weekend – no tries didn’t help in that regard – but when supporters see Arundell‘s name on a team-sheet, there’s a reason for optimism. A young player who can make something out of nothing, England will hope he cuts loose on home soil.
Perhaps most importantly, Borthwick will want the now Racing 92 wing to come through this game unscathed, as he needs his talents if they are to go deep at the Rugby World Cup. On his day, Arundell is box office, and we’ve seen he’s no flash in the pan too, with outstanding tries having been scored on more than one occasion.
Another chance for Theo Dan to nail down 16 shirt
Dan has proved a handy replacement for Jamie George at Saracens this season as he injects real dynamism to the pack late in the game, with his speed a threat.
Borthwick is clearly a fan, and despite a disappointing debut in Cardiff, he gets a second opportunity to try and lock down the 16 jersey at the World Cup. With Jack Walker the other option available to England, the back-up position to George is up for grabs, and Saturday offers Dan another great chance to showcase his talents.
READ MORE: Joe Roberts set for Wales Test debut, Dewi Lake named captain against England
The article Five talking points from England’s team selection to face Wales appeared first on Planetrugby.com.
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